Attendees encouraged to bring new, unwrapped stuffed animals and journals for ZeroV
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear announced details on the inaugural worship service, where leaders from different faith traditions across the commonwealth will pray for all of Kentucky’s elected leaders.
The service will begin at 9:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Frankfort.
“Throughout every major challenge that Kentuckians have faced together these past four years, we’ve been guided by our faith and our shared values,” Gov. Beshear said. “The inaugural worship service will be a special opportunity for us to come together as Team Kentucky to pray for the safety and prosperity of all our people for the next four years and beyond.”
The service is open to the public, but seating in the church is limited. There will be overflow space at the church, and Kentuckians can also watch online at facebook.com/1stChristianFrankfort and on YouTube. For those in Frankfort, the Frankfort Plant Board will carry the service on channels 10 and 510.
During the event, the First Lady will be collecting new, unwrapped stuffed animals and journals for ZeroV, the statewide coalition of domestic violence shelters. All donations directly help domestic violence programs as they provide life-saving shelter and support services to Kentuckians who seek crisis intervention and support in rebuilding their lives after abuse.
The service will include music from the Governor’s School for the Arts Alumni Ensemble; faculty from the University of Kentucky School of Music; St. Stephen Baptist Church Mass Choir in Louisville; and Beargrass Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Louisville.
Blessings and messages will be offered by Dr. Muhammad Babar [Muslim Americans for Compassion]; the Rev. Dr. Daniel Corrie Shull [Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, Louisville]; Rabbi David Wirtschafter [Temple Adath Israel, Lexington]; the Rev. Dr. Trey Flowers [Beargrass Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Louisville]; the Rev. Bruce Barkhauer [Center for Faith and Giving, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]; the Rev. Dr. Valerie J. Washington, [Hughlett Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Louisville]; and the Rev. Dr. Bill Kincaid, [First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Frankfort].
“First Christian Church is pleased to host the inaugural prayer service and to gather the faith community together in prayerful support for our commonwealth and for all our leaders, especially Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman as they begin their second term of service and leadership for the best possible Kentucky for all of us,” said Rev. Dr. Kincaid.
Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman will be sworn in to office during a full day of festivities, Tuesday, Dec. 12. For updates and additional information, visit kentucky.gov/inauguration.
Today, Gov. Beshear and the First Lady announced Kentucky health care workers and public school educators will serve as Grand Marshals of the Inauguration Parade, which will take place Dec. 12 in Frankfort. The Beshears also named the inauguration chair, co-chairs and honorary co-chairs. To learn more, see the full release.
###