Nativity scene to return to Illinois Capitol for 5th year
Springfield Nativity Scene Committee's opening ceremony Nov. 27
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[November 02, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield
Nativity Scene Committee will again host a display depicting the
birth of Jesus Christ. For the fifth year in a row, the crèche will
stand in the center of the rotunda of the state Capitol, at South
Second Street and East Capitol Avenue in Springfield. The Nativity
scene will be on display from Nov. 27 through Dec. 28. The Capitol
rotunda is accessible during normal business hours.
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The committee will host a ceremony Nov. 27 from noon until 1 p.m. An
invocation will be given by the Rev. Bernie Lutchman, SNSC member
and president of Business Men in Christ of Springfield. Bill Lewis,
worship leader at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, will
lead the worship team with traditional Christmas carols. Scheduled
to speak are Julie Zanoza, SNSC chair, of Lincoln; Tom Brejcha,
president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society; Pastor Rick
Giovannetti of Standing in the Word Ministries and board member of
the Illinois Family Institute; Beth Rogers, an SNSC member, of
Springfield; Pastor Charlie Carver of South Tower Community Church
in Dawson; and a representative of the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Springfield.
The SNSC's primary goal is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. A secondary mission of the group is to inform
the public and media that expressions of religious faith in the
public square are constitutional. The SNSC's hope is other private
groups across the nation will place similar scenes depicting the
birth of Jesus in their town squares and state capitols.
In 2008, the SNSC made history when the Illinois secretary of
state's office granted a permit to the group, allowing a Nativity
scene to go on display in the Capitol for the first time. Illinois
and Mississippi are the only states in America that erect Nativity
scenes in their capitols. The crèche and manger scenes are protected
by the U.S. Constitution, as long as such displays are privately
sponsored and temporary in nature.
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Groups are encouraged to sing carols near the Nativity scene from
noon until 1 p.m. throughout the Christmas season. A permit is
required. Those interested should contact Salli Chernis with
Secretary of State Jesse White's office, Department of Physical
Services, Division of Special Events, at 217-782-8996.
For more information, email inquiries to
springfieldnativityscene@xmail99.com.
[Text from
news release from Julie Zanoza, chair of the
Springfield Nativity Scene Committee]
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