As we approach the end of triennium 2009-2012, it is time for maintenance (housekeeping), reflection, evaluation and continuing on to another phase in our Christian walk.  A good feature of the Order is that every three years we naturally make a change in the National Council composition.  We come to Triennial and become refreshed and renewed.  Hopefully officers at the different levels are changing so that new ideas and inspirations can be brought forth.  All Chapters, Diocesan Assemblies and Provinces should be sending to the National office the change of Officers forms.  It is especially important that the names of the treasurer of the Diocesan Assemblies and the Provinces are sent to the National office.  Also the treasury books should be reviewed.      

     Membership dues payments should be sent to the National Office by September 1, 2012.  For individuals who are experiencing financial issues, they should ask their chapter to help and if they cannot, then ask sequentially their Priest or Diocesan assembly or Province Assembly.  As a last resort the National office should be asked. The intent is for the National office to provide out of the membership scholarship fund only when one of the other levels cannot provide the needed help.     

Bishop Romero

National Chaplain

     I first met Laurie Ann in Indianapolis at Triennial when she became National President in 1994. It was my first Triennial. I had only been a Daughter three years and Laurie Ann had been a Daughter for 26 years at that time. At the end of that Triennial, the Lord gave me the words "The Balm of Gilead," a healing prayer ministry I had been involved with at the Texas Medical Center. Laurie Ann was a great encourager for me. Frequently she would call and pray with me. Three years later at Triennial in Philadelphia she invited me to be on a prayer team for support during that meeting. Over the pursuing years she would call and we would catch up and we always prayed. Laurie Ann's deep faith and gentle spirit touched me greatly even when she was experiencing serious illness, several years ago. 

     My husband and I visited Laurie Ann and her beloved husband Ron, several years ago. When I became National President in 2006, Laurie Ann was again an encourager and faithful prayer warrior for me. She loved the Order, and her face radiated with the JOY of the LORD. Her favorite bible passage was Psalm 23.

     Her message to future Daughters: "Officers and members of the National Council seek to represent the work and spirit of the Order in all that they do. Each and every member of the Order does the same. By daily wearing your cross, you are proclaiming the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are seeking His will in being servants For His Sake. May God bless you in your service for the spread of Christ's kingdom and daily ask, Lord what will you have me do?"
     As we gather at this Triennial in Indianapolis, the site where she became our National President, eighteen years ago, it is fitting that we will remember Laurie Ann, and give thanks to God for her life of service, her friendship, her caring heart, and her example of what it means to truly be a Daughter of the King.
 

Joan Dalrymple

Former National President

Advisor 2011-2012

     What a privilege it has been to serve as your National Secretary this last Triennium.  As Secretary I maintained the minutes of National Council Meetings (23 people) as well as the minutes of the Executive Board meetings (7-8 people).  As with any organization, communication is key to a productive and successful time together.  When you gather 25 people together to discuss many matters there is a lot to be said and yet, I had to discern what were the "nuggets" that were necessary for inclusion in the recordkeeping.  The gift of Encouragement (one of my spiritual gifts) allowed me to assist President Grace Sears in getting people back on track in conversation as well as to have fun with getting people back together after a break. 

     The Celebration Chapter helped our Order come into the 21^st Century with technical communication.  The National Office can receive dues payments online and save quite a bit in postage because they send out fewer second dues notices.  We used Cross+Links to get the word out to the Daughters about upcoming events or deadlines.  The format of the Royal Cross magazine was changed to a smaller size and also saved money in postage costs.   The use of e-mail and Facebook by Daughters -at- Large certainly was a positive way to communicate and give those women a sense of connection.   Several times each year the Executive Board would use a Conference Call (initiated by President Grace) for discussion and vote on an item.  As Secretary I made sure the notes taken for these calls were included in the official file. 

     So whether you are serving The Order of the Daughters of the King at the chapter level, Diocesan level, Province level, or National level, do it all to the glory of God and For His sake.  If you are hesitating about some step in your Christian walk, speak about it with one or two Daughters and then take a leap of faith and say YES to something you never thought you could do.  Jesus said "if you do it to the least of these, you have done it unto me".   Whenever you say YES to serving For His sake, you will be given the grace to do the task. 

Sheila Gerth

National Secretary

This new greener way to communicate saves trees and also reduces our annual postage and associated mailing costs. Please encourage other Daughters, Clergy and interested people to become subscribers as well.  Over 3,500 emails are now signed up to receive the Newsletter!