At our August 7 meeting, Kathy installed the 2014-15 officers and led a ceremony focused on reflecting upon our goals and rededicating ourselves to our weight loss journey. I feel confident that I can speak for everyone who attended that it was a moving and motivational ceremony.
Before I go into the details and highlights of the ceremony, I want to thank Kathy for all her hard work. The ceremony was inspirational to me, and I am sure that it was to others, also. I can’t convey in words what a beautiful ceremony it was visually with the candles shining in the dim light, as well as it being emotionally and spiritually moving.
Here are the highlights:
Kathy presenting the rededication ceremony.
Officer Installation
Outgoing Officers
Officers were installed. Kathy gave each officer their charge. Here are Kathy’s words to us:
Incoming Officers
Patty, as our new Treasurer, you are essential to us, as you keep track of all of our monies coming in and going out. You have the task of keeping track of our funds. This Treasure Chest charm represents the job you will do this year. It also represents the many thanks from the rest of us for taking on this job. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Jana, this Explorer charm represents you. As Secretary, you will keep track of our meeting notes. As a techy person, you are helping to bring our TOPS club into the real and virtual world. We appreciate your willingness to take us into the 21st century as we explore avenues to keep TOPS relevant in this day and age of technology. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Bert, this crown represents the many hats you will wear as Co-Leader. You have just stepped down as Leader and you have a great knowledge of what is happening with TOPS, with our local club and with each office. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Darcy and Betty, our Weight Recorder and her Assistant. You all are such a pleasure to be around. Your gentle spirits soothe us as we approach that scale each week. Darcy, this heart has a key inside which represents the wealth of information you keep track of for us for our International organization. The pearls represent the members of the club and our gift of doing the right thing each week so that we can approach the scale with confidence. Betty, this timepiece charm represents the timeliness, the reminder that we are accountable to ourselves and each other each week. We appreciate both of you and your willingness to serve.
Jessie, this door represents your new office as Leader. You will lead us through this door and on our journey for next year. It looks like a Secret Garden door. May we find friends and support for each other as we move through this door. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve
And we have one last charm.
Patty, how privileged we are to have the State Coordinator here in our chapter. This charm represents the Life Line TOPS is for us and you are at one end. But remember, that we are here for you. This is a big year for you. Don’t forget that we are at the other end and we are here for you, too! We appreciate you and your service to TOPS!
Rededication Ceremony
Next Kathy led us in a rededication ceremony. From the Rededicaton Ceremony*:
The installation of new officers marks the beginning of a new TOPS year – a perfect time for all members to remember what brought them to TOPS in the first place, and to rededicate themselves to continue their quest – whatever it might be
Kathy lit candles symbolizing continuity from one year’s officers to the next, support from fellow TOPS members, TOPS and KOPS pledges, movement (e.g., exercise), and a food plan. The lights were turned off and we took a moment to reflect upon our personal thoughts.
Lighting candles
*The rededication ceremony was written by Area Captain Jeanie Druebert.