Daughters at Large…..do you often feel unconnected from the Order, out of touch or alone? DALs have a unique and special role in our Order. You have opportunities to be reflections of God’s love in the larger community wherever you are! Reach out to those in need. Step out to find opportunities to serve. Seek out fellowship with other Daughters. There are now over 2200 of you to spread the Good News and lift high the Cross of Christ. You can make a difference….so bloom where you are planted!
National Office Membership Coordinator - Sharon Stills
After more than thirty-two years as a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King, in two states, and in three chapters, I now find myself a Daughter-at-Large following our move to Seattle, Washington several months ago.
Can one remain true to the Rule of Life without a chapter?
Of course! One can pray daily, study, and remain alert to opportunities to serve and to share Christ’s message in every instance. I wear my cross each day, pray and reflect, read and study, and serve and share as I am led by Christ’s Spirit.
What is the difference between belonging to a chapter and being at-large?
The most obviously is that of community. Over the years, the members of my chapters have been my sisters. Both the encouragement and the accountability so important to membership in an order are most easily and healthily handled within the small community, the chapter. The journey is made so much easier with the companionship, knowledge and wisdom shared by our fellow travelers.
I was blessed to serve on the National Council for nine years, and that provided a special “extra” chapter for me as well. The strength in the diverse perspectives, the prayerful coming together (whether agreeing to disagree or in consensus), provided depth and breadth in my personal growth. The opportunities to work with the young girls in Honduras forming the first Junior Chapter there and with the indigenous youth in Alaska also allowed growth and joy.
There is a DOK Internet List that provides an internet community, and I have participated in this even while a chapter member. With my at-large status, it is more important than ever. The national council representative for Daughters-at-Large has contacted me, as well as my provincial and diocesan at-large representatives. These are vital links for each of us not to feel isolated and alone.
One of the major drawbacks to being “at-large” is the lack of spiritual direction. This built-in feature, of being in a chapter where one’s sisters and a chaplain help to provide the vision and the bounds, is missing. There is a spiritual danger when we narrow our vistas and excuse away our callings. It therefore becomes the duty of each Daughter-At-Large to seek out spiritual direction, to help keep her real and honest.
Blessings, FHS
Kathleen Nyhuis Daughter-At-Large St. Mark’s Cathedral Seattle, Washington
Notify the National Office via the Transition Form, phone or email to Sharon Stills, Membership Coordinator, of your new status. Keep National Office informed about any changes of address, etc. Be certain that you are current in the payment of dues.
Notify the National DOK Chair and your Province contact person as listed above. She can put you in touch with your diocesan contact person if there is one in your diocese to be sure you are on their mailing list. She can tell you if there may be other DALs in your area.
Follow the Chapter link on this website to find out the chapter nearest you. Contact the church or chapter president, if listed, to introdude yourself.
You may stay in contact with other DALs through the Yahoo Groups email prayer list.
Wear your cross daily! It is a wonderful evangelism tool.
Continue faithfully in prayer...for your church, other Daughters, and all others in need. Perhaps you may want to start a chapter in your new church!
Look for ways to serve as you are able. Remember...BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!
For further questions, special prayer requests, a listening ear or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me! We plan to expand our Daughters of the King website so that all of our Daughters at Large may have access to resources and materials for spiritual formation that you may miss by not being part of a Chapter.
