Ritual Revision Survey

On the edge of an Arabian desert, centuries ago there lived a man named Job. He was a good man who loved God and turned away from evil. God, in His goodness, blessed Job with great wealth. With his wife, seven sons and three daughters, he lived in a valley in peace, happiness and plenty. His vast estates stretched in all directions, providing pasture for his camels,oxen and sheep. Scattered in the valley and shaded by giant palms, were the homes of his sons.

At the close of each day it was the custom of Job's children to gather together to feast at one of their homes. Job, not wishing to impose upon the festivities, remained at his own home in peace. Because they were so wealthy, Job feared that his children, might forget or turn away from God. By regular worship he taught his family to share in his faith.

In heaven, God praised Job for his piety. The Adversary, whose task was to test the
faith of the people of the earth, accused Job of being devoted to God only because He made Job wealthy. The Adversary declared that if God took away Job's riches, his love for God would turn to hate. God permitted the Adversary to test Job's faith by taking away his possessions, but he forbid the Adversary to harm Job. So the Adversary set forth on his mission.

Job live Desert. Job good, hate bad. Job have family be happy. Job's children eat. Job stay home. Job have money fear for family. Job love God. God like Job. Adversary want God test Job. God permits.

Please don't forget to check out the proposed changes, even if you only focus on opening or initiation. Say something if you have an opinion. The revisions are at www.iojd.org

The comment period ends November 1

Leadership Conference and Soups Cook-off

Grand Bethel's Leadership Conference was Saturday October 9th at Freemason's Hall in downtown Indianapolis. Rather than having a traditional leadership conference, we tried to do something a little different this year. In the morning session, we had a self-esteem seminar for the girls. The girls were divided into two groups by age. The adults went over the adult proficiency test- a test over the ritual and constitution and bylaws. We got a lot accomplished and I think we'll have several adults turn in the test this year. We had a baked potato bar for lunch while Raquel spoke to the group about healthy eating options.

After lunch we had a self defense instructor from IU speak to the group and provide some basic lessons.
We learned some basic strikes, kicks, blocks and some situational defense. Everyone got an opportunity to kick full force on a pad and practice kicking someone's shin and escaping. Then we drew for door prizes and awarded certificates for completion of the 2010 Leadership Conference.

The next morning was Statewide Go to Church Sunday followed by the Grand Bethel Soups cook-off and Bazaar. We had a great turn-out for the event. I know some of you may have heard the rumor that there was a contest for whoever sold the most tickets for the event.
Unfortunately, so many of the Grand Bethel Exec sold out of their tickets that we had to call it a draw. Too bad because I had an awesome present but I guess we'll just have to wait until we sell tickets for another event. There were some great items for sale at the Bethel's booths.

Thank you to everyone who entered soups and thank you to Tara Disbrow for coordinating the event.

GB Getaway- so legit you have to admit

Grand Bethel had their getaway the first weekend of October at the DeMolay Chateau in Bloomington. We had a pretty good turnout with about 25 people total. Exec went on Friday night. Saturday everyone joined us for lunch. It was rainy outside and we were worried the weather wouldn't clear up. Right after we ate, we traversed to the covered basketball court at the back of the Chateau grounds. We continued our annual dodgeball competition.
We played girls against adults for awhile but as that was one-sided (and I say that because my team kept winning and winning, we switched teams up. It was pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie. Then we got out the sidewalk chalk and played four square. It was shocking how few people had played four square as children. So we relived our childhood then played some outside games. As our theme was Christmas, we played some Holiday games. One of the games was like hot potato but with a Christmas package. Whenever the music stopped, whoever was holding the package had to unwrap one layer then act out the task that was written in that layer. If you completed the task you got the present that was with the task.

We also learned some awesome moves from Darren's Dance Grooves. I hope all the attendees from getaway will be practicing the dance for Corn Ball and Shrine Youth. We still have a little work for Bye Bye Bye. We made Hobo meals for dinner (each person makes their own meal out of potatoes, meat, corn, green beans, mushrooms, etc.). They were really good and filling. We watched the House Bunny that night and went to bed. The next morning we had breakfast together then tore down and went home. I hope everyone had a great time, I know I did.


After getaway I got to spend a couple of days in Bloomington, catching up on my favorite restaurants...and catching up with friends. It was a nice birthday present to myself.