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April 25, 2025, Newsletter #95

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Special Announcements:

April 26 – (Saturday) – Master Builder School. 8 am light breakfast, 9 am instruction begins.

April 29 (Tuesday) – 5th Tuesday. Masonic Birthdays and family night. We will also be presenting a 60 pin to W:. Charlie Segress plus several 50-year pins. OES and Rainbow are encouraged to attend and bring family and friends.

April All Month - Fishing Tournament – Sign up today. This is on the honor systems. Take measurements and weight and pictures. You can buy your entry on our Square site. https://balodge243.square.site/. Just a few more days to catch the big fish!

We currently have 23 members who owe dues for 2025. 18 of those owe dues for 2025 only, 5 owe 2 years of dues. If you owe dues, please contact us so we can work with you on getting it current. If you are having financial difficulties, please let us know so we can work with you. 

My Ramblings by W:. Scott A. MacDonald 2025 ©

Be nice!

Note: today’s column was written with the assistance of Gemini AI. Gotta keep up with the times. I think Gemini nailed it.

Dear Brethren and Friends,

In our bustling world, amidst the noise and haste of daily life, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of simple kindness. Yet, as Freemasons, we are called to principles that elevate our character and strengthen our communities, and kindness stands as a vital cornerstone among them. It is more than mere politeness; it is empathy in action, a genuine regard for the well-being of others, reflecting the very light we seek to share.

Kindness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of inner strength and moral clarity. It requires us to look beyond ourselves, to recognize the shared humanity in everyone we encounter, and to respond with compassion and understanding. The teachings passed down through generations, both within our Craft and in the sacred texts that guide so many, consistently highlight the importance of this virtue.

The Volume of Sacred Law offers timeless wisdom on this subject. Consider the words found in Ephisians 4:32;

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  This passage reminds us that kindness is intrinsically linked to compassion and forgiveness – acts that require conscious effort and a generous spirit. It urges us to model our behavior on a divine example of grace.  

Furthermore, in Colossians 3:12, we are advised: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." This imagery suggests that kindness is something we should actively put on, like a garment, making it part of our very identity as we interact with the world. It is listed among a constellation of virtues that together form a noble character.

How do we practice this in our daily lives? Kindness often resides in the small gestures: a patient word in a moment of frustration, offering help without being asked, truly listening when someone speaks, or simply extending a warm greeting. It can be seen in our charitable efforts (Relief) and in the supportive bonds we foster within our Lodges and communities (Brotherly Love). Each act, no matter how small, contributes to building a better world, one interaction at a time.

Stoic though from Marcus Aurelius viewed kindness as: "Kindness is invincible, if it be genuine, and not an affected smile. For what can the most insolent man do to you, if you continue to be kind to him?"

Lord, let us strive this week to consciously practice kindness. Look for opportunities to uplift, support, and understand those around you. By weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives, we not only honor the principles of our Fraternity but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world for all. Amen.

Lodge Calendar

April 26 – (Saturday) – Master Builder School. 8 am light breakfast, 9 am instruction begins.

April 29 (Tuesday) – 5th Tuesday. Masonic Birthdays and family night.

April All Month - Fishing Tournament – Sign up today. This is on the honor systems. Take measurements and weight and pictures. You can buy your entry on our Square site. https://balodge243.square.site/  

May 3 (Saturday) – Camp Bandage @ Broken Arrow Central Park. We need volunteers for the Child ID program.

May 13 (Tuesday) – Education: “God, Anti-Masons, and Politics” by W:. Mike Dill

May 15 (Thursday) – Sr. Deacon’s Night – Drillers Game - $40 per ticket. Limited seating so buy your tickets now. You may purchase tickets here: https://balodge243.square.site/  or send a check to the Lodge. 

May 17 (Saturday) – Rooster Day Parade

May 27 (Tuesday) - Ritual Practice: Trimmings, open practice

June 10 (Tuesday) - Education: “Developing a Social Media Presence” by R:.W:. Don Stanton

Jun 11 (Wednesday) – District 12 – Akdar 555 – 5925 E. 9th St., Tulsa 74112 – Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

Sept 9 (Tuesday) – District 12 – Delta 425 – 1630 S 101st E. Ave, Tulsa 74128 Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

Oct 30 (Thursday) – District 12 – Tulsa 71 - 5925 E. 9th St., Tulsa 74112 Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

September - Fish Fry – Date to be determined.

Other Business

Please remember to pay your dues. 2025 Dues Notices are out. You can pay dues at https://balodge243.square.site/ . Or mail in your dues to 117 W. Commercial St., Broken Arrow, OK, 74012. Due date is Dec. 31.

For those who are behind in your dues, we do not want to be a financial hardship for you. We will work with you on staying in good standing, but you have to reach out to us. Please contact the lodge office at 918.251.9282 to make arrangements or email us at brokenarrowmasons@gmail.com .

Please note we are making every attempt to keep our meetings to one hour. However, if you attend and the meeting is going long, you can certainly excuse yourself from the meeting at any time. 

As always, if you need a ride to/from any of these activities, please contact the lodge office at 918.251.9282.

Sincerely, 

W:. Scott A. MacDonald, Treasurer and Membership Calling Chairman