Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Recently, Bro Lundling and I attended the 2012 Warden’s Retreat held in Ontario CA.

At this Retreat we both gained invaluable information concerning the leadership and development of a Masonic Lodge.

At the retreat we where given information concerning several major topics important to the management of the Lodge and our membership. Brother Lundling and I will present highlights of the Retreat at our next stated meeting.

In general we were given information concerning establishing a “Team Based Approach” within our Lodge as well as techniques to support our lodge growth.

We were also able to attend a Keynote Speakers presentation given by Dr. Walter Wright, executive director of the DePree Leadership Center located at the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.

His presentation focused upon creating a stronger, more integrated leadership teams within the Lodge. He covered techniques employed by business leaders to create a team based approach which includes understanding and developing a Lodge culture which best suits our membership needs and help our Lodge thrive now and in the days to come.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Over the past couple of months we have received a number of requests to participate in Masonic charity efforts in several different forms: Disaster Relief, Contributions to a Fund, and bestowing honors on others for their community service.

All of these constitute varying forms of Charity. But the most common concept of charity is giving, either time, money, or propriety. However, there is a more important function of charity, embodied in the definition: To have a benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity and to be lenient in judgment of others.

To me, charity doesn’t mean giving money or services, charity means having a charitable HEART.
On this principle, masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and cause true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance. Brotherly love is a principle, and charity, in attitude and actions, is the outward expression of that affection.

As we set our plans may we search our hearts to develop plans for charitable acts.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Greetings and special thanks to those brothers who have been getting more involved with the Lodge. It was very exciting at the last stated meeting that when I drove up to the front of the Lodge I had a difficult time finding a parking space. And when I entered the Lodge and the Hall there was a large standing crowd interacting. A glorious sight. Lets do it again.

During April and May we will have several third degrees scheduled and it would be great to have has many sideliners as we possibly can. So if you can attend please do so, it means so much to raised Brothers that you be there for them.

As this is my year for supporting the Master as his second in command, it is also my time to prepare for the new year. Previously I asked for input from the Brothers of the Lodge as to what they would like to see happen at our lodge. Several of you have talked to me about what you would like. I want to encourage all Brothers from the new initiated to the Master Mason with 50 years give me your input as to what you would like to see us do as a Lodge in Pacifica.

We have many opportunities with new brothers joining the line and the continued support of those of you who are the legacy of the Lodge. Please join me and assure our Lodge’s success.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Recently we raised, Karl E. Kirbus.

All those who participated in the ceremony did a very good job and I believe that Brother Kirbus was greatly appreciative of the honor bestowed upon him.

Also, we recently initiated a couple of brothers and we are looking forward to helping with their journey to discover the light.

Prior masters have established foundations and made available many tools and programs for us to prosper. Now its our turn to put programs and strategies in place to support the ever evolving process of progress for our Lodge.

Therefore for the next couple of months I’ll be seeking advice as to what you would like us to maintain and increase the strength of the Lodge. Should we rely on more technology, improve our interpersonal opportunities and/or seek outside assistance? I would like to announce my schedule for the 2013 (6013) year by October. So, let me know what you would like to do.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

This year will be exciting for me personally because its my preparation year before seating in the East.

There is so much to learn and prepare for. Therefore I will need everyone’s help in getting ready for this year and next year. So if you have any suggestions about what we might do more effectively please let me know.

In the month of February we have several events planned. We have the Sweetheart luncheon and High Tea on February 11th.

We’ll also be hosting the DSOI. All officers are strongly encouraged to attend.

And then we have several degree opportunities planned as well.

Remember all Past Masters and senior members of the Lodge, the more people we have involved the better our degrees will be and the Lodge will continue to prosper. Recall that the strength and support are key to all institutions especially ours. With that being said I wish to extend a personal invitation to come to Lodge and participate in our events and support our new slate of officers. With your physical support we will be able to create and achieve some great things for our Lodge.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

The new year brings optimism and new ideas rushing to form what will be a fun and entertaining year. We’re going to experiment a little, but by no means will we forget our traditions and rituals. We’re going to ask questions, too, like “ What does it mean to make good men better?” More importantly, though, we are going to be Brothers and journey together to find the light.

Also, this year we will be putting an emphasis on bringing our legacy Master Masons back to our lodge for a few meetings. One of our thoughts is to showcase our lodge history at these events.

So come on by for a spell and regale us with the story of your journey. The Great Light will be waiting, as will the warmth of our friendship. Of course, nothing warms the soul quite like a full belly, so there will be food from time to time, enough to drive the chill from our bones this cold , cold winter.

I look forward to catching up on old times and making new memories, too. Join us this year, especially at the “Rusty Trowel” event in April. Your attendance will make it a very special event for it is you all who mean so much to our lodge legacy.

Fraternally
David Bobrick

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Now our Lodge elections are completed and there is a new slate of officers for 2012. (See Page 4)

The New Year brings great promise and a renewed excitement about the positive growth of Coastside Lodge.
In looking back upon the past year there are a number of positive changes. For example we raised three new brothers to the sublime degree of Master Mason and initiated
Several new brothers this year.

We also lost a few brothers who have gone on to the place where no one as returned. Plus a couple of brothers who have moved away . We will miss them all.

On a personal note, now that I am moving on to be the Officers Coach, I hope that our new slate of officers will continue to see the Lodge prosper by bringing in new brothers and raising new Master Masons.
We now need to form our 2012 Planning Team and create our 2012 Operating Budget and program’s for next year’s lodge activities.

This year we must make every effort to stay within our budget. This past year we had to make a few major necessary facilities expenditures. So now we need to let our accounts grow.

Fraternally
Michael S. Schirmer, PM

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

During the past couple of months our Lodge has been very busy. We have done several first, second and third degrees. And with each new ceremony I see the “Light” continue to grow with in our officers has they make the transition to leadership roles in the lodge.

At our November meeting we will be electing new officers for the line next year. Then in December we will have a “Closed Installation” of the newly elected officers. Family and friends will be invited to our light meal prior, but the ceremony will be closed and in the Lodge room.

Our officers worked very hard this year to prepare for all the degree work and they did a very good job.

You should be proud of your Lodge and in the direction we are moving. Please come to the Lodge and support our efforts and events.

Remember the strength our society is its members. So if you would like to get involved with the Lodge let me know we have a few chairs open. Also if you have any comments or suggestions about what we could or should be doing please let me know. Suggestions are always welcome. We love to hear from you.

Fraternally
Michael S. Schirmer, PM

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

As we come to the beginning of  October and the present year comes closer to the end, I want to inform you that the Lodge is doing some great things in maintaining the legacy of Coastside Lodge.

As the Officers Coach, I am very pleased that I was able to see that our newly raised Brother, Brother Soni was an active member in our last degree work.  It is always great to see new master masons putting in an effort to participate in the line.  Also those of you who where there at our double second degree were witness to some very fine ritual work by both Brother Bobrick and Brother Lundling.  Congratulations brothers!

The next few months will be very busy with qualifications of officers and raising brothers.  We will need everyone to participate as much as they can to make this another fine year at Coastside Lodge.  Our past masters are willing to help us learn the work, I admire them for their dedication to the craft and consider them the true pillars of our lodge.  Please take a moment to thank them for their help.

My brethren I can’t wait for the next few months as we transition to another new year and we all dedicate our time to our Lodge.

Fraternally
Michael S. Schirmer , PM

Brethren of Coastside Lodge,

Summer will soon be coming to an official close. This marks the start of another season of degree work and practice. In addition we will be nominating and selecting officers for the coming new year. So if your interested in getting into the line or just helping on committees mention this to the Master or myself.

I am a strong advocate for Masonic education. This keeps the fraternity interesting and alive for each one of us.

By education I am not talking about ritual practice. I am talking about opportunities to share and talk about interesting facts about Masonry that we can share for a few minutes at each of our stated meetings.

History is replete with famous men who were Masons. Davey Crockett and Kit Carson were Masons? Why do you suppose they become Masons? What was their Masonic experiences?

Or another topic, the Lodge configuration is packed with symbolism. Take for example that the Master is three steps above the main floor, the Senior two and the Junior Warden is only one step. Why is that?

So who will be first? See me.

Fraternally
Michael S. Schirmer, PM