Daughters Serving at Christmas

Every year the Daughters of the St. Anne Chapter at St. Mary's Episcopal in Albuquerque collect "Woolies" for Chelwood Elementary students. The school is just across the street from the church, making the partnership a natural fit.

What is a 'wooly' you might ask? It's any nice warm item that the children can wear, like scarves and hats and gloves.
This year a total of 87 hats, 26 pairs of gloves, 2 scarves, 72 pairs of socks, 12 hat/glove sets, 1 hat/glove/scarf sets, and 6 hat/scarf sets were collected. The 'Wooly Tree was completely covered by the donations which cascaded down to the floor.
Other chapters in the diocese are encouraged to share their service ministries so we can post them here!
Watch, in 2015, for information from the new Service Chair of the diocese about ideas she has gathered from chapters.

Daughters in Action

St. Matthew's women in preparation to form a chapter of the Daughters of the King, in conjunction with St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Los Lunas, hosted a "Community Baby Shower" at St. Matthew's on November 8 from 2 to 4pm for the Children’s Advocacy Center in Valencia County. It was a fun time and there were many donations which came from the St. Matthew's folks and from others in the community. We filled a truck with donations from laundry supplies and diapers to clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste to toys and books. Many thanks to all who helped in making this a success!

The Children's Advocacy Center in Valencia County is the first of its kind in the country. It is set up to have one central location in which various agencies in the county and state are located where they can provide advocacy for children in crisis due to abuse. Director Alexandria Taylor, who is also director of Valencia Shelter Services voiced a need for donations for everyday needs of the children.

The project is ongoing and we will continue to help in any way we can. The ladies from the study group will begin by sorting donated clothing by size and gender to stock the clothing bank for the center. If you are interested in learning more about this project, contact the ladies at St. Matthew’s.

Come and See

For the second year, there will be two holiday events for all Daughters, and for any women in your parish who might be interested in learning about Daughters of the King.

On Friday, December 5, from 3-6PM, St. Chad's Daughters are hosting a Christmas Open House at St. Chad's, Albuquerque. There will be Christmas nibbles, goodies, and other refreshments. You are welcome to bring your favorite Christmas finger food, but you don't have to. Stop by anytime between 3 and 6. Cindy Davis, Diocesan President and other Daughters will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, and just to visit.

If St. Chad's is too far away, consider attending the Epiphany Party on January 17, starting at 10AM. The Party will be at St. Andrew's in Las Cruces. Cindy and other members of the Diocesan Board will be present, as will members of the Santa Rosa Chapter at St. Andrew's. Please RSVP to Elaine Brink at St. Andrew's if you plan to attend this event, so they will have enough tea and goodies!

All women are invited to each of these events, whether you are already a Daughter, are in discernment to be a Daughter, or are just curious about who these women called Daughters of the King are...Come and See.

 









If you are a Daughter, you are encouraged to bring some of your service and prayer project ideas to share with the group.

Have you ever Wondered...?

Thanks to the persistence of Sandy Martin of the Santa Rosa Chapter in Las Cruces and previous Diocesan President, we have some answers to questions you may have wondered about Daughters, but didn’t know who to ask.

 The National Offices says that there are 1,811 U.S. chapters, 220 international chapters, for a total of approximately 30,000 Daughters!

 Grace Sears, former National President and now Archive Chair fills in some other details:

 “Attached (at right) is a scan of an article Margaret Franklin wrote in 1894, just 9 years after the Order was founded. I don't know why I only scanned the first page--I still need to get a copy of the facing half page. 

 In her article, Margaret Franklin says that a committee of the original 8 members came up with a design for a "badge" and a motto. It sounds as if those decisions were made the same year, 1885, as the Easter Eve service that we regard as the beginning of the Order.

 The committee borrowed the motto from a popular motivational speaker and writer of the time, a Unitarian minister who became chaplain of the Senate. His name was Edward Everett Hale, and several versions of the words, "What I can do, I ought to do" are attributed to him. I have never seen a written source of exactly those words.

 What the Daughters did was add a line that changed the "oughts" into a prayer: Lord, what would you have me do?

 I also have a copy of a booklet published by the Order in 1892, apparently to introduce themselves to potential chapters. It includes the first constitution, adopted in 1891, but later amended at the first convention in 1893. It also includes the prayer of the Order, a somewhat longer version than the prayer we use today, but definitely the same prayer.  Who wrote it?  It was probably a collaboration, but that information has not come down to us. But we do know that the first Council in 1891, including the original members, adopted the Order's prayer as well as a constitution that names the Order's colors and describes its cross.”

What Happened At Assembly

 Assembly 2014 at Holy Faith in Santa Fe was attended by 50 women from around the Diocese. The Frederick B. Howden Chapter did a lovely job hosting the event. The theme for Assembly this year was, “We are One in the Spirit…and we Serve”. A few highlights from Assembly:

Welcome bags at registration were
filled with lots of goodies

Assembly Business

After Morning Prayer on Saturday, the business meeting was held. President's report is here. The exciting news is that we have 2 new chapters (Redeeming Grace in Carlsbad, and Santiago in Taos), plus a chapter in discernment at St. Matthew’s, Los Lunas. New Jr. Daughters have been added and other chapters are growing as well. The finance report was shared by Brenda Restivo, Treasurer. Although Assembly ended up being a bit over budget, the bottom line remains solid.
There were 7 ministries nominated for the grants this year at Assembly. The Layette Ministry of the Frederick B. Howden Chapter at Holy Faith, and the Casa de Amore Para Ninos Ministry, nominated by the Shepherd’s Daughters Chapter at Good Shepherd were awarded $642.50 each. The Diocesan Borderlands Ministry was also supported by $470 from the sale of baskets, and a backseat full of donations was sent to Compassionate Response.
Remember dues ($40) are to be gathered and sent to National by September 1! Chapter reports received can be viewed on the Chapter page of the blog.

Diocesan Assembly next year will be hosted by Shepherd’s Daughters in Silver City on August 7-8, 2015 with the theme, “We are One in the Spirit…and we Share”. I am considering having a retreat for all presidents on Friday before the Assembly opens and hope to have some of our Junior Daughters in attendance. We will have elections for officers, so please be in prayer for those who will be raised up to serve as our officers for the next three years. If God is nudging you, let me know!

Assembly Worship

Candles lighted in remembrance of
Daughters gone before

On Saturday morning, we gathered at Holy Faith Church for Morning Prayer and a moving sermon about Mary and Martha of Bethany by Diocesan Chaplain Jeanne Lutz. Before lunch, we had corporate communion, with another good sermon about bread and leaven. At the Eucharist, we remembered the 7 Daughters who have gone home to the Lord this past year. Jeanne’s sermons can be viewed on the Women's Ministry YouTube Channel and/or read or printed.

Our Assembly Speaker

The Assembly opened with a lovely dinner at the Sage Inn in Santa Fe, followed by the first talk given by our speaker, Marilyn Lawson, the Prov. 7 Daughters of the King Service Chair. She shared how her childhood experiences as her mother’s ‘apprentice’ in service helped her learn how important it is to serve one another. She noted, “We as Daughters of The King are to imitate that servant’s attitude in our own lives” and gave us 1 Peter 1:13-25 to meditate on.


Marilyn’s talks continued after the business meeting. She reminded us that “Daughters of the King will encounter Christ in those they serve. Those served will encounter Christ in YOU.” She said, “I encourage each of you to live our Rule of Service.” She noted that LOVE should be our primary reason for service and that we serve best when we explore areas where we are most connected. Marilyn stressed the importance of mentoring girls through Jr. Daughters. Juniors do not have to be Episcopalian and this can be a wonderful outreach to girls in your community, some of whom may have had greater life experiences than we have ourselves. It is important to help them find grounding and faith in a turbulent world. She also suggested looking at ministry to special populations (prison, mental illness, disability, bereavement, elderly, young adult, etc.). 

Marilyn Lawson with VP Peggy Way,
Treasurer Brenda Restivo and Barbara Caldwell

Marilyn shared many ideas for service from her own diocese (TX) and members present shared some service projects they are involved in including pillowcase dresses for Africa, community suppers in Ruidoso, an after school program in Silver City, and support of a medical mission to Honduras by the Carlsbad chapter.

Marilyn’s notes can be downloaded. I hope you will take time to at least skim through her notes. There are some really good ideas, including an exercise you could do as a chapter.
Videos of Marilyn's talks are on the Women's Ministry YouTube channel. (The Friday evening did not record well, so you'll have to read her story by downloading the notes.)

What’s Coming

Initial information about Triennial 2015 on June 19-23 in UT is here. Watch the Royal Cross for complete details. The registration will be $400 for the 4 days of Triennial and rooms are estimated to be about $100/night! Air travel might be around $4-500, and we are considering doing a van-pool if we can get enough interest. As an added bonus, the Prov. 7 Annual Assembly will be held in conjunction with Triennial so you only have to travel once and get 2 events. Each chapter can send a person as delegate! Consider getting someone from your chapter to attend if you cannot go yourself.

Don't Miss Assembly 2014: We are One in the Spirit...and we Serve

August 1-2: Diocesan Daughters of the King Assembly 2014 at Holy Faith, Santa Fe

The Frederick B. Howden Chapter is hard at work with plans to make this a fun and memorable Assembly. Most of us are staying at the Sage Inn, not far from the Plaza and church (the block room price of $104/night has expired, but some are still getting the hotel to give them that price). Share a room with a friend to split the cost. 
To make it easier on those traveling, we will gather on Friday evening (starting at 5PM) at the Sage Inn Sunrise Room for registration, light supper provided by the Chapter, and our first talk.
Saturday events, like the business meeting, Eucharist, and talks, will be at Holy Faith. Our host chapter is planning many lovely things for the Assembly in the way of welcome and meals.
After the Assembly there is the opportunity for a FREE private tour of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The hoped for visit to the Santa Fe Opera to see Carmen didn't work out cuz we didn't get enough interest in time to get the inexpensive seats. Maybe you just want to do some sight-seeing in the City Different and have dinner at La Fonda or one of the other delightful places in Santa Fe.
Registration forms for Assembly now available. The registration cost this year remains the same as last year ($40).
The theme is living our vow of Service. We'll hear from the Prov. 7 Service Chair, Marilyn Lawson.

Memorial Day Prayers

Happy Memorial Day to you all.

Please keep all military, past and present in your prayers.

These men and women through the centuries have given of themselves to create and preserve the freedoms we, too often, take for granted.

Did you have an ancestor in the Civil War? in the Revolutionary War? the War of 1812? the Korean or Vietnam conflicts? One or both World Wars? Think about the human link you have to that person. Like you they had a family that they left behind when they went to fight for their country. They were fighting to create a new nation or preserve that nation or to ensure the freedoms of this nation. The rows of white markers in cemeteries around the country and across the world testify to their sacrifice for you and me.

Do you know someone who is now serving or recently served in the military? Send them a card or give them a call to say 'thank you' for your sacrifice.

Welcome Jr. Daughters

This Mother's Day, a trio of girls was installed into the St. Brigid Jr. DOK Chapter. The chapter now includes girls from both the Cathedral and St. Chad's in Albuquerque.

Welcome to Lydia, Catherine, & Jena (center). They were joined by Garland and Courtenay from the chapter for the event. Thanks to Kat, Martha, Peggy, & Dawn who worked with the new girls and the chapter during their training. Thanks to Mother Jan who officiated at St. Chad's. The installation of these young ladies reminds us that we are indeed Mothers and Sisters and Daughters of each other and charged with the mutual up-building and encouragement of each other. See the Varieties of Gifts blog for more thoughts about this.

All Chapters should prayerfully consider including younger women and even girls in their chapter activities. It only takes 3 girls (7-21 years old) to form a chapter. These can even be non-Episcopal girls, so it is a great evangelism tool for both the girls in your parish and your chapter.

National Day of Prayer

Did you know-In 1928 Margaret Franklin and 200 Daughters of the King met with President Calvin Coolidge and suggested an annual Day of Prayer for the nation.

From the National DOK Website:

To: All Daughters of the King
From: Your National Council
Re: National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 1, 2014

The National Day of Prayer is celebrated by Americans of many religions. The Day is designed to emphasize prayer for America and its leadership and for its peoples. Its purpose is to unify us in asking for God's guidance and blessings upon our country.
The first National Day of Prayer was proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1775. The second was established by President George Washington. Presidents John Adams and Abraham Lincoln also proclaimed National Days of Prayer. In 1928 Margaret Franklin and 200 Daughters of the King met with President Calvin Coolidge and suggested an annual Day of Prayer for the nation. On April 17, 1952, President Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president at an appropriate date of his choice. In 1972 a National Task Force was created to coordinate events. . In his 1983 declaration, Ronald Reagan said, "From General Washington's struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future." In 1988, the law was amended so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May. Two stated intentions of the National Day of Prayer were that it would be a day when adherents of all great religions could unite in prayer and that it may one day bring renewed respect for God to all the peoples of the world.
As our nation struggles with continued economic insecurity, vast healthcare reform, as well as the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise their freedom to gather, worship, and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 1st in observance of the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer. Organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where intercession will be made for America and its leadership. Daughters of the King are encouraged to participate in these events as well as to pray together and individually for our country and all things that concern the American people and this nation we call home.

The Order of the Daughters of the King^®

A Christian Community offering Spiritual Support

for Women of All Ages

The Order of the Daughters of the King® (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We are lay and ordained women who have made a commitment to Jesus as our Savior, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We are women who, in the midst of our daily lives, find community and spiritual support in local chapters of three or more women. Chapters are formed in churches (and church-related institutions) and are under the oversight of their own clergy.

Women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate may become Daughters of the King. Today our membership includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches. There are approximately 25,000 Daughters of the King in the US and 5,000 international Daughters in eighteen countries. Click here to read more.

The Mission of the Order®

The mission of the Order is the extension of Christ's Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism.

Vision Statement of The Order of the Daughters of the King®

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world.

Report from Province 7 Assembly in San Antonio, TX

As your Diocesan President, I attended the 2014 Province 7 Assembly in San Antonio. Over 100 ladies were present from across the Province. There were 3 of us present from the Rio Grande. Elaine Brink from the Santa Rosa Chapter at St. Andrew's, Las Cruces and Deborah Tischler from Light in the Desert Chapter at Hope in the Desert, ABQ are pictured with me.

You know that plans are moving forward for Triennial next year. Between now and then, you can follow the Virtual Torch and the Virtual Prayer Walk on the National website. Each Diocese is encouraged to have photos of ‘shining the light’ and ‘carrying the torch’ to submit to the National office for the week that the torch is in their Diocese. We will be featured in October. (Photos at the Aug. 1-2 Assembly in Santa Fe, perhaps?)

Denise Rox, Provincial Prayer Chair, shared the idea of ‘Save a Penny a Day’ to get to Triennial. This is to put aside 1 cent on day 1, 2 cents on day 2, 3 on day 3 and so forth until at the end of 365 days you put in $3.65. However, the cumulative total will be $667.95! And if you continue that to the time of Triennial, you should have a tidy sum to help toward expenses. Also, chapters are urged to ask their parish priests and vestries for assistance in attending this important event. EVERY chapter can send a voting delegate to Triennial and all Daughters can attend!

At the business meeting the Grace Camp at Stoney was awarded a $275 as our designated ministry for this year. (Each diocese can name a ministry to support each year.) The speakers were inspiring this year.

Samari Izadi, formerly a refugee from Iran, and now an Episcopal priest, spoke about her journey of faith from Muslim to Christian and from Baptist to Episcopal priest. She now has a ministry called Gateway of Grace, based in Dallas, that helps refugees in that area get housing and other assistance. It is supported by donations and several churches. They give $1800/month to a family for 6 months and also provide a furnished apartment. The Gospel is shared through the loving ministry and not by proselyting. People can adopt a family to help or even just one person.

Fr. Clayton Elder spoke on Evangelism. His talk was based on The Logic of Evangelism by Bill Abraham who says there are 4 agents involved in evangelism:

               The Triune God who created, liberated, empowered us

               The Church

               The Evangelist

               The Person being Evangelized

Fr. Elder stressed the importance of prayer all the time, before anything we do-even shopping or working at our job. He said, "Evangelism happens every day, all the time" and explained the 4 components:

·        Starts with God: who created, liberated, empowers, and is known

·        Evangelism must be within the church as we support one another in ministry, welcome, community-one way is surrounding one another, including your priest in prayer. Remember Evangelism is 'stirring people up for God)

·        You and me as Evangelist take God into the world WHERE WE ARE-in line at grocery, walking in neighborhood, etc. PRAY before you enter any activity-even driving or shopping and be open to opportunities to pray with/for people.

·        The final agent of Evangelism is the person being Evangelized-and our responsibility is to follow up, whenever possible, with whoever we have prayed for and esp. for our priest, parishioners, visitors, ministry leaders, friends. This helps those evangelized become stronger.

We, as Daughters of the King, whether we acknowledge it or not, are Evangelists-not just because it's in our vows of Prayer, Service (and Evangelism), but because we wear our cross daily as a silent witness of our commitment. Our prayer says we "bear the cross through the battles of our earthly life." Evangelism takes God into the world wherever you are and whatever you are doing with another person. All interaction is evangelism.

Fr. Elder closed by reminding us to start everything with God-before we get out of the car, before we go into a meeting, before we open our mouth. When we allow the Triune God to open and strengthen the opportunities, we will be agents of creation of new Christians.

The final speaker was Fr. Mike, the Prov. 7 Chaplain. His talk on evangelism can be found here.

Assembly opened with Eucharist and closed with a moving service of Taize. Next year's Provincial Assembly will be in conjunction with Triennial-in other words in Utah. Please do consider attending as a delegate from your chapter!

Welcome Redeeming Grace Chapter and Happy Birthday DOK

Welcome to the Redeeming Grace Chapter at Grace Episcopal Church in Carlsbad, NM!

The Holy Spirit has been actively working in the Daughters of the King of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The Redeeming Grace Chapter at Grace Church, Carlsbad, NM was reinstituted on March 30. Five women of the church have been meeting in discernment since the first of the year. Welcome to Sara, Marta, Janet, Bernice, and Barbara! 

Front: L to right Marta Gallegos (President), Janet Bloom, Barbara Weaver (Treasurer), Bernice Fox, Sara Stephens (Secretary), and her daughter, Anna Stephens (maybe a future Jr!). Back: Cynthia Davis (Diocesan President) & Fr. Rod Hurst, Rector Grace Church.

A new chapter  (Santiago Chapter) is also in formation at St. James, Taos and will be installed in June. Three new Jr. Daughters will be installed at St. Chad’s, Albuquerque in May. Several chapters around the Diocese have new Daughters as well. There is lots happening with the Daughters in the Diocese!

And-did you know, April 4 is the birthday of the Daughters of the King! We are 129 years old today! We were founded on April 4, 1885 by Margaret J. Franklin. It was Easter Eve, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, NYC. (Now the Church of the Resurrection.) Birthday Blessings to all DOK wherever in the world they may be, esp. in the Diocese of the Rio Grande!

Province 7 Assembly: April 11-13, 2014 in San Antonio

Dear Sisters in Christ

Registration information for the Province VII Assembly is now available! This should be a lovely time of celebration with Daughters from around the Province. The theme is "The Great Commission" and speakers will be Fr. Mike Gemiganai (Prov. 7 Chaplain), the Rev. Clayton Elder & Samira Izadi of Gateway of Grace.

We gather on Friday evening for fellowship and Eucharist. After a light breakfast on Saturday, April 12, there will be a brief business meeting followed by the speakers. After dinner, we will close with Taize-always a lovely and reflective service.

Registration costs $75 and rooms are available at the Fairfield Inn across the street from St. Thomas, San Antonio for $95/night. Certainly a reasonable price, esp. if you can find a friend to share with.

You can download the registration form from the Prov. 7 website. If that doesn't work, contact Cindy for an emailed pdf of the registration.

Hope to see many of you there!

Make Plans to Attend...Assembly 2014

On January 18, your DOK Board met at Holy Spirit Church in El Paso for a board meeting, followed by a lovely tea provided by the ladies of the Teresa of Avila Chapter at Holy Spirit. Some 30 Daughters and interested women enjoyed tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and wonderful conversation. Here's a short video of the event (this is the first try at this so bear with me).

We, of the DOK Board, are excited about plans for the 2014 Diocesan Assembly and hope to see many of our Sisters from around the Diocese.

Assembly will be August 1-2 at Holy Faith in Santa Fe! Put the date on your calendar, so you don't miss it!
Already the Frederick B. Howden Chapter is hard at work with plans to make this a fun and memorable Assembly. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sage Inn, not far from the Plaza and church for the amazing price of $104/person/night. This is a wonderful price for Santa Fe during Opera Season and you can share a room with a friend to split the cost. To make it easier on those traveling, we will gather on Friday evening (starting at 5PM) at the Sage Inn Sunrise Room for registration, light supper, and our first talk.
Saturday events, like the business meeting, Eucharist, and talks, will be at Holy Faith. Our host chapter is planning many lovely things for the Assembly in the way of welcome and meals.
After the Assembly there is the opportunity for a private tour of the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and/or a night at the Santa Fe Opera to see Carmen. (If you are interested in Carmen, contact VP Heather Wales so she can start to get an idea of how many might want to attend.) Maybe you just want to do some sight-seeing in the City Different and have dinner at La Fonda or one of the other delightful places in Santa Fe.
Registration forms for Assembly will be sent out after Easter. The registration cost this year will remain the same as last year ($40). Every chapter should plan to have some representation this year as we share ways to live out our vow of Service from the Prov. 7 Service Chair, Marilyn Lawson.

While you are making plans to attend this year's Assembly-start thinking about sending a delegate to Triennial July 19-23 in Midway, UT. Track plans for Triennial on the special section of the National website.
You can follow the 'virtual torch' through all the Dioceses, both nationally and internationally, from now until Triennial. Watch the world light up with Daughters upholding the Light of Christ. The Diocese of the Rio Grande will be featured in October! 

Walking in the Light-to Triennial 2015

Make plans now to Attend Triennial!! July 19-23, 2015:

DOK Trienniel Assembly AND Province VII Assembly @ Zermatt Homestead Resort, Midway, UT (50 miles from Salt Lake City)

Pam Runyon, the President of The Order of the Daughters of the King says, "As the Order grows and the number of Daughters attending this event reaches 600, it is becoming more difficult to find a venue which is within our budget. We are delighted that the Zermatt/Homestead Resorts will be able to accommodate us and meet our needs. The beautiful setting will be inspirational and we look forward to the unique opportunities this site will give us to glorify the Lord."

“We (National Council) encourage all Daughters to start “Walking in the Light” to improve their health and encourage those around them to do the same.  Chapters can support each other by gathering for weekly walk and prayer meetings while dioceses and provinces may start friendly challenges to see who can travel the most miles between now and Triennial.  We know that it only takes one spark to start spreading the Light of Christ, and by encouraging others we may inspire that Daughter who is struggling to avoid diabetes, to lose weight, or to maintain a healthy blood pressure without medication. So start preparing now and watch for updates through The Order’s electronic media and The Royal Cross!” (It’s estimated that walking 4 miles/day will equal the distance from GA to UT!)

Torch Relay

January 1: The National Office staff lit a candle and the National Council began a schedule that has the Triennial Prayer Torch traveling for a week at a time through all 50 states, Washington D.C., and other countries with DOK chapters.  The relay will end with the torch in Utah and a “lighting ceremony” included in the Opening Service at Triennial 2015. Keep up with the torch and learn about other Dioceses and Daughters by clicking the torch link on the left top of the home page of this blog!

On the way the torch will reach the Diocese of the Rio Grande in October! Watch for ways we can highlight our Daughters while the (virtual) Torch is here! 

Holy Triune God, Source of all light ~ radiate deep within us the longing to be Your light in this world.  Send forth this torch, a sacrament of hope and praise, into the welcoming hands of Your Daughters, that all who give and receive its light might be transformed.  Love’s Flame, be with us, shining bright and wild into unknown reaches, inviting us in the way we should go.  Bless the work of our hands ~ the preparation for these Triennial Days that Your splendor ~ sovereign and constant ~ may be unleashed for all the world to see. Amen.