In their message of welcome, the conference convenors affirmed their belief that the conference was providing a special opportunity to help the TOS take another step forward.  “We are blessed,” they said, “with a beautiful setting and kind and efficient staff members and volunteers to look after our needs.  Our hope is that every single person registered for the conference will go away more inspired than ever by the exciting potential of the TOS as a vehicle for helping the TS in its great work.  Our hope is that each will leave with a greater sense of connection with the infinite spiritual energy available within for selfless service without.”

In her formal opening words, the President of the TOS in America, Nancy Secrest, said: “I feel blessed to be involved with the TOS and especially blessed to be involved at this time and in this place. I have a strong feeling that what we do here this week, the vision and ideas we develop, and the decisions we make, will place the TOS in a firmer position to help others than it has been for many decades. That’s because I know that everyone here is a worker and passionate about alleviating suffering in the world. We care—that’s why we’re here.

Most of us have been together for five days now attending the Summer National Convention of the TS in this country. We’ve begun to get acquainted, to learn about each other, each other’s cultures, and the work our TOS sections are doing in our local and national areas. Now we are about to get down to specifics, to discover and define more deeply what the TOS is, what we want it to become and how to achieve our goals. I hope that in the next four days we form firmer bonds of brother-hood and sister-hood that will link us even more closely together in the service of all that suffers.”

 You can read the full text of Nancy’s address here.

Maria Parisen led our opening invocation:

May the Powers of Love bless this Order of Service, that in their compassion and wisdom we may bring comfort, freedom and peace to all in need.  We link ourselves with all those working with us throughout the world.  We give thanks especially to the Theosophical Society, whose objectives have inspired us.  Together we reaffirm our intention to realise how service informed by a spiritual vision will ultimately benefit all sentient beings.  May we be together here in harmony, as we re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals of the International Theosophical Order of Service.

We were honoured by the presence of the International Vice-President of the TS, Brother Mahendra P. Singhal and his cheerful and friendly wife, Shashi.

In his keynote address, Brother Mahendra reminded us that every act of selfless service performed joyously is a beautiful event. “Let us try to build the TOS as a vibrant service institution that will channel great love,” he said.

“A group of engaged people should be assembled for innovating TOS operations with a yearly program and budget. We should aim at serving mindfully, joyfully, selflessly and with excellence and energy in order to be the best service providers possible,” he advised.

Our International President of the TOS wrote:

I send warm greetings to the workers gathered at Olcott for the international TOS Conference. 

The TOS has an important role to play in helping the TS make our theosophical teachings known in the world and in bringing about individual and societal regeneration.  I look forward to a report on the activities and deliberations of the conference. May the TOS continue to grow.

I appreciate the long-term service carried out in the field by many of you and even if I don’t have the time to write to you all individually, my affectionate good wishes are with you always. 

With love, Radha

Some of our long-time TOS workers were unable to attend but sent their heartfelt greetings. Among these were Lorraine Christensen, the Director of the TOS in Canada, and her husband, Henning. You can read Lorraine’s message here.

Another TOS supporter who is very dear to us, Joy Mills, sent us her greetings, which you can read here.

Lorraine and Henning Christensen

   Joy Mills

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