INSTALLATION OF STATE COUNCIL OFFICERS
"ESA ... Free to Be ..."
Joy Thornbrugh's Installation - Written by Charlotte Combs
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Installation of the newly elected officers of the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International for the 2008-2009 year, Charlotte, Joan and I are honored to be the installing officers. It is an evening that comes but once a year and holds special meaning to all of us. We are not only celebrating the accomplishments of the past year’s president, but we are looking forward to another year of special moments, memories, and accomplishments.
The honor guard is comprised of members of Epsilon Eta and Eta Phi. Will you please come forward?
Each of you has played an important role in Joy’s life by allowing her the freedom to be a friend and mentor in the lives of all of you. Thank you for sharing your love of ESA with her, encouraging her to follow her dreams, and supporting her in the culmination of one of the most special memories of her life. (Will the audience please rise.)
Tonight we thank this special lady as she completes her journey – she has led us with her heart this year. Pam, we had a wonderful year with you and your board as we experienced Love, Laughter, Leadership and Service. Please help me welcome your 2007-2008 Kansas State Council President, Pam McElvain escorted by her husband Kenny.
It is now my honor to introduce to you a special friend, sister and your 2008-2009 Kansas State Council President, Joy Thornbrugh escorted by her husband Terry. Audience you may be seated.
Joy, more than 30 years ago, I was beginning my first year of teaching. A few days before school was to begin, the phone rang. The voice on the other end said, “Hi, I’m Joy and I’m going to be teaching in Clearwater, too. We don’t live far from each other. Would you like to carpool? This was the beginning of a special friendship. A year later, you introduced me to ESA, and by Christmas of that year I was reciting my ESA vows in a special ceremony that completely changed my life. Tonight, I am honored to participate in a ceremony that will change your life forever: your installation as Kansas State President of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International. It has been a long time in coming, and I am so happy for you and proud of your accomplishment.
Terry – We are so grateful that you have become such an important part of Joy’s life. We have enjoyed getting to know you and watching your relationship grow. As you know, Joy is a dedicated member Epsilon Sigma Alpha and ESA is a very important part of her life. She will need your love and support this year as she carries out her duties as President of the Kansas State Council. This may require some sacrifices on your part. You may be needed to carry boxes to her car and then back again as she travels to various meetings around the state. You may need to lend a hand to ensure the household chores are done and supper is on the table. This will be a year full of memories that both of you will cherish as Joy fulfills her dream of being President. Terry, Joy thanks you as she knows you will be there for her. You may be seated.
Joy, the following officers will glide on butterfly wings this year as you allow them to bring their special gifts and talents to the membership. It is my pleasure to introduce the 2008-2009 officers:
Parliamentarian Mary VanderPol escorted by Mike Radke or Jerry Mentgen
Chaplain Crystal Collinsworth escorted by Jim Bourn
Membership Director - Clara Ginn escorted by Tom Grelk
Workshop Coordinator - Bonnie Templeton escorted by Scott Templeton
Auditor - Janene Radke escorted by Mike Radke or Jerry Mentgen
Treasurer - Phyllis Simmons escorted by John Winters
Corresponding Secretary - Cheryl Pucket - escorted by Jim Bourn
Recording Secretary - Marsha Barnes - escorted by Marshall Love
2nd Vice President - Kim Kummer - escorted by Steve Kummer
1st Vice President - Pat Josey - escorted by Rick Josey
Joy, another very important group of women that will be working diligently for ESA in Kansas this year will be the District Chairs. Please help me welcome the following:
District A – Sandie White
District B – Teresa McVey
District C – Linda Bocox
District D – Cyndie Ewy
District E – Denise Masterson
District F – Marla Olson District G – Patsy Jenks
District H – Donna Gilliland
District I – Corky Schur
District J – Charlotte Grelk
When you think of butterflies, the first thing that comes to mind is the colorful flutter of wings, but there is so much more than initially meets the eye. You as District Chairs will have the opportunity to spread your colorful wings as you lead your individual districts. You will also serve as the liaison between the State Council and the respective chapters within your districts. Thank you District Chairs. I know you will support Joy this year as you work in your district to further the efforts of membership, growth, and friendship. You may be seated. ----- Honor Guard, you may be seated.
This evening let us be conscious of our past, aware of our present, encouraged by our hopes and dreams, and strengthened by our common dedication to creating a brighter future. We feel a quiet comfort in our sameness and yet each being “Free to Be” ourselves on our journey of hope and dreams. This musical selection is dedicated to Joy, her Board, and all her ESA sisters.
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Joy has chosen “ESA Free to Be” as her theme and has found inspiration from the majestic butterfly. Butterflies are one of God’s most beautiful and delicate creations. They bring us joy and a sense of peace as we gaze at their splendor.
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty
belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Madam Jr. Past President/Counselor Pam, please join Joy at the center of the stage. We live in the present, we dream of the future, but we learn eternal truths from the past. You have shared your Love, Laughter, Leadership and Service with ESA this past year. Your talents will still be called upon as you serve our sisters as Counselor and Disaster Fund Chair. You will be expected to share the benefits of your knowledge with the new officers. Your free spirit will stand as a symbol of hope, love and encouragement as you help our sisters in their hour of need following a disaster. You will collect monies to continue a strong Disaster Fund on their behalf. Thank you for sharing from your heart with us and freely giving of yourself to ESA.
Madam Parliamentarian Janene or Mary, please join Joy at the center of the stage. Joy will depend on your expertise of parliamentary procedure this year. The magic ingredient to successfully serving as Parliamentarian is the art of being tactful. It is making others feel comfortable with your words of wisdom, kindness and consideration. It is putting people at ease and protecting ones’ dignity. It is standing beside your President, giving her your honest and impartial comments when needed. Joy has every confidence in your ability to perform these duties with love this year.
Madam Chaplain Crystal, please join Joy at the center of the stage. As our Chaplain, your responsibility will be to share the power of prayer with our sisterhood in a way that heals the sorrows of our ESA sisters, as well as embracing the joys of life with hope of new beginnings. The butterfly brings peace and enchantment to our soul as it transforms from a small cocoon to one of God’s most beautiful creations. Your words will comfort and encourage us this year in every situation. Your office is truly an office of hope and love.
Madam Membership Director Clara, please join Joy at the center of the stage. We are thrilled for you in this very special honor our President Joy has given you … in asking you to serve as the wings in helping Kansas chapters gain new members. You will be expected to inspire and create enthusiasm across Kansas. Your vision will be contagious. You have the privilege of spreading your wings enabling us to reach our goal of membership growth.
Madam Workshop Coordinator Bonnie, please join Joy at the center of the stage. The quest for self-improvement and the passion for excellence are part of Joy’s plan for her Kansas sisters. What you will bring to this office will be the opportunity to utilize your skills to organize workshops and communicate creative ideas and attitudes to your sisters throughout the year. Your free spirit and knowledge will lead us to learning, inspiration and fun. We look forward to your creativity as you prepare the workshops for the coming year.
Madam Auditor Janene or Mary, please join Joy at the center of the stage. As auditor you will review the recordkeeping of other council officers to ensure their accuracy. Your responsibilities also include the maintenance of the Long Range Plan for Kansas. The Monarch butterfly needs a detailed plan to migrate each year. We also need a Long Range Plan to ensure that ESA remains the strong organization that it is today. The information gathered from the Long Range plan will help guide our future leaders.
Madam Treasurer Phyllis, please join Joy at the center of the stage. Under your wings is placed the financial welfare of the Council. The membership has placed their total confidence in your ability to perform your duties. You will spread your wings of honesty and trust as you oversee the finances of the Kansas State Council. Though your job is a demanding one, it also is one where great knowledge and understanding of our organization is gained. This knowledge will serve you well in the future. Be diligent, true and dedicated to your responsibilities.
Madam Corresponding Secretary Cheryl, please join Joy at the center of the stage. Your duties as Corresponding Secretary of the Kansas State Council are among the most important. You are ever at the President’s side to perform the most massive and tedious tasks that need to be handled. You are indeed the right-hand of the President. Take advantage of your skills and talents to lighten the load of our leader. It is said that butterflies can fly 50 miles per day and that will be the speed you’ll need to keep up with the many tasks Joy will have for you.
Madam Recording Secretary Marsha, please join Joy at the center of the stage. Words know no boundaries; they fly freely as if on butterfly wings. However, when recorded, they are with us for a lifetime. They are used to celebrate the extraordinary events that take place in our organization, the fun-filled times, the outpouring of commitment and love, the plans and visions of our members. You will record these memories for prosperity with loving hands as you continue your ESA journey.
Madam Second Vice President Kim, please join Joy at the center of the stage. With this position you will fly higher than you have ever flown before as you work with Heartspring. Your challenge will be to encourage your sisters and the ESA chapters across Kansas as you spread your wings of love and hope to encompass all of those in need by raising funds for the Kansas State Philanthropic Project. This will be a year of great emotion and inspiration as you experience the dedication and service that is provided to the children at Heartspring. It will be a year you will never forget.
Madam First Vice President Pat, please join Joy at the center of the stage. As 1st Vice President-President Elect your wings will support Joy as she guides the way for all the officers. You will likewise use this year wisely as you prepare for the next year and encourage ESA members to step up and run for office and serve on the Kansas State Council. As you travel the state this year, you will need to spread your nourishing wings over all your ESA sisters as you plan our future. We know Joy will have your support and we are confident in your future leadership.
The following poem depicts the essence of all our officers as they stand before you, ready to spread their wings of freedom to be all you want them to be.
The butterfly has so many beautiful features.
Fragile, yet powerful wings adorn these creatures.
They look like angels from the heavens above,
A gift to fill our hearts with warmth and love.
In all their splendor and strife,
They are the symbol of new beginnings and life.
Gliding so delicately on the breeze,
Taking but a moment to dance with the leaves.
Madam President Joy, may this evening be the beginning of a year that allows you to be “Free to Be”. Free to accomplish your dreams and explore new horizons. Leadership is the art of bringing out the best in other people. Success is not built on what we accomplish for ourselves. Its foundation lies in what we do for others. Even when all is well, there is a future to create that we have barely dreamed of. We are honored to have a person with your talent, knowledge and ability to lead the Kansas State Council this year. As you spread your wings this year, we know your sincere love and devotion to ESA will be evident as you carry out the responsibilities you have accepted. Courage is contagious. When those around us demonstrate courage, it is easier for the rest of us to be brave. And if we are brave together, imagine what we can accomplish. Joy, we wish you the very best as you spread your wings and lift us to new heights of love and hope.
Please listen to the words of this special song we have chosen for Joy and all her ESA sisters and friends who have shared these special memories tonight.
“Circle of Friends” by Point of Grace
Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in congratulating our newly installed officers for 2008-2009 with a round of applause!
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
"ESA - A Love Song" - Written and composed by Verneene Forssberg
Sisters of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and guests, we begin this evening with renewed vision for our future and with a song in our hearts. At this time, we are pleased to introduce ______(the family of the President). We welcome them this evening as they come to honor ______and her accomplishments this year.
(The family will come forward to be seated up front toward the stage. Soft music will be provided as they are seated. The Vocalists will take their place. Two installing officers are used each trading turns reading the script. The dialogue will continue.)
The language of love is understood by all people. Love never reasons, but profoundly gives, gives like a thoughtless prodigal its all, and trembles then, lest it had done too little.
Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen.
The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather loved in spite of ourselves.
If our love is patient and kind … If it is able to suffer long, to endure every strain placed upon it in human relations, and still love … If our love is steadfast in pointing to Gods' love as is the needle of the compass as in pointing to the North … If our love is not discouraged even by repeated in gratitude and recurrent failures on the part of others, then patience and kindness are the fruits of having Christ within us. Are we nourishing our lives upon His life by prayer and worship and studying His word? If so, the fruit of patience and kind love will grow and will be available for the healing of our lives.
ESA – A Love Song - This is the theme for the coming year. Listen to the message of love sent to you from ______(president’s name) as (vocalists) ______sings “A love Long.” We ask that each of us re-dedicate ourselves to the love and closeness we feel for each other. Will you please stand and honor the President ______, as she is escorted by ______.
The song “A love Song” will be sung as the president and her escort comes to the stage area.” When they get to the stage the husband will be honored with a poem if there is one to honor.
______(Husband’s name) listen to ______(President’s name) heart as she speaks to you.
My husband, my love, my dearest friend,
You’ve given me your heart to tend.
I’ve given you my life to share;
My heart is in your tender care.
My husband, my hope, my fondest dream,
We form a true devoted team.
In all the moments life may bring.
You are my star, my everything.
My husband, my source of lasting truth,
You stir in me eternal youth;
You give my heart a sense of pride;
You fuel my warmest thoughts inside.
My husband, my daily inspiration,
You’re the love in my equation.
You’re my source of deep affection.
You’re my compass and direction.