State of the Order

Dear Members and Friends of the DOC,

The year 2007 is completed. Some of us probably made New Year’s resolutions (and perhaps already have broken them). But hopefully that is a sign of our optimism. As we look back on the year, some will do so with a sense of loss, because we have lost a loved one, or some difficulty has come our way, such as a loss of a job. Perhaps our health hasn’t been what we would have hoped. But we DOC people know that the Lord Jesus has been with us every step of the way, whether hard or easy. Others of us have been more fortunate in the sense that we have not known loss or lack. But we still have experienced the grace of God in many ways. Praise his name!

I usually write this State of the Order letter in January, but due to a move of the national office on January 15, it has been delayed a bit. As always, in addition to informing you about the state of the DOC, this letter also affords those of you who did not join the Order, renew your membership, or make a contribution at an annual retreat, an opportunity to do so by return mail.

First, there has been a major change in leadership in 2008. Marybelle Landrum, our wonderful Administrative Secretary since December 1, 1997, retired as of the end of 2007. Thus for a decade she has been extremely dependable and helpful to all DOC people as she ran the national office with grace and competence. We are extremely grateful to Marybelle who has given so much of herself to the Order for so long. The national board expressed their gratitude by giving her a new office chair to replace the DOC chair that was moved to Florence, SC, where the office is now located. The good news is that Marybelle will remain on the national board as a Member at Large.

Second, the new Administrative Secretary is Susan Bankson. Susan is a long time member of the Order from the Southeastern Region. She is a talented, gifted individual who loves the Order and will give us the same kind of graceful competence that we have known in the past. We are very fortunate to have someone of Susan’s caliber. Susan’s e-mail address is dochrist7@googlemail.com, and her phone number is 843-664-2942. The new address for the national office is PO Box 3681, Florence, SC 29502.

Third, all of our 2007 officers remain in place for 2008. But I am happy to announce some additions. Our new Recording Secretary (an office we have not had for a few years) is Anna Donnelly of New York City. And in addition to Marybelle, Marilyn Brubaker (Paulina, Iowa), and Gwen Jones-Lurvey (Santee CA) have been elected as Members at Large.

Fourth, I would like to report on our progress of the combined new and old vision for the future that I set forth when I began my tenure as President two years ago. I remind you that it is modeled on a commandment of Jesus (love one another, Matt. 13:34) that the apostle John called both old and new (1 John 2:7-8). I sought to lift out highlights of Dr. Day’s original vision that we want to reaffirm. And I set forth some ways that we can renew the vision, that is, “raise it to a new level, that will enable the Order to continue to resource and enable a fellowship of committed believers who are willing to take upon themselves its classic disciplines.”

The DOC web site (www.dochr.org) still is our best means of communication. My hope was, and still is, that many of you would check on to the site at least once per week. We still are making improvements, and I trust you will see some in the next thirty days. I especially encourage you to visit the “Prayer Garden” on the site, where you directly can post prayer requests and praise notes. Thus your concerns can reach DOC prayer warriors across the country, and you can pray for those who have posted requests.

I also encourage all of you to consider submitting to me devotional thoughts, poems, testimonies, insightful essays, sermons, etc. for publication on the “Sharing Corner.” Simply e-mail whatever you wish to rmoore4@aol.com and I will post it for you.

There are several series of essays (topical and Bible studies) on the site. You may wish to check them out. You are invited not only to respond to the essays (you can comment on any of them by clicking on the “comments” link), but also to propose and write a series of your own. This blog is for you, the members and friends of the DOC.

Fifth, we are maintaining a list of e-mail addresses so that I can communicate with you occasionally by e-mail (something I didn’t do last year, but intend to do this year). If you think we do not have your e-mail address, or you are uncertain, please send it to me at rmoore4@aol.com.

Sixth, you will find enclosed a 2008 national budget. The national board has done everything in its power to reduce our costs and to produce a budget that we can meet without dipping into Trust Fund monies (which we have been doing for several years). This budget is more than $5,000 less than the 2007 budget. The part that affects you is a decision by the board to increase the minimum suggested annual donation for members from $25 to $50. (The suggested amount has been the same for many, many years.) Those of you who give more than the suggested minimum are greatly appreciated. Our financial success depends on your generous support. As mentioned in the first paragraph, if you did not renew your annual membership, or make a contribution (if you desire to do so) for 2008 at a 2007 retreat, a DOC commitment card and envelope are enclosed for your convenience in renewing now by return mail.

Sincerely in Christ,

Robert (Bob) R. Moore (February 2008)

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