"For over 120 years the Order has lent a hand throughout the world . . . we have a justly deserved reputation for genuine caring"
Frances Sellew, President [more]

The Members' Manual is available in PDF format. The manual will be available as each section is completed. Click on the image above to see the first two sections. Additional sections coming soon!

DONATIONS FOR HAITI RELIEF

Thousands of children have been injured, killed, orphaned, or are now homeless because of the earthquake in Haiti. Today, kids are wandering the streets. They have no place to sleep. No food to eat. No clean water to drink. Many have lost one or both parents. They have no one to turn to. They urgently need food, shelter, and medical attention!

KidsAlive missionaries are working hard to protect the children. If you wish to donate, go the KidsAlive website at the link below and follow the instructions to make a donation. Your generous gifts will further assist these helpless children and families in the name of Jesus.

http://www.kidsalive.org/haiti-relief/

CHAUTAUQUA OPEN WEEKS - SUMMER 2010

Have you planned your vacation yet? Why not consider CHAUTAUQUA? Open Weeks are Weeks 5 - 9.

SPACE AVAILABLE
Week 5 - Clergy Week - limited space - Bonnie or Benedict;
Week 6 - Theme "Photography" - Florence-Bonnie-Benedict;
Week 8 - Theme "Powering the Future" - Bonnie - Benedict;
Week 9 - Theme - "Supreme Court" Bonnie - Benedict.

Chautauqua GATE PASS cost is $345 if purchased before June 1, $356 after June 1. The group rate would be slightly lower if we have more than 20 persons in residence any one week.

I look forward to seeing some new faces ! ! ! Request a RESERVATION FORM at pianoBJM@aol.com. (Click here for more information.)

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This is an exciting time for members of The King's Daughters and Sons. Members throughout North America are making plans to attend the 49th General Convention June 3-6, 2010, in Mayville, NY (adjacent to the famous Chautauqua Institution). To be held at the beautiful Chautauqua Suites Hotel, the meeting will offer King's Daughters and Sons the opportunity to come together to celebrate the work which has been accomplished and to renew spirits for the challenges ahead.

Besides the conducting of the general business of this 124 year old Christian service organization, members and guests will be treated to exciting speakers Mark Yeager of TEAAM (a Mississippi support group for families living with autism); Vicki Dusebout, the President of the Southern California Branch, whose group strongly supports Acres of Love, a group of orphanages in Africa; and Al Lackey, the Executive Director of Kids Alive International. These individuals will bring enthusiastic words about their respective missions. In addition, several members will present workshop about literacy, autism, Bible study, and many more interesting topics.

King's Daughters and Sons will have the opportunity to network and to learn of the successes that members across the United States and Canada have experienced. Several areas are experiencing robust membership increases and their members will share what works for them.

Please join members at the beautiful Chautauqua area in June. The organization's three houses and chapel will be open for tours. The final day will find convention attendees gathering in the Ida A. Vanderbeck Chapel for a rededication and communion service.

The members of the Executive Board and I look forward to seeing each one of you at the 49th General Convention. The registration form is printed in the latest issue of The Silver Cross. Join us to rejoice in the services which members of The King's Daughters and Sons do every day to help people across the world.

CLERGY RENEWAL WEEK 2010

It's time once again to visit with clergy in your area about attending the 2010 Clergy Renewal Week session at Chautauqua, NY from July 24 - July 31. If you have, or have had, an opportunity to talk with any of the participants from the last three sessions, I'm sure that you have heard encouraging responses. They felt that the time spent there was educational, inspirational, relaxing and renewing. (click here for more)

Ottawa City Union of The King's Daughters and Sons provides scholarships at three local universities, University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the University of St. Paul. Each year the University of St. Paul invites the OCU Board to meet at the university, followed by a reception to meet the students and the professors involved. Doreen Murthy (left), formerly second vice-president of OCU, who oversees the scholarships, is shown with the 2009 recipients. (Doreen was elected Ontario Branch President at the 2009 Ontario Branch Convention.)

Four members of the Jennie C. Benedict Circle at the graveside service for Jennie C. Benedict on the 81st Anniversary of her death. Left to right: Zerilda Frantz, Norma Beasey, Jean Donovan, and Anne Eyle. To read more about the First Annual Jennie C. Benedict Luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky, click here.

CHESAPEAKE BAY CIRCLE FILLS 20 LITERACY BAGS

In July, the Chesapeake Bay Circle of the Virginia Branch filled over 20 Literacy Bags for delivery to local schools, the library, the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, as well as doctor and dental offices in the Chesapeake Bay community. All members participated and made it a big success.

Tennessee - 2010 Convention will be held April 9-10th, at The King's Daughters & Sons Home in Bartlett, TN. The Theme is "Living for God through Hospitality" and our scripture will be 1 Peter 4:9-10 "Offer hospitality to one another...Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

Pennsylvania - 2010 Convention will be held May 1st, at Pottstown, PA. Guest speaker, President Frances Sellew.

WISCONSIN BRANCH NEWS

News from the Wisconsin Branch is now available online! See Wisconsin Branch or click on Branch Highlights in the main menu above right.

February is Heart Month so this poem is very appropriate.

Heart Gifts

It's not the things that can be bought
That are life's richest treasure,
It's just the little "heart gifts"
That money cannot measure…
A cheerful smile, a friendly word,
A sympathetic nod,
Are priceless little treasures
From the storehouse of our God…
They are the things that cannot be bought
With silver or with gold,
For thoughtfulness and kindness
And love are never sold…
They are the priceless things in life
For which no one can pay,
And the giver finds rich recompense
In GIVING THEM AWAY.

Helen Steiner Rice

Bible Study Suggestions - a list of thought-provoking subjects that would make excellent Bible Study topics, including "Women in the Old Testament", "Jesus' Parables of Grace" etc. Click here for a complete list of suggested topics.

Note: this list contains excellent suggestions and includes a sample Bible Study and Bible Study Resources - well worth a look for anyone searching for ideas.

Everything you ask for in prayer, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

2010 GENERAL CONVENTION
Register Early! Click here for more information about the 2010 convention at Chautauqua and a copy of the registration form. Come Home to Chautauqua in 2010!

New Horizons Program, 2010

New Horizons 2010, August 28 - September 2.

Text: Colossians 4:5-6
“Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how you ought to answer every one.”

2010 New Horizons Themes: Autism, Literacy, Membership, Leadership

New Horizons On The Road is available to come to your Circle or Branch. It is a one day program from 9:00 am to 4:30 p.m. The agenda includes not only information about the Order but how we can all use this information to spread the word to others. A power point presentation has been prepared and there will be opportunities for you to share your knowledge and enthusiasm as well. You are welcome to invite prospective members to come along with you. To arrange for New Horizons On The Road to come to your Branch/Circle, your Branch President or Circle President should contact Chris White, CPA, The King's Daughters and Sons Headquarters, PO Box 1017, Chautauqua, NY 14712. Phone: 716-357-4951 E-mail: iokds5@windstream.net

For more about the New Horizons Program and how to apply, click here.

INDIANA'S PURPLE STREAK newsletter is now available in your email Inbox and also online. Click here to learn more.

"STORYTIME TO GO" BACKPACKS
In Virginia Beach, VA, the local libraries have "Storytime to Go" backpacks for toddlers and preschoolers to check out. The backpacks contain books arranged by themes such as dinosaurs, ABCs, counting, shapes, and colors. Each backpack has four books, a puppet, and CD plus activity sheets with songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. The backpacks are designed to promote storytimes and a love of reading. They are color coordinated (blue for infants and toddlers and green for preschools) and are very popular. A recent grant from Target enabled the library system to increase the number of backpacks.
(From an article by Rita Frankenberry in The Virginian Pilot - January 15, 2009)

BRANCH AND CIRCLE ACTIVITIES REPORT
NEBRASKA:
Wide Awake Circle of Sidney is living up to its name. With the help of generous donations from businesses, organizations and foundations, Circle members were able to provide food boxes to over 100 families who needed help during the holidays. The managers and employees of Safeway and Sonny's Super Foods helped to pack the food boxes and had everything ready for pick up and delivery by the City of Sidney Street Department. (click here for more.

Home
Who We Are and Where to Find Us
Scholarship Programs
Endorsed Projects
News and Coming Events
Membership: Joining IOKDS
Branch Highlights
Junior Circles
President's Message
Contact Us
SITE MAP - Finding Your Way Around This Website
ARCHIVE - Photos and Articles Previously Featured On This Website

Chautauqua
Scholarship
Program
Information on the Program and how to apply.
[more]

MAPPING CIRCLES

Maps with a complete listing of KDS Branches and Circles in the United States and Canada. [more]

DONOR FORM
A Donor Form is now available for those wishing to donate funds to the Order. The form allows donors to specify where funds should be allocated if they wish. International President Frances Sellew has a special message calling for your support. Click here.

Forms and applications are available online for various programs including Donor Form, Clergy Renewal Week, Member at Large Dues Form, NAI Scholarship, etc. For a list of forms, click here.

KING'S DAUGHTERS AND SONS WEBSITES AND ONLINE PROJECTS
A growing list of KDS websites that highlight some of the Order's most important projects.
[more]

CLERGY RENEWAL WEEK 2010
Applying for Clergy Renewal Week 2009.
[more]

AWARDS PRESENTED BY INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP EXTENSION COMMITTEE
[more]

NEW IOKDS LOGO
Artwork available.
[more]

COMMEMORATIVE BRICK PROGRAM
A permanent and affordable way to recognize someone special. [more]

Current and prospective members who do not belong to a Circle or Branch may pay dues directly to the Order and enjoy the rights and privileges of all members, including a subscription to The Silver Cross. Please print and fill out the form here.

BRANCH NEWS

TEXAS, GEORGIA, MISSOURI, OHIO, INDIANA, ONTARIO AND MORE!

For photos and news, click here

New Horizons Scholarship Program - click here.

IOKDS SCHOLARSHIPS GIVE HOPE AND HELP TO THOSE AT RISK

Thinking about Rosanny not only encourages me, but also challenges me to live selflessly. When we first met “Nany” five years ago, her house didn’t have windows. [more]

WORLD FAMOUS ARTIST CREATES PAINTING TO HELP IOKDS LITERACY FUND-RAISING

Thousands of art collectors in the United States, Europe, and Japan have come to recognize, appreciate, and treasure Pat Moss’ work with its distinctive look and its great popular appeal. This year, she has crafted a unique painting that not only pays homage to and symbolizes the work of the IOKDS, but also will be used to raise funds for the Order. (more)

KDS FEATURED IN VIBRANT MAGAZINE
An article featuring the work of The King's Daughters and Sons in Cleburne, Texas, was recently featured in Vibrant magazine. Click here to read the story. Vibrant is published by the Women of Destiny group at Eastern Heights Church in Cleburne (http://www.easternheightschurch.org/)

RENEWAL COMMITTEE WORKING TO IMPROVE MEMBERSHIP, VISIBILITY

(Read more about the work of the Renewal Committee - click here)

UPDATE FROM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Rosanny Adamez, a full-time university student studying medicine (with the help of a scholarship from The International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons), plans to become a pediatrician. To read about Rosanny's progress in a recent letter to President Frances Sellew and Meredith Houghton, click here.