Hello, My Brothers!

It is sometimes challenging to come up with a topic to share in the semi-monthly that is of interest and short enough to encourage reading it and then feeling glad that you did so. This is one of those times. However, a thought came to mind concerning education and the quest we are all on to improve ourselves in Masonry. I talked in the past about the many educational tools that the Supreme Council makes available to members such as – The “Master Craftsman” program, book reviews in the bi-monthly journal, “Morals and Dogma”, The “Scottish Rite Ritual” Monitor & Guide,” “Heredom,” and thousands of books available online or through your local library system, and much more. However, the one publication that is readily available, affordable and informative as you continue your lifelong quest within Freemasonry to gain more light, is the Short Talk Bulletin provided monthly by the Masonic Service Association (MSA). This monthly bulletin is, by its title, short and easy to read. The contents educates you on some new fact with which you may not have been previously aware, clarifies a topic previously misunderstood, or even introduces a new thought or idea that you have yet to ponder to evaluate whether it fits in your current scope of beliefs, maybe you need to expand a bit and add one more absolute to your toolbox as you travel through life making yourself a better man and hence a better Mason!

I encourage you to visit the online store at the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) website at www.msana.com and order your annual subscription to the monthly Short Talk Bulletin (only $12.00 per year). I am confident that you will not be disappointed!

As far as the modular buildings are concerned, upon completion and provision of the certificate of occupancy, I will let you know so we can all assist Ill:. Keith our General Secretary when he requests assistance in transferring what we have stored in PODS to the on-property structure at our new home. You know the saying – “many hands make little work!”

The Executive Committee will start planning for what’s next for the Valley of Orlando establishing a vision statement, so we can all focus on those activities that will take us forward in growth of membership, enrichment of our VMAP efforts and ensuring the needs and desires of all our members are considered in making our plans in moving us forward into tomorrow. A special note for the members of the Executive Committee – you are reminded that your attendance is required at all executive committee meetings, but most importantly, at the up and coming Exec Com meeting on the 29th of August. We need your input and feedback as we look forward!

Speaking of the future and moving forward, membership is important, and now is the time we should be introducing the A.A.S.R. and the benefits that are available to assist a Master Mason to continue with further growth and a deeper understanding of our Masonic fraternity. While membership efforts should be a year-round effort the three months before each reunion are particularly important and reminds those, who were considering the A.A.S.R. that now is the time to act.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful! Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time. Thanks for your continued support and participation; and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,
Ill:. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you made them feel!”