When you opened the Royal Cross this month, you may have flipped over the pages listing new chapters from 2009-2010. Those pages have no photos and a lot of small type, so they are easy to pass over. Yet that list of new chapters says a lot to me. Each chapter name is a vote of confidence in The Order of the Daughters of the King®, and a sign that God continues to trust the Order to lead women in prayer and service For His Sake.

In 2009 we knew we would lose some members. Some left to join the new Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross. Some left for the newly incorporated Episcopal Community in 2010 (although other Episcopal Community members retained their DOK membership). Some got discouraged. Some passed on to glory. Yet other women who feel called to be Daughters of the King have replaced those who have left us.

All but one of the Provinces reported the formation of new chapters in 2009-2010. As usual most new chapters formed in Episcopal churches, though a surprising number formed in US Anglican Churches as well. In addition, Daughters established at least 20 chapters in five other countries-about one sixth or more of the total number of chapters formed during those two years.

As of the end of May 2011, the national office reported a total of 25,656 members: 22,764 senior Daughters, 1,914 DALs, and 978 Juniors. Ninety-seven percent of the US members are in Episcopal churches. We also have over 2500 members in other countries, though the statistics are almost certainly out of date. We can only estimate the international membership, though it is clear it is growing.

Our membership statistics have resulted from the diligent work of our long time Membership Coordinator, Sharon Stills. Sharon retired at the end of April. During the almost 20 years that she worked in the National Office, she documented the astonishing growth of the Order: membership more than tripled during her tenure. But she did far more than keep track of names and addresses. Most of the chapters installed over the last two decades received initial guidance and encouragement from Sharon Stills. Her service to the Order has been incalculable.

The bottom line on membership? After 125 years God is still using the Order to disciple women and girls on several continents. Let us celebrate God's goodness and His steadfast love!

FHS, Grace Sears, DOK National President 

   Registering for Triennial 2012 has a new face! A Special Edition of the Royal Cross will arrive in your mail during the month of August 2011! WATCH FOR IT!  It will contain ALL forms needed to register for Triennial 2012. There will be good information to help Senior and Junior DOK's prepare for this amazing event! Forms to look for:

• Registrations - Senior, Junior, Delegates/Alternates and Guests all use one form
• Hotel Information - there are 2 choice Hotels for this event
• National Council Nominee - one can be nominated from each diocese, make sure your diocese nominates a worthy candidate
• Workshop Proposals - if you are interested in presenting a helpful idea for other Chapters, this is your chance
• Exhibitor Opportunities - open to retail and ministries, which is an opportunity to show off your chapter with a display of your ministries....or create one following our Triennial theme
• Prayer Vigil - If you are able to attend or not, this is an opportunity for everyone to participate in the Triennial and/or the General Convention of the Episcopal Church

   Other great information will be included: agendas, speakers, special events and more! Use the forms appearing in the Royal Cross or watch for Online registration, coming soon.

Looking to Jesus - Spreading His Love