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As Daughters, we ask for grace to live for Christ,
praying always and serving with love as He directs.
May the Holy Spirit guide us into truth and strengthen
us to work effectively in the many fields
to which we have been called.
May we lift high the cross every day,
for His sake. Amen
(from "The Service of Installation of Members and Officers of the National Council," A Daughter's Book of Services) |
Triennial Recap
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 Wow! What a joyous time we all had at Triennial 2015. Thank you, everyone, for coming to this celebration. The venue, the music, the speakers, the teachings, the workshops, and the special events during this time we had together combined to produce joyful, spirit-filled days that we will remember for a long time to come. My thanks to everyone involved in making this such a special event.
So, as we say in Texas,
y'all come to Triennial 2018 in Austin, Texas.
Missy Denney
Triennial Chair, 2012-2015
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Thank you to Volunteers
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A gigantic thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this Triennial such a huge success! Without the greeters at the airport, the registration volunteers, those who helped answer questions and direct participants to the correct rooms, the volunteers who took the banners to Bernese Exhibit Center to be hung, the golf cart drivers, and anyone else who helped, we could not have made this happen. Kudos also to all the counters and tellers who helped Phyllis Easley with the election, the International Banquet and Closing Banquet table decorators and National Council members who filled in when needed. We greatly appreciated working with all of you to get this job done. Continue "Shining the Light" until we meet again in Austin, Texas, in 2018.
Lyn Zolman and Pam Sebura
Volunteer Coordinators, 2012-2015
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Cross+Links Editor
Assistant Editor
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Province Presidents
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Province I
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National Office
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770-517-8552
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With Thanksgiving, Joy and Expectation
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As I pinned Margaret J. Franklin's gold cross above Susan O'Brien's heart at the Triennial closing Eucharist, my own heart overflowed with thanksgiving, joy and expectation. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to have served as your National President, alongside an incredibly gifted, hard-working National Council. And I give thanks to God that the Triennial meeting was all we had prayed, hoped and worked for ... and more!
I am joyful that my dear sister, Susan, was elected to serve as your National President for this Triennium, alongside another extraordinary group of women. You can be assured that the Order is in good hands! I will watch in joyous expectation as this new National Council builds on and expands the prayerful work of the previous Council and of every devoted leader who has served before.
Thank you for supporting me, and the past National Council, with your precious prayers. I now join my daily prayers with yours as we lift Susan and our new leadership to our Lord and King. May our holy Triune God anoint and fill each of them with power from on high as they carry out the important work they have been called to do.
In Christ's Love and For His Sake,
Pam Runyon
Past President, 2012-2015
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Newly Elected National Council
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The Newly Elected National Council 2015-2018. The elected officers, in the seated row beginning second from left, are: Susan Keith, National Secretary;
Lindy Kirk, 1st Vice-president; Susan O'Brien, National President;
Chesley Vohden, 2nd Vice-president; and Annemarie Delgado, National Treasurer.
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Update on Dues Invoices
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It's that time again...Fiscal Year 2015-2016 (FY15) Dues Invoices were issued last week through our membership software. While working out some of the nuances of the software system, we discovered that the invoices were issued with an erroneous Due Date. We apologize for any confusion with this issue. Please know that
FY15 Dues are due to the National Office by September 1st, 2015.
The preferred method for paying your dues is through our website. You can access your payment invoice by following the instructions found
here. If you need help logging into the website, check out these
steps or call the National Office. You may also pay your dues by printing your invoice and mailing a check (with your member # on it) to the National Office at the address at the bottom of this newsletter. Dues invoices for those members without a valid email address on record will be mailed to individuals in the next two weeks.
Thank you to all those who have already made their payment. Your prompt payment helps the Order meet its regular operating commitments and continue spreading the kingdom of Christ.
Annemarie Delgado
National Treasurer, 2012-2018
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New Services of the Order!
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 At the closing Eucharist of Triennial 2015, Daughters had the opportunity to install the newly elected National Council and to rededicate themselves to the Order using two of the new services now available to members of the Order.
A compilation of all of the new Services can be found in "A Daughter's Book of Services" available on our website (doknational.org) and for purchase from the National Office and online store. The new Services are also available individually on the Services webpage under Resources. The new Services will also be seen in the new 2015 National Handbook and Bylaws of the Order available later this year.
The prayer of those who authored this new Book is that these new Services will bring a deeper meaning to and a greater significance for the event they mark, and that they will help all Daughters, Junior and senior, feel more connected to the reason why they are participating in that Service. Most importantly, they pray that the presence of the Holy Spirit fills all who participate, all who witness, and all who are called to a closer walk with Jesus through The Order of the Daughters of the King®."
Jen Mariano
Literature Chair, 2012-2015
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International Sisterhood at Triennial
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At Triennial 2015 we were blessed to have 22 International sisters representing 16 of our 21 countries! The picture above was taken at the Cowboy BBQ on Sunday evening. They are holding some of the umbrellas which Lana Valenta had thoughtfully put in their International bags just in case of rain. But there were seldom even clouds in the sky to mar the beauty of our mountain surroundings.
Presidents came from our five assembled countries: Brazil, Malawi, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Honduras. We also had the National Chaplains from three countries: the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Uganda. It was a joy to meet those who were able to come from seven of our new countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, and Italy - as well as old friends from India and Trinidad and Tobago and new friends from Israel and Uganda. All of our guests, attired in gorgeous traditional dress, were featured on International Night. We had a special presentation of the DOK cross plaque to President Maria Consuelo Cartagena of our newest assembled country, Honduras. Our speaker, Canon Andrew White, was so taken with our Order and our vows that he vowed to start chapter in Amman, Jordan in two weeks! At the closing banquet, we showed a video that was a tribute to all the International chapters that prayed for us as the Triennial Torch Relay moved around the world. Two of our visitors, the Reverend Jéssica Coello and the Reverend María Elena Cristerna, gave testimonies at the closing Eucharist of the blessings they had received from coming to our Triennial. Their sweet words brought encouragement to all of us as we prepared to leave the mountaintop. Emily Thrasher International Chair, 2012-2015 |
My Experience at Triennial 2015
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Holly Butcher, second from left, standing with members
of her chapter attending Triennial 2015. |
Hmmm ... where to begin? This was my second Triennial. I thought my first one, in Indianapolis, was fun, but then I went to Utah, and I realized that this Triennial topped the last one in a lot of ways. I think the National Council did an excellent job choosing a beautiful resort that not only had peace and quiet, it also radiated spirituality and serenity.
I found the programs to be very inspiring and the activities were a lot of fun. I loved how I got to learn things about other chapters, and I even got to learn some new things about my own chapter! I discovered how to center my spirit through new experiences like morning yoga. Most important, I met of lot of really good people who do very nice things for the world. For example, Canon Andrew White was so nice and funny, yet hearing about his experiences and the amazing things he has done made me realize how much people love God and care about His people.
I got to meet a lot of really, really wonderful people. The senior Daughters were very sweet and loving and the Junior Daughters were funny and friendly. I especially liked meeting the International Daughters; they were so nice and I enjoyed learning about their cultures and what they do to express their love for God.
The resort was just awesome - I don't know how to say it any other way! There were a lot of fun things to do like swimming in the crater and in the pools. The food was really yummy (and the gelato was superb)! The scenery was inspiring and pretty, and looking at the valley from the top of the crater and taking pictures was especially fun.
I also thought our service project to help prepare 130-year-old (yes, 130 years!!) apple trees for mulching and pruning was caring and fun. I liked helping the trees and thinking that maybe what we did will help them live even longer.
To sum Triennial 2015 up in eleven words: "It was one of the best experiences I have ever had!"
Holly Butcher
Junior Daughter, Genesis Junior Chapter
All Saints' Frederick, MD.
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Bracelets Made by Junior Daughters for Children
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In the months leading up to Triennial 2015 where Canon Andrew White would be a keynote speaker, Junior Daughters across the country made bracelets for him to take back with him to give to the children he works with. Following is an excerpt from his weekly letter describing how these gifts were given.
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This week we had a great time of celebration as we held graduation ceremonies for our school here in Amman. The people we are supporting were there, together with our team here in Jordan, and we were all able to have joy in this moment. The children here have worked hard to graduate, and our teachers here in Jordan have worked hard as well. We honored both the children and the teachers with this ceremony, and we are so thankful to all of them.
I was also able to give out gifts to the children as they came through the line to receive their certificates. We gave them crosses, bracelets, and sweets! They were so happy to receive our gifts, and it is truly a gift from God that we are able to minister to them in this way. We are sharing the love of Jesus with them.
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Blessings, Grace, and Peace,
Abouna Andrew
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The Triennial 2015 Service Project
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Each Daughter of the King coming to Triennial tucked a special blanket into her suitcase ... a blanket to give away. During our outdoor Eucharist, held on a mountainside, we sat on the blankets. After the Eucharist, the blankets were collected, blessed, and then sent where they were needed most: St. Lawrence Catholic Shelter in Heber Valley and the Navajo Reservation. As you can see, a mountain of blankets was collected.
Lyn Zolman
Service & Evangelism Chair, 2012-2015
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Junior Daughters Explore Geocaching at Triennial 2015
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While at Triennial, the Junior Daughters were introduced to the sport of Geocaching. In the process they placed two custom-made geocoins in geocaches in Wasatch Mountain State Park. It is the stated wish that these coins end up in Austin, Texas, by June 1, 2018. We wish to see how far they can travel during these next three years. So far no one has picked up and moved either of the coins. We will provide reports of their movements when they occur. If you would also like to watch these coins travel you can go to their pages at:
Geocoin 1 - http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=TB7ADP4
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Another Journey, another road . . . .
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 As this Triennium came to an end, I sensed cross-roads, in my life and in the life of the Order. My work on the National Council these past three years has changed me in many ways, all good I think! My Sisters have helped me cultivate my gifts and challenged me to use them - outside of my comfort zone! Certainly my faith has deepened in our God who is active and working in the world today.
Our Order is changing as well. We are being challenged by the same growth we celebrate. In acquiring new technology, we now have tools for a more efficient office and improved communications to connect Daughters. That can help all of us, no matter where we live, as a Sisterhood of faith. But we all need to commit to make and keep that connection.
Our Order is spreading quickly around the world and the light of Christ is shining through the hearts of Daughters in over 20 countries. We all are missionaries, carrying the message of Christ's love, and in the past year, we have seen the price many have paid for this. However, despite the problems and even the possibility of persecution, women continue to step forward to follow our Lord in the best way they can. They are spreading the love they have found in Christ. How have we, in this privileged land, spread the love we have been given? Perhaps our challenge is to overcome the general apathy towards "organized" religion rather than persevere in the face of physical persecution.
At every Triennial and every November 1, it is customary to renew our vows. In the face of our challenges, I hope the renewal of our vows will be the occasion of a renewal of our hearts and wills by the grace of God. How will we spend this next triennium, the next three years? Will we listen to the Lord to hear what road we are being called to take or be content to remain in "the same territory?" Canon White spoke to us of not saying "Take care" but rather, "Take risks." How will we do that?
Will we help in nurturing the responsibilities of keeping Daughters "Walking in the Light?" Will we help our chapter/diocese/province get out the word about who we are as Daughters of the King? Will "Service" include serving in a leadership role of a chapter, Diocese or Province? Whether you belong to a chapter or you are a Daughter-at-large, will you attend Assemblies and Quiet Days? In other words, will we all commit to deepen our commitment to our Lord and to our Order? This is truly renewing our vows, refreshing our faith and helping us spread God's love.
In the coming years, National Council will need to rely more on 'off-council' Daughters. Our International Daughters may require patience with cultural issues, as well as communication difficulties. Our chapters will need to give more thought to our Junior Daughters - because that is where a solid future lies. We will all need to budget a bit more to include those brochures we need to put on tables at church and at Diocesan Conventions. And we will all need to read the new literature that is a true gift from our hardworking Literature Committee! (Try reading a small section of the new Chapter Manual at a chapter meeting.)
Above all, we must pray for our Order "wherever it may be around the world." Our Lord was a "global Savior," though his life on earth was confined to a small geographical area. Now that our Order is "global," we may need to remind ourselves from time to time that it doesn't matter if we live in Kentucky or Kenya, South Dakota or south India, Georgia or Germany, we are all children of God, we are one as Daughters of the King and we are not afraid to take risks.
Mariana Bauman
Strategic Planning Chair, 2012-2015
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 Communication is very important. I had discussions on this subject during Triennial, with several Daughters who attended Triennial for the first time. They advised that it was a wonderful experience for them, but there needed to be a little more communication and signage as to where events were; it was a little confusing for the first timers. Other than that, everyone seemed to have enjoyed all the music, the speakers, workshops and food.
As Province II President, I do have communication with National Council and the Province Presidents. I then confer with our provincial Board and Diocesan Presidents to keep information up to date. We continue to share what is happening in each Diocese and to solve any problems. This communication helps us stay focused on what we are to do as a group of Daughters, sharing ideas and knowing what is happening around our province and national levels. Diocesan Presidents then can share with each Chapter President, and she can share with each Daughter in her chapter. We don't want anyone left out. Not everyone has email, so those who do not should get the same information mailed to them. For Daughters who can't get to meetings, take time to make them to feel welcome and a part of the chapter by sending them cards, or just stop by and visit with them and keep them informed.
This Triennial was a wonderful event, a huge celebration. The speakers were certainly shining their light. The outdoor Eucharist was spectacular. Everyone had a wonderful time shining our light for Christ.
There is a commitment to being a Daughter of the King. We do realize that we all have different gifts and weaknesses. We learn to trust and, trusting God, to allow someone to take more responsibility in the Order. We all share suffering and pain and have shared our stories of faith. We continue to shine the "Light of Christ" and to reflect on how we bring light to others. Some days we will be the light for others and some days we will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope and there is a way. Continue to keep the Light shining. Let your Light shine!
Janet Papa
Province II President, 2012-2015
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I have seen the face of God
And I died;
Died to a former life
And risen in a life beyond words.
I have heard the very rocks themselves
Shout with praise
The name of Christ;
And I shouted with them.
From the blowing of the Shofar
To the parade of banners;
From human trafficking
To taking a risk for Christ.
An outdoor Eucharist
In which even the goats participated,
And the Juniors had an unexpected visitor
Leaving many in great tears of joy.
Music was to be heard
Throughout the weekend,
Singing in harmony
With the trees and birds.
Light arose up and spread out
Throughout all of Midway
And the tops of the Wasatch Mountains
As we were Shining the Light of Christ.
I saw the face of God
This weekend
I saw the face of God
In the face of each person I encountered.
©Susan Keith June 26, 2015
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Thank you for Subscribing!
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| Thank you for subscribing to our monthly electronic monthly newsletter, Cross+Links. In this communication you will receive information about The Order of the Daughters of the King® that complements our quarterly publication, The Royal Cross. Please encourage other Daughters, clergy and interested people to become subscribers as well. Over 4,500 email recipients are now signed up to receive Cross+Links!
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