Our theme this month is Witnessing.

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day, I'd rather one would walk with me than merely show the way." This familiar poem by Edgar Guest reminds us that we witness to what is important to us by the way we live our lives. This month, reflect on what your life tells others about your values.

Click here to read the rest of this month's meditation and how we witness through our example and physical activity. Participate in the on-going discussion centered on these articles on the Spirited Walking page of the website.

The Executive Board (pictured above) met with your National Council earlier this month to conduct the business of the Order and to continue planning for Triennial 2015.  Adjectives that we used to describe this Council meeting may also be used to describe the adventure we hope Triennial 2015 will be:  Emotional, moving, spiritual, productive, substantial, beautiful, fun, both retrospective and prospective, and full of laughter, hugs and love (to paraphrase Jen Mariano).  

Call now to reserve your hotel room and plan to register after January 1, 2015.  We look forward to experiencing our Triennial adventure together with you.

Change in Arrival/Departure Information for Nominees: 

Note: The updated Nominee form is on the Triennial page of the national website. 

During the recent National Council Meeting at Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah, Council members got a preview look at the new YM (Your Membership) web site, and the excitement is really building! During our four days of meetings we were able to see time and again how this new membership-based web site will be able to offer more information and possibilities for all Daughters than we ever imagined. 

An incredible amount of work has gone into this new website, and while there is still more to be done before it  goes "live," we are confident the new site will be running before the end of the year. 

In addition to handling individual dues payments and maintaining member profiles, Triennial registrations and delegate certifications will be done through the new web site, so you will be able to confirm that your registration has been received and you are confirmed as a delegate.  Orders for brochures and support materials, as well as crosses, DVDs and manuals, may also be placed through the web site and paid for with a credit card, and you will be able to verify the status of your order just by logging in to the web site (instead of wondering if the check got lost in the mail).

Please offer prayers of thanksgiving for the National Office Staff, especially Lynn Kimbrell and Mary Fletcher, the support team at YM, and the Implementation Team of Pam Runyon, Annemarie Delgado, Jennifer Mariano and myself, Christine Budzowski. We continue to work and meet via weekly conference calls, and look forward to announcing that the new web site is "live." Keep reading Cross + Links and you will be among the first to know!

Online Media Chair 

The National Council is in the process of implementing new membership software for  The Order.  Many things will be familiar but you will also be able to see and do new things - the Service and Evangelism pages will be updated.   Here is a preview of several of the Service ideas and Evangelism resources that will be shown:

Evangelism Videos:

Dr. Robert E. Coleman is widely known for his ministry as a disciple maker and evangelist, and for many years has given leadership to the Billy Graham Center Institute of Evangelism at Wheaton College, along with the International Schools of Evangelism.                                                                                                                          

• The Master Plan of Evangelism by Dr. Robert E. Coleman, Fleming H. Revell,1963,1964,1993.   
• "Multiply those kinds of people (who will shepherd others), and you will win the world."
  Dr. Robert Coleman outlines the pattern and principles that Jesus used to disciple the twelve and how we can apply them in our lives to fulfill the mission to "go and make disciples...".
  To see all nine videos, visit:  http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Maste....

A book to read as a chapter study:

Martie McMane grew up as an Episcopalian and felt the call to ordained ministry at a time when the Episcopal Church was not ordaining women.  She is the Senior Pastor at the First Congregational Church of Boulder, Colorado.  She was the retreat leader at the Colorado Diocesan Retreat this past May and led us through the 12 Agreements which she tells about in her book,  Living Grace: Spiritual Growth in the Everyday World, Martie McMane, Marlin Press, 2011.

Service Ideas:

Daughters have many ways in which they serve individually and are often over extended.  Do not let this deter you.  Participating in a chapter or diocesan group project can be a lot of fun and "builds community."  The following suggestions are short term but enable us to keep our hands busy as we talk and fill our hearts with the joy of serving others.  Through prayer perhaps new ideas will inspire you and your chapter.

1. Organizations like World Vision or food banks often need help packing items or sorting food items.
2. With the support of your rector and help from the Music Director, plan and participate in an All Saint's Day Celebration or Quiet Day.
3. Collect children's books and related games, stuffed animals, coloring books and such for children in shelters.  At a chapter meeting sort them and package them.  Don't forget to check the web for games and activities can enhance the reading and learning experience of the children.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks

for all your goodness and loving-kindness

to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation,

and all the blessings of this life;

but above all for your immeasurable love

in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,

that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,

not only with our lips, but in our lives,

by giving up our selves to your service,

and by walking before you 

in holiness and righteousness all our days;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer page 101