Diocesan Board Retreat and Planning Meeting

The Daughters of the King Diocesan Board met for a time of planning and worship at the Bosque Center the weekend of August 7-8. Our theme was the story of Gideon who, like Daughters, was called by God to accomplish great things through the Spirit of the Lord. Saturday morning was spent in reflection on what the story of Gideon (Judges 6-7) can tell us about stepping out in faith as Daughters. We shared why we are Daughters and what prayer and service ministries we are involved in. (This involved a torch and trumpets!)

After lunch, we got down to some real strategic planning for the coming year and beyond. Our planning was sustained by nibbling on some sheep cookies. Exciting ideas, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were captured. Then we prioritized what to focus on for the coming year. You'll be hearing a lot more about things like "Daughter's Days", Publicity aids, Jr. Daughters in the Diocese and, of course, Assembly 2016! 

It turns out that there has been a Daughters presence in the Diocese since at least 1896. The first recorded record is from St. John's Cathedral when women's ministry minutes note that the St. John's DOK, established 'by 1896', maintained the altar linens and furnishings, 'until a separate altar guild formed'. In 1898, the chapter donated money for the first Missal Stand. Years later they donated a fleur 'd' leis style processional cross. Because 2016 will be the 120th year of Daughters in the Diocese, we are planning to make the upcoming Assembly one of celebration of the history of all chapters in the Diocese. Chapters are encouraged to find out as much about their history as possible!

The Diocesan Board was installed at the Cathedral on August 9. (Some were absent in person due to travel, and one auto accident, but all were present in spirit.) We look forward to serving with one another and all the Daughters in the Diocese. It is our prayer that each chapter and Daughter will find new inspiration in being a Daughter of the King in the Diocese of the Rio Grande! Click on the chapter page to find a list of the officers and links to their emails. 

Triennial Thoughts-Go Light your World!

 
The weekend before General Convention, approximately 500 women from around the world gathered in Midway, UT for the Triennial Assembly of the Order of the Daughters of the King. There were representatives from every Province and 18 countries, including 8 women from the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

The four day assembly was filled with music, worship, inspiring talks, workshops, and fun. Susan O’Brien from the Diocese of Chicago was elected as the next National President. She will serve for 3 years, with the able assistance of 14 other members of the National Council.

Bishop Hyashi of the Diocese of Utah gave a warm welcome to the women on June 20. Bishop Sylvestre Romero, National DOK Chaplain, preached at the opening Eucharist. He focused on the theme of Triennial, ‘Shining the Light of Christ’, noting that in the presence of God darkness and chaos disappear. He encouraged Daughters to tell the story of the Light as we live and serve the Real Jesus.

Canon Andrew White, the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’ was one of the keynote speakers. He encouraged the Daughters to know that whatever we do, and wherever we go or whatever danger we are in, God is with us and will help us. White stated that his job, and ours, is to care for the survivors, as well as loving their (and our) enemies. Canon White was especially encouraging toward the ministry of the Jr. Daughters. One of the Triennial workshops also highlighted the need to evangelize our children and especially our Jr. Daughters. They are living in a world that needs a generative, imaginative faith that will let God’s love BURST into their lives. Just like Bishop Romero stated, we and our young women must know that they belong to the Story of Faith. By supporting our youngsters, we plant in them the knowledge that God is actively present in their lives.

Canon White preached at the inspiring Sunday Eucharist, held outside on the hillside of the Zermott Resort. Afterward, he joined the Jr. Daughters on the hillside. Hundreds of blankets, brought by the ladies to sit on during the Eucharist were donated to local shelters.

The second Triennial speaker was the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Magdalene Ministries and Thistle Farms. This ministry helps women break free from a life of sexual exploitation and trafficking. The women find a haven and learn how to work by making candles, lotions, and other items. Stevens stated that the “Holy Spirit moves us to dance in our brokenness.” She noted that people who are hungry, thirsty, in prison, or hurting do not care if we feel inspired at that moment. They see in us the Light of Christ as we minister to them.

One of the women who has been helped by the Thistle Farms ministry shared her story. She said the key is to keep shining the light, by telling our story, because we don’t know who needs to see the light and hear our story.

At the closing banquet, Becca Stevens gifted each person with a candle made at Thistle Farms as a symbol of carrying the Light of Christ into the world. Music leader Roger Greiner led the group in singing Go Light Your World while the candles were lighted and held out.

View a slide show of images from Triennial here.

Triennial Day 2

Today was really kind of a Sabbath day. We started with a glorious, Spirit-filled Eucharist outside on the hillside by the Zermott gazebo. We had been asked to bring a blanket to sit on for the service. Afterward these were blessed and will be donated to shelters in UT.

Come to the presentation on Saturday to see a video of the procession!
Most of our time base been in the Bernese center at Zermott.

The speaker today was Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms and Magdalene ministries. She gave an inspiring talk, reminding the ladies of the strength of community and the power in supporting each other. She also said to expect the unexpected with the Holy Spirit and not to put too much emphasis on committees and long range plan. If the Spirit is in the activity it will have a life of its own.

Tomorrow's agenda includes ratifying by laws changes, election of anew National board, and any other business of the Order. The time is flying by with all the activities and fellowship and praise music!