NEW JERSEY TO BE HONORED
at WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

WASHINGTON -- On May 18, 2003, more than 250 New Jersey residents and natives will celebrate the state and its people at a special worship service and celebration at Washington National Cathedral.

As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The landmark cathedral honors each state with a major observance once every four years.

“This is an excellent venue for New Jerseyans to show their support for their home state and we are extremely proud to be a part of it,” said Denise Gianetti, board member of the New Jersey State Society, the organization of Garden State natives who live in the Washington area.

"As a national house of prayer for all people, the cathedral opens its doors to all,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. "New Jersey State Day will be an energetic celebration of the role the state plays in the life of the cathedral and our nation.”

The Rev. Alfred Johnson, resident bishop of the New Jersey conference of the United Methodist Church, will deliver the sermon as guest preacher. Johnson said that Washington National Cathedral’s motto, “A House of Prayer for All People,” connects with “The World is Our Parish,” the Weslyan theme that serves as a basis for the Methodist faith.

“I am honored to share God’s global gifts on behalf of the extravagantly graced people of New Jersey,” Johnson said.

The New Jersey Master Chorale, from the United Methodist Church of Haddonfield, N.J. and directed by Wayne Richmond, will perform the prelude to the 11 a.m. service marking New Jersey State Day.

Pilgrim groups are expected from various parts of New Jersey, including Haddonfield, Woodbridge and Southampton. During the service, New Jerseyans will read Scripture, bear communion elements and offer up gifts to the poor. The state flag will be placed on the chancel steps in the cathedral for the following week to further mark New Jersey State Day.

Following the service, the National Cathedral Association will host a reception for all visitors.

Afterwards, docents will lead guests on a special tour of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The tour will highlight references to New Jersey, including the tomb of President Woodrow Wilson, the façade of Nassau Hall at Princeton University within the Woodrow Wilson Bay, and needlepoint kneelers in St. John’s Chapel that honor President Grover Cleveland, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein.

“On May 18, we especially welcome New Jersey citizens and churches as we honor their contributions to our nation," Andrews said

The National Cathedral Association, the organization of friends of Washington National Cathedral, has nearly 13,000 members from many denominations in every state and around the world. Its regional leaders in New Jersey are Virginia J. Weber of Cold Spring, Jack Wooten of Boonton and the Rev. David E. VanSciver of Southampton.

ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available on May 19. If you desire e-mail transmission of the account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Steven Gotfried at the number above. Also, print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral are available on our Website, www.cathedral.org/cathedral. Click on "Cathedral News."