ARCHIVED WEBSITE MATERIAL
MAY 2009

Virginia Branch news and photos
Ontario Branch news and photos
Charlotte Davidson Founders' Award
April Meditation

SHELTERING ARMS HOSPITAL, FOUNDED BY KING'S DAUGHTERS, CELEBRATES 120 YEARS OF SERVICE

In 1889, just three years after the founding of The King's Daughters and Sons, Rebekah Peterkin of Richmond, Virginia, organized that city's first King's Daughters Circle. Her father was the rector of St. James's Episcopal Church, and in his parish, Miss Peterkin saw daily people who were ill but could not afford medical care. She persuaded her sewing circle to beocme a King's Daughters Circle with the purpose of founding a free hospital - Sheltering Arms. After more than 90 years of providing absolutely free medical care, Sheltering Arms became a physical rehabilitation facility in 1981. Today, with two inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout Greater Richmond, it continues to provide care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Financial support from the community, including individuals and Circles of the Virginia Branch, help to make this possible.

On February 12, 2009, a Founders Day program celebrated 120 years of caring and sharing and honored the thousands of people who served and the tens of thousands of patients to benefitted from their care. "A Walk Through Sheltering Arms' History" featured a number of "characters," in costume, who played important roles in the Hospital's life. "Rebekah Peterkin, " was featured, as well as a member of the Sheltering Arms Circle who represented countless members of the Order who have served the hospital in innumerable ways for twelve decades. All Virginia Branch King's Daughters and Sons were invited to join in this celebration.

Virginia Branch Convention Highlights

The Virginia Branch Convention was held in Virginia Beach on November 1st. Their theme was, "Rejoice in the Lord." Mary Penuel was honored by the Virginia Branch with the Founders Award.

Shown here are Nancy Barret (left), presenting the award to Mary Penuel (center). Frances Sellew, International President, accompanies them on the right.

For the filling of an Ark, Heifer Project International presented the Virginia Branch with the Heifer Award.

Eleanor Foster (right) is the Around the World Department Director for the Virginia Branch.

Frances Sellew led the installation of officers who appear from left to right - Jo Bridgers, Branch Treasurer, Nancy Barret, Branch Vice-President, Faye Hutchinson, Branch President, and Joan Lewis, Assistant Installation Officer.

Faye Hutchinson, Virginia Branch President, takes office.

Outgoing Virginia Branch President, Nan Pointer

Ontario Branch Leadership

The Ontario Branch is proud to announce that Elizabeth (Libby) Rea has accepted the position of Ontario Branch President, effective September, 2008.

Elizabeth (Libby) Rea, Ontario Branch President

Also serving the Ontario Branch are and/or will be Myra Wells, Vice-President, Spiritual Life Director, Stuart McLeod, Treasurer, Jackie Maurais, Secretary, and Vince Ciarlo, Membership Chairman.

CHARLOTTE DAVIDSON RECEIVES FOUNDERS' AWARD

Members of the Ottawa City Union in Ottawa, Ontario, held Founders' Day celebrations January 17, and awarded the prestigious Founders' Day award to Charlotte Davidson, LMCC. Above Charlotte (left) receives the award from Caroline Iwasaki.

MEDITATION
APRIL 2009

The Tale of Three Trees Once upon a time three little trees dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree dreamed of being the most beautiful treasure chest in the world. The second little tree dreamed of being the strongest ship in the world carrying powerful kings. The third little tree dreamed of being the tallest tree in the world - that when people looked at him they would raise their eyes to heaven and to God. Years passed and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters came and chopped down the three trees. The fist little tree became a feed box filled with hay for animals. The second tree became a simple fishing boat to sail on small lakes. The third tree was cut into strong beams and left in a lumberyard.
		Many years passed and the three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening the second tree was carrying a tired traveler and his friends on the lake when a storm arose. The traveler stood, said, "Peace" and the storm quickly ended. The second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth. One Friday morning the third tree was startled when the beams were yanked from the woodpile and a man's hands were nailed to him. He felt ugly and cruel. But on Sunday morning the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It has made the first tree beautiful. It has made the second tree strong. And when people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. Prayer - Gracious Father, so often we are like those little trees - having dreams or expectations that are more aligned with the world we live in than with your desires. But we know, Father, that you have other plans , other opportunities, other challenges in store for us. We know that you see potential in your children that we do not see in ourselves. Help us to always be open to your call and to truly become what you would have us be. We ask this in your precious Son's name. Amen

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