The Tar Heel Knight

It is Christmas Day as I’m writing this, as Tonya and I are having a quiet Christmas at home this year. My thoughts about this month’s article completely changed last night after I participated in an annual tradition...watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” As I’m sure most of you are aware, this nearly 60-year-old cartoon is one of the few “Christmas” specials airing over the last two months that keeps Christ in Christmas, as Linus reads the Christmas story from Scripture when asked about the meaning of Christmas. But there is more to it than that.

A couple of years ago, someone pointed out something very important about this Scriptural break to me, which I had never noticed before, and now I consider perhaps the most important part of this whole special. For those familiar with the Peanuts universe, Linus never lets go of his security blanket. Yet something happens during Linus’s Scripture reading that is so subtle it can easily go unnoticed. When Linus utters the phrase, “Fear not,” he releases his blanket and lets it fall to the ground until the end of the reading. When speaking of the Incarnation, he releases his fear and insecurity and places his reliance on God.

As we head into the new calendar year of 2024 and the second half of the fraternal year, what are the blankets we are holding on to? There is a certain kind of security in doing the same things over and over again year after year. We know it works and there is no risk of failure. It can be uncomfortable for most of us to walk up to someone and invite them to join us. It can be risky to try some new program because, what if it doesn’t work? Brothers, as men of faith, now is the time to let go of our blankets and take some chances. Pray about it. You have a unique opportunity as Knights of Columbus to do so much good in our parishes and communities. We are already doing amazing things, but we can do even more if we are not afraid to try. By growing our ranks and increasing the number of programs we participate in and create, we are answering our call to bring Jesus to the people and places that need Him most. So, “fear not.”

As the collector of the forms, I look forward to reading through your Form 1728’s that I am collecting from your District Deputies at the Midyear Meeting, to see how many hours and dollars we have donated to charitable causes during 2023. The amount of good that we do in North Carolina every year is staggering and humbling. Thank you for everything you do!

As your councils meet this month, please remember to schedule your council audits and submit Form 1295B by no later than February 15, with a copy to forms@kofcnc.org. These audits are an important part of our privileged tax status as a 501c8 fraternal organization.

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Vivat Jesus!
Tim Kelley
State Warden