Commanders' Message

Welcome to December and the last weeks of 2020! It is hard to believe that this year is almost over, and soon we will be starting a new year. 2020 has been a challenging year full of difficulties and hardships, but we steadily move forward conducting the American Legion's missions. Although we have had to cancel many meetings, our Post continues to thrive and prosper. Membership renewals have been coming in regularly, but now is the time to get them in if you have not yet done so. Renewal of your membership is a key to the growth of our Post and the overall sustainability of the American Legion and its programs. Your Post needs members to step up and volunteer to serve as officers of the Post. If you are interested in doing so, please let me or any officer of the Post know, and we will provide you with the necessary information and training.

The Department of North Carolina recently made a change at headquarters as Greg Gidding tendered his resignation on November 6, 2020, as NC Program & Digital Director. After careful thought and consideration, the department has hired Nancy Phillips to fill this position. Nancy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. Nancy is a retired Air Force veteran who also serves as the department's membership chairman.

I want to recognize and say thank you to all who participated and made our Veterans Day program and Reverse Raffle such successful events. Special thanks to Harvey Satterwhite, Steve Ijames, George Tracy, Bruce Lobach, Renchor Wright, and Ricky Nowell for all their efforts.

On November 23, 2020, North Carolina Governor Cooper issued Executive order 180, which imposes a limit on the number of people allowed at meetings held indoors and outdoors. We now must not have more than ten people indoors and 50 outdoors. Therefore, until the lifting of these restrictions, the Post will be closed for rentals and meetings.

As we enter the holiday season, I want to wish all members of Post 52 the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest of New Years! Please remember those who are less fortunate and help where you can.

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 for any reason, you can reach me at 919-270-1479 or mcdonnelly51@gmail.com.

For God & Country,
Mike Donnelly, Commander Post 52

Chaplain's Corner

"Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth."— Psalm 96:7-9 (NIV)

A little boy shared his excitement about receiving candy in his Operation Christmas Child Box. He was so excited that he offered the candy to the person who gave him the shoebox. At first, the person refused; however, after coming under conviction of the Holy Spirit saying, "this child has never had anything to give. Don't you steal this child's joy of giving." God is a giving God; in fact, he is so into giving, he gives the gift of giving. What can we give to God?

First, as people of God, we can make his name famous. God is worthy of praise from the entire earth, from all families of the peoples.

Second, we can give God our wealth; this word, offering in the Old Testament's original language, indicates a bloodless offering, a thank-offering.

Third, we can give God our worship. True worship can be identified by sacrifice in some way. Is God honored in our giving?

During this season of change: I pray for all who have served; and who are currently serving; and the families they represent.

Merry Christmas & God's blessings, Thomas Reid

Auxiliary Notes

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well. The executive board will be the only people meeting for a while due to COVID. When we can meet again, I will let everyone know. Keep an eye on your emails for more information from me when we can meet again. You can always call me if you need anything. Our executive board will be meeting on December 14 at the legion. The Meeting will start at 10 am.

Karen Nowell, President Auxiliary Unit 52

If you haven’t renewed for 2021,

Brunswick Stew Sale

Our famous Brunswick Stew goes on sale January 16, 2021, from 11 until 2 or sold out. Just $8 a quart. Pre-ordering is recommended. Call/text Steve at 919 727-0087 or email Stephen.ijames@gmail.com, giving your name, phone number, and number of quarts to reserve.