|
For Immediate Release MAJOR EVENT CELEBRATES ARKANSAS AT WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL 150 STATE WORSHIPERS MARK SPECIAL SERVICE WASHINGTON — More than 150 worshipers from Arkansas celebrated the leaders and people of their state at a special June 1 service at Washington National Cathedral. Arkansans were enlisted into key roles in the major event marking Arkansas State Day at the landmark house of prayer. Top-ranking federal officials The Honorable Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln participated in the gathering. The Right Rev. Larry Maze, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas, led a large delegation of pilgrims who traveled to the nation’s capital for the service. The trip served to remind Arkansans they are part of a larger community of prayer, Bishop Maze said. “For a small southern diocese to be able to plug into that and to be able to worship, that’s the feeling we will take away,” he said. Washington National Cathedral, in seeking to fulfill its outreach mission, sets aside one major state day each month. The National Cathedral Association organized Arkansas State Day, inviting religious and political leaders and parishioners from around the state to take part in the service. Arkansans comprised a significant number of the 630 worshipers at the cathedral’s 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher was the Rev. Arnold Nelson, former congregational pastor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Little Rock and Camden. Nelson likened God to a father presiding over dinner with his children, loving each one and looking forward to the joy of family. But instead, mealtime is replete with squabbling among the youngsters. Wouldn’t it be nice, Nelson said, if the father could be appreciated? “Is it too much for us to think that is what God wants? What a blessing that would be for him.” Arkansas State Day also was marked in a proclamation signed in the state by Gov. Mike Huckabee and read by Hutchinson, undersecretary in the Department of Homeland Security and a former U.S. House member from Fort Smith. Hutchinson, whose responsibilities include protection of the nation’s borders and its transportation networks, said Americans are nourished by shared worship. “It’s our faith and our traditions that sustain us during difficult times,” he said. “It’s an encouraging time for all those who gather like this. We are reminded of our common faith.” Arkansans played key roles throughout the service. Sen. Lincoln, read scripture, as did Lynn Payette of Hot Springs, director of the St Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Choir. Sen. Lincoln, who was accompanied by her husband Steve Lincoln and their twin 6-year-old sons, described worship as a respite from everyday pressures. “It has enormous value for people to come together and sit back and think about what’s important and what their priorites are,” she said. “It refreshes us to go back to our workdays and focus on those priorities.” Joanne Meadors, Stephen Hedges, Rob Marus and Kay Beavers, all from Little Rock, carried gifts to the altar during the offertory, as did Betty Guhman, a Little Rock native now working at the Department of Homeland Security. Twenty-five traveling members of the St. Luke’s choir performed the service prelude, nine a cappella spirituals and choral standards that featured several original arrangements by Arkansans. Choir member Albert Holly wrote “Peace I Leave With You.” Payette and John Erwin, choir director at the University of Central Arkansas, wrote an arrangement for “As I Went Down to the River to Pray,” a traditional piece that was included in the film “O Brother Where Art Thou.” Allan Meadors of Little Rock bore the Arkansas flag in the opening procession. The flag was to remain on the chancel steps for a week in further recognition of the state. A reception followed the service, sponsored by the National Cathedral Association followed the service. The Rev. Canon Peter Grandell, representing Washington National Cathedral, presented Rev. Nelson with a pin signifying National Cathedral Association membership. The NCA’s leaders in Arkansas, Joanna and Robert Seibert of Little Rock, also were recognized. Following the reception, guides offered special tours, pointing out to Arkansas visitors how their state is represented in the stone and glass of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The National Cathedral Association has over 13,000 members from denominations in every state. ATTN PRINT MEDIA: If you desire e-mail transmission of this 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.nationalcathedral.org. Click on "Cathedral News." |