Don’t miss this opportunity!

The theme for this triennium, Be Thou My Vision, speaks to our ministry of BEING.

The theme grew from a simple, personal moment: looking out my window at the dogwood tree in my yard. Season after season, that tree has reminded me of God’s faithfulness. In spring, its blossoms speak of renewal. In winter, its bare branches stand as a quiet testimony to endurance. As I watched the tree one morning, I felt a sense that just as the dogwood lifts its branches toward the light of the sun, I, too, am called to lift my vision toward God. That image stayed with me, grounding this theme in something both spiritual and deeply personal.

When I began thinking about a theme for 2024-2027, I found myself humming the tune of the beloved hymn Be Thou My Vision. The words of the song denote a prayerful longing for God’s guidance. It resonated deeply with the direction I hoped our work on the National Council would take. The hymn is, at its heart, a request: “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.” That simple plea captured the feeling I wanted to carry into our ministry—one of humility, attentiveness, and a willingness to let God shape not only our decisions but also the spirit in which we serve Him and His creation. We needed to be servant leaders. We needed a shared vision.

As Daughters of the King, we are called to do God’s will and to share His love. We are reminded to BE who we are and whose we are, For His Sake. We take vows to pray, serve, and evangelize. We are one vision of Christ to the world.

Prayer is the foundation of that vision. Choosing this theme serves as my reminder that leadership begins not with strategy but with stillness. It begins with listening. As I look toward the years ahead, I want prayer to be the lens through which we see challenges, opportunities, and each other. Prayer clears away distractions and centers us on what matters most. It invites God to be the One who aligns our hearts with His purpose.

From the roots of prayer comes the call to service. Be Thou My Vision is not a passive hymn. It is a commitment to live in a way that reflects God’s priorities. When God becomes our vision, we begin to see the needs around us more clearly. We notice the quiet burdens people carry. We recognize the places where compassion is needed. My hope for this term is that our service will not be something we simply do, but something we embody—an overflow of our hearts filled with God’s presence.

Evangelism, too, finds its place within this theme – not as pressure or performance, but as the natural sharing of life illuminated by God’s love. When God is our vision, our words and actions point others toward hope without us even realizing it. Evangelism becomes less about programs and more about presence—being attentive, being available, and being willing to speak of the One who guides us. I want this term to be marked by that kind of gentle, authentic witness.

Ultimately, I chose Be Thou My Vision because it expresses the kind of leadership and community I hope we will cultivate together - a leadership shaped by prayer, a community committed to service, a witness that reflects God’s love and peace with clarity and grace. And like the dogwood outside my window, I pray we stand rooted, reaching upward, and ready for whatever new growth God brings in the years ahead.

I hope you will join us at Triennial to BE a part of this vision of God’s Love and Faithfulness!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)

Jane Searcy

National President

The Spring 2026 issue of The Royal Cross magazine is here! 

Hard copies are arriving at mailboxes and the digital magazine can be viewed online here!

Episode 20: Fidget Praying - Prayer Beads and Rosaries

In this episode, we explore the beauty and purpose of prayer beads and rosaries as meaningful tools for deepening our prayer life. From traditional rosaries to prayer bead necklaces and even prayer bead rings, we discuss the variety of options available and how these tactile practices can guide meditation, bring focus, and ease anxiety. Join us as we reflect on how “fidget praying” can draw us closer to God in both stillness and movement.

Resources for Rosaries

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our nineteenth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is Our Chaplains Corps with The Rev. Terence Lee and National President, Jane Searcy.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about the Triennial being held in Phoenix in July. We understand that the summer heat is an important consideration, and we truly appreciate your thoughtfulness in planning for your comfort and well-being.

Please be assured that the planning team has been very intentional in selecting a venue that provides a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. We have chosen a hotel that is fully equipped to accommodate guests during the summer months, with air-conditioned guest suites, meeting rooms, and gathering spaces. Covered walkways, shaded areas, cooling misters, and convenient transportation options throughout the property help minimize time spent outdoors. In addition, the Triennial schedule is being thoughtfully designed to limit outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day.

Phoenix is a well-established conference destination year-round, and the resort staff is experienced in ensuring that guests remain comfortable regardless of the season. Our goal is for every Daughter to feel welcomed, cared for, and able to fully participate in all aspects of Triennial.

We are grateful for your interest and hope this information provides reassurance as you consider attending. Please know that your comfort and safety are very important to us, and we look forward to gathering together in Phoenix for a meaningful and spirit-filled Triennial.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Chris Thorowgood

Triennial 2027 Chair

Travel can be costly—airfare, lodging, meals—these expenses add up quickly. When I attended my first Triennial in Austin, Texas, in 2018, I traveled with several women from my chapter, all first-timers like myself. To save money, we shared a room and stayed at an off-property hotel. I remember feeling apprehensive about asking my husband if I could attend; I had never spent that much on something just for me.

My husband is awesome; it was my uncertainty that was at play. And let me say, everyone benefitted from my joyful, inspired mood when I returned home! The triennial experience was so joy-filled and motivational that I vowed to attend every triennial, God-willing.

If you’re worried about the cost, there are creative ways and opportunities to help fund your trip. There are ideas and opportunities to help with the funding of your trip. I have a friend that says, “don’t ask, don’t get”. I thought this was a little rude and selfish at first. I have learned that there are funds and grants available at many levels to help support attending the triennial or other events that The Order offers.

Ask your Diocesan Assembly or Province if there are grants or funds available. Sometimes the Diocesan Assemblies or Provinces will help support your attending the event if you are a delegate. If this is something you feel called to do, look into becoming a delegate and attend the triennial business meetings.

Ask your chapter if they are willing to contribute to your registration fee. Again, you will return from triennial with news and information that may benefit the entire chapter. Be prepared to share your experience with your chapter after you return. Your enthusiasm may inspire others to join you at the next triennial.



Finally, ask your rector. I had to do this last year as a requirement for receiving a grant to attend another conference. My anxious approach was met with understanding and willingness to help. I learned that there are parish funds and scholarships available to help with this very thing.

Start saving money. Set aside money to help finance your journey to triennial. Make this a family trip and bring your spouse or children to experience a new place. Any way that you achieve this goal: save, conserve, or submit requests to finance your trip to the triennial. Embrace the “don't ask, don’t get” principle, as many resources are available to support participation in this valuable and inspirational event.

Sueson Vess

National 2nd Vice President

Christine Thorowgood is serving as Triennial Chair for our 2027 Triennial, to be held July 7–11, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Chris currently serves as National First Vice President, bringing to this role deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and a heart firmly rooted in prayer and service. A member of the Diocesan Assembly of Kentucky, she is well known for her thoughtful governance work, collaborative spirit, and commitment to honoring both our traditions and our future.

Many Daughters will remember Chris’ leadership as Site Chair for the 2024 Triennial in Louisville, where her careful attention to detail, calm presence, and ability to bring diverse teams together helped create a Triennial marked by hospitality, spiritual depth, and joyful fellowship. That experience, paired with her current national leadership, uniquely equips her to guide the planning and visioning for Phoenix.

As Triennial Chair, Chris approaches this work not simply as an event to be managed, but as a sacred gathering of Daughters—an opportunity for renewal, connection, and shared purpose. With prayerful discernment and a servant’s heart, she looks forward to welcoming The Order to Phoenix for a Triennial that reflects who we are and who God is calling us to be.



We are grateful for Chris’ willingness to serve and excited for the journey ahead as we move toward 2027 together.

This module equips Daughters to become mentors and helps Daughters understand

what mentoring is and its value to personal and spiritual growth.

Download Resources

Most Recent Conversation

Episode 18: Love is Here for All - from Boomers to Zoomers and Beyond!

This month, our topis was Love is Here for All - from Boomers to Zoomers and Beyond! with Carol Townsend, Nadine Craig, and The Rev. Jen Mariano. We discussed how our different generations can support one another in love.

Our Next Conversation

We are delighted to announce that The Order has launched a new e-newsletter designed especially for our Junior Directresses! The inaugural issue is packed with exciting updates, including the launch of a monthly Gen Zoom virtual gathering and preliminary details about our 2026 Junior Directresses Retreat, among other important news and information.

Click here to view the e-newsletter!

Most Recent Conversation

Episode 17: Coincidence? I Think Not!

On Monday, January 5, the Rev. Dee Ann de Montmollin and Ellen van Nagel share stories of God's providence in our every day lives. 

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our seventeenth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is Love is Here for All - from Boomers to Zoomers and Beyond!

Dues Assistance Policy Updated

The Order is a community of women who care for one another with love through every season of life. Part of that care includes supporting Daughters who may need help paying their dues. To make this process easier to understand and more consistent, the National Council has updated the Dues Assistance Policy and Procedures. These revisions clarify the steps to request support and clearly distinguish between temporary dues assistance and permanent dues assistance.

• The former Dues Relief Policy has been rescinded.
• Dues Relief is now called Permanent Dues Assistance.
• Prerequisites remain the same—no requirements have changed.
• The updated Dues Assistance Policy goes into effect January 1, 2026.
• Current Dues Relief recipients will maintain their existing status; nothing will change for them.

Most Recent Conversation

Episode 16: Joy, Grief, and Hope: Dealing with the Holidays

On Monday, December 1, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Short shares on how the holiday season can stir a mix of emotions and the challenges of coping with grief or difficult memories, and offers reflections on ways to honor loss while still nurturing hope and gratitude.

Click here for the Resources

Our Next Conversation

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of our new monthly series, the “Breath of Life” Prayer Circle. This special virtual gathering is designed as a time for spiritual feeding, encouragement, and connection among all Daughters.

Click here to register!

Most Recent Conversation

Episode 15: Sharing Your Spiritual Gifts at Christmas

On Monday, November 3, we talked about Sharing Your Spiritual Gifts at Christmas with our National Finance Chair, The Rev. Annemarie Delgado; National Treasurer, Shirley Siler; and National Membership Chair, Nadine Craig.

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our sixteenth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is Joy, Grief, and Hope: Dealing with the Holidays with The Rev. Dr. Margaret Short.

Learn how to reconcile a bank account step-by-step — from comparing your bank statement to your transaction records, to identifying and fixing discrepancies like outstanding checks, deposits in transit, bank fees or interest. Whether you’re managing personal finances or small business accounts, this video shows you exactly what to check and how to make sure your books match your bank

Click here to watch on YouTube

Most Recent Conversation

Episode 14: Working with Chaplains and Other Clergy

On Monday, October 6, 2025, our topic is Working with Chaplains and Other Clergy with Dr. Grace Sears, Mother Andrea, and the Rev. Terrence Lee.

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our fifteenth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is How Not to Overspend During the Holidays.

Episode 13: Spiritual Direction

On Monday, September 8, 2025, we discussed the topic of Spiritual Direction with Spiritual Directors Pat Hind and Katie Rea.

Coming Attractions

• November 3: How Not to Overspend During the Holidays
• December 1: Joy, Grief, and Hope: Dealing with the Holidays with The Rev. Dr. Margaret Short
• January 5: Coincidence? I Think Not! with The Rev. Dee Ann deMontmillan
• February 2: Love is Here for All - from Boomers to Zoomers and Beyond!

This module helps Daughters understand the importance of communication and relationships in building a strong, healthy community. This is a great resource to watch with your chapter or to add into a retreat day. For more information, contact NEP@doknational.org.

Download Resources

Request In-Person or Virtual Presentation

Paying your dues online is beneficial to both you and The Order in several ways.

• It saves time on both ends as the transaction only takes minutes for the individual Daughter to submit and automatically updates her membership record
• It provides greater certainty of transaction completion and reduces the risk of errors.
• It is more secure than other forms of payment.
• It reduces the overall cost of processing payments for The Order.
• It reduces the carbon footprint of the transaction by being paperless and eliminating the need for the physical transportation of the payment.

Lifetime Membership - $1,250

Senior Annual Dues - $50

Junior Annual Dues - $15

Online Payment Procedures

1. Sign into your profile to pay your annual dues online, scroll down to “My Profile.” If you have not signed in before or forgot your password and need assistance, please contact the national office.
2. In the “My Profile” box  on the right side of the screen, click "Manage Profile.”
3. Scroll down to the section titled “ Invoicing, Payment & History,” click Invoices.
4. Select the invoice  by checking the box on the left, then click “ Pay Selected Invoices.”
5. Complete  all required areas (*) of  the  “Payment Information” section. Be  sure the expiration date has the two-digit month and four-digit year (xx/xxxx). NOTE: the credit card processor checks against the CVV on the back of the card and the billing zip code  so this information must be that of the card holder
6. Check the box next to "The Cardholder understands the terms and authorizes the payment(s)."
7. Click " Submit Payment."
8. A confirmation box  will appear with the total amount charged to the card. Click “Yes” to confirm payment.

Lifetime Membership

Lifetime memberships cannot be paid online. There are two payment options for Daughters wishing to have a Lifetime membership:

• Credit card – call the national office at 770-517-8552
• Check – mail a check with an Individual Dues Payment Form to the national office

Tax-Deductible Payment

Your dues payment is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. No goods or services were provided by The Order in return for the gift with the following exceptions:

• Senior membership - $15 goes towards The Royal Cross magazine subscription and is non-deductible.
• Lifetime membership - $375 goes towards The Royal Cross magazine subscription and is non-deductible.

Credit Card Processing Tips

If you are experiencing difficulty processing an online payment, these tips will help to ensure a successful transaction.

• The Order only accepts Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cards.
• Confirm that the expiration date is valid.
• Be sure to enter the expiration date as MM/YYYY.
• The address on the online payment form should match the billing address of the credit card holder.

If you still need assistance, please contact the national office.

Episode 12: Labyrinths

On Monday, August 4, 2025 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic wass Labyrinths with Dr. Christin Lazo and Ellen van Nagell, who are both Veriditas Trained Labyrinth Facilitators.

Click here to download the Chartres labyrinth.

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our thirteenth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is Spiritual Directors  with Pat Hind and Katie Rea.

The Living Church Podcast Featuring Dr. Grace Sears

Enjoy this podcast episode from The Living Church, featuring our very own, Dr. Grace Sears, Past National President of The Order and Archivist, among many other roles! ...There’s a powerful group of women who you may not know are in your church. They handle your prayer requests. They support your priest. They may help with Sunday school, coffee hour, or missions. And they are an inspiring example of the understated power of simple service. These women are the Daughters of the King. The Order of the Daughters of the King is a vowed order for women who are communicants of Episcopal Churches or churches in the historic episcopate. They currently include women around the world in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic traditions...   Click here to listen

Triennial 2027 Announcement

Our National President, Jane Searcy, is thrilled to share the city, dates, and theme of Triennial 2027! Mark your calendar and plan to be with us in ...

Episode 11: Membership and Reigniting Your Chapter

On Monday, July 7, 2025 our topic was Membership and Reigniting Your Chapter with Nadine Craig (National Membership Chair), Suzanne Spradling (Province VII President), and Andrea Roberts (Province VII Membership Chair).

Our Next Conversation

We are excited to invite you to our twelfth episode of season three of Conversations with Daughters on Monday, Agust 4, 2025 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This month, our topic is Labyrinths with Dr. Christin Lazo and Ellen van Nagell.