March 2015
Issue 51
Call to Prayer for Protection of Persecuted Christians

 

The Armor of God:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6: 10-18

We have all heard the news and seen images of the unimaginable atrocities being perpetrated by ISIS against Christians in the Middle East. Let us not stand by and do nothing! Let us pray!! We are not helpless in the face of this evil - as we unite together in prayer, we have the authority to summon the God of the Universe to the aid of our brothers and sisters in peril.

I have heard from many of you who share my passion to unite in fervent prayer, and I am asking each Daughter to pray daily for God's protection for persecuted Christians.  I ask that you not let a chapter meeting or gathering of Daughters go by without praying together for these precious believers.

As Connie Bye, a Daughter from Texas, wrote:  "God doesn't want us to feel helpless by the world's evil because He is much more. I am only one but I am one. Each of our prayers collectively is action for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters."

Let us act today and every day as we unite together in faithful prayer for the persecuted Church of God in the Middle East and throughout the world.  

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. . . . If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it."
 I Corinthians 12:12-26

Pam Runyon
National President
In This Issue
DOK Open House
Spirited Walking Meditation
Triennial Reminders
Brazil National Office
Prayer Pots
Reflections of Being a DOK
Self Denial Fund
Login to the Member Portal
Service & Evangelism

Cross+Links Editor

Assistant Editor
Quick Links

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Province Presidents
 
Province I
Donna Abramov

Province II
Janet Papa

Province III
Laura Richard

Province IV
Lindy Kirk

Province V
Pam Sebura

Province VI
Lyn Zolman

Province VII
Brenda Amos

Province VIII
Sara MacDonald 
 
National Office
or
 
 770-517-8552  
Open House at The Order's National Office 


 

The Executive Board of the National Council will host an Open House at the National Office in Woodstock, Georgia, on March 21, 2015 from 9 am to 12 noon.  The Open House will begin with Eucharist in the chapel at 9 am, followed by refreshments, informal conversation, demonstrations of the new website and membership software, and an overview of the new Chapter Manual.  

All Daughters in the Atlanta area are invited to join the Executive Board; our National Chaplain, Bishop Romero; Office Administrator, Mary Fletcher; and Membership Coordinator, Lynn Kimbrell, for this time of worship, sharing and fellowship.  

We hope to see many of you Saturday, March 21!
Spirited Walking Meditation

 

Our theme this month is Transformation.

Many of us recently commemorated the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus.  In describing the mountaintop experience Matthew, Mark, and Luke each say that Jesus' face shone like the sun and his clothes were a brilliant white.  Furthermore, the disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with the Lord.  This was a life-changing experience for Peter, James, and John and they left transformed by this encounter with God.  This month reflect on life-changing moments in your life.  Are you prepared to see the Lord in all His glory on the mountaintop?

 A suggested thought:

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
Matthew 17:5

Click here to read the rest of this month's meditation on tips for being at higher altitudes so that you can enjoy your mountaintop experience. Participate in the on-going discussion centered on these articles on the Spirited Walking page of the website.

Triennial Announcements and Reminders 

 


Important Notice for Junior Daughters 
The Alpha Fund has been blessed with many generous donations.  As a result, the Triennial registration fee for Junior Daughters has been reduced! Throughout the month of March, the Junior Daughter Triennial Registration is $150.  The Junior Daughter Triennial Registration fee after March 31st will be $175.


Timely Reminders for Triennial:
Triennial Early Bird Pricing is available through March.  The Registration fee through March is $400; after March 31, the registration will increase to $450.  Register now for Triennial 2015 at Zermatt Resorts in Midway, Utah!   

 

When making reservations for transportation to and from Salt Lake City Airport for Triennial, please use the following e-mail address: reservations@thetransportationnetwork.com and mention you are a Daughter of the King.


The Triennial Service Project
When you come to Triennial, please tuck a special blanket in your suitcase . . . a blanket to give away. During our outdoor Eucharist, you may use your blanket to sit on; afterwards we will bless the blankets and send them to places where they are most needed.  Two examples are homeless shelters or areas that have experienced disaster. 

Special Note:  If sitting on a blanket on the ground is not something you can do, let us know on  your Triennial Registration Form. We will be happy to make a chair available for you.  However, whether you plan to sit on the ground or on a chair, please remember to bring a blanket!

Lyn Zolman
Service and Evangelism Chair 

The Mary & Martha House - The New National Office in Brazil
Reading the plaques are Helena Gastal (President of the Daughters in Brazil), the Reverend Canon Patricia Powers, and the Right Reverend Humberto (Diocesan bishop of the Meridional Diocese).

Inauguration of the Mary & Martha House
Porto Alegre, Brazil - Diocese de Meridional (Southwest)

October 18, 2014, was a great day for the Daughters of the King of Brazil as their National Headquarters, The Mary and Martha House, was inaugurated with the presence of the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Humberto, and representatives from all the chapters in the diocese, as well as clergy and lay members totaling 70 or more. The day started with Eucharist, giving thanks for the reason of the gathering and for the sisterhood that was felt by all Daughters present.  The celebrant and preacher was the Reverend Canon Patricia Powers, assisted by Helena Gastal, National President. The service was followed by a communal lunch and social hour with participants from another meeting.    

The dedication of the Mary and Martha House was simple but filled with deep meaning, and all could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit blessing all participants.  A plaque was presented indicating the name of the house, date, and the names of the "Godmothers," the Reverend Canon Patricia Powers and Elizabeth Daniel (very Brazilian). A large wall copy of the Daughters of the King cross was also unveiled and blessed.  The afternoon activity was a workshop by the Reverend Canon Patricia Powers on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they can be used in benefit of each individual Daughter, the chapter, the local church and the diocese. The day ended with prayers and a safe return to their homes until the next gathering.

The Mary and Martha House will function as a retreat house, a meeting place for weekly bible studies, a transient house for women coming to the city for treatment in need of short-term housing, and a place for National Board meetings and future Triennials. The house will also be open to other women's meetings.  The house consists of a Chapel, meeting room, kitchen, living room, bookstore and two bedrooms.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Meridional gave the house to the Daughters, and their responsibility is to maintain the property.  

The Reverend Canon Patricia Powers
Missioner to Brazil (retired)

Prayer Pots 




The Little Flower Junior Chapter of Trinity Episcopal Church in The Woodlands, Texas, directed by Judy Isphording and Cindy Taylor, made Prayer Pots for use during Lent.  

Suggested uses for a prayer pot include: 
  • On Ash Wednesday: Place the prayer pot in a special place where it can't be missed, perhaps the center of the family table. It reminds everyone that Lent is here, but remains empty for the next few days.
  • On the First Sunday of Lent: A small heart cut from construction paper is placed in the pot during the main meal to remind everyone of God's love and that they should show their love for, and be kind to, others.
  • On the Second Sunday of Lent: A small seed is placed in the pot to remind everyone that God's love for them constantly grows and that they should show love and compassion for other people.
  • On the Third Sunday of Lent: Place a rubber band in the pot as a reminder that God always stretches His patience and everyone should do the same for others, even when it isn't easy.
  • On the Fourth Sunday of Lent: A marble is placed in the pot to remind everyone to take turns and share with others in all that they do.
  • On the Fifth Sunday of Lent: Add a Band-Aid to the pot to remind everyone to help other people when they are sad or hurt.
  • On Palm Sunday: Place a tiny piece of the palm you get at mass, to remind everyone that Jesus is their King and they should remember to say their prayers to Him.
  • On Easter Sunday: The last item is a tiny piece of eggshell to remind everyone that Jesus will always be with them and is always ready to hear their prayers.
 
Bible Verses could also be included for the family to read and discuss. 
  • First Sunday of Lent, Romans 8:38,39
  • Second Sunday of Lent, Colossians 1:10-12
  • Third Sunday of Lent, Ephesians 4:2
  • Fourth Sunday of Lent, Hebrews 13:16
  • Fifth Sunday of Lent, I Thessalonians 5:13b
  • Palm Sunday, Colossians 1:15-20
  • Easter Sunday, Matt. 28:1-8;18-20
 
These prayer pots can also be used at times other than Lent. Place slips of paper with your prayers for yourself or others in the pot. This can be as simple as writing your intention on a piece of paper in your prayer area at home and putting it in the pot or turning it into a ritual at a Junior Daughters' meeting while burning candle.

Susan Keith 
Junior Daughters National Directress
Reflections on Being a Daughter

 

As I am coming to the end of my second term as Province I President, I have been reflecting on many things.  The thing I have enjoyed the most during my term is meeting women from around the country and women in Province I and realizing we have more in common than we think. At our last National Council meeting, a site visit to Zermatt Resort, I had a conversation with Pam at the end of our meeting.  She said to me, "You should write about that," and now I will.  

I told Pam that I really was not looking forward to the meeting.  Lots had been happening in my life and I didn't want to pack, get on the plane and be away from home.  All that changed in the days that I spent with the members of National Council.  Spending time with these spiritual, hardworking, dedicated but fun women was amazing.  I really can't believe how much we accomplished in a very short time, always remembering to pray and care for one another. I told Pam I felt so much better just from spending time in fellowship with women of such faith and spirit.  This is why we need to spend time together in our chapter meetings, assemblies and Triennial.  Jesus taught us to be a community of love and spread the good news.  We need to spend time together to nurture each other, to pray for each other, to work things out together.

During Grace Sears' term as National President, Christine Budzowski suggested we be called the Celebration Chapter, and that name has been used for Pam's term as well.  We are the Celebration Chapter, celebrating all the Order stands for. We all have very busy lives and it seems when we become Daughters, our lives get even busier. But isn't that what we are called to do?  I always tell people when I put on my cross and say the motto, I do okay until I get to "Lord, What Will You Have Me Do?" Then I just go off and do.  So next time there is a meeting or assembly, go and be fed and nurtured by your sisters.  If there are elections and someone asks you to step up, don't be shy, just try. Come to Triennial and celebrate with the Celebration Chapter.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Donna Abramov
Province I President
Have You Denied Yourself for the Order's Mission Work?

 

Before the February Ingathering of Self-Denial contributions, I set out a challenge for Daughters to pledge $5 or more a year to keep our requests for mission grants funded.  In the midst of a snow storm today, I am thinking of the grants we were unable to fund for 2014 and am hoping you are able to help the Order with your contribution.
 
Have you ever been in the midst of a storm and the electricity was out?  No lights for finding your way around.  Maybe no power for cooking, watching the news or for reading.  We take our sources of power for granted every day.  Solar Light for Africa is bringing power to an area of the world where there is no electrical grid available.  Two homes for abandoned babies would benefit from the solar power in northern Uganda.
 
Most of us are able to afford our medications and eyeglasses for good health. Many people in Honduras are unable to have these necessities available. The organization ACTS: Honduras is in need of funds to give medical aid in this impoverished country.
 
I am a quilter and this grant touches my heart.  Beatitudes, Inc. asked for funding to hire a teacher at a new sewing school that is part of the Episcopal ministry on La Gonave Island, Haiti.  The women would like to have a marketable skill to support their families.
 
Donations to our Order's Self-Denial Fund can make these grants a reality. Grants are usually $2,000 per year and we could fund more grants with additional funding.  Many of our grants are submitted by Daughters working in the mission field with their church communities.   
 
After shoveling a lot of snow today, I received an uplifting card in the mail. Daughters at All Saints, Phoenix, Arizona, read about my challenge in a recent article for Self-Denial mission work and sent in their donations.  They suggested that other Daughters might wish to use their birthday as an opportunity to make a contribution as a thanksgiving blessing.  They are hoping that we will continue to meet our challenge with many contributions.

Marjorie Rogers
Self-Denial Fund Chair
Login to the Member Portal

 

The most frequently asked question last month: How do I log into the member portal on the new website?

Click here to read detailed instructions.  Remember your temporary username is your member number which can be found above your name on your Royal Cross mailing label.  The temporary password is dok12345.  

For security purposes and to maintain the integrity of your information, please change your username and password after you login for the first time. Instructions here.

If you have questions or can't find your member number, please contact the National Office by:
- Completing a Contact Us form
- Emailing us at dok1885@doknational.org or
- Calling us at 770-517-8552.
Service and Evangelism

 

Reflection:  I dreamed that all the religions fell silent.  We all awoke one day to a world where no priest could preach, no mullah could proclaim, no rabbi teach, no guru say a word.  Our books were gone, our effort to write only a blank page.  We knew the faith of each one, but could learn only by observation. We could speak of other things, but in matters of belief we were stilled.  The world became a witness.  There is no stronger argument for faith than the life you lead.  If others do not see God in what you do, they will not hear it in what you say.    

 

Steven Charleston, Cloud Walking, March 6.


What do you need to ask Jesus to help you change about yourself so you can lead a life that makes others want to be a Christian, like you?

Hint:  Sometimes the things that irritate you about others are traits you yourself possess.

Lyn Zolman
Service and Evangelism Chair


 

O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation.
Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts,
united in one another in prayer and holy love through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives with and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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