Former Senior Car Raffle Now Cash Caffle

Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center, and Barbara Updegrove, a volunteer and participant at the Center, display the check that will be presented to one lucky winner at the conclusion of the 20th annual raffle.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the TriCounty Active Adult Center.

The 20th annual TriCounty Active Adult Center’s cash raffle has begun! 

Formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center car raffle, the contest has been updated along with the image of the Center. 

 The grand prize drawing will be held on Labor Day, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., and the grand prize winner will win $15,000 cash. In addition, there are seven additional cash prizes from $250 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support seniors in our community,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, one lucky person will walk away with $15,000 cash!”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for seniors in the tri-county region. 

The Center offers nearly 40 programs and services each week – everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and many, many more. Additionally, a staff member is available to help seniors choose and access health care benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 1,500 seniors every year stop by the Center, and many come on a daily basis,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the Center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

A car was offered as a choice for the grand prize in previous years, but Parkes said that due to insurance regulation changes, the Center could not secure a car this year. 

Cash raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. 

Tickets may be purchased at the Center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. 

 Representatives from the Center will be selling tickets at upcoming community events including the Pottstown Classics Car Shows on High Street on Aug. 6 and Sept. 3, the Aug. 20th Veteran’s Day event in Memorial Park, and Duryea Day in Boyertown on Sept. 3.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center, formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,500 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

PASC's Golden Apple Gala Set for March 12

The West Chester Swing Kings will provide the music for the 2016 Golden Apple Gala on March 12.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Senior Center.

The third annual Golden Apple Gala is just one month away. This exciting event raises money for the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center as they work to support seniors in the greater Pottstown area.

“We are planning another exciting event,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the senior center. “Attendees will be treated to some great music, and we have a local award-winning couple demonstrating ballroom dancing.”

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 12 at Brookside Country Club in Pottstown.

Photo by Joe Voytilla

Patti and Bill Underwood will provide

a ballroom dancing demonstration at the gala

Betsy Chapman will be featured on the harp, and the West Chester Swing Kings will provide entertainment after dinner. 

A ballroom dancing demonstration will be presented by Patti and Bill Underwood, who have been dancing together for 25 years. 

The Underwoods are competitors in American Smooth and American Rhythm. In November, they won the Amateur American Smooth Championship at the Ohio Star Ball. They have also been the National Senior lll American 9-Dance Champions in 2007-08, 2010 and 2013.

Beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a choice of entrees, are included in the $125 per person ticket price. 

Reservations and sponsorships can be purchased at www.goldenapplegala.org, or by calling the senior center at 610-323-5305.

The exciting silent auction features original artwork, gift certificates, and many other valuable items.

All profits from the event will support services for older adults in the tri-county area, including a free daily lunch, professional assistance from trained staff, and exercise and social programs that help keep seniors active and independent.

Major supporters of the Golden Apple Gala include Joe and Linda Voytilla, Patient First, Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, First Niagara, Thrivent Financial, Wolf Baldwin & Associates, and David G. Garner, Esq.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The Mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,000 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50-plus years of age is welcome to join the senior center. Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

Senior Center Invites Veterans to Ceremony Friday

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is looking for a few good veterans.

They want to honor them at their event Friday, Nov. 13 at the Berean Bible Church at 2675 E. High Street in Lower Pottsgrove.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m.

A color guard, music with Kevin Pierce and special guest speakers along with presentations to our Veterans will be just a part of our day. 

Meet State Representative Tom Quigley, Sean Halbom from Montgomery County Veterans Affairs and others. 

A free lunch for Veterans is included. All are welcome to attend. 

 If you are a Veteran or know someone who is and would like to take part in the program, please RSVP at 610.323.5009.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,000 members residing in the tri-county area. 

Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to use the senior center. 

 Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

Senior Center News has Members Dancing

The West Chester Swing Kings provided the music for the 2015 Golden Apple Gala.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center raised more money for their capital campaign with a swinging gala on Saturday, March 14. 

Nearly 100 people turned out for the second annual Golden Apple Gala at Brookside Country Club in Pottstown. 

The dress was formal, but the mood was light as attendees danced the night away to the sounds of Betsy Chapman on harp during the cocktail hour, followed by the West Chester Swing Kings.

The big announcement for the night came just before dinner when executive director Brian Parkes announced that renovations of the senior center’s new building on Moser Road would begin in early April. 

“I expect us to be moving in to our new building by the end of the summer,” said Parkes. “It is an exciting time for everyone who has been waiting and contributing for this.”

The gala raised nearly $15,000 for the campaign to complete the renovations of their building on Moser Road in Pottstown. The building is the former site of the Pottstown Health Club. 

Donations are still needed to offset the money the senior center is borrowing to complete the renovations, and the campaign will continue through the renovation process. 

Donations to the campaign may be sent to PASC, 288 Moser Road, Suite 1, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Once renovations are complete, the senior center will have more than 18,000 square feet of programming and office space where it expects to serve 200 seniors a day. 

Currently, the center is offering most of its programs and services from a temporary location at the Berean Bible Church on East High Street in Pottstown.

Major supporters of the Golden Apple Gala include Keller Williams, National Penn Bank, FastSigns, Wolf Baldwin & Associates, Thrivent Financial, Manatawny Village, Longacre Company, David Garner, Esq., Piazza Honda, Houck & Gofus Funeral Home, Sager & Sager Associates, Knies Insurance Group, Mauger & Meter, Manor Care, De Medio’s Building Maintenance, Home Health

Betsy Chapman volunteered to provide the
music during the cocktail hour at
the 2015 Golden Apple Gala

Care Management, Vlahos Dunn, Sabre’s Fine Jewelry, American Dental Solutions, Gibbons Fastag, Yong Shin, MD, Bercek & Smith Engineering, Catagnus Funeral Home, Academic Urologic Associates, Wolpert Schreiber PC, Andrew Hoff Agency, and Quality Degree.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,000 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the senior center. Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

Senior Center's Golden Apple Gala Will Be March 14

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Senior Center: 

The second annual Golden Apple Gala is coming up on March 14.

Being held this year at Brookside Country Club, the Pottstown Area Senior Center is expecting another fantastic year of fun. 

The elegant event will have guests dancing the night away to the sounds of the Swing Kings Orchestra.

They will also enjoy, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and raise money for PASC's capital campaign. 

Hors de oeuvre, dinner, dancing and two hours of beer and wine are included in the $125 per person ticket price. 

 The evening is black-tie-optional.

Table and event sponsorships are still available.

To learn more and purchase tickets or sponsorships click on www.goldenapplegala.org

Senior Volunteers Honored

Pottstown Area Senior Center Executive Director Brian Parkes, left, presents the volunteer of the year award to Barbara Ridenour during the center's recent volunteer breakfast.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Senior Center.

Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center celebrated its many volunteers at a recent breakfast event at the center. 

Nearly 100 volunteers help to run the senior center, including line dancers and singers performing in the community to raise money, lunch volunteers who help serve and clean up, volunteers who fold, seal and mail thousands of newsletters, office helpers, program leaders, and board members, all of whom are critical to the senior center’s operations.

In 2014, volunteers put in more than 10,000 hours, and saved the senior center more than $70,000 in labor and professional services. 

Additionally, volunteers help raise thousands of dollars for the center by redeeming Redner’s receipts, coordinating fundraising events, selling raffle tickets, running craft sales, and in many other ways.

“We couldn’t operate without the dedication of our volunteers,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “Volunteers are truly the heart of the senior center.”

Barbara Rightnour was named the 2014 Volunteer of the Year. 

Rightnour put in more than 1,600 hours in 2014, working almost daily at the center overseeing the craft room and running the bazaar and craft sale. 

Sales of crafts made by Rightnour and her team raised more than $5,000 last year for the center.

“We clash sometimes over the excessive use of glitter,” Parkes said laughing, “But Barbara is a treasured member and volunteer who works hard to make the senior center a better place.”

Also honored at the breakfast were two long-time board members who recently left the board, Deborah Dollar-Reid who served for 30 years, and Sandra Levengood who dedicated 19 years.

Make the Season Truly About Giving

You've heard of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday?

Well now, there's "Giving Tuesday."

The idea is to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

And its happening right here in the Pottstown.

Pottstown-area nonprofits participating in #GivingTuesday (the '#' marks its Twitter handle ) include Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, Pottstown YMCA, Pottstown Regional Public Library, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, KenCrest, Family Services, and Aclamo, among many others.

Brian Parkes, executive director of the Pottstown Area Senior Center, said the movement intends to use the power of social media to encourage making donations to non-profits which make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

"We want to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season," Parkes said in a press release issued to The Mercury.

“People can donate to the organizations any time, not just on Dec. 2, but #GivingTuesday garners more excitement and we expect this excitement to bring in additional donors,” Parkes said.

"#GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world," he said.

In fact, there are organizations all over Montgomery County.

A new website www.GivingTuesdayMontco.org has information, including a list of nearly 100 organizations participating, along with links to donate, but does not accept donations of its own. 

According to the site, "#GivingTuesdayMontco is part of a national celebration of generosity. It’s a day to give a gift that makes an impact right here in our own community. It’s a way to let your values be part of your holiday giving."

Web marketing and web hosting company IQnection donated design and hosting services for the GivingTuesdayMontco.org website.

Along with the website, there is also a Giving-Tuesday-Montco Facebook page. 

“Last year, more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations in 46 countries were part of #GivingTuesday,” said Parkes. 

“It’s an opportunity to remind people of the power of charitable giving during this season, as well as the tremendous need that exists in our community.”

The Wheels of Fortune

This Honda Fit, or $15,000 cash, is the grand prize.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Senior Center

There is only about a week remaining to get your tickets for the 18th annual Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center car raffle. 

The grand prize drawing will be held on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m., and the grand prize winner will have their choice of a brand new Honda Fit or $15,000 cash. 

In addition, there are six cash prizes from $250 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support the senior center,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, one lucky person will walk away with a brand new car or $15,000 cash!”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for seniors in the greater Pottstown area.  

The senior center offers nearly 40 programs and services each week – everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and much, much more. 

Additionally, a staff member is available to help seniors choose and access health care benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 1,500 seniors every year stop by the senior center, and many come on a daily basis,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the senior center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

Car raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. Tickets may be purchased at the senior center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8am to 4pm on weekdays, or at the Pottstown Walmart on most weekends. The car is provided by Piazza Honda.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. The Mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,400 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the senior center. Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

Senior Center Car Raffle Enters Final Month

The Honda Fit donated by Piazza Honda and being raffled to benefit the Pottstown Area Senior Center.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Senior Center.

There is only one month remaining to get your tickets for the 18th annual Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center car raffle.

The grand prize drawing will be held on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m., and the grand prize winner will have their choice of a brand new Honda Fit or $15,000 cash. 

 In addition, there are six cash prizes from $250 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support the senior center,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, one lucky person will walk away with a brand new car or $15,000 cash!”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for seniors in the greater Pottstown area.  

The senior center offers nearly 40 programs and services each week – everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and much, much more. 

Additionally, a staff member is available to help seniors choose and access health care benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 1,500 seniors every year stop by the senior center, and many come on a daily basis,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the senior center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

Car raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. 

Tickets may be purchased at the senior center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, or at the Pottstown Wal-Mart on most weekends. 

The car is provided by Piazza Honda, and will be on display at the Pottstown Classics Car Club’s Nostalgia Night Car Show on Aug. 2.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The Mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,400 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50-plus years of age is welcome to join the senior center. Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

Their Apples Are Golden

Photos by Dave Cannard of Pinnacle Photography

Members of Elk Lodge 814 present a $1,000 donation to the Pottstown Area Senior Center.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottstown Area Senior Center Executive Director Brian Parkes.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center kicked off Phase II of their capital campaign with a rock and roll gala on Saturday, April 5. 

Nearly 100 people turned out for the Golden Apple Gala at Copperfields Inn in Limerick.

Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets rocked the Golden Apple Gala.

The dress was formal, but the mood was light as attendees danced the night away to the sounds of Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets.

“What a way to kick off phase II of our campaign,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the senior center. “Thank you to everyone who came out to be a part of the event.”

The gala marked the beginning of a final fundraising push by the senior center to raise an additional $750,000 to complete the renovations of their building on Moser Road in Pottstown. 

The building is the former site of the Pottstown Health Club. 

The event provided a major boost to the campaign. In addition to the money raised at the event, the Elks Lodge 814 was on hand to present a $1,000 check.

The biggest news of the evening came when Parkes announced a $100,000 matching grant from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

“Support from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation has been incredible,” said Parkes. “If you were waiting to give to the campaign – now is the time. Every dollar, or commitment, given to the center by June 30 will be matched by the Foundation, up to $100,000.”

Donations to the campaign may be sent to PASC, 288 Moser Road, Suite 1, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Once renovations are complete, the senior center will have more than 18,000 square feet of programming and office space. 

Currently, the center is offering most of its programs and services from a temporary location at the Berean Bible Church on East High Street in Pottstown.

Major supporters of the Golden Apple Gala include Keller Williams, Kiwanis, Pottstown Rotary Club, Douglas Diamonds, Sly Fox Brewery, FastSigns, Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets, CzarStar Security, Sealstrip, U.S. Axle, Wolf Baldwin and Associates, and Columbia Cottage.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

The mission of the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

Brian Parkes announces a $100,000 

matching grant from the Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center has more than 3,400 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the senior center. 

Learn more at www.greaterpasc.com.

About the Foundation: The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. 

Visit www.pottstownfoundatino.org for more information about the Foundation. 

Discover Pottstown area’s online community at www.missionhealthyliving.org to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life!

Renovations Underway at the YMCA

Renovations have begun at the Freedom Valley YMCA facility in Pottstown according to a release from the organization.

It began Nov. 11 and the first phase is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The renovation includes tripling the size of the Wellness Center to a 7,300 square-foot space, with state-of-the-art equipment, adding a new 3,800 square-foot Group Exercise Studio, refurbishing space to incorporate a new cycling studio and renovating the Y's lobby and locker rooms for members.

The expanded space is being made available, in part, because of the departure of the Pottstown Area Senior Center which will ultimately be moving to a new facility at the former Pottstown Health Club at Moser Road.

However, since that facility is not yet ready, the senior center, which was already nearly six months beyond its agreed-upon lease with the YMCA, will move in December into temporary quarters in the Berean Bible Church, 2675 E. High Street in Sanatoga.

According to a release from the YMCA, the renovation project "will deliver countless more opportunities for youth, adults and families come to swim, play basketball, socialize with friends and learn something new.

"The Pottstown YMCA is transforming into 2014 with a new look, and we hope more community members join us as we commit to providing first-class services in a safe, fun environment," said John Agnew, chief operating officer for the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA.

Senior Center on the Move -- Twice

Volunteers from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Maugers Mille Road, gathered by Eagle Scout Brian J. Frampton, recently helped trim brush and clean-up the grounds around the future home of the Pottstown Area Senior Center on Moser Road. 

The Pottstown Area Senior Center will be on the move next month, but it won’t be the last time.

Fundraising and development plans for the center’s new building — the former Pottstown Health Club  at 288 Moser Road — have taken longer than expected and the center’s lease at the YWCA on North Adams Street expired in August, said Executive Director Brad Fuller.

As a result, the center will have to move to an interim location while the work on the Moser Road property gets underway.

Pictured in front of the new building last November are the capital 

campaign committee, from left, center director Brad Fuller, 

Hanna Hartman, Lillie Foster, Heather Chandler, Mary Highland 

and Ronald Barrett. (The Mercury/Kevin Hoffman)

Happily, that location is extremely well-suited to the center’s needs, said Fuller. It is the Berean Bible Church,  2675 E. High Street in Lower Pottsgrove.

Fuller said when he realized the center would not be able to move into the new facility before over-staying their welcome at the YMCA, “I went to the (Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities) and asked for their help. We have some very specific needs. It had to be handicapped accessible, be on a bus route, have off-street parking, that kind of thing and a number of churches offered to host us,” Fuller said.

In the end, it turned out that Berean Bible Church “had everything we needed,” Fuller said. “It has a health department-certified kitchen, a separate entrance, it’s all on one floor and it has a big gymnasium.”

Cleaning up around the future home of the 

Pottstown Area Senior Center was 

an Eagle Scout project for Brian J. 

Frampton, pictured here with 

the center’s executive director, Brad Fuller.

Seniors may get most of their programming at the church for as long as a year, Fuller said.

Although it took 10 months to get borough approvals for the renovations, Fuller said he is pleased to be expecting a temporary occupancy permit that will allow the center’s furniture and the administrative offices to be moved into the Moser Road property while the construction and renovation commences.

However, in a kind of “chicken-or-the-egg” conundrum, the center is also waiting on financing, financing which is going slowly because so far, the center’s capital campaign has raised only $425,000 of the $1.2 million needed.

That fundraising has been slow, Fuller believes, in part because people do not see progress with the building, something it will be difficult to do without the financing.

As the time to complete the project stretches out, Fuller noted that the irony is the actual construction work can be done in eight to 14 weeks.

Nevertheless, Fuller said he, the staff and many of the center’s members are happy to have such an appropriate facility at Berean Bible Church available for them to use during the transition.
“It really is a very impressive facility,” he said.

Berean Bible Church in Lower Pottsgrove

The move to that impressive facility begins next month.

Although the center’s programs and activities will be moving to the church starting Dec. 2; there will be no activities there on Dec. 11; Dec. 16 through Dec. 20 as well as Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
The senior center offices in the YMCA will be open from Dec. through Dec. 13. After which, according to the plan, those offices will be moved to the Moser Road building on Dec. 19 or Dec. 20.

“The facility will allow us to do everything we currently offer, except for swimming, shuffleboard, (poker and BINGO),” Fuller wrote in an announcement to the members. The new temporary location also has air hockey, billiards, foosball and, “eventually, pickle ball.”

Those seniors who take TransNet to the center can still take it to Berean Bible Church and Fuller said “we are trying to arrange for a PART bus stop to be installed in a location close to the church.