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Star Soup Once upon a time, many years ago, a man was on a long journey through the country. He visited many towns and cities and spoke with many people. All along the way he saw hunger; he saw illness and death, he saw loneliness, he saw poverty and his soul became weary. Yet, he continued to trudge along; now seeking a way to feed his soul and the souls of others by reliving the suffering and misery he had seen. He happened upon a tiny village and just as he entered it, he saw a little book lying in the middle of the path. He picked the book up and began to thumb through it. Suddenly he began to smile and it appeared that a great weight was lifted off of him. He said to no one in particular; “I have found it; the recipe to feed the starving souls!” He continued to glance over the little book as he went into the tiny village. A woman came up to him and asked what he was doing. He told her that he believed he had found a way to help the many needy people in the world. The woman scoffed at him. But he continued, “No, really, if there was someone with a great deal of Faith, it can be done.” “Well,” she said, “I’ve got that.” So she began to walk with him. “We cannot do this by faith alone,” she said. He replied, “A little bit of Leadership would be helpful”, just as another woman was passing by. They paused as she told them that she was a great leader. They explained the situation to her as she fell in step with them. As they continued to page thru the little book it became clear that they needed other ingredients if they were to accomplish their goals. Leadership and Faith went off to find Fidelity, Constancy, and Loyalty in the tiny village. They soon returned with them, but they had also found along the way, Courage, Intelligence, Creativity, and Compassion in great measure. The man was thrilled with the finds, and excitedly pointed out where in the little book these would be so important. When he looked up he saw that a great crowd of curious people had gatherd and that they were each unique in their own way by both appearance and gifts. He called out to those around, “To make our star soup even better, it would be good to have some Patience, a bunch of Kindness, a little Optimism, and a good helping of Laughter.” Some people in the crowd looked within to find that they had those things and joined in the group. Still the man wasn’t satisfied so he again sent Faith and Leadership out among the villagers; this time to find Wisdom, Helpfulness, Hope, Joy, and a Caring Spirit. It appeared now that they had all of the building blocks the little book had mentioned. Yet, it seemed to the man as he looked upon those that had gathered that something was missing. He scratched his head in bewilderment and looked one more time at the little book. And there it was – the one thing that could bind all of these together – LOVE. Thus was created the very first Star Soup. |
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Chapter Restoration General Grand Chapter has compiled, from many resources, various ideas & suggestions to help revitalize struggling chapters. Below is just the introduction page of the booklet. At the end I have put a link for you to print or just look at the entire booklet (PDF format). There is also a link to print out a New Member Guidebook (WORD format) that will help them to learn what is expected of them as well as teach them about chapter protocol. 'This booklet has been assembled as a source of information and inspiration to those Chapters which find themselves in the position of losing more members than they are gaining; to help them get a foothold and stop the downward spiral. Likewise, it is hoped the topics addressed herein will increase the attendance and participation of your Chapter's current membership. The ideas and suggestions contained herein did not originate with the compiler, but have been gleaned from ideas offered to the Visionquest and Visioneers Committees of General Grand Chapter and others who are striving to bring their Chapters back to life. This effort is lovingly dedicated to our Most Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Rennie Ofton, who recognized the need and gathered much of the included material. If your Chapter is not prospering and moving forward, then perhaps this booklet will provide you with some helpful ideas.' For further information or questions concerning chapter restoration, you may contact: Richard Bryden, PGP
Print New Member Guidebook (WORD format)? Click here. |
| "Dusk and Dawn on Skye" from public domain is playing in the background. |