Brothers, this has been a very busy month for the Knights. It is always so very impressive how involved our Council is in serving others and our parish community. We are there for our Church when there is a need, and we serve our community in many other ways. In all these service activities, we are at times put in a position with others that can create tension among our Brothers and the community in which we serve. Many times someone will say something or send an e-mail and, depending on the mood of the recipient, an innocent remark can be taken wrong and hard feelings created. It's important to remember that "We" as Brothers in Christ are called to forgive our Brother, not just seven times, but as Christ said 70 times 7. Bearing the burden of a grudge is a heavy load only on the person with the grudge; this burden then can ruin that person's joy and peace, and at times, become infectious to those around the grudge-bearer.

I will leave you with this closing thought: every Sunday we say the Lord's prayer as a community. In this prayer we ask for God to forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Pray for those who cause you pain and you will be blessed, and in return the person for whom you are praying will be blessed also.

God bless you all -- enjoy your summer.
Brother in Christ, Gary T.

During the June 2 business meeting, the Council nominated officers for the coming Council Year. Those nominated for 2008-2009 are:

Election of new officers will take place during the business meeting on June 23. Prior to votes being cast, any 3rd Degree member in good standing can be nominated from the floor, or place himself into the voting for any office.

The First Degree held on June 9 saw two new members added to our Council roster. Their initiation brought our total Council membership to 190. Initiated were Lawrence Paffrath of Cornelius and Charles Petsch of Mooresville. Welcome to 7406,gentlemen. We look forward to working with you to make our Council one of the best in the state.

Although not a specific KofC event, the participation of several Knights in Relay for Life dictates that it be mentioned in this month's Knightline. In addition to a $500 contribution from the Council, many hours were devoted to making this anti-cancer event the success it that it was. Stewart McLamb, our Deputy Grand Knight, serving on the planning and operation committee, was one of the moving forces behind Relay for Life. In addition, several Knights gave their time manning the KofC food booth and others worked to help the overnight event go smoothly. According to Stewart, over $205,000 was collected to help fight cancer.

With our Council reaching 187 per cent of membership quota and new insurance sales at 100 per cent, it looks like 7406 will once again qualify for Star Council this year. As noted in earlier Knightlines, Star Council is attained by very few councils in any given year and to win it is a major accomplishment.

The award is based on several factors including membership, insurance sales, various activities, community involvement and overall membership involvement in council activities. It also entails a tremendous amount of paper work on the part of the council officers in getting records together, signed and sent to Supreme.

Last month, our Council lost of its long-time members, Paul Cunningham. Paul was a lifetime member of the Knights with over 30 years of service. In recognition of his service to the Knights, a memorial of $150 was sent to Serenity House in his name. In addition, the Council has arranged for a mass to be said for the repose of his soul. Sympathy has been extended to his wife, Joan.

During the June 2 meeting, GK Gary Tadvick awarded monthly awards to Stewart McLamb and Tony Del Ray. Tony was honored at the Knight of the Month and Stewart's family was named Family of the Month.

In addition to the monthly awards, Bill Hannagan was presented a VIP award from Supreme for sponsoring five or more new Knights.