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Nativity Scene returns to IL state capitol for SEVENTH straight year

Springfield Nativity Scene Committee to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child

Springfield, IL – At noon on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will unveil its annual display depicting the newborn Christ Child, lying in a manger inside a handcrafted wooden stable. For the seventh year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda, next to the Governor’s “Holiday Tree.” The Capitol building is located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, IL. From noon until 1 p.m. on December 2nd, the SNSC will host a celebration in honor of the true meaning of Christmas, which is not only a secular “holiday” but is also, more importantly, a Christian holy day honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

The crèche and manger represent a constitutionally protected expression by private citizens, the SNSC, in a traditional public forum, namely, the Capitol Rotunda, where political rallies are routinely held during sessions of the Illinois General Assembly and at other times during the year. This is classic free speech, as well as the right of Americans to exercise religious faith in the public square, where the sole role of the government is that of a viewpoint-neutral gatekeeper assuring open access for all citizens to have their “say.” Government is neither censor nor endorser of such religious speech. Because the SNSC’s Christmas display is privately funded, temporary in nature, and is sponsored, bereft of any government aid or endorsement, it is clothed and armored with the full protection of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and its counterpart in the Illinois Constitution of 1970.

 

The SNSC’s primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Its secondary mission is to proclaim and demonstrate to the public and media alike (statewide and nationwide) that such private expressions of religious belief in the public squares of our nation are not merely tolerated, but fully deserving of robust legal protection.

 

The December 2nd event is open to the public.  Christmas carols will be sung by the Official Praise Team of the Springfield Baptist Church and led by Music Pastor Brian Morgan. Speakers will include the Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield; and Peter Breen, Vice President & Senior Counsel of the Thomas More Society, Chicago. Mr. Breen is State Representative-Elect for the 48^th district.

 

For the second year in a row, Chaplain Steve Holden of the U.S. Emergency Chaplains Corps (USECC) will lay a Christmas wreath, in honor of the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans.

 

The Nativity Scene will be on display in the Rotunda during normal business hours starting Dec. 2nd and throughout the Christmas season. Individuals or groups who would like to sing near the Nativity Scene (on weekdays, when the Rotunda is open) can call Salli Chernis of the Sec. of State’s office at (217) 782-8996 for permits. NOTE: Performances are limited to the noon hour.

For more info e-mail [email protected]

or call Tom Brejcha at the Thomas More Society at 312-782-1680

***************

Nativity Scene's 6th consecutive year in IL state Capital

SPRINGFIELD NATIVITY SCENE COMMITTEE

19 S. La Salle St.                          904 21st St.
Suite 603                                       # 71
Chicago, IL 60603                       Lincoln, IL 62656
(312) 782-1680                             (217) 314-0211

NATIVITY SCENE RETURNS TO IL STATE CAPITOL ROTUNDA FOR 6TH STRAIGHT YEAR

UNVEILING SET FOR NOON at 12/3/13 IN SPRINGFIELD, IL 

* Illinois 1 of 3 states to erect Nativity Scene in a government building

Springfield, IL – At noon on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will unveil its annual display depicting the newborn Christ Child, lying in a manger inside a handcrafted wooden stable. For the sixth year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda, next to the Governor’s “Holiday Tree.” The Capitol building is located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, IL. From noon until 1 p.m. on December 3rd, the SNSC will host a celebration in honor of the true meaning of Christmas, which is not only a secular “holiday” but is also, more importantly, a Christian holy day honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.

The crèche and manger represent a constitutionally protected expression by private citizens, the SNSC, in a traditional public forum, namely, the Capitol Rotunda, where political rallies are routinely held during sessions of the Illinois General Assembly and at other times during the year. This is classic free speech, as well as citizens’ free exercise of their religious faith in the public square, where the sole role of the government is that of a viewpoint-neutral gatekeeper assuring open access for all citizens to have their “say.” Government is neither censor nor endorser of such religious speech. Thus, this SNSC Christmas display is privately funded and sponsored, bereft of any government aid or endorsement, and therefore it is clothed and armored with the full protection of the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution and its counterpart in our Illinois Constitution of 1970.

The SNSC’s primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But its secondary mission is to proclaim and demonstrate to the public and to the media alike (statewide and nationwide) that such private expressions of religious belief in the public squares of our nation are not merely tolerated but fully deserving of robust legal protection.

The December 3rd event will be open to the public. An invocation will be given by an SNSC member, Rev. Bernie Lutchman, President of Business Men in Christ (Springfield). Christmas carols will be sung by the Official Praise Team of Springfield Baptist Church and led by Music Pastor Brian Morgan. Speakers include Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois; Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society, an SNSC member and legal counsel; Pastor Charlie Carver from South Tower Community Church of Dawson; and SNSC member Beth Rogers of Springfield. Pastor Brian Williams of Broken Chains Church – located 1 block from the Capitol – will present a message about Jesus and hope.

A special highlight of this year’s ceremony will be the laying of a Christmas wreath by Chaplain Steve Holden of US Emergency Chaplains Corps (USECC), as a special and seasonal recognition in honor of the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans.

The Nativity Scene will be on display in the Rotunda during normal business hours starting on Dec. 3rd and throughout the Christmas season. Any individuals or groups who would like to sing near the Nativity Scene (on weekdays, when the Rotunda is open) can call Salli Chernis of the Sec. of State’s office at (217) 782-8996 for permits. Performances are limited to the noon hour.

* The two other states are Mississippi and Florida.

5th Annual Nativity Scene in Springfield, Illinois

Illinois one of two states to erect a Nativity Scene in state capitol

Nativity Scene Returns to Illinois State Capitol Rotunda for 5^th year

 

SPRINGFIELD--On Tuesday Nov. 27th, 2012, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will again erect a display depicting the birth of the Christ Child.  For the fifth year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda (next to the Governor’s “holiday tree”) located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.

 

The SNSC will hold its celebration from 12 Noon until 1 P.M.  The event is open to the public.  An invocation will be given by the Rev. Bernie Lutchman, President of Business Men In Christ (Springfield) and an SNSC member.   Christmas carols will be led by Bill Lewis, worship leader at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, and accompanied by JJ Simpson and Judyta Sobczak.

 

Speakers include Rev. Peter C. Harman, Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield); Pastor Charlie Carver from South Tower Community Church of Dawson; Pastor Rick Giovannetti, Standing in the Word Ministries and an Illinois Family Institute Board Member; and Kevin Edward White, Board member of the Thomas More Society.

 

SNSC members, Tom Brejcha, SNSC’s legal counsel, and President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society; and Beth Rogers of Springfield will also address those attending the “unveiling” ceremony.   

 

In 2008, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee made history when Sec. of State Jesse White's office granted the SNSC a permit, allowing a Nativity Scene to go on display in the Capitol for the first time in state history. 

 

The crèche and manger scene will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution which allows us to express our Christian faith in the public square--as long as these displays are privately-funded and temporary in nature.  Currently, Illinois and Mississippi are the only states in America who display Nativity scenes in their state capitols.   

 

The SNSC's primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.  The SNSC’s secondary mission is to inform the media and public (statewide and nationwide) regarding the constitutionality of such expressions of religious faith in the public square.  

 

The Nativity scene will be on display in the Rotunda during normal business hours from November 27th throughout the Christmas season.  Any individuals or groups who would like to sing near the Nativity scene (on weekdays, when the Rotunda is open) can call Salli Chernis of the Sec. of State’s office at (217) 782-8996 for permission.  It must be noted singing in the Illinois Rotunda is limited to performing only during the noon hour.

 

This year’s celebration is being dedicated to the memory of Daniel. T. Zanoza, the SNSC’s Founder and first Chair, who was born into Eternity on January 6th of 2011.  Mr. Zanoza’s earthly birthday was Nov. 27th which coincides with the fifth annual “Springfield Nativity Scene under the Rotunda”.

 

For more info, please contact Julie Zanoza, SNSC Chair, at [email protected]

Nativity Scene Returns to IL Capitol For Fifth Year

Fifth Annual Springfield Nativity Scene Committee's "Opening Day Ceremony" Nov. 27th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  --  October 16, 2012

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 27^th, 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.  Those interested, should contact Salli Chernis with Sec. of State Jesse White's office, Department of Physical Services / Division of Special Events at 217-782-8996.

For more information, please e-mail inqueries to:  [email protected] 

 

Nativity Scene Returns to IL State Capitol for 4th year

4th Annual Springfield Nativity Scene Returns to IL Capitol Rotunda

On Tuesday, November 29th, 2011, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will hold its fourth annual “opening day” ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda, 301 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL (corner of 2nd St. and Capitol Ave.), where their privately sponsored and funded Nativity Scene will be put on display for the 4th straight year, right next to the Governor’s “holiday tree.” Musicians and singers from iWorship Center in Springfield will be featured. The event is open to the public.

 

Most Rev. Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield’s Roman Catholic Diocese, will address those gathered in the Rotunda to celebrate and bear renewed witness to the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

Tom Brejcha, Esq., president and chief counsel of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society, a member of the SNSC and its legal counsel, will briefly explain the constitutional rights of private citizens to erect Nativity Scenes as a form of free speech and free exercise of religion in America’s “public square”. Other SNSC members scheduled to speak include Beth Rogers of Springfield, pro-family activist; Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute; and Arlene Sawicki, a pro-family activist from South Barrington.

 

The SNSC is encouraging those who would like to sing Christmas carols in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda at the site of the Nativity Scene to contact Salli Chernis at the Secretary of State’s office, Dept. of Special Events at (217) 782-8996 for permission to do so. Choirs and/or groups may perform on weekdays from 12 noon until 1 p.m. The Thomas More Society will provide free legal help, if any is needed, at (312) 782-1680, to any individual or group of private citizens interested in putting up a similar Nativity Scene – privately sponsored and funded – in any “traditional public forum” in their own town, village or hamlet in Illinois or elsewhere, whether it’s for this year (if time permits) or for next year.

 

“To our knowledge, Illinois is the only state in the country to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a Nativity Scene in a State Capitol Building,” said Julie Zanoza, the new chair of the SNSC who took over the role this year after her husband, Daniel T. Zanoza, founder and first chairman of the Springfield (IL) Nativity Scene Committee, was born into Eternity on January 6th, 2011. “Dan always said ‘this Nativity Scene will stand in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda long after we (SNSC) are gone to our Heavenly reward’.” The crèche display, consisting of marble-like figures of the Baby Jesus, Mary and, Joseph, will be on view in the Rotunda throughout the Christmas Season.

 

For more info contact [email protected]

or call the Thomas More Society at 312-782-1680

 

Springfield Nativity Scene Committee Members:
Thomas Brejcha, Esq., Chicago-based Thomas More Society
Karl Fritz, Chicago
Pastor Dustin Fulton, Lincoln
Daniel J. Gura, Lake Zurich
State Senator Chris Lauzen, Aurora (acting as a private citizen)
Rev. Bernie Lutchman, Business Men In Christ, Springfield
Sr. Christine M. Moskal, C.R., Chicago-based Thomas More Society
Beth Rogers, Springfield
Arlene Sawicki, South Barrington
David E. Smith, Illinois Family Institute, Carol Stream
Helene S. Zanoza-Stacey, Lincoln
Julie Zanoza, Chair, Lincoln

Springfield Nativity Scene Committee Invites Choirs To Perform In Illinois Capitol During Christmas Season

SNSC & Thomas More Society Encourage Choirs To Perform Near Nativity Scene in Illinois Rotunda

by Judy Cleary, staff writer

For the third year in a row, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will sponsor a crèche that will stand in the Illinois state capitol Rotunda building this Christmas season.  The Chicago-based Thomas More Society (TMS) www.thomasmoresociety.org has underwritten the Nativity scene project since its inception in 2008.  Tom Brejcha, a member of the SNSC and its legal counsel, is president of the Thomas More Society.  Both Daniel Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee; and Tom Brejcha would like to invite any groups or churches who have choirs to perform in the state capitol Rotunda during the month of December near the Nativity scene display.

"It would be wonderful if other groups and churches who have choirs would take the opportunity to perform in what is truly a beautiful setting," said Zanoza.  "The historic back drop of the state capitol, combined with the spirit of the season, truly makes for a wonderful experience.  Therefore, the SNSC and TMS would like to encourage other choirs who might be interested in performing in the state capitol after November 30th to take the opportunity to do so." 

The Springfield Nativity Scene will again stand in the center of the Illinois Rotunda.  An opening day ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 30th from 12 Noon until 1 P.M.  The public is invited to attend the festivities.  The combined choirs of St. Alexander Catholic Church of Villa Park will perform Christmas carols during the hour-long program.

"It's not a hard process for those interested in having their own 'ceremony' in the state capitol," said Brejcha.  "All that's needed is a permit from the Secretary of State's office.  Churches or choir directors can contact the Sec. of State's office directly, in order to obtain the necessary permit."

Last year, the SNSC's opening day festivities drew a standing room only crowd to the Illinois state capitol where those present sang along with the Joyful Senior Singers + Ringers from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur. 

The primary reason the SNSC sponsors a Nativity scene is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and America's Judeo-Christian heritage.  The crèche also demonstrates the expression of religious faith in the public square is still alive and well in America.  The Springfield state capitol Nativity scene is constitutional because it is privately funded and temporary in nature.

It must be noted that musical segments of any event held in the capitol Rotunda can only take place between 12 Noon and 1 P.M. 

For more information for those interested in obtaining their own permit to put together a musical program to be performed by the Nativity scene, e-mail the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee at [email protected] or call Sec. of State Jesse White's office at 1-800-252-8980 and ask for the Special Events Department. 

For those interested in making a contribution to support the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, please go to: http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2010/08/nativity-scene-to-stand-for-third-year-in-a-row-in-illinois-state-capitol-.html

RELATED ARTICLES:

For Immediate Release: Third Annual Nativity Scene To Stand In Illinois State Capitol [posted October 18, 2010] at http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2010/10/for-immediate-release-third-annual-nativity-scene-to-stand-in-illinois-state-capitol.html

Nativity Scene To Stand For Third Year In A Row in Illinois State Capitol [posted August 25, 2010] http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2010/08/nativity-scene-to-stand-for-third-year-in-a-row-in-illinois-state-capitol-.html

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  [email protected]

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  Hyperlinks will be considered at the discretion of RFFM.org's managing editor.   

Illinois Family Institute's Family, Faith & Freedom Banquet Oct. 26th: Hear Oliver North + Help IFI Fight The Good Fight

EDITOR'S NOTE:  There are just a few short days left to purchase tickets to attend the Illinois Family Institute's "Family, Faith and Freedom Banquet" featuring Colonel Oliver North on October 26th.  North, who is a combat veteran and served a number of tours in Viet Nam, is a FOX News Channel contributor and hosts the popular series "War Stories with Oliver North" http://www.foxnews.com/warstories/.

  

Col. North is a true American hero in every sense of the word.  North continues his support of our military men and women who stand vigil in their efforts to preserve and promote freedom across the world. 

  

However, attending IFI's fall banquet, means much, much more.  The Illinois Family Institute is one of the most influential pro-family organizations in the state and its work on behalf of the pro-family cause is a guiding light for those of us who believe the United States still represents what President Ronald Reagan referred to as "that shining city on a hill".

 

The Illinois Family Institute's support of traditional marriage and battle against the legalization of medical marijuana are just two reasons why pro-family activists and Illinois residents who care deeply about the future of our state and nation should attend.

  

Contrary to the views of some, patriotism is not a dirty word.  North's appearance at the Illinois Family Institute's Family, Faith and Freedom Banquet is not only a "can't miss" event for veterans, but it is a "can't miss" event for all of us who love God and country. 

 

Below is information on a rare opportunity to see and hear the words of a man who has honored his country in countless ways.  It is also an opportunity to support an organization that is truly doing God's work.

 

 

Illinois Family Institute Fall Banquet

 

Rosemont Crowne Plaza on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:30 P.M.

Tickets are $100 each and table sponsorships are available.

 

Tickets will not be sold at the door.

 

Register today for great fellowship, a great speaker and to support the pro-family work of Illinois Family Institute!

 

Last chance to order tickets...

Call IFI's office at (708) 781-9328

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188

 

Phone: (708) 781-9328
Fax: (708) 781-9376

 

*********

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  [email protected]  

For Immediate Release: Third Annual Nativity Scene To Stand In Illinois State Capitol

Springfield Nativity Scene Committee

 

904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656

(217) 314-0211

[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 18, 2010

Third Annual Nativity Scene To Stand In Illinois State Capitol Rotunda Building

SPRINGFIELD--On November 30th, 2010, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will again host a display depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.  For the third year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the State Capitol Rotunda Building located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.

In 2008, the SNSC made history when the 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 in state history.  The exhibit is the only such display to stand in a state capitol across the entire United States.  The crèche and manger scene will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution which provides for such religious expression in the public square--as long as such displays are privately-funded and temporary in nature. 

The SNSC's primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  A secondary mission of the group is to inform the public regarding the constitutionality of such expressions of faith in the public square.

The Chicago-based Thomas More Society will, once again, provide financial and legal support for the SNSC.

The Nativity Scene will be officially unveiled in a ceremony beginning at 12 Noon on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010.  Christmas carols will be performed by the combined choirs of St. Alexander Catholic Church of Villa Park.  An invocation will be given by the Rev. Bernie Lutchman of Business Men In Christ (Springfield).

Short speeches will be given by Springfield Nativity Scene Committee members, including Daniel T. Zanoza, Chairman; Thomas Brejcha, Esq., SNSC’s legal counsel and President of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society; David E. Smith, Executive Director, Illinois Family Institute; and Beth Rogers, an influential pro-family activist from Springfield.  The Master of Ceremonies for the opening day ceremony will be Julie Zanoza of Lincoln.

The Nativity scene will be on display during normal business hours from November 30th through Christmas.

For more information, please contact:

Daniel Zanoza by phone at:  (217) 314-0211 or e-mail inquiries to:   [email protected] or [email protected] 

To make a contribution to the SNSC, please make your check or money order payable to the “Springfield Nativity Scene Committee” and mail it to:  Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, 904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Huge crowd expected at Nativity Scene ceremony in Illinois state Capitol: Join us in celebrating America's Christian heritage

Dear Friends in Christ and Believers in our inalienable rights given to us by our Creator:

 
This is an invitation to all to the opening day ceremony for the historic Third Annual Springfield (Illinois) Nativity Scene on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 from 12 Noon until 1 P.M. in the Illinois state Capitol Rotunda building.

 

If you plan to attend, please come early, as we are expecting an even larger crowd than last year who wish to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and take part in exercising our Constitutional right to hold the event in the public square.  Contrary to political correctness, Americans still have the right under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to express our personal faith in a public forum.

 

There will be plenty of room for all and I promise you the event will be something memorable.

 

My thanks go out to those of you who have already contributed to the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC).  For those who would like to help support the SNSC, contributions of any amount will be deeply appreciated.  However, donations to the SNSC are not tax-deductible.  To make a contribution to the SNSC, please make your check or money order payable to the “Springfield Nativity Scene Committee” and mail it to:  Daniel Zanoza, Chairman, Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, 904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656.

 

For more information about the event or becoming a co-sponsor, e-mail questions to:  [email protected]  or go to: "Nativity Scene To Stand For Third Year In A Row in Illinois State Capitol"   http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2010/08/nativity-scene-to-stand-for-third-year-in-a-row-in-illinois-state-capitol-.html

Please limber up your singing voices because the combined choirs from St. Alexander's Catholic Church of Villa Park will fill the state capitol Rotunda Building with Christmas carols celebrating Christ's birth and we invite everyone to sing along.

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene is the only such display to stand in any state capitol building in any state across the entire United States.

 

God bless,

 

Dan Zanoza, Chairman
Springfield Nativity Scene Committee and SNSC members:

  

Thomas Brejcha, Esq.                                                       

Chicago-based Thomas More Society

 

Eunice Conn, Polo

 

Karl Fritz, Chicago  

 

Pastor Dustin Fulton

Jefferson St. Christian Church

Lincoln

 

Daniel Gura, Lake Zurich 

 

State Sen. Chris Lauzen, Aurora

“acting as a private citizen”

 

Rev. Bernie Lutchman

Business Men In Christ  

Springfield

 

Beth Rogers, Springfield

 

Arlene Sawicki, South Barrington

 

David E. Smith

Illinois Family Institute

 

Julie Zanoza, Lincoln

Dr. Alveda King: Wise Words Regarding the American Condition: Continue the Dream

by Beth Rogers

  

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Beth Rogers is a noted pro-family activist and a member of the Springfield (Illinois) Nativity Scene Committee, among other groups.  Rogers is a frequent contributor to RFFM.org.  She recently attended an event sponsored by the Springfield Right to Life.  The following report features some of the poignant words offered by Dr. Alveda C. King, who was the day's key note speaker.  One of the issues Alveda King discussed was the fact she had an illegal abortion in 1970 and another abortion in 1973 and how these decisions to abort impacted her life.  Alveda King is the niece of the late civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. Alveda King is a leader in the pro-family movement nationwide. 

 

 

Conservative pro-life activist Dr. Alveda C. King spoke to the Springfield Right to Life [www.srtl.org] organization at the Howlett Building in Springfield, Illinois on Thursday, September 23, 2010.  King 59, is the daughter of the late Rev. A.D. King, younger brother of slain civil rights activist Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.  

 

Alveda King was the firstborn of five children.  She is the mother of six and a grandmother.  As a pro-life activist, she often speaks on college campuses about abortion issues.  She joined the pro-life movement as a crusader to offer women alternatives to abortion.  King said she is a "non-denominational Christian" and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  King is also Director of African-American Outreach for Gospel of Life, headed up by Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life.

 

Her father, Rev. A.D. King served as a civil rights leader and a Baptist pastor.  The Kings faced maltreatment as their house was bombed by opponents of the civil rights movement.  In 1969, one year after the assassination of her uncle Martin Luther King, Jr., Alveda's father, A.D. King died.  The cause of A.D. King's death has always been under suspicion. 

 

In Springfield, King led the opening song "He is Lord" followed by her powerful stirring speech and testimony.  King said she received an illegal abortion in 1970 when a doctor gave her an abortion under false pretenses and again in 1973 by a doctor who assured her "it's just a blob of tissue".  The abortions damaged her cervix and she miscarried another baby months later.  In 1983 she dedicated her life to Jesus and He opened her eyes to the reality of what she had done and forgave her for destroying her baby.  She says Christians have a responsibility to protect the next generation of children and nothing is more important to God than the issues of life. 

 

Glen Beck invited Dr. Alveda King to speak at Beck's "Rally to Restore Honor" in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 2010.  During that event, King explained her desire to continue her famous uncle’s fight for civil rights and said "I have a dream within my genes." 

 

King told those in attendance at Springfield Right to Life, "The presence of the Lord came upon me to stand before the people...My uncle Martin Luther King, Jr. did not support Planned Parenthood...How can the dream survive, if we murder the children?...Violating the baby’s civil rights is a great injustice." 

 

King also spoke highly of her grandfather who said, "That's not a lump of flesh, that's my great grand baby."  His great grandson is now ready to graduate from law school.  King also praised the man, Abraham Lincoln, who led our nation out of slavery.  "As Lincoln was an abolitionist, the pro-life community are also abolitionists and civil rights activists."

 

The fulfillment of her uncle's famous "I Have a Dream" speech is being practiced in Alveda King's own life.  "My uncle Martin had a dream that all of God's children, black and white, Catholics, Protestants, gentiles and Jews would join together to sing that old spiritual 'free at last, free at last.'" He also said "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and killing unborn babies is unjust...I have a dream in my genes, as my uncle Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The time is always right to do what is right."

Dr. Alveda King is Founder of King for America www.kingforamerica.com/
 
 
RELATED ARTICLES and links: 
 
Abortion: A Personal Pro-Life Testimony From Man Who Regrets Decision To Abort by Daniel T. Zanoza:  http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/02/abortion-a-personal-prolife-testimony-from-man-who-regrets-decision-to-abort-by-daniel-t-zanoza.html 
 
YouTube link:  Dan and Julie Zanoza discuss decision to abort:  http://youtube.com/watch?v=4nuEU3YLlvg 
 
Counselors report earlier signs of depression in women who have had abortions / More research urged:  http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/06/counselors-report-earlier-signs-of-depression-in-women-who-have-had-abortions-more-research-urged.html
 
Springfield Nativity Scene Represents America's Legacy Regarding Judeo-Christian Heritage by Beth Rogers: http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/12/springfield-nativity-scene-represents-americas-legacy-regarding-judeochristian-heritage-.html
 
Nativity Scene To Stand For Third Year In A Row in Illinois State Capitol http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2010/08/nativity-scene-to-stand-for-third-year-in-a-row-in-illinois-state-capitol-.html 
 
YouTube link:  Excerpts of historic First Annual Opening Day Ceremony of Springfield (Illinois) Nativity Scene in 2008:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCChvKTHS1M 
 
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