SPRINGFIELD—On Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) 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 State Capitol Rotunda, located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.
The SNSC will hold a ceremony from 12 Noon until 1 P.M. on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012. An invocation will be given by the Rev. Bernie Lutchman, SNSC member and President of Business Men In Christ (Springfield). Bill Lewis, worship leader at Jefferson Street Christian Church (Lincoln), will lead the worship team with traditional Christmas carols.
Scheduled to speak are Julie Zanoza, SNSC chair, Lincoln; Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel, Thomas More Society; Pastor Rick Giovannetti, Standing in the Word Ministries, Illinois Family Institute Board Member; Beth Rogers, SNSC member, 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 Saviour, 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 Sec. 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.
The Nativity scene will be on display from November 27th through December 28th. The Capitol Rotunda is accessible during normal business hours. Groups are encouraged to sing carols near the Nativity scene (from 12 Noon until 1 P.M.) throughout the Christmas season. A permit is required.
