Cross alk - Immanuel Lutheran Church • Riverside, California

Holy Hand-Me-Downs
Immanuel Family Update
Immanuel Lutheran Church & School
5545 Alessandro Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92506
Cross
alk
Pastor Steven Borst
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love,
Published Monthly
dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you.”
September 1, 2013
Colossians 3:12, The Message
Volume 31, Issue 9
This Month:
Elementary School News ~
Carl Boburka
2
From the DCE ~
Jean Beck
3
Wanted: A Prodigal God (A 4
Mission Haiti Story) ~
Pr. Seth Flick
LWML News Release ~
Mission Goals
6
LWML Upcoming Events
7
Birthdays/Anniversaries
8
Music Corner
8
Calendar
9
Our Newsletter Sponsors
11
Christian Education
Sunday: September 15
12
Immanuel has been collecting a lot of clothing lately for the poor. This Fall our
collection continues as we gather socks for the homeless in Riverside and
underwear for people in Haiti. All this second-hand clothing caused me to think
of my own childhood. You see, I grew up in a family of four boys, of which I was
number three. Because of this, I spent my growing up years wearing a lot of hand
-me-downs. Some people hate hand-me-downs, but as a kid, I sort of liked them.
I liked them because they came from my older brothers, whom I looked up to.
My brothers had good taste. They wore cool clothes and I figured that wearing
their clothes would make me look cool too. I admired my brothers, and as a kid,
I wanted to be just like them.
Do you realize that God has provided you with some holy hand-me-downs to
wear? These clothes come from your big brother – Jesus Christ. He first wore
these clothes, and now He wants you to put them on.
You might remember the show “Extreme Makeover” that used to run on ABC.
The premise of each episode was that they would take 2 slovenly, overweight,
and in some cases, physically disabled people, and then transform them through
plastic surgery, diet, exercise, and brand new clothes. Likewise, we are a people
in great need of an extreme makeover. God who is rich in mercy performed
spiritual surgery on us. Colossians 2:11-12 tells us, “In Him you were also
circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your
whole self, ruled by the flesh, was put off, having been buried with
Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through
your faith.”
As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, we have put to death our old sinful
nature and have been made a new people in Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus
was stripped of more than just His clothing as He died there for our sins. God
the Father stripped Christ of His righteousness and placed upon Him our
Continued on page 5
Page 2
Elementary School News ~
Mr. Carl Boburka, Principal
ELEMENTARY HAPPENINGS
A new school year has begun! Our teaching staff is filled with enthusiasm and expectations
for ministry opportunities to a new group of eager children and their families. Zephaniah 3:20
says, “At that time I will gather you together. I will bring you home. I will give you honor and
praise among all of the nations on earth. I will bless you with great success again, says the
Lord.” For us, the new year brings a renewed focus on building relationships in Christ and
providing us with a new strength and an understanding of the complementary roles each of us
has in our ministry at Immanuel.
The theme for the 2013-14 school year is “Learning the Faith-Living the Faith.” Each day at
Immanuel we teach and learn what faithful living in Jesus Christ is. We pray for God’s help to
live out our faith and to be good examples for the children in our classrooms. Our school
has an important responsibility to equip children to engage the world with the love of Jesus.
The first day of school was August 27. We began with an opening Chapel service and Pastor
Seth gave the message. Every Wednesday throughout the year our children participate in a
Chapel service. Our teachers and classes have the opportunity to lead the service. We also
invite parents and guests to praise God with us. Our Chapel program begins at 8:45 and all
are welcome to attend.
Immanuel’s “Back to School” night will be held on Wednesday, September 11, beginning at 6:30.
Christian Education Sunday will be September 15. Our teachers will be installed and
rededicated and students will be singing at the 10:15.
As we begin a new school year, we would like to thank our congregation for their support.
We ask that you keep our school ministry in your prayers as we seek God’s guidance to serve
Him at Immanuel.
Page 3
From the D.C.E.
(Director of Christian Education)
Jean Beck
Jr. High/Confirmation
High School Youth Group!
Lock-in, Graumann Hall, Friday
September 6 at 6:30 p.m.--Saturday,
September 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Theme: Changed by Grace!
Confirmation Information
meeting (for parents and youth)
will be September 18th at 6:30
p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Graumann
Hall.
Youth Nights will return on
September 17th, 6:30-8 p.m. at my
house (3903 Everest Ave.).
First class will be Wednesday,
September 25th from 6:30-8:00
p.m. in Graumann Hall.
Sunday School volunteers needed!
Starting in September, we will return to our “class by age” Sunday School that meets in the
school during the 10:15 service. We are looking for 4 adults that can partner with each
other (teaching every other month).
We are in need of leaders in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, and 3rd and 4th grade. All the
material is provided and is easy to use.
Please contact Jean Beck in the church office if you would like to assist in our Sunday School
ministry. We need willing hearts!
PARENTS: GET YOUR KIDS TO BED!
The amount of sleep little ones need varies from child to child, so it’s best to observe their mood and
behavior. However, the National Sleep Foundation makes the following recommendations for each age
group:
•
•
•
•
•
Newborn babies – 12 to 18 hours of sleep
1 to 3-year-olds – 12 to 14 hours of sleep
Preschoolers – 11 to 13 hours of sleep
5 to 10-year-olds – 10 to 11 hours of sleep
Teenagers – 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep
Helping your children gain a mental edge—and superior math and reading skills—may be as easy as tucking
them into bed at the same time every night, according to research conducted at University College London.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, involved over 11,000
children at the ages of three, five, and seven. Researchers found that youngsters who went to bed at
irregular hours scored lower in cognitive tests for reading, math, and spatial abilities. They noted that sleep
is crucial for brain plasticity—the brain’s ability to change and modify its structure—which allows us to learn.
From “http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/simple-habit-makes-kids-smarter”
Page 4
Wanted: A Prodigal God (A Mission Haiti Story)
By Pastor Seth Flick
Have you ever been starving? Not “I-missed-a-couple-of-meals-because-I-didn’t-planwell” hungry, I mean actually starving. Jesus tells a story in Luke 15 (vv. 11-32) about a
man who took all of his inheritance early and squandered it recklessly in a country where
a severe famine arose. Many of you know that this parable is called the story of the
“Prodigal Son.” After having lost everything, this “prodigal” was so hungry, that “he was
longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.” In the
story, Jesus is painting a picture of a man who was starving and absolutely needed food.
The options the man saw in front of him were: 1) Eat something nasty to survive or 2)
continue to starve.
When I was little, I remember Wisconsin summer days were hot, the nights were cool, and thunderstorms
struck often. After the storms would pass, my cousin, Josh, and I would hang out behind my grandparents’
garage and make mud pies. We were always pretty proud of our imaginative use of rocks, water, and dirt.
We’d even leave them out in the sun to “bake.” Did I try them? Yes. Were they as disgusting as you are
currently thinking? Yes. Did I NEED to eat them or starve? No, but this story is a testament of personal
experience that dirt pies would qualify as something nasty to eat. I’ve never been to the level of hunger that
this “prodigal” son has experienced.
In the story, the “prodigal son’s” poor decisions were the direct cause to his hunger. There are people in this
world who, through no fault of their own, are just as hungry as the “prodigal son.” They are left with the same
choices: 1) Eat something nasty to survive or 2) continue to starve. Where food has run short do you know
what some of our brothers and sisters in Haiti have resorted to? Mud cookies. They follow the basic plan of
when you probably made mud pies yourself; however, we’ve learned that mud is mixed with a type of
shortening and left out to “bake” in the sun. All for the honest-to-goodness purpose of eating. I can’t imagine
what that must be like as a father to choose between not being able to feed my children and choosing to give
them “food” which I know will give them worms and make them sick. I can’t imagine what it would be like to
feed my kids the mud pies I made as a child, because I had no skills for labor and no access to other resources.
But we have resources here at Immanuel we can provide. We have an overabundance of resources here, both
in skill to pass on to train folks for labor and in material goods. In fact, did you know that is actually what
“prodigal” means? The term “prodigal” has come to mean rebelliousness in common understanding, because
the focus of the parable was mistakenly on that rebellious son; however, the true focus of the parable is on both
sons’ relationships to the father. The original definition of prodigal actually meant “extravagant or lavish.” In
the story of the man who was starving, he thinks he can go home and work for his dad as a servant – at least
his father’s servants were well fed. Instead, the father runs to meet the wayward son, throws his arms around
him, and threw an “extravagant and lavish” feast that his son had returned.
Continued on page 7
Continued from page 1: “Holy Hand-Hand-Me-Downs” Pr. Borst
Page 5
sinfulness instead. It is through the cross that our extreme makeover takes place, because we have put on
the righteousness of Christ and have been made His holy people.
Forgiven and free, God now provides you with a new wardrobe. These are holy hand-me-downs, because
now you wear Christ’s consecrated clothing. At first these clothes might seem foreign. You might not be
sure that they fit and they are certainly different than any style you have worn before. But as you realize
who wore them before you, the One whom you admire more than anyone else – namely Jesus, your Big
Brother – then wearing these clothes He has chosen for you becomes a great joy, for you now will begin to
look like Him.
What does this new wardrobe look like? We are told to put on “compassion, kindness, humility, quiet
strength, discipline. We are to be even-tempered, content with second place, and quick to
forgive an offense.” (Colossians 3:13) You might say that these are clothes of caring, and you can tell that
these are Jesus’ hand-me-downs because it was Jesus who cared deeply for people. He looked out on the
crowds and had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd. He humbled Himself by eating with sinners and tax-collectors, and on the night in which He was
betrayed, He stooped as a servant to wash His disciples’ feet. It was from the cross that we hear Christ cry
out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
As a follower of Jesus, loving and serving our neighbor happens not by your own striving, but rather by
simply putting on Christ through faith. In wearing His clothes we are made to look like Him! When we
wrap ourselves in God’s garments of grace, it is then that we are empowered to care for others as Christ
has first cared for us.
But there is one more piece of apparel we dare not forget to put on. As a matter of fact, it’s this piece
which makes the whole outfit! Colossians 3:14 says, “And over all these virtues put on love, which
binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Without love, all our good works fall flat. We can excel in work or school but if we have not love, all our
accomplishments are like filthy rags. To try to practice Christian virtue apart from love ends up merely as
legalism. Oh, you might be able to wear these clothes for a while without love, but eventually they will chafe
on you so badly that you will have to get rid of them. Love, therefore, is like a belt which holds everything
together in their proper place.
Through the extreme make-over of the cross, Jesus has made you His child and given you proper clothing to
put on. So put on His holy hand-me-downs every day as you live out your life by faith.
Page 6
For more information about the convention or LWML, visit the website at www.lwml.org, or contact Sharon
Kassel at (951) 780-5695.
Page 7
Upcoming Women's Events -Save these Dates on Your Calendar!
Are you an Immanuel woman who enjoys hearing motivational Christian speakers? Would you like to spend
a morning with your friends from church, have a wonderful meal, and find out what God is doing in the lives
of other Lutheran ladies?
Please join us at the LWML Fall Rally (Women's Luncheon) on Saturday morning, October 19th, at Faith
Lutheran Church in Riverside (off of Van Buren and Jackson) and the annual Women's Tea on Saturday,
November 2nd, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland. Whether you are a member or a visitor at
Immanuel, we'd love to have you come to either or both events. Be sure to save the dates for the Fall Rally
and the Women's Tea on your calendars.
More information about Immanuel's women's events will be included later in the Sunday bulletin and the
October Newsletter.
Continued from page 4 Wanted: A Prodigal Son by Pr. Flick
In this understanding of the word “prodigal,” God is the prodigal one. He has met us as wayward as we have
ever been, thrown the arms of grace around us, and declared us to be Children of God. This prodigal God has
blessed us with forgiveness AND provided for us above and beyond in our physical needs. God is so prodigal
in the materials He’s provided in lavish and extravagant ways for us that we have an opportunity to reflect a
prodigal God in the ways that we help people in need in Haiti as well.
We've seen God work at Immanuel in His prodigal, giving nature in the past. We’ve financed the building of a
hangar in Haiti to be used as St. Vincent's Church. We've collected pillowcases which were sewn into dresses
for our young sisters in Haiti and we've gathered a few hundred shoes to send over. We’re even going to
collect underwear for Haiti this month! However, God is calling Immanuel to be even more “hands on” as His
prodigal servants at the end of this year: On December 7-14, Immanuel will send its first team of missionaries
to live out our mission of "engaging the WORLD with the love of Jesus Christ." We hope to send a team of 710 individuals on this trip to accomplish several building projects while there (chicken coops, goat corrals, a
pavilion dining area for the girls orphanage are all possibilities). The Mission:Haiti team would like to invite
you to prayerfully consider being one of the blessed prodigals to go.
Do you have a prodigal heart? A heart that wants to help and give to others who are praying for God’s
provision? There are many Immanuel family members that have a heart for foreign mission work, have a heart
for helping orphans, or believe strongly in multi-cultural ministries. Some of us can go
to Haiti in December, others cannot. However, if you cannot go, prayerfully consider
supporting those who can go. There are many levels of support from fervent prayer, to
partial support, all the way to fully sponsoring a missionary (appx $2500 per
missionary). For those of you who are able to support this mission whether through
prayer partners or financial support, please let Pastor Seth know how prodigal you are
able to be by phone (951-682-7613) or email ([email protected]).
God bless all of His prodigal people!
Page 8
Happy Anniversary!
Madison Pollard
9/2
Douglas Mc Geachy 9/2
James Collopy
9/2
Frank Souza
9/3
Courtney Souza
9/3
Carrisa Souza
9/3
Teddy Koenig
9/3
Joey Koenig
9/3
Graison McIntyre
9/3
Nathan Hanlon
9/4
Annabelle Mills
9/4
Brittany McKean
9/4
Zoe DeHoog
9/5
Megan Sokolowski 9/5
Leah Johnson
9/5
David Miller
9/7
Alice Felts
9/7
Michael Griebel
9/7
Tara Deconinck
9/7
Sandy Bailey
9/8
Chip Sartorius
9/8
Doug Grover
9/8
William Buster
9/9
Carolyn Elfman
9/9
Carroll Brown
9/9
Carolyn Paine
9/10
Riley Bremmer
9/10
Randall Beasley
9/12
Jamie Coleman
9/12
Peggy Heyes
Linda Holcomb
Andrew Linn
Kate Weggeland
Marek Sautter-Konyn
Jennifer Stine
Blake Mercadefe
Kristen Silsby
Cyndi Malsed
Ronald Johnson
Anissa Ramos
Hector Gutierrez
Hilda Haraka
Jill Van Leer
Elaine Schilling
Erinrose Snyder
Ian Davis
Elayne Lohr
Reece Miranda
Ahnyte Cervantes
Bethany Savage
Rick Ferrell
Dennis Maas
Cindy Patton
Dennis Deconinck
Timothy Medrano
Jamie Buster
Paul Lohr
Dione Myhre
9/13
9/13
9/14
9/14
9/14
9/14
9/14
9/15
9/15
9/15
9/16
9/16
9/17
9/17
9/18
9/18
9/20
9/21
9/21
9/21
9/21
9/22
9/23
9/23
9/23
9/23
9/24
9/25
9/25
Deb Erickson
Torrey Mateljan
Laura Curley
Rachelle Gross
Ayana Goodwin
Donald Wilcox
Marjorie Knaus
Karen Huynh
Nick Johnson
Grace James
Olivia Storey
Riley Hampton
Joseph Holcomb
9/25
9/25
9/25
9/26
9/26
9/27
9/27
9/27
9/27
9/28
9/28
9/28
9/30
Al and Janice Wainscott
William and Susan Buster
Allan and Shirley Meister
Nick and Leah Johnson
Herbert and Vivica Manous
Galvin and Jamila Leggett
Gregory and Elizabeth Good
Michael and Kathleen Davis
Local Immanuel Family seeking part-time help with
boys, ages 11 & 13. Morning help getting them off
to school. Flexible/varied schedule beginning in
late August. Pay rate negotiable. Please call the
church office, 682-7613, for contact information.
Music Corner
Wanted: Handbell Ringers
Some years ago, Immanuel had an active
adult Handbell choir that rang regularly for
worship services and special occasions.
The interest is back! Have you considered
being a part of a handbell ensemble? We
need you!
For more
information,
please
contact Cindy Patton or
leave a message in the
church office. Let’s ring!
9/3
9/5
9/5
9/10
9/16
9/19
9/21
9/24
It’s that time! Prepare your
hearts and voices for Choir
rehearsal! Love to sing? Haven’t
sung in a choir before? Like to
try? Come join us!
The Choir will begin practicing
on Thursday, September 12 at
7:30 pm.
September 2013
Sunday, September 1
8:00am Traditional Worship
9:15am Bible Study
10:15am Family Praise Service
10:15am Sunday School
Monday, September 2
Labor Day, All Facilities Closed
7:00pm Boy Scouts Troop 176
Wednesday, September 11
8:40am Chapel
9:30am Quilters
12:00pm Senior Staff Mtg
1:00pm 6th Grade Bells
6:30pm Elementary Back to
School Night
6:30pm Sm. Group Bible Study
Tuesday, September 3
3:25pm Elementary School All
Staff Mtg
6:30pm Boy Scout Pack 176
Committee Mtg
Thursday, September 12
8:00am Preschool Pictures
8:40am Preschool Chapel
5:30pm Thrivent Chapter
Board Mtg
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
Wednesday, September 4
8:40am Chapel
9:30am Quilters
12:00pm Senior Staff Mtg
1:00pm 6th Grade Bells
6:30pm Sm. Group Bible Study
Friday, September 13
8:30am Elementary and
Preschool Pictures
11:15am 6th Grade Hot Lunch
6:30pm Parents’ Bible Study
Thursday, September 5
8:40am Preschool Chapel
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
7:00pm Bible Study
Friday, September 6
11:15am PTL Hot Lunch
6:30pm High School Lock-In
Saturday, September 7
7:45am Men’s Bible Study
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
Sunday, September 8
8:00am Traditional Worship
9:15am Bible Study
10:15am Family Praise Service
10:15am Sunday School
11:30am Baptism
12:00pm Potluck Bible Study
Monday, September 9
3:15pm PTL Mtg
6:30pm Elder’s Mtg
7:00pm Boy Scout Troop 176
Tuesday, September 10
6:00pm Choir Director Search
Team Mtg
Saturday, September 14
12:00pm JOY Group Luncheon
Sunday, September 15
Christian Education Sunday
K-6 Sing at 10:15 Service
8:00am Traditional Worship
9:15am Bible Study
10:15am Family Praise Service
10:15am Christian Magician
Monday, September 16
6:30pm Support & Guidance
Council Mtg
7:00pm Boy Scout Troop Mtg
Tuesday, September 17
6:30pm Youth Night
Wednesday, September 18
8:40am Chapel
9:30am Quilters
12:00pm Senior Staff Mtg
1:00pm 6th Grade Bells
6:30pm Sm. Group Bible Study
6:30pm Confirmation
Information Mtg
Thursday, September 19
8:40am Preschool Chapel
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
7:00pm Bible Study
Friday, September 20
11:15am PTL Hot Lunch
Saturday, September 21
7:45am Men’s Bible Study
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
Sunday, September 22
8:00am Traditional Worship
9:15am Bible Study &
Christianity 101
10:15am Family Praise Service
10:15am Sunday School
11:30am Caribbean Meal Fundraiser for Mission:
Haiti
12:00pm Potluck Bible Study
Monday, September 23
7:00pm Boy Scout Troop 176
Tuesday, September 24
5:00pm School Ministry Team
6:30pm Youth Night
7:00pm Cub Scout Pack 176
Mtg
Wednesday, September 25
8:40am Chapel
9:30am Quilters
12:00pm Senior Staff Mtg
1:00pm 6th Grade Bells
6:30pm Sm. Group Bible Study
6:30pm Jr. Confirmation
Thursday, September 26
8:30am Pedal for PTL
8:40am Preschool Chapel
6:30pm Praise Team Practice
Friday, September 27
6:30pm Parents’ Bible Study
Sunday, September 29
8:00am Traditional Worship
9:15am Bible Study &
Christianity 101
10:15am Family Praise Service
10:15am Sunday School
Monday, September 30
7:00pm Boy Scout Troop 176
Page 10
CHURCH/SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Senior Pastor
Principal
Director of Christian Education
Director of Preschool
Visitation Pastor
Pastor of Outreach and Mission
Deacon
Choir Director
Altar Guild
Baptism
Bulletin
Elders
Flower Chart
Greeters
Hospital Recovery Meal
JOY Group
Men's Bible Study
Mission Outreach
Newsletter, Family Update
Nursery
Prayer Chain
Prayer Chain
Quilters
School
Shut-ins
Small Group Bible Study
Sunday School
Women's Ministries
Women's Bible Study
Youth Groups
Pastor Steven Borst
Carl Boburka
Miss Jean Beck
Mrs. Jeannie Jones
Rev. David Schilling
Pastor Seth Flick
Don Kolafa
CHURCH/SCHOOL OFFICE EXTENSIONS
Information
Church Secretary
School Admin. Assist.
Bookkeeper
Sr. Pastor
Pr. Of Outreach & Mission
Principal
Office Manager
DCE
100
Jamila Leggett, 200
Doris Schwecke, 201
Yolanda Kovalski, 204
Pastor Borst, 203
Pastor Flick, 222
Carl Boburka, 206
Teri Peters, 202
Jean Beck, 205
CHURCH/SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Joy Fosgett, Diane Brandt
Pastor Borst
Jamila Leggett
Marlin Brandt
Karen Brooks
Bev Barrier
Becki Spartos
Ken Unrath
Bob Holcomb
Beth Vangsness
Jill Popeney
Whitney Kelcher
Carolyn Elfman
Dory Robb
Peggy Roth
Doris Schwecke
Pastor Schilling
Deacon Don Kolafa
Jean Beck
Liz Ivany
Jean Beck
Memorial Gifts
Monday—Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Memorial gift envelopes are located next to the
regular envelopes in the narthex. These gifts can
be undesignated or designated for specific items
Do You Need A Little Help?
or ministries. Please consider giving throughout
Did you know that we have a ministry here at Immanuel the year in memory of a loved one, a birthday, or
to help those who are recovering from illness? If you or a holiday.
loved one just got out of the hospital and you need assistance with meals, or you would like to help by providing a
Going into the
meal, please call Becki Spartos or write it on your attendHospital?
ance card.
ANOINTING FOR HEALING We offering a brief service
of anointing for our members and friends following the
services on the second Sunday of each month and at
other times by request. If you wish to be anointed, inform
the pastor either before worship or following it and he will
meet you at the altar rail when the rest of the
congregants have been exited.
BULLETIN AND NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
It is important that you or a family
member call the church office to let us know.
When you are admitted, tell them that
Immanuel Lutheran is your church. This way
we can pray for you and visit with you.
All Prayer Concerns
Do you have a special prayer that you
would like our Prayer Chain to pray
Articles for the weekly bulletin must be submitted to the
for?
Contact Carolyn Elfman at 354-9896,
church office by Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Newsletter
articles must be submitted by the 20th of each month. All Dory Robb at 687-5725 or the church office
at 682-7613.
articles must be approved for printing by the pastor.
ADVERTISERS
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
5545 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 682-7613 / (951) 682-4211
Church Website: immanuelriverside.com
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RIVERSIDE, CA
PERMIT NO. 528
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL - DO NOT DELAY
OUR WORSHIP HOURS
Traditional Service: 8:00 a.m.
Adult and Youth Classes: 9:15 a.m.
Family Praise Worship Service: 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:15 a.m.
September 15, 2013
All children K-6 will sing at the
10:15 service
Come join us!