The Order of the Daughters of the King Spring Assembly was held on May 7 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lebanon, Missouri. This was their first assembly since the pandemic began and everyone was eager to get reacquainted. A total of 41 members were registered and attended, the largest assembly in many years. The hostesses did a lovely job organizing the meeting and worship spaces in the church. Fr. Tim Coppinger, Rector at St. Paul’s in Lee’s Summit, Chaplain for the Diocesan Daughters (bravely!) drove a 15-passenger van full of attendees from the Kansas City metro area to Lebanon. Cheryl Webb-McLaughlin, president of the West Missouri chapter of the Daughters of the King said that renting this van enabled several members to attend who would not have otherwise done so. Both she and Fr. Tim agreed that this was something that should continue for future assemblies.

Several daughters present had not had an opportunity to attend a larger gathering of the order. “After two years apart because of the pandemic, this fellowship was essential,” said Fr. Tim. “Plenty of time was set aside for fellowship,” stated Cheryl. After an icebreaker in the morning, a musical program was presented by Mary Ann Campbell, organist and pianist, and Martha Moon, who is a Daughter, and flutist. The program consisted of hymns and secular music, and singing was enjoyed by all! Donna Meyer, a member of Good Shepherd’s Daughters of the King chapter in Kansas City, described the music as “glorious!”

After a delicious lunch prepared by the Daughters of Trinity, a lively game of Hymn Jeopardy was the hit of the day.

Cheryl Webb-McLaughlin then called the business meeting to order, discussing an accounting of funding from the diocese. Also, an increase in dues is being considered to fifty dollars a year which the assembly approved. The increase is to offset costs at the national level.

An evaluation of the assembly by the daughters closed the business meeting. Fr. Tim said the greatest benefit for him was to see these dedicated women come together to begin the work they feel called to do.

The assembly concluded with a Holy Eucharist which was celebrated by Fr. Jerry Miller, Rector of Trinity, with the sermon delivered by Fr Tim.

The Fall Assembly is scheduled for October 22 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, Missouri.

Margie Gray retired in 2000 from the Missouri Department of Corrections as a Probation and Parole Officer and lives in John Knox Village with her dog, Jax. Margie attends St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Lee’s Summit, and is currently working on a teen novel and picture books.