Greetings, Sir Knights! Well, we have put 2023 behind us and are now into the start of 2024. I wish you and yours the best for the coming year.
I apologize for the double message two weeks ago. I thought I had set the date correctly, but apparently I hit the wrong week and didn’t catch it. Mea culpa.
We are now 227 days from the Triennial Conclave. I really hope you are making plans to attend. We have a lot to cover in a short period of time, and we need maximum participation from our voting members. Make your vote count and let your voice be heard. In addition to elections, we will hear reports on our programs and progress over the past 3 years, goals and hopes for the next three years, and be asked to consider several changes to our Constitution, Statutes, and Decisions. We’ll also have time to gather informally to share thoughts and ideas. Let’s make this one to never forget!
Next week’s message will return to the familiar format of addressing issues and ideas facing our Order. This week, I want to keep it simple. My top priority for 2024 is to be available for and engaged with as many of you as possible in order to help us all grow and strengthen our outstanding Commanderies. We grow not from the top down, but from, the bottom up. Without strong Commanderies, we cannot have strong Grand Commanderies, and certainly cannot have a strong Grand Encampment. No, I can’t be physically present everywhere, but I am just an email or call away, and where I can be present, I will do everything I can to make it so.
Next week, I’ll also be announcing a series of online town halls/get-to-know-you sessions that will be set on different days and times with the goal of being accessible to Templars in all parts of our Grand Encampment. If there are any topics you’d like me to address or questions you might have, feel free to send them to me and I’ll make sure to address them.
Until next week, I wish you the best, and know that you are in my prayers for God’s blessings as we continue to grow and strengthen this magnificent Order.
I appreciate your time and would also appreciate your support and vote to be the next Deputy Grand Master when we gather in Conclave in August 2024.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact me at art@40mileproject.us or through my Facebook page Art Hebbeler for Deputy Grand Master. I am happy to also chat on the phone or in a video call—just ask!