Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON—Branches of fragrant sage brought from Carson City decorated the offertory basket during a special July 18 service honoring the state of Nevada and its people at the landmark Washington National Cathedral.

Dozens of Nevadans were among 987 worshippers who attended the Cathedral’s 11 a.m. service marking Nevada State Day. The Rev. Charles T. “Chuck” Durante, pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom University Catholic Community of Reno, was featured as guest preacher. The Rev. Durante addressed the congregation from the historic Canterbury Pulpit, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his last Sunday sermon on March 31, 1968, and from where the homily at Ronald Reagan’s state funeral was given on June 11. Durante challenged the congregation to be inclusive and hospitable to all, especially those of other faiths, languages and nationalities including immigrants and others who feel disenfranchised.

Durante said Nevada, which is viewed as the “entertainment state,” could expand the perception. “We surely miss the opportunity presented to us: being a place and a people of hospitality, welcoming the stranger not for profit but because it is what is right to do.”

The preacher cited the past week’s forest fire in Carson City, the state capital, as evidence that such generosity is possible. In the midst of the tragedy people offered money, food and care for pets and horses threatened by fire. “We trust the goodness in ourselves and in one another when we are faced with disaster,” Durante said. For the past six years, Washington National Cathedral has set aside one major state day each month in seeking to fulfill its national mission of outreach to all faiths.

The National Cathedral Association, the friends’ organization that supports the cathedral’s mission and ministries, organized Nevada State Day in conjunction with Nevada volunteers, inviting religious and elected leaders and congregants from many different churches and denominations to take part.

Ben Bradburn, National Cathedral Association program coordinator, said, “It’s wonderful so many Nevadans were with us on their special day. Our volunteers in Nevada worked hard organizing this day. It was great seeing the fruits of their labor.” The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada, was service celebrant, and Nevadans played key roles throughout the service. Laurie Chappelle of Reno and Sabina Duke, the National Cathedral Association regional chair for Nevada, from Boulder City, read scripture. Jeremy Shields, a native of Ely, carried the state flag during the service processional. The flag will remain on the chancel steps for the week as a further salute to the state.

Charlie Steiner of Reno, Allen Duke of Boulder City, Christy Ann Strange of Virginia City, Daniel McGowan of Reno and Bonnie Sullivan, formerly of Minden, carried gifts to the altar during the offertory.

Afterwards, the National Cathedral Association sponsored a reception recognizing Nevada participants. Ashley Carrigan, president of the Nevada State Society of Washington, read a message from Gov. Kenny Guinn recognizing ties between the state and the Cathedral and proclaiming July 18, 2004, as a day in honor the State of Nevada at Washington National Cathedral.

Cathedral officials also thanked the NCA’s volunteer leaders and association members in Nevada, part of an active network of more than 14,000 people in every state and around the world who support the nation’s House of Prayer for All People. ATTN PRINT MEDIA: If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Hargrove at the number above. Also, print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral are available on our Website, www.cathedral.org/cathedral. Click on "Cathedral News."

SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral