The opening prayer will be led by Rev. Bernie Lutchman, President, Business Men In Christ of Springfield and an SNSC member. Music will be provided by Melessa E. Tyus, Worship Leader, Forward in Faith Evangelistic Ministries of Decatur.
Speakers for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, are: Rev. Christopher House, Chancellor, Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield; Thomas Brejcha, President and legal counsel, Chicago-based Thomas More Society and SNSC member; Beth Rogers, SNSC member, Springfield; Rev. Mark Tyus, Pastor of Forward in Faith Evangelistic Ministries of Decatur; and Henry Johnson, Elder, Jefferson Street Christian Church, Lincoln.
The mission statement of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee is two-fold. The first and foremost goal is to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, Who is the reason for the Christmas season. The secondary goal of the SNSC is to inform the media and public (statewide and nationwide) that this display of our religious faith in the public square is guaranteed by the United States of America's Constitution. The depiction of the birth of Jesus is legal because it is temporary in nature and privately-sponsored by private donations.
Directly following the Nativity Scene celebration, Chaplain Steve Holden of Wreaths Across America will honor our military by placing a wreath in front of the flags which represent all branches of the U.S. military.
The Nativity Scene display will be available for viewing in the Rotunda, during regular business hours, and is located at 301 S. 2nd Street. Anyone interested in singing Christmas songs by the Nativity Scene should contact Salli Chernis, Secy. of State's office, Dept. of Physical Services, at 217-782-8996. NOTE: Music is limited to the noon hour.
For more info:
Julie Zanoza, Chairwoman, SNSC
SpringfieldNativityScene@xmail99.com
Thomas Brejcha, Legal Counsel, SNSC
