VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8
April 2015
GLAD PÅSK! HAPPY EASTER! District Master’s Message: To all District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Members, Spring is a time of renewal, resurrection and rebirth. The earth comes alive with blooming flowers and trees, spring rains and swollen rivers. Animals come out of hibernation while birds return from their winter homes to build nests and lay eggs. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Hallelujah! What do we as Vasa members do? How do we renew our commitment to our organization? What seeds are we planting and nurturing? How do we reignite this organization we cherish? What is that encourages us to renew our membership year after to year to our individual lodge? Is it the friendships, the cultural programming, the food? All of the above? Do you share your enjoyment of the lodge with non members? If so, how? When asked about the Vasa Order of America, how do you describe it? I have spent the past several Valthornet issues talking about change and its relentless march, as well as the importance of embracing it. We are at a pivotal point in the evolution of our organization. There are so many organizations to become involved in, that it can be daunting to choose. We need to make the choice easy and obvious, Vasa! Why? Because we should be the premier organization for those interested in Nordic culture. We have our foundation in Swedish culture, but embrace all Nordic culture and anyone who shares that interest. We have amazing talent within our ranks. So what is holding us back? We can all point fingers, but I remember being told as a child, when you point a finger at someone, the rest are pointing back at yourself. We all need to put our collective thinking caps on and make some changes, possibly uncomfortable ones, to breathe new life into our organization. We need to get better at using technology to reach future members; it is here to stay, and more prevalent than ever. We also want to not only attract new members, but retain those we already have by offering programs, opportunities and experiences. We also need to evaluate some of our current benefits, to see if they really fit with our long - term goals. C. S. Lewis said, “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” It’s spring, the season of hatching eggs, and fledglings everywhere…..especially within Vasa! In Truth, Unity, and Generosity, Susan Cleveland, District Master District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8