Commanders' Message

My fellow legionnaires it is now September, and we still have not been able to hold a full membership meeting. On September 11, Governor Cooper will announce whether we will enter Phase III, or we will remain in Phase II. Should we move to Phase III, we will have a regular meeting on the last Tuesday of September. These are extraordinary times that have required many changes for all of us; however, your American Legion is actively working to carry out its mission. We are closing in on our Fall Conference in October, still conducting business as usual in support of our four pillars.

On August 11, 2020, we held the drawing for the utility trailer at the Executive committee meeting, and congratulations go out to Tony Kerensky, who had the winning ticket.

At this meeting, the date for the next fish/oyster fry was discussed and approved for Saturday, September 26, 2020. We will need many volunteers to come and help support this event. Preparations will begin on Friday, September 25, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Membership is going well as the post has just over 50% renewed at this time. I encourage all members that have not yet renewed their membership for 2021 to do so as soon as possible. Last year we ended up with a total membership of 253, and our 100% goal this year is 254. The National Commanders Challenge for this year raises our goal to 262, so we must retain and recruit this year. Our post needs your help!

We need Legionnaires to step up and become post officers and post committee members. If you have an interest in serving your post at the next level, please let me know so that we can ensure the proper training is made available to you. Remember, as legionnaires, we all share an obligation to support our post and each other.

This year's Fall Conference will be via Zoom meeting with all committee meetings being held the week prior also via Zoom meeting. Commission Chairs will report all findings from the committees at the conference. There will be a full conference report after the event in October.

My wish is that you all stay safe and well and continue to check on one another to ensure we all stay safe and well.

Should you need to contact me, you can reach me at 919-270-1479 or mcdonnelly51@gmail.com.

For God & Country,
Mike Donnelly, Commander Post 52

Chaplain's Corner

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his masters is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." — John 15:13-15

There is no greater love than the love of the Father, displayed in the incarnation, crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He did this to show His amazing grace and devotion to the entire world.

The word "if" in the passage does not indicate a conditional statement, but it offers the believer a path to an abiding relationship. Jesus does not only want us saved; He desires for us to be His friends! His desires are not to have a master/servant relationship, but that we would know Him intimately that we do what He says, in His Word, because we love and trust Him.

The same God who created the universe with one-word desires to be your friend, and this is the great mystery of the gospel. His grace is not merely good; it is incredible!

During this season of change, I am praying for each of you, those who are serving, who have served, and for the families they represent.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Thomas Reid

Auxiliary Notes

I hope everyone is doing great! I need all the board members to come to the executive meeting on Monday, September 14, at 10 a.m., at the Legion. We have a lot of business to discuss. Please remember Toni Miller has a birthday this month on the 8^th

I want to thank all the ladies that came out to help with the mats for the homeless veterans. It was appreciated.

Please stay safe and take care!

Karen Nowell, Franklinton Unit 52 President