Fellowship of the Woodlands VBS

[eaglesprings]

Just wanted to give people a "heads up" that the price has really increased this year. Registration on or before Sunday, June 24th, cost is $30 per child. After that day, the price is $50! People can stop in the church office during the week (I think from 8 to 5) to register if this isn't your regular church.

The VBS will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon the week of July 16th, Monday through Friday, for children who have finished Kindergarten through sixth grade. The kiddos do have a great time, with water slides and "bouncies," and various forms of entertainment. Last year, they had a band named "Savvy" and a bird show, among other things. They have some pretty neat crafts, and the Bible stories really capture the kids' interest. So, if you can get over the sticker shock (yes, I had to pick my teeth up off the floor when I heard!), I can wholeheartedly recommend this funfilled week for the kiddos.

[FamilyGal]

That's ridiculous. Most churches (I venture to say 99% of them) have FREE VBS. Granted they don't have "bouncies" and as much entertainment, but maybe FOTW should cut back on that stuff.

Yes, it is fun for the children of the families that can afford it, but isn't VBS meant to reach to all children that do not know the gospel?

[LarkinJoanna]

I agree FG.

[eaglesprings]

I also agree, Family Gal. The price is obscene for a VBS!

Which is why I wanted to get the word out. If people want their kids to attend this VBS, they need to know about pre-registration. Many kids in this area have been there before, and of course, will want to go again. Parents will have to decide what to do, but I couldn't see not warning people ahead of time about the cost this year.

I sat down with my oldest daughter this morning and had a very long talk with her about this. I asked her, "Venture a guess how much FOTW VBS costs this year?" Her first guess was "free." When she finally (after several attempts) guessed $50, HER mouth hit the floor! She just finished third grade, and realizes that is a large amount of money. SHE worried that nobody would go!

She still wants to go, offered to open up her piggy bank and pay for it herself, but she had all sorts of questions, like "Mom, if a family has something like guintuplets, what are they going to do?" I also explained to her we won't be doing some of our other "fun things" after VBS as a family, due to the cost of the VBS. She seems to be comprehending that, as well. (Wish the youngers would follow in her footsteps as far as understanding the value of a dollar!)

For me, personally, once I got my teeth back into my mouth, I had to decide if this is really a good value. Value wise, it is. At $50 per week, times three, divided by the hours they are there, it is not much more than I would pay a babysitter who doesn't provide the "bouncies and birds." So, husband and I get a few hours each morning, and the kids have a good time. They want to go, and I won't deprive them of that.

But, I'll never see Fellowship of the Woodlands as a "real church" again. And, I sure as heck won't be volunteering this year. I'm not going to stand at the registration tables and break the news to people the cost is $50! That's just crazy!

[11Linda11]

Have you talked to anyone at the Fellowship about your feelings? It does seem like a lot of money. I would want to know their reasoning for charging that much. Maybe they'd give you a break since you have 3 kids.

I love the Fellowship and am grateful that it's there for us. It's still a real church to me. :)

[eaglesprings]

Hi, Linda: I'm very glad that you are happy at Fellowship, and in all honesty, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for them. I do get disgruntled about some of the things they do (such as this fee for VBS), but I'm not going to take my beefs to anybody at the church. For us, it just makes more sense to find a different church home, more in line with what we feel is important in a church. It doesn't mean we'll never attend Fellowship again. It just won't be our church home. And, the girls are super excited about VBS there. No matter how miffed I might get, I'd not want to deny them that.

Oh, editing for an afterthought:

Fellowship does offer aid for families who need it -- at least they do for the church camps and I'm fairly certain I recall they do for VBS, as well. I don't know how one goes about applying for it, though. I don't feel right about asking for it because someone else may need it greater than I do.

[FamilyGal]

I don't have a problem with FOTW. It isn't what our family needs as a church, but it does meet the needs of many families. I see it more as entertainment. Which is fine for most folks.

The VBS IS a good deal when you look at it as a week of entertainment for the kiddos with a good moral basis. I just grew up with VBS being an outreach program for kids who normally don't go to church. The theory was that if you got the children to church, they would take the gospel back to their families and eventually you would lead families to the church as well. Up until the past few years, I had never heard of a VBS charging. I understand charging for the shirts, but beyond that, I think it should be a part of the church's yearly budget and be offered free to the public. From the looks of FOTW, I would think they could afford to fund VBS without a fee. Or, cut back on some of the extras they are offering so more disadvantaged children can attend.

Perhaps they have scholarships? If so, do they advertise that to the point the general public would even know about it?

[FamilyGal]

Fellowship does offer aid for families who need it -- at least they do for the church camps and I'm fairly certain I recall they do for VBS, as well. I don't know how one goes about applying for it, though. I don't feel right about asking for it because someone else may need it greater than I do.

I didn't see this last comment when I posted about scholarships. I figured they probably do, but wonder how much they advertise it.

Our church has a huge benevolence fund and gives scholarships to more than 50% of the kids that attend camp. We don't charge for VBS, BUT we don't offer anything extra. Just good old fashioned, games, songs, Bible stories and snacks. We offer prizes for certain things, but those are all donated as well. The ladies of the church bake all of the snacks and donate them. (We are a small church with an attendance of about 100 to VBS.) NOTHING in comparison to FOTW.

[eaglesprings]

Yeah, Family Gal, that is kind of where we stand as far as FOTW goes. We're glad they are there and glad that they offer as many activities to the kiddos, the community, and their members, as they do. But, we are also looking for the more traditional type church that, among other things, does not charge for VBS.

The kiddos went to a VBS earlier this summer, and had as much fun there without the bouncies, the birds, the entertainers, etc. There was no charge for that VBS. The kids did take an offering every day. Now, I regret not sending a little more with them than I did. But, I appreciate this church and plan on visiting there more often as soon as some of the craziness of summer slows down!

[LarkinJoanna]

I think when most of the traditional churches take an offering each day that it doesn't have anything to do with supporting the VBS. The offerings are usually for a childrens mission somewhere.

[FamilyGal]

I think when most of the traditional churches take an offering each day that it doesn't have anything to do with supporting the VBS. The offerings are usually for a childrens mission somewhere.

When the church takes an offering, the person designates what fund they want the money to go to. We have many people that designate that funds go into the VBS ministry or Youth Camp, etc... We have several one time donations to different activities and we have people that regularly donate to a certain cause. (For instance, Lottie Moon or Missions)

We have a $500 budget for our VBS and last year still had $200 left over. We have an evening VBS and served a light DINNER to each of the kids. I have to say though that we have one of the most giving churches I have ever known. We have a much older congregation and these ladies live to cook for anyone and everyone. Our children are always getting home baked goodies. (And the staff too. I am constantly coming to my desk to find a homemade pecan pie or other goodie.)

We have someone donate all of the helium and balloons every year. The prizes are all donated. The snacks and drinks are all donated and most of the decorations are donated from a church that had the same theme a few weeks prior to ours. The only thing we really have to pay for are the craft supplies. We do two crafts per night, per kid.

The kids bring in a volutary offering (generally pennies and nickels, normally less than a dollar) and EVERY penny is given to a particular mission. The church doesn't keep a cent.

[baby duck]

I think when most of the traditional churches take an offering each day that it doesn't have anything to do with supporting the VBS. The offerings are usually for a childrens mission somewhere.

Yup. That was the case here.

[TXrose]

I have never in my life heard of a church charging for kids to go to VBS. Our church never has charged for VBS. I have on occasion paid for a Tshirt or bought a tape. No we don't have bouncy things, but what does that have to do with VBS? It makes me wonder what are they trying to do that would cost $50. If you are really trying to spread the word to young children, why would you have to charge money to do it?

[eaglesprings]

Baby Duck's church had "bouncie things" one day.

Okay, somewhat funny story. I go up to the church today to register my kids and a few others, and a lady that I know who works there comes out to greet me. She is such a sweetheart! She asks if I'll help out this year, I explain I can't do it, and she is completely understanding, telling me, "you know, there is a time for every season. Sometimes you just have to do something different." While I'm standing there basking in her understanding, oldest daughter runs up to her and asks, "Why is the price $50!" The church worker blushed and her eyes sort of "opened up."

Oops! Yep, kids do repeat what we say or talk about around the house. Of course, this lady has no control over the charge, so I went into "damage control" mode and said, "Well, honey, that is why we're here today, so we can pay a little less." And, I told the lady that I was quite proud of my daughter for understanding the value of a a dollar.

So, Linda, I think the church is finding out people aren't really happy about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one with an issue about the cost. People will still let their kids go. Some may skip it this year, though, as was my initial "knee jerk" reaction, and as one of my friends almost decided. However, value wise, it is good entertainment, and still cheaper than a lot of things we might do this summer, per hour.

But, we just find we cannot call that a "church home" anymore. I'm sure a lot of people will feel the same way.

My kids don't want us to leave Fellowship, but they are young, and not really understanding why we're having a hard time calling it "home." Oldest understands the cost is ridiculous, but she is still fascinated by the "bells and whistles." I've told her we can still visit Fellowship on occasion, even many times! But, her Dad and I want something a little smaller and more intimate.

It's a hard thing to explain to young kids, when you want to find a new church, especially kids her age that have gone regularly (with the exception of a few visits) to one place since they were infants.

[FamilyGal]

If you have more than one child, it would add up quickly!

Edited because I read the dates wrong on the first post.

[11Linda11]

After having spent my early childhood going to an all girl Catholic school and going to church services every sunday that put me to sleep, I quit going to church when I was 16. I was not getting one single thing out of church. The same ol' blah blah blah.

Later on I decided to try different Catholic churches but it was the same old thing.

When we moved here and were told about the Fellowship, I wanted to give it a try. I love it. I love that it's new and different. I love how it gives messages that help in our daily lives. I love the praise music. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to attend FOTW.

[eaglesprings]

Linda, I think I remember you telling me once that your kids are grown, but I know you have a good heart for kids (judging from the games and stuff you purchased for the WUG picnic). Fellowship is constantly in need of volunteers in those departments (as are most churches!)

Just thought I'd throw that out there to you, just in case you are interested. It's really quite fun work!

[11Linda11]

Actually, I have already signed up to volunteer with the little ones, but haven't been able to serve yet for various reasons.

[FamilyGal]

11Linda11, FOTW obviously meets the needs of many people. That is what is great about this area. There are MANY churches to choose from and each family should be able to find what they are looking for in a church. I'm glad you like it so much. They do have a lot to offer.

[TXrose]

but she is still fascinated by the "bells and whistles."

I think you hit the nail on the head. People are fascinated by "bells and whistles". VBS can still be fun without the expense. Church can still be interesting without the props on the stage. The delivery of the pastor without these "Bells and whistles" is what makes the difference.

[eaglesprings]

Tx Rose: Where do you go to church? You seem to be quite happy there.

[TXrose]

Lord of Life Lutheran across from McCullough. We have been there for about 11 years. All our kids have gone through the youth program. I have one that started from preschool age. There have been a lot of changes of late that we haven't been happy with but overall it's been a good place. I was brought up Baptist but when I moved here I attended several Baptist churches and found them unfriendly. I wasn't used to that as I grew up in a church in Houston that although it got very large they still were friendly and caring. One of my children attended the preschool there also. My kids always enjoyed VBS there. At Christmas time they have something for the kids with Camel rides and things like that but it never cost us anything for the kids to do. As Youth, there were things that did cost like ski trips etc, but they could do fundraiser time to help earn money towards it. Like the Garage Sale, babysitting at the church and other things. My youngest has been up to Fellowship with one of her friends but enjoys what she does at LOL just as much.

[eaglesprings]

Thanks, Rose. I've heard very many good things about Lord of Life Lutheran. I understand their kids programs are excellent.

[FamilyGal]

Lord of Life Lutheran across from McCullough.

They have always had a great reputation as a church. I know many people that are happy there. Also the Lutheran church on Lake Woodlands. We have family that have gone there for years and love it. We have gone there on several occasions and it has always been a welcoming church to visitors. The name escapes me though.

[TXrose]

The one on Lake Woodlands is very very different from Lord of Life. I believe it's Grace? Can't remember the name but the one on Lake Woodlands is Missouri Synod, they are different from Lord of Life which is ELCA. (Spirt of Joy and Joyful Live are also ELCA) For example, if you walk in to the one on Lake Woodlands or a Wisconsin Synod you are not allowed to take Communion at all period no exceptions. The ELCA anyone can come in and take Communion, no matter what church you belong to (my Baptist mother has taken communion there). ELCA is the liberal of all the Lutheran Churches. Missouri is next with Wisconsin being the most strict. So it really depends on your preference. I personally don't like to walk into any church and be told I can take Communion or the Lord's Supper or whatever the particular church calls it. It's basically telling me that my faith isn't good enough.

[LarkinJoanna]

I personally don't like to walk into any church and be told I can take Communion or the Lord's Supper or whatever the particular church calls it. It's basically telling me that my faith isn't good enough.

Did you mean can not? I think that's what you meant. I don't like that either.

[TXrose]

Yes, In Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Syond Lutheran churches you may not take communion unless you belong to either it's that church or the same synod. In the ELCA you can. I belong to ELCA so I can not walk in to a Missouri or Wisconsin Synod and take communion even though I am Lutheran

[LarkinJoanna]

I had a similar experience when I was 18-19. I was engaged to a man whose father was a minister (I won't say what denomination). I was a believer and had been baptized (immersed when I was 11). The first story they gave me as a reason was that I had not been baptized by immersion. When I told them I had they said I still could not take communion because I had been baptized in another denomination. Both churches were protestant denominations. :rolleyes:

[TXrose]

That used to be quite the norm, but it's not now. I was baptized in a Baptist Church, the ELCA Lutheran church accepted my baptism and basically I was confirmed in the ELCA church when my husband and kids were baptized. So even though I was immersed which is different that the Lutheran baptism, mine was accepted.

[FamilyGal]

I believe it's Grace?

It's not Grace, but I can't remember the name either. The one I have gone to on many occasions let's me take communion and I am Baptist! Communion in other churches always freaks out my twins because they get real wine and not grape juice. My son won't take communion with real wine. He thinks he is doing something wrong drinking wine. (He is going to be a GOOD Baptist, unlike his mom...lol)

[TXrose]

It's Living Word Lutheran on Lake Woodlands.

At Lord of Life you have the option of wine or grape juice. The grape juice is white so you can tell it apart from the wine. My kids as soon as they went through the communion classes in 5th grade drank the wine not grape juice. I figure that little bit couldn't hurt them. All my kids are high school or above so they are now all confirmed members of the church with voting rights!!!!!

[FamilyGal]

It's Living Word Lutheran on Lake Woodlands

I was just about to post this. I thought of the name in the shower. lol

I didn't realize you had a choice at LW, but it isn't a big deal to me. I'm not afraid of my kids having a sip either. My son is the one that was freaking out about it. I explained to him that it was "okay".

The first thing he said when he saw our Pastor was tell him about drinking wine this weekend. Of course, I then had to put it in context. (Give that kid a Granola!)

[TXrose]

I grew up in a Baptist household. My dad drank and smoked, he was raised Baptist, he always told us everything in moderation. I remember going to church and heading to Sunday School and all the men gathering in the parking lot smoking while we were on our way to Sunday School.

When I first attended one of the all adult functions at Lord of Life, I remember I had a hard time with drinking on church property, not that I didn't drink, we just never did at church not even weddings. Then when I saw the pastors having a drink, that was harder to get used to.

But at LOL they do give the choice, I don't know about other Lutheran churches but I would supposed they do. I have family who has visited that don't drink at all so they always take the grape juice. It's all symbolic anyway so it's really up to the person.

[FamilyGal]

I totally agree with everything in moderation. Most of the Baptists I know just nod their head in agreement about not drinking and dancing, then have a drink with lunch. I think it is a shame that the Baptist church make you feel like you need to hide it. I work at a Baptist church and the Pastor knows me well. I don't come in talking about a hangover, but he knows we drink. I'm not going to pretend I don't. I think that is WORSE. I think the younger generations are more accepting of drinking.

I'm not really one that is locked into a denomination. I was raised Baptist and attended a Lutheran church for years. My husband was raised Catholic. When we married and wanted to find a home church, we visited many different churches, different denominations. We wanted to find a church that taught our fundamental beliefs and one that we felt comfortable with.

When we were looking for another church home a few years ago, we considered non-Baptist churches again. I don't care for Lutheran only because I feel like it is Catholic-lite and has too much "ritual" for me. Living Word is a great church and one that we would have considered, but we just felt there was too much memorization and repeating back to the Pastor what was in the bulletin. I never feel like most of the people even know what they are repeating back and don't have their "heart" into it. I know that isn't the case for everyone, but it "felt" like it to us.

We came to our current church because our good friend became the Pastor. We were friends with him long before he was a Pastor. It felt like home to us when we visited and we have stayed since. If I was looking for another church home, I would definitely check out my daughter's church. It is Anglican, which if I am correct is a branch of the Episcopalian church. They do the repeating back to the Pastor thing, but I love all of the people I have met from there and really like the Pastor (Father as they call him.)

[LarkinJoanna]

Christ drank Alcohol.
Mar 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

By Jesus saying "no more" he was implying that he did drink fruit of the vine. Also, keep in mind, the grape harvest in Israel was in the Fall. The Passover is in the Spring. This would not have been grape juice but fermented wine at the Passover. There were four different cups of wine used at the Passover.

Christ also made Alcohol.
Jhn 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine.

Dueteronomy 14: 26 "You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household

The use of alcohol is not worldly; the abuse of alcohol is worldly. To declare the use of alcohol a worldly activity is to declare Jesus himself to be worldly. Jesus drank wine. He made wine. He gave wine to others to drink. Any one of these activities would be labeled “sin” by many modern American churches. But they aren’t sin, and the church must come to grips with this fact.

The argument that alcohol itself is evil, and that any use of alcohol is sin is a common one. . We have seen that this objection is contrary to all of Scripture, that it casts doubt upon the goodness of God’s creation and gifts, and that it implicates Jesus Christ in numerous sins. Advocates of this argument have continually confused the sinful abuse of alcoholic beverages (drunkenness) with the mere use of alcoholic beverages. In response, it must again be pointed out that people have found ways to abuse many, if not all, of God’s good gifts. In addition to alcohol, people abuse the good gifts of food (gluttony), sex (I won't elaborate), property (theft), speech (lying), land (pollution), and time (laziness). Obviously, the abuse of something is not a valid reason for its disuse. If it were, the large number of gluttons and gossips would have to give up eating and talking. Absolutely no one has the right to declare evil something that God created and that he declares to be a blessing. To do so is the height of arrogance and a perfect description of legalistic Phariseeism.

Having said all the above, I would never offer or have at my table wine or beer if I knew that someone in my home (family member or guest) had a struggle with it. We do have a family member who has that struggle so none of us offer him wine or beer nor do we drink in front of him.

[eaglesprings]

Back to the subject of communion:

My kids used to attend the pre-school at Living Word Lutheran, and we visited a church service one Sunday because of a children's song the pre-school kids were doing. There was a notice in the bulletin stating what the church believed about communion. We didn't have to be members of that church, or members of that branch of the Lutheran church (Missouri Synod) to take communion, but they did ask that we believe the elements were the literal body of Christ, not symbolic. They asked us to refrain only if we didn't believe this, but we could take communion. A friend of mine (Baptist) went ahead and took communion there, but I refrained. I figured it was best to respect the church's beliefs and wishes. We believe communion is symbolic, not literal, but feel it is a solemn sacrament, and I just didn't feel right barging in on the church's thoughts on the matter. However, even though I don't agree with what they teach about communion, and even though the service is more formal than what I'm accustomed to, I think highly of that church and the people there.

[TXrose]

Maybe they changed their position since I last went there, it was a long time ago so that's possible. I visited all 3 different Lutheran churches long ago. Before Living Word was at their present location. Things do change so that's good if they've changed it and become more progressive. I haven't been to a Wisconsin or Missouri Synod church in 15-20 years.

Even after all these years I still believe it's symbolic. The Baptist is still buried deep inside!!! :)

[eaglesprings]

LOL! I can relate, TX Rose. You can take the girl out of the Baptist Church, but you can't fully excorcise the Baptist from the girl. At least, that's often the case with me. Of course, that Methodist spirit will still rear its head from time to time. I guess that is one reason why I prefer to go to an independent church.

[FamilyGal]

The Baptist is still buried deep inside!!!


Same here TXRose. :)

[TXrose]

I guess that is one reason why I prefer to go to an independent church.

We tried a few independents back in the 80's. The problem was they were so small they really never made it, they would last a couple years then leave, we really loved one of them it was here about 2 years. Fellowship is just way to big for me. Husband didn't like the Baptist churches here, and I have to admit they were kind of standoffish compared to the one I was raised it and it was a rather large church by the time I moved out here, much larger than the Baptist churches here, but the people there were so caring and were always checking up on each other. There were only 2 out here when I moved here and even though they were Southern Baptist they just were not what I was used to.

[eaglesprings]

Our "hometown" church is a Bible Church. There's a lot of Bible churches around, but they are independent of one another. Our previous pastor left for an "Evangelical Free" church. I'd never heard of such until he went there, and the closest one I've seen to this area is in Missouri. (He went much further north). Same principle, though, they are all independent of one another. No "convention" or whatever ties them together.

I visited our hometown church this past weekend. They are having problems of their own, but I really miss that fellowship! They aren't perfect, their numbers are presently dwindling, but they still have that love and family atmosphere they've always had. That church is the basis of what I'm looking for, regardless of denominational name, or lack thereof.

[FamilyGal]

We went to an Independent Baptist church for years, then are now at a Southern Baptist. We normally would not have gone to an SBC, but our friend started pastoring there so we tried it out. We couldn't believe how friendly this church is and stayed. I have never been to a church that had more than volunteers than they really need for stuff. For instance, we had 115 kids for VBS and 122 volunteers! It is like that for everything. I think it has a lot to do with we have an older congregation. They are so eager to volunteer and have the time to do it. It is WONDERFUL and my kids enjoy all of their extra "grandparents". :)

[eaglesprings]

Family Gal: What was the Independent Baptist church you attended (where) and what was the service like?

[LarkinJoanna]

We go to a Baptist church now but if I had known it was Baptist before we attended the first time I wouldn't have gone the first time. I had some bad experiences growing up with a Baptist church and my inlaws and BIL went to Baptist churches. Some of the things which went on in their churches were very displeasing - personal stuff/ petty stuff. I just said I wouldn't ever make one my church home even though I would attend one occasionally when we were visiting friends and relatives of DH.

After trying three churches here and not quite feeling comfortable in them for one reason or another(DH didn't feel comfortable in one, I didn't in another one and neither of us particularly felt good about the third one), we just happened on our current church by chance. We fell in love with it. The people are so friendly and down to earth and very accepting from the very first. And, we didn't even find out it was a Baptist church until we had been going there for two months - boy did I feel foolish:rolleyes:. It's not in their name and they say nothing about it. We had to come right out and ask the minister before we found out. It turns out they are autonomous but they are in some ways part of the SBC. In other words the SBC doesn't control them.

DH likes their music - mostly contemporary and they have a full fledged Sunday School/Bible study system with excellent teachers for not just children but for adults too. That was a problem with two of the other churches we attended. There wasn't any emphasis or very little put on that. We really like that because that's where friends are made within the church.

[FamilyGal]

It turns out they are autonomous but they are in some ways part of the SBC. In other words the SBC doesn't control them.


Sounds like they are Independent. Meaning they use most of SBC values, but are not controlled or funded by the SBC.

Eaglesprings: We went to Community Baptist Church on Cochran's Crossing. It is Independent and a very small church. Dh and I were youth counselors there for several years and I was the church secretary there for 6 yrs. http://www.cbcwoodlands.org

[FamilyGal]

Some of the things which went on in their churches were very displeasing - personal stuff/ petty stuff.

I would think this goes on in ANY setting that includes more than three people.

[eaglesprings]

LJ: I was also "burned" by Baptist churches at one time, and absolutely cringe when the SBC has their shindig and their "messangers" make silly rules like "boycott Disney" and such. It is probably the Southern Baptist Convention that turns me off most from Baptist churches.

That being said, I appreciate their "core" beliefs, being saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. I appreciate that they believe it is "permanent." I've been invited by some people I met at the parade yesterday to visit Oak Ridge Baptist. I plan on taking them up on their invite, but if the SBC meets between now and the time I go, I might change my mind. LOL!

Thanks for the recommendation, Family Gal.