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Emails From The District Commander
I’m Mike Simmons, the District Commander.
District Commander’s Email - Monday, January 04, 2010
Well, the new year has arrived. 2009 saw some great, and some not-so-great happenings. One of the things I like about the coming of January each year is the promise of new possibilities. In the Royal Rangers, that means new opportunities to change lives – to reach, teach and keep boys for Christ!
Do you believe that a person exercises wisdom when he finds he made a mistake? I hope so, because I have made a couple of them, and one is a whopper.
First, I made a mistake when I suggested that we host the Junior Training Academy on MLK weekend, January 15-18. What I failed to realize is that 1) registration cost for the camp is difficult three weeks after Christmas, and 2) we “old” men are still tired following the holidays.
Secondly, I was very proud of myself when I took advantage of a free weekend in the springtime and scheduled that weekend (April 3-5) for our Pow wow. Then a host of Ranger leaders sent messages informing me that April 5 is Easter. Okay, so that was a MAJOR blunder. Big deal.
So, I committed the first morning back from my Nashville trip to rework the 2010 district calendar (attached). Then I called the district Assemblies of God office and cleared the dates with them, checked the Regional and the National Rangers calendars, and I looked at the 2010 holidays. But I will reserve my certainty and wait for a phone call or an email telling me that I got it wrong again. Note the changes in it.
I rescheduled the JTA from January 15-18 to September 3-6 (Labor Day weekend.) I know that we looked at this weekend last year, but it seems to be the best one for several reasons:
1.That weekend is one of the few long weekends in the year, giving us a full, four-day camp.
2.September is far enough away from the start of school and from Christmas for families to be able to afford registration.
3.Our Royal Rangers calendar has nothing else scheduled near Labor Day.
One of the reasons that we liked the April 3-5 weekend over the one in November for Pow Wow was that it didn’t conflict with Friday night high school football games, Saturday afternoon college football games, and hunting season. So when I learned that we have to move the Pow wow date, I found one that seems to work, but I am open to comments, suggestions, and corrections. The new date is May 14-16. This is the only Ranger event in the month of May. It will give us a little more time to prepare, and it will be less hectic. Let me know if either of these dates presents a problem.
The FCF Winter Gathering is set for February 12-14. This date is later than usual, but Mountain Man says that it will be warmer (hopefully.)
In March, the district staff will attend National Council in Springfield. If you are not on the District Executive staff, but want to attend, please contact me. Staff members – please make your own arrangements this year. If possible, I will reimburse you later.
Keep the Men’s Ministry retreat on your calendar. I think it is very important that we refuel our tanks and meet with other men of like mind. Also, we will serve the food this year, as always.
This year, we will add a new event. On August 6 and 7, we will put on a District Leadership Symposium and Banquet. These two days will supply leaders with tools that they can use to enhance the ministry at their church. We will end the weekend with an Awards Banquet to recognize leaders for their work during the year.
On November 12 and 13, the Southeast Royal Rangers Outpost Commander’s meeting will take place in Lakeland. Now, let me explain – this event is not for district or regional leadership. It is organized for you, the outpost commander. So don’t miss it. Free lodging space is available on location. Bring all leaders and older boys that you can!
Finally, I have cleared my schedule to be available for visiting individual outposts and churches. I will be contacting all churches in the district, but if you have a special event you need someone to attend, please contact me.
Weekly
Reminders For The Soul