Sunday April 13 10:30 AM	Sunday April 20 10:30 AM
Sermon	“Ending Global Poverty – From Vision to Commitment” Rev. Tim Kutzmark and special guest Rev. Dorothy May Emerson	“The Four Questions - A Service For Passover” Rev. Tim Kutzmark
Children	Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 3. Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall. Coming of Age 6:30 Loring House. Youth Adult Committee meeting 5 – 6:30 Loring House. Grade 7 Our Whole Lives Celebration 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.in Fellowship Hall. SHYP 6:30 – 8:30 Loring	Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 4. Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall. No SHYP
Ushers	Laurie Thibault	Terri Crosson
Altar	Dru Wood Beckwith	Alice and Mike Modica
Coffee Hour	Frank Fardy	Needed
Welcome Table	Eileen Cummings	Shelby Woods
Greeters	Ann Fisher and Sharlene Reynolds Santo	Alena Woods and Chet Woods
RE Greeters	Needed	Needed

Sunday, April 13, 2008

“Ending Global Poverty: From Vision to Commitment”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark and special guest Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson

In this economically divided world, how can we work for greater economic justice for people living in poverty? How can grassroots strategies like micro-credit and community investment work to end poverty and provide hope and a positive future for all those involved?  Rev. Tim will lead this service, which will feature a guest sermon by The Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson, a Unitarian Universalist community minister with Rainbow Solutions.  She coordinates educational programs on socially responsible investing and on money and empowerment and serves as a consultant to justice-making organizations. Special music provided by vocalist Jim Sopchak.  Today’s service will also feature the debut of the new UUCR Junior Choir, singing a special anthem with some adult friends.  After today’s service, new visitors and friends are invited to join Rev. Tim for an introductory tea and tour of the church campus.  NOTE: Today we have a Second Offering to help found a village bank in Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere.  Members of the bank—20 or 30 women—will use their micro-loans to start a business or grow an existing one, helping to pull themselves out of poverty.  The UUCR goal is $2500 (half of the $5000 cost of founding a bank.  Please make checks out to the UU Church of Reading

Sunday, April 20, 2008

“The Four Questions—A Service For Passover”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark

In the traditional Jewish Passover Seder meal, the youngest child at the table asks four critical questions that reveal much of the meaning for this celebration of spiritual freedom.  What four questions can we, as Unitarian Universalists, ask ourselves that will draw us deeper into the mystery of our living faith?  Today we’ll also celebrate the Child Dedication and Blessing of Jay and Joe Kajander, sons of Judy Barolak and Scott Kajander.  Special music provided by the UUCR Adult Choir.

TEA AND TOUR PLANNED FOR APRIL 13

Join Rev. Tim and Laraine Turner, Member Services Coordinator, after the service on Sunday, April 13th for a casual, comfortable chance to talk, ask questions, have a tour of the church campus, and learn a little bit more about Unitarian Universalism.  We’ll have snacks for adults and kids.  Nothing fancy.  Just friendly.  We hope to see you. (We'll meet at Tim's office after the service)

REV. TIM’S SERMONS AVAILABLE

Copies of Rev. Tim's most current sermons are now available in the Atrium of Fellowship Hall. Sermons are also available on our website.

QUIET SPACE

As part of the Sanctuary construction our narthex sound system has been restored. We now have a quiet area that restless people and their children may sit in and listen to the service without feeling they are disturbing others. Sit on the comfortable chairs or crawl on the carpet, we are just happy to have you with us.

DID YOU PICK UP YOUR SUNDAY NEWS ON THE WAY INTO WORSHIP?

The office in concert with Green Sanctuary is now making the Sunday news available on small oak tables at the Woburn and Summer street entrances to Worship.  We are asking that all take one per family. There should be a commensurate paper and print reduction footprint with this one small action.

So here is a gentle reminder!  Do not forget to pick your Sunday News edition up for your family on the way into Worship!  It is no longer inserted in every order of service but it is still very much available for your perusal.

UUCR WORSHIP SERVICES ON LOCAL ACCESS CABLE TV!

Our Sunday worship services are broadcast in the following towns:

• READING CABLE TV RCTV:  Channel 9 on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  Check the RCTV schedule for changes.
• BURLINGTON CABLE ACCESS TV (BCAT): Public access channel Sundays at 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Provider Channel, Comcast 9, RCN 3
  Verizon 39 Check the BCAT schedule for changes http://bcattv.org

Dear Friends:

 One of my favorite parts of the Friday evening Sabbath Service in the reform Jewish tradition is when the congregation joins together to say these joyful words:

There are times when we feel that all is possible
We are surging—within.
There are songs we sing when we feel our souls are able to soar.
Come then all people and sing now a song:
A song of freedom’s might,
A song of opportunity reborn,
A soaring song!

Lately, I’ve been feeling that “all is possible” here at UUCR.  The energy of welcome and community feels infectious.  There is just so much going on!

Our Chalice Circles, those small groups of members and friends, who meet regularly for spiritual reflection, are deepening connections here.  Just last weekend, our Social Action Team hosted 45 people from area Unitarian Universalist churches for a thrilling workshop on grass roots social action organizing.  As a congregation, we’re about to help fund a village bank in Haiti to help women create businesses to lift themselves out of poverty.  The bookworms among us are reading our Second Annual UUCR Reads book, Here If You Need Me, in anticipation of a discussion and dessert party on Sunday Evening, April 27th.  The beloved organ, which stopped working during construction in the sanctuary, is in the midst of a costly but much-needed repair process.  On Sunday, Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley led fifteen church leaders in a workshop to help us understand how we might create a Leadership Development program and process here at UUCR. 

This Saturday night, we’ll fill Fellowship Hall with our Church School Teacher Appreciation Dinner, followed by a professional storyteller (dinner at 6 pm, story-telling OPEN TO EVERYONE begins at 6:30 PM).  Our church school kids, inspired by our Green Sanctuary efforts, are collecting old athletic shoes to recycle into materials for use in sports surfaces.  We’ve formed a task force to try to understand why our new church campus is suddenly using over 5 times the amount of energy prior to our campus expansion.  This Saturday EVERYONE is invited to join us for our 9:00 AM Spring Grounds Clean Up! 

We’re just wrapping up two phenomenal classes of Our Whole Lives (OWL), our youth sexuality and relationship program, led by come committed adults from the congregation.  Our youth are in the midst of their hands-on Principles in Action intergenerational learning experience, including collecting ‘pennies for peace’ to help fund a school in Afghanistan.  Two separate four-week adult enrichment classes exploring the Christian Scriptures from a historical perspective have just ended.  And, recently, 45 members and friends of the church participated in a Good Friday Service held in the sanctuary and fellowship hall, while at the same time, downstairs, another 40 people celebrated the Goddess in a Spring Equinox ritual.  Talk about broad spiritual opportunities! 

In two weeks we’re going to make an announcement about an exciting new Social Outreach Program that will begin that will allow us to impact the local community in a quite tangible way, sharing our UU values while we assist local non-profit social service groups—all in a way that engages our kids!  This is going to be big and wonderful!

Last, but not least, on Friday, April 18th at 4:00 PM, our Senior High Youth Program will begin their long-planned spiritual journey to the still-devastated city of New Orleans.  Driving in vans and sleeping on church floors along the way, our teens will help bring the message of hope and renewal to a city that most of us, including our government, have forgotten.  Our prayers and our hearts go with our amazing teens, and the adult volunteers who will accompany them.  While in the New Orleans area working on various service projects, our team of teens will stay at Hope Haven School, a residence home for New Orleans youth-at-risk.  Although the school wasn’t damaged by the storm, the lives of many of the youth who live there were greatly impacted.  In appreciation for their hosting our teens, we’re hoping to bring them some much-needed supplies for their High School age residents.  This is the wish list, and you can drop them off at the church prior the our teen’s departure on April 19th: used or new musical instruments (they want to start a band), gardening supplies (seeds, gloves, small shovels, etc), sports equipment (used or new), education books (used or new), education games (used or new) for High School students with a wide range of abilities.

See you on the path,

Tim

PS: The final NEW UU CLASS—AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR FAITH before the summer begins on May 1st and runs for four consecutive Thursday evenings.  See the listing in today’s newsletter for complete information.  We always have a blast in these classes, and it gives me a chance to get to know you better.  So sign up and join the fun!

PPS: Many of us wish to learn more about the Jewish faith, and experience the joyful and story-filled festival of Passover.  Havurah Haverim—the Jewish Community of Friends that is part of the UUCR family and campus life—is again hosting a Community Passover Seder in Fellowship Hall on Saturday April 26th from 6 to 9 pm.  Our good friend Rabbi Bart Perlman and his congregation are hoping that many of us—adults and children—will join them for this meal and ritual.  There is a cost involved to cover the elaborate ritual meal ($25.00 for adults/$10.00 for kids).  Please see this newsletter for the registration form, or email Mary and Lloyd Rosenberg .  If you would like to attend, but the meal cost for you and your family is a bit out of your budget at this time, give me a call or email, as I have a little fund that can help you or your family attend.

Electricity Reduction Task Force Formed

As we enjoy our beautiful new campus, we must also learn to become its steward, both in terms of keeping our campus and buildings looking beautiful and in keeping our environmental footprint light.  Our church building has about doubled in size but we are using 5 times more electricity than before the renovation and paying about 4 times as much in electricity costs which are anticipated to amount to a budget overrun this year. 

In response, the Governing Board has formed an Electricity Reduction Task Force whose mission is to minimize the electricity usage of the church building.  Members include Bill Grace from Facilities, Linda King from Green Sanctuary, Don Pearson from Finance and Tracy Sopchak from Governing Board.  Lessons learned from this task force will be used to bring about electricity reductions in Loring House and Sawyer as well as reductions in campus gas, fuel oil and water usage.  Please contact any member of the task force with your reduction ideas.

NEW UU CLASS TO START MAY 1

Are you new to the church?  Would you like to meet other folks who are new as well?  Have you been here a while but would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, or get to know some new people in a fun, small group setting?  Are you thinking about becoming a member of UUCR?  Then the NEW UU CLASS is just the thing for you.  Join Rev. Tim for a four-week exploration and introduction to our faith.  The class will be held on four consecutive Thursdays May 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7:00—9:00 PM in Loring House Room 205. Registration is required, please call the church office at 781-944-0494, email the Church Office , or sign up right here!

April:  UUCR Reads is Back by Popular Demand!

The book has been selected, Here if You Need Me, by Kate Braestrup, a Unitarian Universalist minister, who is the chaplain for the Maine State Warden Service. There will be a Book  Discussion (with Refreshments)  on Sunday Evening April 27, at 7:00 p.m

May: Theater Outing to See Godspell

With so many people involved in Tim's Bible Discussion Groups, we thought there would be interest in an outing to see Godspell put on by the Burlington Players. We have reserved a block of tickets for the Sunday, May 4th matinee ate 2:00 p.m. for  the Group Rate of $13.00 per ticket.

Contact Beth Brauer  (978-664-5046) if you are interested in attending. Suitable for children ages 10 and up. Sign up soon if you have interest.

Storytelling and Dessert

Lani Peterson, a professional storyteller from Andover, will be presenting interactive stories for children and adults on Saturday April 12th from 6:30-7:30 in Fellowship Hall.  The event will culminate our RE Appreciation Dinner, but the entire UUCR community is invited to join us for the storytelling program.  Lani shared stories with the RE students last year and she is an exciting and talented storyteller.  Please join us for dessert and a few good stories on Saturday.

The MOVIES:  “Manufactured Landscapes”

 If you are interested in any of the following: art, the future of our planet, photography, economics, film, China’s industrial revolution, the environment, beauty, recycling...  In short, if you’re interested in our world, Please Join Us to see the documentary “Manufactured Landscapes” at 7pm on Friday April 11, Loring 103.  John Sullivan will present the movie and invite discussion afterwards.

Spring Greening

OK, it's April.  It's getting warmer outside.  Taxes are (hopefully) done.  Some of you are probably starting to think about the next dreaded April activity: spring cleaning.  But what about those chemical cleaners?  Aren't they harmful to the environment, and do you really want your family breathing that stuff?  So how does one get the job done without the name-brand chemicals?  Come find out April 27!  Eileen Barrett (sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee and Adult Enrichment) will share information on how you can use environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials and products in maintaining your home.  This course was held for the liberal ladies in the autumn, and is now being offered to the wider church community, so please join us April 27 after church!

Challenging Global Poverty: UUCR Second Offering, April 13, to Help Found a Village Bank in Haiti

Together with each other at the UUCR, and with our fellow congregation at the Melrose UU Church, we have the chance to found a village bank in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  It’s hoped that each church will raise $2500 of the $5000 cost. (Our church already has $201 from donations given at the Hunger Banquet.)

This bank will provide microloans to 25-30 women currently living in poverty. With the loans, they will purchase materials, inventory, and equipment to start or expand small enterprises.  It’s called a “village bank” because the members are responsible for their own success: they choose their investments, disburse and collect loans, manage their savings, elect officers, write by-laws, and keep their books.

The village bank program is administered through FINCA (Foundation for International Community Assistance, www.villagebanking.org).  Since FINCA loans circulate through low-income communities in perpetuity, donations don’t just disappear—they’re a long-term resource.

Village banks offer loans, not grants or charity, to low-income micro-entrepreneurs, because at the root of their poverty is lack of opportunity, not lack of desire to work.  While many poor families have ideas and skills that can generate income, many lack the capital they need to begin.  Conventional banks won’t loan them money because they have no credit history and lack collateral.  Village banking emphasizes both individual development and strengthening communities. 

The Second Offering on April 13 will accept our congregation’s donations—given, as always, as we are interested and able--toward a village bank in Haiti.  Please make checks payable to UUCR with “village bank” in the memo line.  When the bank has been running for a while, FINCA will send us information about its members and progress.

If you have questions about the UUCR/UU Melrose village bank project, please contact Denise Giangregario (617-846-9044) or Ann Mark (781-944-8769) from the Social Action Committee.

Mass Bay District Social Action Workshop

The UUCR hosted 45 people from 14 UU churches at a Mass Bay District social action workshop last Saturday! Fellowship Hall was alive with information-sharing and discussion. Social Action Committee co-chairs Denise Giangregorio and Anne Mark would like to say many, many thanks to Gina Snyder, Judy Riley, Lorraine Dennis, Ann Fisher, Ann Mottl, Margaret Soli, and Jen McAneny for generous gifts of time, food, and hospitality for all the guests at the workshop, to Al Murray for his expertise, and to Marc Evans and Rosemary for their help.

Mission of Deeds Needs Pots and Pans

The Mission of Deeds, which gives used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need, desperately needs pots and pans. “Our shelves are bare!” they wrote recently in the Reading Chronicle. If you can donate any, please call 781-944-9797 or drop them off at 6 Chapin Ave. in Reading.

Volunteers Needed for Reading Food Pantry Collection: May 13

From the Reading Food Pantry: “As our supplies are beginning to diminish we are looking forward to Saturday, May 13, the annual town-wide grocery collection sponsored by the letter carriers of the US Postal Service.”

Many volunteers are needed May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to about 5:30 pm. to unload the postal trucks and sort between 5 and 7 tons of groceries. If you can volunteer for one hour or more, please come to Old South Methodist Church (6 Salem St., the white church in Reading Center) any time between 11 and 3. Middle and high schoolers are welcome. Younger children may come with their families as long as they can help out for at least an hour. Pizza, drinks, and snacks will be on hand for the volunteers.
Please contact Charlotte Harlan (781-944-6638) with any questions.     

Reading Food Pantry Basket at UUCR

Donations of paper goods and nonperishable food are always welcome in the UUCR food pantry basket (front foyer, on the floor of the coat rack). Thanks to Ed Barbagallo, paper goods and food placed in the basket make their way to the Reading Food Pantry at Old South.

Socially Responsible Investing Teleconferences: Sat., April 12, 19, 26

The Unitarian Universalist Association offers three free one-hour teleconferences on community investing (4/12), investment screening (4/19), and shareholder activism (4/26). For more information, visit www.uua.org/documents/csri/080301_teleconferences.pdf. To register, e-mail Rachel Daugherty .

Habitat’s “Take a Hike for Humanity”: June 7 and 8

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell invites everyone to join this year’s Hike for Humanity to raise money for building homes in Westford and Lowell. Participants raise pledges from friends and families and hike at either Mt. Monadnock in NH or Blue Hills Reserve in Milton, MA, on either June 7 or June 8 to fulfill their pledges. (Dogs can hike on leash at Blue Hills Reserve.)

This is a great event for Habitat supporters of all ages to spend time in each other’s company, enjoy beautiful New England scenery, and raise much-needed money to build homes with and for families in need.

Building has started in Westford, and the Westford partner family has been chosen: single mother Renee (a histo-technician) and her three boys. Renee writes, “The philosophy of Habitat is so outstanding: giving a deserving family a chance to be able to buy a home, which ordinarily they couldn't do on their own. All different types of people, volunteering their time and hard work to help build a home, for families they have never met before, it just blows my mind. I look forward to meeting everyone and cannot wait to work alongside such caring individuals. I look forward to the day that I'll be able to help out and do the same for other families.”
For more about Lowell Habitat and about the Hike, including registration/sponsor forms, contact Ann Mark (781-944-8769).

help support our re children

The RE children (grades pre-K through 5) are currently studying the 7 UU Principles as part of the annual Principles in Action program.  The past two weeks, the children have learned about two exceptional programs that exemplify the UU Principles.  Help support our RE students by considering making a donation to the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program or Pennies for Peace.  We are requesting donations of worn athletic shoes (please no cleats or metal parts) and pennies.  Clean out your house and your pockets to support two worthwhile causes.  The Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program will recycle your old sneakers to create new play spaces for children around the world, and Pennies for Peace will use the pennies raised to buy school supplies and build schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Throughout the month of April, shoe collection boxes will be located on the Loring and Sawyer porches and will be in the Atrium on Sundays.  Pennies for Peace jars will be located on the RE Table in the Atrium or can be given to one of our RE children. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR

Friday April 11 – Saturday April 12

• Grade 7 Our Whole Lives Sleepover Session

Saturday April 12

• 6:00 to 7:30 p.m -Teacher Appreciation Dinner and Story Telling Fellowship Hall.

Sunday April 13

• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 3.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall.
• Coming of Age 6:30 Loring House.
• Youth Adult Committee meeting 5 – 6:30 Loring House.
• Grade 7 Our Whole Lives Celebration 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.in Fellowship Hall.
• SHYP 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House.

Tuesday April 15

• Mandatory New Orleans Meeting for Youth. 7:30- 8:30 Loring House.

Friday April 18

• 4:00 p.m. SHYP leaves for New Orleans

Sunday April 20

• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 4.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall.
• No SHYP

Friday April 25

• appx. 8:00 p.m. SHYP returns from New Orleans

Sunday April 27

• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 5.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall 
• Coming of Age 10:30 – 11:45

Sunday May 4

• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 6.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall
• 12 – 3 p.m. - Youth Adult Committee sponsored ALL YOUTH (grades 6 – 12) Field Day and BBQ
• Coming of Age trip to Walden Pond with Mentors.

Saturday May 10

• Coming of Age Ropes Course with Mentors. TBD

Sunday May 11 – (Mother’s Day)

• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Principles in Action 7.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall.
• SHYP 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House

Saturday May 17 – Sunday May 18

• SHYP Sleepover Loring House

Sunday May 18

• Bridging Service Intergenerational Service.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall.
• No SHYP.

Sunday May 25

• Closing Sundae
• Pre-K and up begin in Sanctuary and dismiss into Loring House for Ice Cream Sundaes.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall
• SHYP 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House.

Sunday June 1

• Fun Field Day 
• Coming of Age 10:30 – 11:45 help at Field Day.
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall
• SHYP 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House

Sunday June 8

• Ferry Beach Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall
• NO SHYP

Sunday June 15

• Celebration Sunday Flower Communion Intergenerational
• Playschool with Jenn and Karyn in Community Hall

TEACHER APPRECIATION DINNER

Attention all fabulous wonderful volunteers: class teachers, class coordinators, mentors, O.W.L. facilitators, Coming of Age facilitators and anyone who has supported our Religious Education Program this year – Our annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner will be Saturday, April 12 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please join us and enjoy a lovely dinner cooked and served by the church school students! The evening is always filled with great smells, warm company great laughs and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for our beautiful church community. From 6:30 – 7:30 Lani Peterson will be doing Storytelling for all Ages. We welcome the entire church community to join us for desserts and stories! We look forward to seeing you there!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOURTH QUARTER- PRINCIPLES IN ACTION

for Grades Pre-k through Grade 5
Sundays Begin in the Sanctuary and dismiss to Loring House until 11:45 a.m.

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

• APRIL 13, 2008— Principle # 5: We believe that everyone should have a vote about things that concern them.  Mountaineering Game- teamwork game similar to Oregon Trail.
•  APRIL 20, 2008— Principle # 2: We believe that all people should be treated fairly.  Learning about Adaptive Physical Education.  Healthy bodies can be different for different people.
• APRIL 27, 2008—Principle # 6: We believe in working for a peaceful, fair, and free world.  SHYP will share stories from their social justice trip to New Orleans.  the children in Qi Gong exercises and making wrist mala bracelets.

WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO OUR NEW ORLEANS TRIP!

At 4:00 p.m. on Friday April 18 there will be two vans loaded with 13 SHYP youth and 5 adults pulling out of the church parking lot! We will be on our way to New Orleans! Thank you to everyone who has donated some wonderful materials for the Hope Haven School in New Orleans. We are happy to bring more! They will accept books, sports equipment, musical instruments, games, educational materials, and gardening supplies. There is a donation box in the atrium on the RE table and gifts can also be left in the RE office.  There is a mandatory meeting for SHYP youth going to New Orleans on Tuesday, April 15 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Loring House.

COMING OF AGE SOCIAL JUSTICE TRIP AND FUNDRAISER

Our strong and enthusiastic Coming of Age class is planning their social justice trip to the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glenn NY July 14 – July 20. Be on the lookout for super wonderful events they are sponsoring and jobs they are offering as fundraisers for this important trip.

OUR WHOLE LIVES!

Grade 7 Our Whole Lives is having its last sleepover and Celebration this coming weekend. Thank you to Iris Hardin and Steve Rose for facilitating and to the youth and parents for working hard, bringing snacks, chaperoning and participating in this amazing program.

Senior High Our Whole Lives had another successful sleepover this past weekend. Susanne Sullivan and Rob Craig-Comin continue to offer the high school youth a powerful and informative (and fun!) opportunity to listen, discuss, reflect and find understanding of who they are as sensual and sexual beings. Thank you youth and parents for their commitment to the program and willingness to chaperone, arrange meals and to actively participate in all aspects of the program.