February 2008 Trestleboard

February 2008

FROM THE EAST

Jim Wold, Master

reetings from the East. I hope we've gotten the worst of the winter season behind us and are ready to hit the ground running. We have many challenges ahead and also many good times. This month I would like to focus on how we treat each other and false perceptions.

Two of the things that I struggle with on a daily basis are patience and being judgmental. As much as I would like to blame it on my upbringing, the truth is, like you, I am responsible for my own actions and words. I found an article that relates to this subject and I would like to share it with you.

"Spirit of all life:

"Help me remember that the inconsiderate airhead who cut me off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

"Help me to remember that the pierced, tattooed, semi-surly young woman who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old working-her-way-through-college student, juggling her apprehension over final exams with her fear of not getting her student loans for next semester.

"Remind me, Lord, that the panhandler begging for money, who really ought to get a job, is a slave to addictions I cannot imagine in my worst nightmares.

"Help me understand that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the store aisles, blocking my shopping progress, are savoring this moment, knowing that the biopsy report she got last week told them they will not go shopping together much longer.

"I should know the swaggering potty-mouthed young punk making a noisy ass of himself in the convenience store needs to do something to feel important and loved, because nothing he gets at home makes him feel that way. Do I really want to pinch his head off?

"Grant me the understanding that everyone I meet struggles with their own demons and that some days they lose the battle.

"Keep me from thinking that other people are only what I see of them on their bad days, and to recall the times I have done thoughtless, stupid, hurtful things and have been forgiven.

"Preserve me from the practice of peevish reactions to petty annoyances. Grant me the self-preserving ability to choose carefully what I get angry about.

"Remind me each day that the greatest gift I have been given is the capacity to act in love, which is not just a warm fuzzy I feel toward the people I hold dear, or approve of, or who treat me well.

"Help me to open my heart, not just those that are close to me, but to all humanity.

"Let me be slow to judge and quick to forgive, to show patience, understanding, empathy and love.

"And deliver me, Lord, from the judgment of people who are as critical, as I am today."

Author: W. Jackson "Jack" Wilson

Sometimes, what is already written can't be said any better. So Brethren, think twice before saying something critical or spiteful. Ask yourself, am I being judgmental? You will be happier and enjoy life so much more. Let God sort it out.

Coming to Dinner at 6:15? RSVP at 206 623-0261

2008 DUES REMINDER
	Dues for 2008 were due and payable by December 31, 2008. If your address label is circled in blue, you still have not paid your dues for this year! Please remit $13, today. Send to PO Box 30069, Seattle, WA 98113.

ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE FEBRUARY 12

Mr. John Ramon Samudio will be initiated into the fraternity as an Entered Apprentice Mason, Tuesday, February 12. Lodge will open at 7pm, with refreshments following.

CALENDAR

February 11 (7-9pm): Ritual instruction classes at Greenwood Masonic Center
February 12 (7pm): Entered Apprentice Degree
February 13 (6pm): Board of Trustees
February 18 (8:30am): laying of wreath at George Washington Memorial
February 20 (6:15pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated - Official Visit of the DDGM
February 27 (7pm): Officers meeting/practice
February 27 (7pm): District 5 LOMA meeting
March 8 (6pm): Districts 4&5 Celebration of Masonry w/Grand Master (Ballard Masonic Center)
March 10 (7-9pm): Ritual instruction classes at Greenwood Masonic Center
March 12 (7pm): degree
March 19 (6:15pm): St. John's 9 Stated Table Lodge - Eric Vogt - speaker

SEA SCOUTS, DR. HIRSCH, DEPUTY OF THE GRAND MASTER

Worship Master Jim Wold, with the assistance of Junior Warden Nick Mitchell, has put together a full program for this month's stated communication, February 20. In addition to the always popular hosted dinner at 6:15, the Sea Scouts will present an impressive flag ceremony and we will hear a short report from Dr. Irl Hirsch of the University of Washington Diabetes Care Center.

And VWBro. Jim Maher, Deputy of the Grand Master for District No. 5, will bring greetings and words of wisdom from the Grand Lodge of Washington.

The Sea Scouts provide an activity-based program for young people. While boating-based activities are at the core of their program, ultimately they help young adults become better people. Scouting is about building people of high character and high moral standing. This program is well rounded. They try to run at least one overnight outing each month. Annually, they run a 7-14 day 'long cruise' in the summer with an all- volunteer staff. They also participate in community service projects such as Ship Canal clean up in the fall and Lake Union clean up in the spring. They participate in the BSA sponsored 'scouting for food' event in the early spring (food drive to help needy families). Financial contributions from St. John's lodge continue to go a long way toward helping to maintain and expand these programs!

The Diabetes Care Center consists of caring, motivated and highly trained professionals working together to provide comprehensive diabetes care, education, nutrition advice, and support in a friendly atmosphere. Diagnosed with diabetes at age six, Dr. Hirsch brings an enormous patient empathy to his practice, letting those with diabetes know that he truly understands what they're going through -- and what they need to do to manage their diabetes.

Citing an acute lag between research successes and the translation of those successes into patient benefits at the clinical level, Dr. Hirsch has made diabetes treatment education for practitioners his top priority. As medical director of the UW Diabetes Care Center, Dr. Hirsch strives to always balance his time among patients and students/trainees. He is considered the most enthusiastic of doctors when it comes to making hospital rounds and sharing the latest news from the diabetes research front.

VWBro. Maher is closing out his second and final year as Deputy of the Grand Master for our district of eight lodges. VWBro. Maher is Treasurer and a Past Master of Daylight Lodge No. 232, a member of Tyee the Wayfarer's Daylight Lodge No. 115, and has served as a Trustee of the Masonic Retirement Center for several years.

At St. John's, we always begin our monthly gatherings with a social hour around 5:30, with a delicious complimentary dinner served at 6:15 followed by an interesting program of education or entertainment prior to our 7:30pm stated communication.

Please make your dinner reservations with the secretary at 206 623-0261 or email the Secretary by Friday, February 15th prior to the meeting. All dinners are hosted by St. John's!

GRAND LODGE FLOOD RELIEF

MWBro. Wayne Smith, Grand Master, recently reported that the Grand Lodge appeal for contributions to the flood relief program has been well received and money has been distributed to many worthy individuals. One, a Master of his lodge, lost his home and his business. He received $5,000 from the Grand Lodge-sponsored fund. The nation-wide Masonic Service Association has also raised funds and forwarded them to the Washington flood relief program. St. John's has also made a major contribution.

NATIONAL TREASURE FAMILY OUTING

About forty Masons, their families, guests, and sweethearts attended the movie "National Treasure, Book of Secrets." Everyone met at the Oak Tree Cinemas on Aurora Ave. N. on the evening of January 18th. Those attending this outing took full advantage of this opportunity for social fellowship between the Brethren, their friends and families. Many met in groups prior to the event to have dinner or coffee. Then everyone met in front of the Theater at about 7:15 to get their tickets, which were purchased and distributed by St. John's Lodge No. 9. The movie was excellent fun and most stayed afterward for a group photo. St. John's has other outings scheduled throughout the year.

District Reception for the Grand Master

The Masons of District 4 & 5 will host a reception for our Grand Master MWBro. Wayne I. Smith on Saturday, March 8, at the Ballard Masonic Center. A social hour will begin at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6:30. Last year's event raised a total of $4,000, which was split equally between the Seattle Youth Symphony and the Ballard Food Bank. Our Grand Master has designated the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program as his charity of choice for the year. All net proceeds from

ticket sales and donations will be donated to this great organization. Thirteen members of St. John's Lodge have indicated that they plan to attend the reception.

Trip to Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 4, 2008; $10 each; 8:30 charter bus from Northgate park & ride. Sign up now -- limited seating

VISITORS TO ST. JOHN'S

We were pleased to receive nine visitors at our January stated communication, including Bro. George Dyer, Senior Warden of St. Levan Lodge No. 5134, Penzance, England. Bro. J. Doug Kelly (Unicoy Lodge No. 259, Hiawassee, GA), and WBro. Virendra Agarwal (Comrades Lodge No. 151, Roorkee, India). Bros, Agarwal and Dyer were presented copies of the St. John's histories, lapel pins, and dinner aprons; and encouraged to visit our lodge again on their travels.

GEO. WASHINGTON MEMORIAL

District 5 and the Daughters of the American Revolution have been saluting the birthday of our first President and brother Mason George Washington with a wreath laying ceremony for several years. This event takes place at Kane Hall on the University of Washington campus. We'll meet at University Lodge on February 19 at 8am for a light breakfast and coffee and then walk to

Kane Hall. The Kane Hall program begins at 9:30. Free parking is available under Red Square.

We will be clothed as Masons - so be sure to bring your apron.

COMING MEETING PROGRAMS

February 20: Official Visit DDGM; Sea Scouts; Dr. Irl Hirsch
March 19: Table Lodge, WBro. Eric Vogt speaker
April 16: Masonic Youth night; Grand Lodge resolutions discussion
May 21: Junior Grand Warden candidates
June 18: Scholarship night; business casual
July 16: Herb's Night

LUND ELECTED PRESIDENT OF MASONIC SERVICE BUREAU

WBro. Joseph Lund was elected President of the Masonic Service Bureau at its annual meeting last month. WBro. Lund is a Past Master of St. John's (2005) and serves as chairman of our Accelerated Reader Committee. The Service Bureau was established to provide charitable relief in 1878 under the leadership of St. John's and Eureka Lodge No. 20, the only lodges in Seattle at that time.

Worshipful Master: (425) 357-6867
Senior Warden: (206) 732-1234
Junior Warden: (206) 390-2173
Secretary: (206) 623-0261
Webmaster: (206) 406-8670