Fishermen's News
March 2000
Dear Members and Friends,
The Presbyterian Women will be sponsoring a service of prayer and worship Friday, March 5 to commemorate the World Day of Prayer. The World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ, and to take up the burdens of others by praying with and for them. Though initiated and organized by women, men are also invited to participate March 5.
The World Day of Prayer is not to be confused with the National Day of Prayer, an American tradition which is commemorated the first Thursday of May. As "coincidence" would have it, though, I recently came across Ann's former column about the National Day of Prayer; this was published in the April 27, 1996 edition of the northeast PA regional newspaper she served as Religion editor. I thought it appropriate to run at this time for a number of reasons: (a) in addition to promoting the service March 5, this gives a good (albeit early) "plug" for the annual May observation (May 7 this year), (b) it contains much in the way of helpful and informative factual data, and (d) it's to once again honor the memory of Ann by promoting something very near and dear to her heart; the day I write this is our eldest's birthday and two days prior to what would have been our tenth anniversary.
Stephen L. Clark, Pastor
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"We acknowledge with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording the United States an opportunity peacefully to establish a constitutional government for their safety and happiness."
(Proclamation by the U.S. Congress, Sept. 25, 1789)
Ann Clark, April 27, 1996 --
In the spirit of the Christian heritage of our nation, next Thursday, May 2, will be observed at worship services throughout the country as National Day of Prayer. In addition, all 50 states will have proclamations recognizing the event. In Pennsylvania, House Bill 220, which designates a Commonwealth Day of Prayer, passed on April 10 by a margin of 175-16. In the past, Pennsylvania has put forth resolutions regarding such observances, but this bill establishes a state statute for the first time. American government has an honorable and long-standing history of establishing days of prayer. The First Continental Congress declared a national day of prayer in 1775, thus initiating a tradition which continues today. However, based on filed lawsuits and court decisions of the last few decades regarding the "separation of church and state," one might think the founders of our nation were hostile to religion. In reality, the founders firmly believed that the public interest was served by the promotion of religion. For example, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which set aside federal property in the territory for public schools and which was passed again by Congress in 1789, states: "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of learning shall forever be encouraged." The First Amendment to the Constitution reads in part: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... If that simple phrase was meant to mandate a "separation of church and state," the U.S. Congress of 1789 did not see it that way.In fact, Congress debated the language of the amendment throughout the summer. Then, the very day after approving the First Amendment, the House of Representatives voted a resolution of prayer and thanksgiving and issued the proclamation of Sept. 25 cited above. Congress then called on President Washington to proclaim a national day of prayer and thanksgiving, which became the origin of our present legal holiday of Thanksgiving. Indeed, the very phrase "separation of church and state" appears nowhere in the Constitution. Its origin is a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1802 to a group of Baptists and Congregationalists in Connecticut. Jefferson himself, while frequently depicted as an advocate of secular government, demonstrated that he did not believe that religion and politics should be kept separate. Among his proposed revisions of Virginia law for example, were a bill to punish violations of the Sabbath and another providing for days of prayer and thanksgiving.
The intent of this portion of the First Amendment was to encourage healthy co-existence among the many Christian denominations in the new country, and to ensure that the federal government did not establish one over the others as the official state church of America. This constitutional restriction applied only to the federal government; after ratification, some states still had an official church, such as the Congregational Church in Connecticut.
Virtually all of the founders were professing Christians who expressed their faith in God publicly and while serving terms as elected officials. Surely they would not object to government observances allowing for days of prayer. State Representative John Gordner of Berwick, one of the original co-sponsors of House Bill 220, also looks to the founders as the basis for his support of the measure. "As an elected official, I look back to George Washington," he explained recently. "At the end of his second term, in his famed Farewell Address, he mentions the importance of religion in government, and that elected officials and the people should pray. As the Father of our Nation, Washington should be respected and recognized for his views on this subject."
The National Day of Prayer and Pennsylvania's counterpart, the Commonwealth Day of Prayer, are strictly non-sectarian and invite people to pray according to their chosen tradition. Such provisions are in keeping with the intent of our nation's founders and do not violate their understanding of the role of religion in government.
For years, I was under the false impression that the "separation of church and state" meant that religion had no place in government. But now, the more I read about the founders' vigorous support for religious (and specifically Christian) influence in public affairs, the more I am convinced that we need to defend and protect the grand Christian heritage they have left us, lest we lose the benefits of it. Dr. Harold O.J. Brown, director of the Rockford Institute Center on Religion and Society, put it this way: "Christianity in the large sense -- not Christian doctrine as such, but the civilization that has grown up in the context of Christian teaching and Christian life -- is so interwoven into the whole social and indeed human fabric of the United States that it cannot be cut out...without destroying the entire fabric. If the Christian heritage in America is lost, it will not be because there is a small if substantial minority of non-Christians who wish that it did not exist...but because there are so many Christians who have become first ashamed and then ignorant of it."
Pastoral Post Script: In order to help us pray more effectively on the World Day of Prayer, here is some recent correspondence from three of Greenwood's supported missions
:January 12, 2000
Dear Sojourners and Pilgrims!
Good news! The year 2000 has finally arrived, though Y2K seems to have been much ado about nothing. And better yet, the watchword (from the Moravians) for the year is, " When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:13-14). With those two statements I send you heartfelt greetings from Klaipeda! Too many months and miles (or kilometers, as the case is here) have passed since my last correspondence, but it is with gratitude that I write you in the first days of the new year. I do indeed send you, as best one can from this distance, deep and genuine thanks for your love, support, prayers, and partnership in 1999.
Yes, like clockwork, it came -- the new millennium, and we are in it -- did anyone really think it would be otherwise? I asked one of the students here at Lithuania Christian College just before the Christmas break whether she'd be disappointed if the 'end of time' came and we couldn't hold classes second semester. She looked at me with the 'you crazy American' smile I've gotten used to and answered, "Jane, nothing like that can happen till I finish my education. LCC is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and no Y2K is getting in my way!"
It is just that enthusiasm, that strangely committed and serious yet refreshing attitude, combined with sometimes startling joy and determination that I get to encounter on a regular basis teaching and ministering here on the edge of the Baltic Sea. This small and rather amazing gathering of volunteer faculty and over 350 students has become home for me. I'm now into my third year and still finding myself overwhelmed and silenced by God's goodness and grace, even as the clock ticks off the weeks, semester by semester, and most certainly as we enter a new millennium. The verse from Jeremiah is a solid reminder of God's ways...he leaves in our hands and hearts the search but promises the outcome -- he will be found! In fact it sort of reminds me of the days when my nephews would hide, making just enough noise to be found, only to burst into delighted giggling and the pretense of surprise! Though that metaphor is perhaps a silly one, I think God is always waiting anxiously for us to find him -- to see and recognize his presence, his hand, his work, his grace, his love, his goodness in all the cracks and crannies of our days. This goes for those who have yet to respond to him as well as to those who, like me, are plodding along just trying to be faithful in the big and in the little things.
Pray with me, as our students seek to make meaning in their lives in a new Europe, to find purpose and direction in these confusing days, to grow and grow up, that we instructors and staff might be walking with them as they search and yearn. Pray that we might take seriously their quests, their doubts, their fears and that we might somehow all the while be pointing to the way we've found and to the way on which we've been found!
Thank you again for what you are doing with me in this place! Your prayer and financial commitments make it possible for my service and witness in Lithuania! -- In Christ, Jane Holslag
11 January 2000. Dear Friends:
The new year, century, millennium has brought us to the realization that things move slowly here in the Third World. Not much has changed. Indeed, we saw no need to change our usual New Year's routine of sleeping the new year in while on location in Africa. Actually it was a good thing we did, because the rest of the weekend I was non-stop, first-call doctor for our 300-bed general hospital. People who came in had problems such as: malaria, pneumonia, dysentery, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis and AIDS. There also were people with the usual injuries like broken bones, lacerations, sprains, and burns. On a happier note, we had a millennium baby born by Caesarean section on the morning of the first.
Much of our work here entails teaching young Kenyan doctors. We have six interns who live nearby and who train for one year at our hospital. Afterwards, they are certified to practice medicine anywhere in Kenya. The responsibility of their training is awesome, and we spend considerable time in trying to instill in them not only practice skills, but also the ethical values of medicine which we so often take for granted.
Our hospital was founded in 1922 by Scottish Presbyterians. Since that time, missionaries from abroad have continued to provide and direct the care of folks in the Chogoria area, who mostly are poor farmers. Our hope and prayer is that Kenyan medical leaders be found to carry on this work. In many departments that already has happened. The hospital administrator, accountant, dentist, nursing supervisor, maintenance chief, nursing school director and community health coordinator all are Kenyans. Sadly, only one senior Kenyan physician, Dr. Andere, an excellent pediatrician, has chosen to work on our staff. We continually search for others, and trust that some of our current interns will choose to stay.
Newspapers daily remind us of the desperate political and economic situation that surrounds us. Famine in our northern desert. Refugees from Somalia and Sudan. Gang wars in the Rift Valley region. Corruption in high places. Empty national coffers. Moreover, we are told that the situation is getting worse here, as it worsens in other parts of Africa as well.
We are beset by hope and by frustration, by despair and by optimism. Though "things fall apart" on every side, our strength and stay are found in the muted gratitude of our patients and in the promise of our Lord of his eternal presence.
Richard and Judith Brown, Presbyterian Hospital, Chogoria, Kenya
To: "Stephen L. Clark", revclark
From: INTERNET:steven.kurtz@os.tel.hr,
Date: 2/17/2000, 4:26 AM
Greetings from Croatia. Please convey my thanks to the Greenwood Community Church for being willing to again support Jasmin! His ministry is so crucial, and the Lord is blessing in slow but clear and steady ways. Just last week, two students (both in the college of Law, as it happens) joined the new church in the Osijek Old City (Tvrda) which Jasmin is planting. Seeing this, at least two others said they would like to join. Now, I think there is some real, visible momentum. I think we have turned a corner. We have gone from "interested in English" to "interested in Bible Study" to "attend worship" to actually "make a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ and become a member of the church." In this, we rejoice!
This past Tuesday, we had 21 people in the room for bible study. This is a record for us. I think we have achieved something like a "critical mass" on which now, growth will be a bit easier (never easy, but maybe now not so painfully slow). In addition, a young lady who has been taking correspondence courses in order to be certified as a "teacher of religious education" named Nina, has come on board with us. This is excellent news. Here's why: the government requires all children to have a class on religion in school. Normally Catholics come in and teach, but if a Protestant wants, he/she can take the class at church (like a Confirmation class) but the teacher has to have government certification and the grade for the course is part of the student's academic record. So far, Jasmin has had to teach these courses in a number of different elementary schools in which our Reformed children are scattered. Needless to say this is a big drain on his time and energy. Now, however, Nina can start to help take some of this teaching load. This is truly great news for Jasmin, who is always conscious of how much more time he needs to spend on his primary task of evangelism and discipleship in the new church. So, a big answer to prayer.
Other answers to prayer include a very positive response from PCUSA for our request for more ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. They will be recruiting for us. Again, if you know anyone who would like to come over and teach for us, let us know. PCUSA office of Global Evangelism also just promised us half of our requested $12,000 per year to start to rent space in the capital, Zagreb, for a new church plant there. So, things are rolling.
I want to thank you again for your long term commitment to Jasmin's ministry. I believe that it is money well spent. He is dedicated and an extremely hard worker. God has given him to the Reformed church for such a time as this. Without Greenwood plus College Hill in Cincinnati, he would not be able to work full time: you make it possible, and we are full of gratitude.
Why not have someone in your church lead a visit to us? I am aware that your family responsibilities prevent you from coming personally, but let me reassure you that any time you feel able, we would love to have you come over. Still, I cannot imagine all the work you must have at home on your own; I have two boys (age 4 and 9) and I know how much work it is. My prayers are still with you.
Grace and peace, Steven Kurtz
PYF HAPPENING
On Friday, February 11, PYF met at church to begin the long ride to New Hampshire for what I hope was our 1st Annual Ski Trip to Attitash. Thanks to the planning and driving of our leaders, Jim and Betty Parkinson, Steve Gormley and Annette Summers, the trip was a complete success. We all had a great time skiing and being together. We all thought we were pretty accomplished skiers until Pastor Clark showed up with his "Austria" patch on his ski pants. It was great to have him with us and we appreciate all the driving he did to get there.
When we arrived back at church on Sunday afternoon, the unanimous decision was that the trip was great. Although we were all sore and tired, there was reluctance to go home. Thank you again to all our leaders!
Submitted by Ben Desmond for PYF
FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
The coming months are busy ones for the Sunday School. We will be involved in the Youth Sunday on March 19th. Watch the church bulletin for more details.
Our Heifer Drive will begin in March. With the money we raise we purchase animals for underdeveloped countries. Please help your children fill the ark if you are a parent. We will have baked goods available on March 5th to help our ark project.
We are going to be having Music Sundays for the Sunday School. The children will meet in the choir/music room at the beginning of Sunday School for a half-hour of music several times a year. Nancy Merritt will lead this program. It will be an opportunity for the children to learn new hymns and to refresh their memories on older favorites. It should be a great experience for the children.
Thank you to everyone who donated clothing for the mitten tree. The clothing is greatly appreciated. Thank you, too, to Mary Farnsworth for coordinating this program.
Lynn Kramer, Sunday School Superintendent
NOTES FROM THE CHOIR ROOM:
The Handbell Choir has been playing together each Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be "ringing" the bells before the 10:30 service on February 20th.
Greenwood Choristers has not experienced a great response and I have taken this as an indication that we should try something different, something that will include more children than are able to come to a Wednesday afternoon rehearsal. As of now, we will not have Choristers, but we will have a Music Sunday for the Sunday School in February. Kindergarten through 6th grade will meet in the choir room at 9:15 and will sing and be involved in other worship activities until 9:45, when they will return to their classrooms. The Junior and Senior High will have their own Music Sunday (to be announced). I am excited about this and appreciate the cooperation of Lynn Kramer and the teachers for their willingness to try this "experiment".
The Chancel Choir meets each Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM and we are always glad to welcome new members. "Happy Birthday" to one of our "younger" members, Mike Koczan, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on February 29th.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE
March 3rd
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Greenwood Sanctuary
This is a service sponsored by the Presbyterian Women. We will be joining Christians around the world in prayer for our families, our church, our country, and our persecuted brethren in other countries. Come and join us for this time of reflection on the Word of God and our united prayers
.An offering will be taken for the work of World Relief.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died,...Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all.
These searching words from Isaac Watts' hymn alert us to the beginning of Lent and our Ash Wednesday Service on March 8th. Lent is the generous season that gives us six full weeks to consider our dark, inner rebellion against God and the perfect, amazing, divine grace that can cleanse us, heart and soul. What a Savior! What medicine for a sin-sick world. Come let us adore Him.
In February, newly elected officers take their places, and committees often welcome new members and leaders. Don Sorgel has graciously accepted the chairmanship of the Worship Committee this year. We are all familiar with his faithful service at Greenwood Church and his friendly welcome, especially at first service. Thank you, Don.
Faithfully,
Myrle L. Dean
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
New Member/Inquirers Classes
will be held on Sunday February 27th, March 5th and concluding on March 12th. Anyone interested in becoming a member of Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian or any current members interested in reviewing their Presbyterian "roots" are invited to attend. The classes are held during the Sunday School Hour - 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM. God Bless, Jim ParkinsonONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
Last year One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) celebrated its 50th year of service to God. This year it celebrates a new millennium, a new challenge to share our worldly goods with those in need, and in so doing, spread the word of God.
The theme for OGHS this year is "Gifts of the Living Water". Jesus said, "Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14)
OGHS begins March 12, 2000 through April 16, 2000 (Palm Sunday) at which time your offerings will be dedicated. Envelopes for this offering can be found in your weekly envelope box and in the church pews.
We have been richly blessed. Let us give from our abundance that others may grow and flourish. Like water, our gifts are so much more powerful when they are all joined together. Like water, they really are a gift from God.
Thank you for your generosity,
Your Mission Committee
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
Quite clever of the UN to do this. Go to the Hunger Site at the UN. All you do is click a button and somewhere in the world some hungry person gets a meal to eat, at no cost to you. Corporate sponsors (who gain advertising in the process because you see their logo) pay for the food. All you do is go to the site and click on the donate food button. But you're only allowed one donation per day. Pass the word!
http://www.thehungersite.comCarol Snyder and the Mission Committee
PROJECT ANGEL TREE
-- a special thanks --
Dear Rev. Clark:
On behalf of Prison Fellowship Ministries in Connecticut and Rhode Island, I wish to express our very deepest gratitude for all that your church did to make Project Angel Tree 1999 one of the most successful Angel Trees ever!
This year we reached over 15,000 children in New England. The key to our success, as always was the sacrificial dedication of so many hard-working volunteers. Mrs. Karen Rogers did an outstanding Job handling all of Rhode Island.
We thank the members of your church for everything they did to provide for the delivery of gifts in your area. The Lord truly has richly blessed us with churches like yours. You helped to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of needy and at-risk children in New England. Your church also was a blessing to their parents who were incarcerated during the holidays.
May God continue His richest blessings upon you, your church and your service in the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With all the best wishes for a wonderful year and warm personal regards, I am
In His Grace,
Jack Wyman, New England Director
NEWS FROM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Regardless of the weather, March is going to roar in for Presbyterian Women for it is a very busy month. It starts off on March 3rd with a World Day of Prayer Service. Then on March 5th we celebrate Gifts of Women Sunday. Please look for a display in Fellowship Hall. Moving right along, we will hold our Spring Brunch on March 7th. This is always a taste treat followed by an interesting program. This year we will hear from Penny Webster who is Co-Moderator of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Southern New England. Tickets are $4.00 for the full brunch and $2.00 for the "lite" version.
We are already working on Bazaar 2000. Please see the special article on this. We hope many of you will join us for this project. However, the next big work project about to "Spring" at us is the May Breakfast. We are starting May Baskets right now! Sign up sheets for working and baking will be available at Circles in March and April. A large sign-up chart will also be in Fellowship Hall so anyone who wishes to help can sign up.
Most important - we invite all of you (men & women) to join us for our PW Lenten Bible Study, which begins on Tuesday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m., in the Church Parlor. It will be lead by Brent Richards, and is a study of Psalms called Old Songs for a New Millennium. This should be an enriching experience, and we urge you to attend. Other sessions will be held on March 28, April 4, 18, and 25.
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100: 1-2)
Jean Martin, for the Coordinating Team
Circle News for MARCH
February Circles functioned on schedule without the threat of snow or storm and brought us lovely warm fellowship and spiritual blessings as well. MARCH WINDS will bring our Spring Brunch, Ash Wednesday and Lent and the first meetings of our Lenten Bible Study. Please note our seven Circle Schedules.
Circle I will meet in the church parlor on Wednesday, March 15th at 9:30 a.m. to work on the Silent Auction for the Bazaar on 12/2/2000. Childcare is provided - visitors are welcome -- no need to call.
CIRCLE II will meet on Tuesday, March 14th at the home of Edie Ganz at 9:30 a.m. Following Circle agenda this group has been rolling bandages.
CIRCLE III will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th in the Toddler Room at church. Following prayers and business (including May Breakfast sign-ups) members will enjoy the game: WHAT IS IT? - no need to phone if you want to visit.
CIRCLE IV will meet on Tuesday, March 14th at 7 p.m. in the church parlor. Following the Circle agenda and prayers the members will enjoy the fellowship of a "Pound Auction. Visitors are welcome.
CIRCLE V A busy time for V. They will meet on Wednesday, March 1st with the MS Key Club at 10:30 a.m. They also have a project to benefit RSVP. This Circle will co-host (with VI) the Spring Brunch to be held on the 7th.
CIRCLE VI This group will meet in the church parlor on Tuesday March 14th at 1 p.m. Following Circle Agenda and prayers they will enjoy fellowship and May Breakfast plans. This Circle will co-host Brunch on 3/7. Visitors don't need to phone ahead. All welcome.
CIRCLE VII will be meeting at the home of their leader, Lynda Baker on Tuesday, March 14th at 7 p.m. Following Circle Agenda and May Breakfast sign-ups, they will be working on Bazaar 2000 projects.
Not much time for the "winter blahs" here. We look forward to all these dates and also the Lenten Bible Study. If you, dear reader, have questions please call me at 884-8631.
Angie D'Albora
Circle Coordinator
39er's MARCH GATHERING
Corned Beef & Cabbage Luncheon
March 15th - 11:30 AM, Toll Gate Vocational School
PROGRAM in FELLOWSHIP HALL @1:00 PM
Chair Aerobics
Should be a lot of fun and exercise, just what we need in the dead of winter!
PLEASE CALL EVELYN RAE or MARGE WOODARD
- CAUGHT IN THE NET -
OUR SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Doris White, who was an active member of Greenwood for many years. After moving to Virginia three years ago, she passed away on January 23, 1999.
NOTES RECEIVED
Dear Friends and Members at Greenwood,
When I first took ill, I very quickly knew why I had joined Greenwood, with visits by Steve and members' visits or from telephone and cards. The many thoughts and prayers have great healing power. The flowers from church were lovely.
In Christian love, Ruth Allard
Dear Friends at Greenwood Church,
Thank you so much for the beautiful bouquets of flowers. They certainly cheered up my hospital room. Thank you also for all the cards welcoming our son, Brandon Eric. We are certainly blessed to be part of such a warm & caring congregation. Thanks again!
In Christian love, Sherry, Kenny & Brandon Phillips
Dear Friends at Greenwood Church,
My heartfelt thanks for the awesome outpouring of caring and love during his illness and after the death of my beloved father, Wasken Melkonian. He enjoyed the visits, cards and the flowers while at Kent Hospital. The beautiful, uplifting funeral service led by our Pastor Clark was a comfort to all who were there. The sympathy cards still pouring in are deeply appreciated. What a blessing to know you all.
Sincerely, Janet Lebkuchner
BLOOD DRIVE - March 22 - 4:00-7:30 P.M.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
December 2, 2000
Plans and work are underway for our full scale Country Christmas Bazaar next December. This is a major fundraiser for Presbyterian Women's programs, mission projects, and leadership development. Want to help? Have things to donate? Call Jean Martin (739-3875) and Peggy Phillips (737-1616) or speak to any of the people listed below. We welcome your participation!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPE - Lynda Baker and Circle VII
COUNTRY STORE - Jean Martin, Betty Mason, Sandy Olson, Peggy Phillips, Betty Stacey
SILENT AUCTION - Lynda Gudmundson and Circle I
PANTRY & BAKE SHOPPE - Fran Bonn and Circle IV
ATTIC TREASURES - Kitty Channel and Louise Ferrante
LUNCH ROOM - Angie D'Albora, Mabel Fuller, Lynn Kramer and Circle V
DECORATIONS - Angie D'Albora
PUBLICITY - Karen Baxter and Betty Stacey
BEGINNING WISH LIST: (Please, NO Attic Treasures yet!)
Wreath frames, Baskets, Shells, Cones, Cotton Fabric, Felt, Yarn, Craft Eyes, etc.
Please label "For Bazaar" and leave on blue table near back door.
That's all, folks!