Here's what my Lodge has to work with:
We have more Brothers in their 80's and 90's than 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's combined.
We cannot confer our own degrees. We rely on a district degree team.
Up until recently, we have never implemented the A.L.L. or L.I.F.E. program.
We have a handful of younger Brothers who attend practice every other week to learn the work, but nobody shows up to teach us.
Up until recently, we had no "fun" activities for our Lodge members. We've been in the business of pancake breakfasts and fundraisers. Not practicing the Craft or hosting "fun" events.
We have a VERY VERY VERY limited amount of Brothers who could dedicate themselves to learn the work.
I've been on more ass than a pair of levis and I've come to realize we have what we have. Pushing old timers or uninterested "new" guys is futile.
We need to practice the Craft, but I cannot expect a DI or someone who knows their stuff to come to our Lodge if 3 people show up. It's not fair to them.
SO, here's our dillema
Should we push practice, rituals, degrees, etc.
or
Should we focus on hosting events for our own members. I won't spill the details, but Gonzales is one of the most finicially sound Lodges around. Money is NOT an issue.
Personally I feel that we need to host events that cater to our members. Who wants to be part of a Brotherhood that only offers fundraiser signup sheets, meals once a month and a bill paying ceremony? To me the bond and brotherly love should trump degree work. I think we (my Lodge) should stabilize what we have and make Brothers WANT to be involved, then push work on them. Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.
In the immortal words of my son, "Have you tried Freemasonry?"
You Brothers are awesome but before you pack your bags let me fire up some Brothers in the surrounding areas. I appreciate your willingness to help a fellow Brother and Lodge out.
I am no Masonic Genius but I will help if it is scheduled when I can come.
Shelton!
You Brothers are awesome but before you pack your bags let me fire up some Brothers in the surrounding areas. I appreciate your willingness to help a fellow Brother and Lodge out.
Bro. Blake, You must, by GLoT law, implement the ALL and LIFE programs.
ROFLMAO now that right there is funny! See if the poll I did earlier is still around, less than 10% of all lodges do either from our poll. Same with the Candidate Information Program. One would think that a program that is mandatory would be kept up to date also. ALL is WAY outdated!
Don't go all squishy on us, we were going to demand Masters wages - you know Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, strong coffee and fellowship - the real secret stuff :biggrin1:
NOW we're talkin'! :biggrin1:
Bro. Bowden can you tell me what A.L.L. and L.I.F.E program is all about???Here's what my Lodge has to work with:
We have more Brothers in their 80's and 90's than 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's combined.
We cannot confer our own degrees. We rely on a district degree team.
Up until recently, we have never implemented the A.L.L. or L.I.F.E. program.
We have a handful of younger Brothers who attend practice every other week to learn the work, but nobody shows up to teach us.
Up until recently, we had no "fun" activities for our Lodge members. We've been in the business of pancake breakfasts and fundraisers. Not practicing the Craft or hosting "fun" events.
We have a VERY VERY VERY limited amount of Brothers who could dedicate themselves to learn the work.
I've been on more ass than a pair of levis and I've come to realize we have what we have. Pushing old timers or uninterested "new" guys is futile.
We need to practice the Craft, but I cannot expect a DI or someone who knows their stuff to come to our Lodge if 3 people show up. It's not fair to them.
SO, here's our dillema
Should we push practice, rituals, degrees, etc.
or
Should we focus on hosting events for our own members. I won't spill the details, but Gonzales is one of the most finicially sound Lodges around. Money is NOT an issue.
Personally I feel that we need to host events that cater to our members. Who wants to be part of a Brotherhood that only offers fundraiser signup sheets, meals once a month and a bill paying ceremony? To me the bond and brotherly love should trump degree work. I think we (my Lodge) should stabilize what we have and make Brothers WANT to be involved, then push work on them. Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.
I searched through all of the post and could not find the ppt for both of these programs if possible could you please send me a copy of both if you have them to staton.wayne@yahoo.comALL = Additional Lodge Light
LIFE = Lodge Instruction For Effectiveness
The ALL program is given to newly raised MMs. It is a handbook and activity book. It goes over a various topics from etiquette, looking up laws in the law book, looking up constituent lodges and jurisdictions, what may be talked about, programs, etc. it helps round out the new Master's knowledge.
The LIFE programs are given to those wishing to sit as JW, SW, or WM. There are 3 programs respectively.These programs prepare the senior officer for his new station including duties, planning, and preparedness. This is the stuff you'd normally see at a Warden's retreat.