​My dear Brothers, it has been a distinct honor and my pleasure these last two years writing for the Masonic Light Publication. It has been enjoyable and a challenge, enjoyable because we have studied together, and challenging because of the great questions you asked causing me to seek and find. I hope you received something out of my articles which you were able to apply.
 Now is the time for us as a “Band of Brothers” to once again come together and support our New Grand Master and the Elected Line Officers. Each of these men are here to serve you and assist you in any way possible.
  The past several years of working with R.W. Brother Cal, I have grown to know his heart and I can assure you he will serve us with all his energy, heart and soul with an impartial mind to make those difficult decisions that come with the duty of being our Grand Master.
The cement which binds our Subordinate Lodges as one Grand Lodge is our Code and Constitution, Rules and By-Laws, we each freely took under obligation to abide by. We must not always look to the Grand Lodge to solve Lodge problems. We must solve our problems before they get out of hand, and cease looking for someone else to solve our problems by sweeping it under the rug of complacency hoping it will go away. This has never worked because the problems remain there getting bigger and more out of hand. As Deputy Barney Fife said, “Nip it in the bud.”      Some of the problems Lodges want the Grand Master to solve are personal conflicts between Brothers, budget, finances, and the question of “should we merge with another Lodge?”  My Brothers, these challenges can only be solved on the Lodge Level as God fearing men who want our Fraternity to continue.  We must educate, challenge, and inspire our new and old members to stand up and “Do That Which is Right.”  Let us begin anew to enforce our laws, become one mind as our ancestors did, which made our Fraternity what it is today, this is the time, now is our place in history, and none other should satisfy us. 
   Our Grand Master and your elected line can only recommend, it is up to each Brother to roll up his shirt sleeves and work in his Lodge and show the community what we as a Fraternity stands for.  Each of us need to stop, look and listen to the changes the world is taking. Churches are losing members, 40 percent of the population does not believe in God, crime is on the rise, and people only think about themselves. Many seek what they can get for doing nothing. My Brothers A.F.M. does not mean All for Me!!  Now is the time for each of us to demonstrate to humanity what we are made of and what we stand for, and how we are here for our neighbors and Brothers in a time of need.  Now is the time, here is the opportunity before us, we shall pass through this world but once, any good;  therefore, that we can do, any wisdom we can impart or any kindness we can show to any human being, let us do it now!  Let us not be deterred or neglect our duty, for this world is not our home and we shall not pass this way again.
Word of the Month: Destiny: the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future.
Quote of the Month: Be all that you can be!
Thought of the Month: May God, the Grand Architect, continue to Bless our Fraternity.  
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden  
​Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
To Know Wisdom
Brothers, we have just celebrated the birth of our saver, Jesus Christ, a wonderful time of the year. To remember the love He gave and showed to the world demonstrates “greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” During our Ladies Night at our Lodges, we invited widows of our beloved Brothers who have passed to that Celestial Lodge, that House not made with hands. It was made from Love and Compassion for people of the world, another lesson which Jesus taught us. We as Masons came together to show our love and respect for each other and we did not forget the memories of our deceased Brothers nor their families. This showed, “love for each other.” We have elected New Officers for the ensuing Masonic Year. Each Brother elected to a station or appointed to an office has a great responsibility and a duty to his Brethren and the Fraternity to be ready to lead, make them and their Lodge stronger in Ritual Work, understanding the By-laws and Constitution, most of all gave something back to the community. Those of us not elected or appointed have a duty to support our Lodge and our officers.

As a child growing up on the Mill Hill, my parents provided everything our family needed. The most precious gift was their good name. My mind often goes back to the times my parents would open the Bible and share God’s Word. I remember the following words from King David, and then I heard them again when I entered Law Enforcement: “To know wisdom and instruction; To perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (Proverbs: Chapter 1 vs. 2-5). If the new officers, follow these simple rules, they will have a great year by providing and gaining respect from their Brothers. To all New Masters and Wardens, you are now the leaders of your Lodge. Prepare yourself to be a great leader of men, pray for understanding, a will to listen, have the courage to “always do that which is right.” Let our New Year’s Resolution be to leave the world better than when we found it. This will take teamwork, the most successful organizations are where subordinates input is welcomed, and leaders are willing to listen. The Lessons of Freemasonry are based upon truth, and they will keep on being true. The pages of history prove over and over truth never wears out and it does not succumb to the passage of time, but rather provides the courage to face times of trial and despair. It promotes within the individual, compassion to be generous to his fellow man in all his distresses. It enables one to realize the greatest charity is not when we give from ourselves, rather when we give of ourselves. Word of the Month: Educate- to give and provide intellectual, moral and social instruction. Quote for the Month: “Listen before you speak.” William Arthur Ward Thought for the Month: Demonstrate your love for one another by never placing yourself before our beloved Fraternity.
Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow.
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER The Master’s Journey to Past Master
A Brother elected to the office of Master of his Lodge must have the characteristics of a good leader, Trust in God, The Great Architect of The Universe. The Brother must have moral convictions, which is a subjective assessment of one’s attitude about a specific issue or situation, that is associated with one’s moral beliefs and fundamental sense of right or wrong. He must be dedicated to serving the Craft and protecting his Lodge from failure and set the example to always strive to be the best that one can be. A good leader is a good listener. One can learn something new just by listening to good counsel from all Brothers. As he works through the appointed chairs and the Elected Line, he has given his support to the Brothers and Masters who have gone before him. In these positions, he has shown the Craft he is fit to hold the positions that have been entrusted to him by being dedicated, attending all required meetings, learning the Rituals, overseeing the superintendence and direction of the work of his Lodge. As one can understand, it takes a lot of work, time and dedication to be a Master, Warden and member of a Masonic Lodge. On this journey to the East, he should have now become experienced in all the degrees and Rituals, learned the finances of his Lodge and made himself a better Mason and individual. He has had the opportunity to observe the Brothers, who hopefully, will make their way to the East one day as Master. At the end of his term as Master, he has earned the title of Past Master. He now becomes one of the most important members of his Lodge. As a Past Master, he has gained the knowledge, experience, know how and the Moral Compass to keep his Lodge on the right track. He must insure that the Brothers who start their journey to the East are persons that have the interest of the Craft at Heart, have good morals, dedicated and willing to learn plus many more qualities. After a Brother is elected to an office, on the night of his installation, he makes a promise before God and his Lodge that he will perform the duties of his office. The Members and Past Masters must insure that his promise is kept. I challenge all Past Masters to attend their Lodge and be prepared to give sound and wholesome instruction to the Brothers that seek guidance. I once was told by a Past Grand Master, if a person does not share his experience and knowledge, it is as if you opened a book that was titled “Behold All Secrets of Man,” but when you eagerly opened the book to gain this knowledge all you found were white blank pages. If we go through this world without sharing our knowledge and experience, we leave ​nothing behind for the Brothers that will follow, and we are long forgotten if we are unwilling to share the knowledge we have gained on our journey through life. All Brothers have a duty to attend their Lodge, support their officers and serve in any small way they can. If our members fail to attend, then your Lodge will surely die. Some Brothers say “I send in my dues!” Brothers, while we thank you for this support, it is of utmost importance that you attend meetings and are instrumental in helping us preserve our history and the Fraternity.
O. B. Smith, III, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

Band of Brothers The officers of a Lodge have been elected or appointed to serve the Lodge because of their particular talents. Some are more gifted in certain areas than others, but all of them must possess one very important characteristic, that of DEVOTION TO DUTY. When our Brother accepts an office in our Lodge, he is affirming to the Brethren he has committed himself to Masonry and to the complete success in his office. Additionally, when a Brother joins our Lodge, it is a twofold commitment as he unites with his Band of Brothers. There is a great deal of planning, studying, and attending involved in each of these offices and each officer will need the support of everyone. When we are not prepared to make these sacrifices and prioritize, we are not being just to our Band of Brothers by accepting the office. If you do not have the support of your family and are willing to place GOD first, family second, your chosen vocation third and the Lodge fourth, then you should have never taken the responsibility of a Lodge Officer. Every officer must work with enthusiasm, not only at his own particular job in the Lodge, but he must assist each officer in the performance of their duties. In the performance of duty, the officer demonstrates a desire to ascend to the next office in line or to some other position of responsibility in the long line of service. A successful Lodge is united through a good educational program, good Lodge administration and management, a good mentoring program, a good community outreach program, and good Ritual. It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure your Lodge is a Band of Brothers. Decorum in our Lodge was established by our Founding Fathers. They wanted to institute a culture grounded in unity and decorum creating place for our families to gather and a quality experience for the aspirant. They were convinced of the need to be distinctive in terms of quality rather than opaque. As we think about the year 2018 with the challenges, hopes and dreams awaiting, we must not find ourselves looking back. We must remain united as a Band of Brothers who meet on the level. A portion of the charge we administer to each Senior Warden is very poignant-- “The LEVEL demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and, though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are Brethren.” It is interesting how our mind recalls a song, poem or a particular place we identify with which corresponds to a time in our lives. Poetry was never one of my strong suits, however certain stanzas from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson does permeate my thoughts as I reflect on our Band of Brothers.
​Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Word of the month: Decorum---etiquette, protocol, good form, custom, convention, formalities, niceties, Quote for the month & Thought for the month:  “Your beliefs become your thoughts,  Your thoughts become your words,  Your words become your actions,  Your actions become your habits,  Your habits become your values,  Your values become your destiny.”                                                     
Mahatma Gandhi 
​Carpe Diem Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow
O.B. Smith, SGW Chairman, MEC

​Opportunities multiply as they are seized!
It was not long after entering Law Enforcement, I was introduced to the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu. The text presents basic principles of warfare and provides military leaders advice on when and how to fight. As I began my career as an officer, I gleaned many truths which aided me in my interaction with my community and fellow officers. The book offers specific battle strategies providing broad advice about conflicts, their resolution, and on life. As a young officer, to me the most significant was “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Sun Tzu noticed momentum was important to warfare and the same is true in life. Similarly, in a career or Fraternity, often small actions snowball into something bigger. For example, volunteering at work could lead to networking contacts providing clients, or a future job. In our Fraternity, attending Special Communications of your Grand Lodge provides the opportunity to meet and develop friendships which last a life time. Being present could lead to an opportunity to serve as a Grand Lodge Officer. My life in Law Enforcement turned where I met Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown, who provided opportunity for growth. As I volunteered for special duty, new opportunities were presented. I began as a Patrol Officer, next vice and ultimately, property crimes. Upon reflection, I know each season of my life provided momentum through opportunities for growth equipping me for increased responsibility. Each season in my life, united with your support, has enabled me to serve our beloved Fraternity. To concentrate on one season is to miss the kaleidoscope of life. Consequently, to appreciate challenges facing our Fraternity, we need to know our history, appreciate our present, embrace our challenges and plan for our future.
Consider the following parable. There was a father who had four sons which he wanted to learn not to judge too quickly. Therefore, he sent them on a quest to gaze at a pear tree located a great distance away. The first son he sent in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest in the fall. Upon completion, the father called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said, “the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.” The second son said, “no, it was covered with green buds and full of promise.” The third son disagreed. He said, “it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.” The last son adamantly disagreed. He said “it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.” The father then explained that each of them was correct, because they had each seen but one season in the tree’s life. He told them that “you cannot judge a tree, or a person by only one season.” The essence of life’s joy, and love shared, can only be measured at the end of the journey when all the seasons ensue. If you miss the opportunity of your winter, you will miss the opportunity of your spring, missing the opportunity of your summer, and fulfillment of your fall. Don’t let the pain of one season rob your joy contained in the next season. Consequently, our Fraternity has faced the pain of Masonic Trials, financial challenges, NPD’s, neglected facilities, and declining membership. The spring of our Fraternity was when we accepted men from all stations of life as equals. The summer of our Fraternity attracted the greatest philosophical minds. The fall of our Fraternity remained selective on the quality of aspirant we would accept. Now we find ourselves in the winter of our Fraternity focusing on numbers. Focusing on one season, we can miss the purpose of Freemasonry! No season in Freemasonry was codified to increase our membership. Our defined purpose and goal is to serve our communities by developing our membership providing the opportunity for growth and service, not increasing the number of members on the roll. Sometimes, it just takes one opportunity for the floodgates to open. Attend your Lodge and Grand Lodge because silence is also a lost opportunity.
Word of the month:
Videlicet-adverb, Latin - that is to say; namely (used especially to
introduce examples, details, etc.).
Quote of the month:
“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the
bricks others throw at him.” Sidney Greenberg
Thought of the month: Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here
am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6: vs. 8
Carpe Diem
Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow.
O.B. Smith, SGW
Chm., ME

Out of the Darkness
From the dawn of humanity, mankind has asked a variety of
questions, who am I, where did I come from, is there a GOD, and how do I communicate with Him? Consider how when we were born into this world, the doctor slapped us on our butt and the shock caused us to breathe and life began. From that instant, our sole existence depended on family members and caretakers to feed us, clothe us, and to protect us from all harm developing our “spiritual being” to learn who God is and His demands for His children. From the instant we opened our eyes, we sought to leave the darkness and advance towards the light. Through support,
we began to develop. We were taught to crawl, communicate, to speak, to think on our own, to reason things out and walk out of the darkness. This gift of God to man endowed us with the knowledge of right from wrong, calling mankind out of the darkness to eternal life.

We learn things from our family members, friends, acquaintances, and GOD’s great light, how to survive and to develop our spiritual being (soul). Conversely, when we entered Masonry, we needed the same care and teachings to survive. We used our skill and reasoning to come out of the darkness when we asked a Brother how to be a Mason? This desire came only after we observed Masons in our communities, workplaces, churches, synagogues, and houses of worship, demonstrating their dedication to God, Family, Community and the desire to serve mankind in any way they could.

Our first entrance into the Lodge was a shock as we came out of the darkness into “new birth.” This was followed immediately by Brethren teaching us the allegorical and archetypal meaning of Masonry. The Lodge prayed an earnest plea to God to ensure us with competency of His divine wisdom so we may understand His
goodness. 
​
Consequently, it is the duty of all Masons to teach, model, instruct and insure each new Entered Apprentice is given all the tools ensuring he can and will build the house of the eternal spirit. We are often reminded of the necessity to continually and carefully study the Great Light of Masonry, the Holy Bible that rules and governs our everyday life and our interaction with all mankind. By being encouraged to continue our study of the Great Light, we come out of the darkness to build our spiritual house, not made with hands.

​Consider the color of the lambskin apron and how the color is to remind us of purity of life, which is one of the characteristics of a Mason. RW Brother Cal, our DGM, has reminded the Craft, an aspirant joins Freemasonry, we do not join him. He is in the dark, he may have no knowledge of the Great Light nor God’s plan for each of us. The aspirant should align with our tenants; however, he must be mentored. Those of us who were blessed by our parents who loved and raised us to be men of faith, men that care for the human race, men that love and obey the Great Architect of the Universe, owe it to be faithful and do the same to those in our circle of acquaintance. As Masons, we should study the Great Light of Masonry, to renew our minds so we can know the will of GOD. Establishing GOD’s word as the authority for our life, is vital for defending against the spiritual attacks seeking to distract, deceive, and waylay our Father’s greatest creation...man. Never forget that without guidance and the proper instruction, we will lose each Entered Apprentice, exiling them to the world of darkness.

Quote of the Month: “Individual commitment to a group effort, which is what makes a team work, a company work, a society to work, a civilization to work.” Vince Lombardi

Thought of the Month: Commit yourself to change the world in small ways by investing yourself into others one life at a time.

Word for the Month: Knowledge Facts, information and skills acquired by a person through experience or education, theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
​
Fraternally,
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
Repentance, Forgiveness, Grace, Reconciliation & Service
Often our life can “turn on a dime!” This became clear when Most Worshipful Brother Jay Adam Pearson, PGM, presented me the book, The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. I had already prepared my Masonic Light column and upon his request, I was ready to send it to Most Worshipful Brother Jerry Carver, our Grand Secretary. Why did Wiesenthal entitle his book, The Sunflower? The Sunflower is not a captivating title, but it was a gift so I decided to open it. I could not set the book down until I had read it through. After reading the book, many questions permeated my mind, aligning with my concern for our Lodges, Community, State, and Nation. Rather than wait, I decided to “turn on a dime” and share Simon Wiesenthal’s true story. The storyline in “The Sunflower” depicts Simon being summoned from a concentration camp to the deathbed of a young Nazi soldier, whom Simon calls Karl, and who has been mortally wounded in combat. Karl confesses to Simon his atrocious deeds against the Jews, which he did in the service of the Nazi Regime. Karl shares his repentant heart with Simon, declaring he cannot die in peace without receiving Simon’s (a Jewish person) forgiveness for persecuting the Jewish nation. After hearing the detailed confession containing systematic persecution and slaughter, Simon leaves the room without offering forgiveness. This experience haunts Simon long after the guns and Final Solution had ceased. After the war, Simon searches for and finds Karl’s mother in Stuttgart, Germany and visits with her. Listening to a proud mother as she shares about Karl’s youth; Simon learns about Karl’s Christian upbringing, and his rejection of his parents’ values in joining the Schutzstaffel (SS). Simon ultimately demonstrates his forgiveness by choosing not to tell Karl’s mother the full truth of Karl’s service in the SS and death. After his experience with Karl and his mother, Simon continues to be distressed by the question of whether he should have forgiven the young man.
Simon, like many of our Lodges, was plagued with a need to hold on to hatred and personal convictions rather than accept repentance, offer forgiveness, impart grace uniting in reconciliation and service. The past several years, I have traveled our state, witnessing all the good work our Lodges are doing for humanity. I also must confess I have seen too many situations arise at the ballot box concerning personal picks and quarrels. An EA or FC should only be rejected pending Masonic Charges, not placed in isolated limbo so the “offended Brother” can claim victory. The Great Light of Masonry reveals we all need repentance, forgiveness, and grace. I fully believe Masonry is not for everyone. The petition is the first sentinel for our Fraternity. If a person does not have temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice, then they do not merit a petition. In the same manner, a repentant heart merits forgiveness and grace, providing a bridge of reconciliation and service. Before you cast your ballot on a candidate with whom you have disharmony, go visit with him and reconcile, only then return to the Lodge and vote for the good of Masonry.
Brethren, I pray Karl did find someone to accept his repentant heart, offer forgiveness and impart grace before he died. Now let’s cover the phrase “life can turn on a dime.” Since a dime is the smallest U.S. coin, the ability to “turn on it” is a figure of speech, indicating you can change direction very quickly in a very small space. In this case, it means life can change course quickly. Depending on the circumstances, it can be either good or bad, but either way change will be rapid. Worshipful Master, if your Lodge is experiencing ballot rejections concerning personal picks and quarrels, place a dime on the ballot box for all to see. Share Simon’s experience with Karl and how refusing to accept a repentant heart, needing forgiveness and grace, would haunt Simon for the remainder of his life.
Word of the month: Grace---the free and unmerited favor of GOD
Quote of the month: “For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing.”
Simon Wiesenthal Thought of the month: “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
Carpe Diem
Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow.
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
​

​The Future Begins Now With a New Year! - Fresh Start Initiatives
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FREEMASONS!
As we begin the new Masonic Year, it is a great time to embrace
and improve the Masonic experience for your Lodge Brothers. As
previously stated, I believe that fear is the most crippling attitude
that must be removed before our Lodges can progress and increase
our member value. Often Lodges are crippled by fear of trying new
things or trying to raising the quality standards of the Lodge, and it
is true that not all will like changes, changes are needed to continue
to improve our Masonic Experience for our current and future members. Indeed change is happening whether you plan for it or not!
Men are changing. Complacency is our number one issue. Choose
not to be complacent! It will take work and working together!

EMBRACING THE YEAR TOGETHER!
As we all begin our new year, with our officers taking their respective
leadership roles in our Lodge, it is important that we take time
to plan for this year! Will it be better than last year? Will our Lodge
make a difference to our existing members?

Your Lodge can greatly prepare for success by ALL officers attending your District Instructional Meeting together. Your experience is important so that you can lead the Craft of your Lodge. To prepare for your Instructional Meetings, review the “Lodge of the Future” series of Lesson Plans and Lodge Education Topics, you may find these at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org under the Resources Tab. Use these for enhanced education, analysis with your officers to plan and lead discussion in your Lodge.

Several key events are planned for your Instructional Meetings with time set aside for your specific office and materials for your use this year. If you are a first time officer in any chair in the Masonic Lodge, your will get specialized training for your specific office. We ​will also have time at your meetings to discuss common items, and some of the best instruction from the Masonic Education Committee on the standard Lodge practice and procedure.

Finally Gentlemen, remember that we learn best from each other, so offer to share your experience and your Lodge History with your members. After all, that is the way we have taught for centuries! Many great Freemasons have passed through your doors. Document and share your Lodge history before it passes another generation.

​I hope to see many of you at your District Instructional Meetings, and Worshipful Masters, the upcoming Grand Masters Workshop for Worshipful Masters on January 28, at the Columbia Scottish Rite Center.

Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
Michael D. Smith, Sr., Senior Grand Warden

MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER HOLIDAY PRAYER 
Brethren, as we enter the Holiday Season, a time for Thanksgiving for our many blessings, a special time with family and friends to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and the coming of a New Year, take time to reflect on your personal commitment to God, your Family, our Nation and our Fraternity. So, as you close a year, celebrate your accomplishment, and look forward to the potential of a new year, take time to pause and reflect. In considering what to share with my Brethren, I am led to simply offer a prayer that I hope will inspire you and your Lodge as you celebrate 2016 and prepare for 2017.  Most Holy and Glorious Lord God of Heaven, thank you for the beginning of a new day, as we renew of our vow of service and labors as Free Men and Free Masons, to share your Love, Mercy, and Grace among those that we may touch each day and one with the other. I ask for forgiveness for our errors, and mistakes that have hurt others, while we give thanks for the great compassion that men of faith have for one another.  I ask your infinite blessings upon all members of our Gentle Craft this day, as we prepare for the New Year, as we reflect on our principle role as men of Faith and Love. Today, I ask that each of our members feel your presence and understand the great role each has to love one another, to be the shining example of what is right and true, an example of love, an example of strength and an example of faith.  Guide our thoughts, words, and actions all the days of our lives with that great purpose of teaching and guiding our families and our Lodges, as well as those we influence, to walk in the paths of righteousness and truth. We give thanks for these gifts and the wisdom to properly use our gifts for your honor and glory. Aid us, O God, to learn and use our gifts wisely and well in the coming days.  I ask for your gifts of patience, steadfastness, endurance, wisdom, love and grace upon all my Brethren every day, but more especially as we celebrate this season and accomplishments. Touch each of them with the great sense of purpose as we claim your promise of great success as a body of faith. Lead us every day in the paths of truth, guide the steps of the faithful, to remember our duties to our children, our families, each other, our nation and in the world. Aid us, O God, to learn and use these gifts wisely and well in the coming days.  Lord God, I pray that you imbue our Nation, with the realization that our nation is only as strong as our Faith. Strengthen our members to be the Fatherly example in our homes, communities, churches, states and our Nation.  Remove from among us, those that sacrifice our honor and integrity for their selfish greed and evil motivation, send to us the leaders of faith, leaders who will stand, leaders who will lead and leaders who will pray for strength and guidance every day.  I ask your grace and mercy upon those among us that are suffering from ill health, loneliness, ill fortune, and even estrangement from their families. Guide them to the place in your will and paths that will be pleasing in your sight. As men of faith, we acknowledge that all will be healed in time, according to your purpose, and whether here, so as to be called to further service, or when we claim the promise of joy and fellowship for eternity.  We give humble thanks for all the days of our lives, and all those that have touched our lives, provided guidance and wisdom to us along our journey. May they know that they are truly  Loved. I ask for your finest blessings each of those that have shared of themselves to help us along our journey as men of faith. 
​Amen! So Mote It Be! Amen! 

Our lesson plan for the month references some ways to jump start your New Masonic Year.  Find the Masonic Light Lesson plan under the resources tab at www. scgrandlodgeafm.org. Salve! Salve Frater!   
​
Michael D. Smith   
Senior Grand Warden   
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee 

​LODGE MEMBERSHIP RETENTION  
Brethren, I trust you had a great summer with some time to relax and enjoy family and fellowship.  While many of our Lodges, having been dark for the hot summer days, will gather again to recommence their labors in the quarries of Freemasonry, most of our Lodges have remained at labor and continued to bring in new members and work on Lodge improvement projects.  It is now time to kick off our Membership Programs as we sprint to the end of the year!  It is time to make contact our members and share what your Lodge has been doing this year BEFORE dues collection.  Will the dues notice be the first time members have heard from your Lodge this year?  It is my hope that is not the case for your members sake!
Recently, I was speaking to a Brother Mason at a conference in Denver, CO.  I was asking about his wife who had some health issues, and had followed up with him on a couple of occasions. As we sat together, he shared a sad story of how his wife had been stricken with a sudden illness and several months of recovery.  He commented how much it meant that Brother Masons had supported him and his wife.  He shared that his church, however, had not made one call, not one message, not one card during the time and that they knew about it because of the involvement both had with the church.  They called the church to let them know that they would not be able to teach or serve on committees.  His disappointment was obvious!  He went on to say the first notification from the church was the annual giving notification and the pledge card!  He indicated that he was so upset that he was seriously considered for a few moments not participating as he has always done.  We discuss how all of us fall short in our duty to each other, but thankfully his support from the Freemasons and the great lessons from his faith and the teaching of freemasonry allowed him to pause and reflect. 
What about your Lodge members that are not attending regularly? Have we forgotten them, like this example of my friend and brother?   Are we only asking for their dues money and forgetting that they too are our brothers?
My Brethren, I submit it is time now to reach out, check on our members and see how they are doing.  Some will need our encouragement, others may need our direct assistance and some may need to hear from a familiar friend from the past.  Regardless of the situation, isn’t it part of our duty to our members?  It is easy to forget those which we cannot see, especially when we are busy and focused on other things. But our “Duty is with us Always!”
So Let us take time this fall to reach out to our all of our members, establish a new habit of staying in touch, especially with those in need.  Some members may only get to interact with you my brethren.   Isn’t that what we value the most from our Masonic Journey, fellowship with good men and the Fraternity of Light!                                                                                                                           
Our lesson plan for the month references some ways to improve communication with your members.  Find the Masonic Light Lesson plan under the resources tab at www.scgrandlodgeafm.org.   Salve! Salve Frater!