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Trinity In Touch September 2018 Pastor Steve……………….1
The Trinity Family………....2
Notes from Katie………….2
Opportunities…..………..2-4
Discipleship…………...........5
Community Ministries……..6
Dinner for 8……………….6
This & That………………..7
September Calendar………8
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Vision Statement
Seeking to be an inclusive faith
community that compels us
to extend God’s love in our
neighborhood and world.
Core Values
Diversity & Inclusiveness:
Seeking to affirm every person
as a child of God.
Scripture, Tradition,
Experience and Reason:
Searching for truth
in our faith community.
Peace & Justice:
Striving for positive social change
in our neighborhood and world.
Trinity United Methodist
Church
1100 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616.456.7168
www.grtumc.org
Office Hours
Monday- Thursday
8:30am-4:30pm
Community Ministries
616.456.7260
Page 1 / September 2018
Greetings from Pastor Steve John Wesley liked to quote an ancient Christian writer on
how disciples are made: “It was a common saying among the Christians of the primitive church, ‘The soul and the body
make a person. The Spirit and discipline make a Christian.’ - implying that none could be real Christians without the help of
Christian discipline.” He wanted Methodists to be “aware that they lived their lives in the presence of God, and at the same
time in the midst of a world in which God had been forgotten.” The purpose of Christian discipline is freedom to “have the mind that was in Christ” and to “walk just as Christ walked.
(Philippians 2:5 & 1 John 2:6). Discipline equips us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in our heart and life.
Discipline is part of discipleship because following Jesus Christ in the world is a craft that
must be learned. It’s like being a musician. The discipline of learning and practice with experienced teachers allows you to become free to love like Jesus. For example, I am not
free to make music on a piano because I know nothing about how to play the instrument. But if I were to find a teacher, commit to learning with him or her the basics of playing the
piano, and practice those basics every day, then I would gain some freedom to make music. This discipline sets me free to make music I was not free to make before.
John Wesley believed “discipline” to
mean spiritual disciplines taught and practiced by Jesus. They are practices
that open our hearts to grace and equip us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the formation of holiness of
heart and life. Christian discipline con-sisted of loving God (acts of worship
and devotion) and loving what God loves (acts of compassion and justice).
The General Rule of Discipleship is a guide for living the Christian life together. It has deep
roots in the Wesleyan tradition:
To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Join me in exploring this rule of life for disciple-making. I believe it is a practical guide for helping the congregation live into our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. Grace and Peace,
Pastor Steve
John Wesley, Sermon 122, “Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity,” ¶ 7, in Sermons IV, ed.
Albert C. Outler, vol. 4 of The Bicentennial Edition of the Works of John Wesley (Nashville:
Abingdon Press, 1976-), 90. Henry H. Knight, III, The Presence of God in the Christian Life: John
Wesley and the Means of Grace (Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1992), 96.
Wear Your Nametag!
It helps Pastor Steve &
Gina as they continue to connect names with faces
within the Trinity faith community.
Missionary News
Trinity missionaries Rev. Dr. Nkemba Ndjungu and
Mbwizu Ndjungu, are presently in the
Democratic Republic of Congo awaiting their visas to enter Belize for a new
station. Your prayers are deeply appreciated.
Condolences
~ Larry & Suzy Gill in the death of Larry’s mother,
Margaret Jack, July 23.
~ Emily Kramer in the death of her mother, Liz,
Kramer, July 25.
~ the family of Alice Partanen who died July 31;
~ the family of Blanche
Taylor, who died August 7.
~ Miriam Taber and family in the death of her
husband, Rev. Harold Taber, August 18.
Congratulations
~ Matt & Ashley Singh on the birth of Allison Elaine,
June 8.
Page 2 / September 2018
Notes from Katie, Parish Nurse
September is almost here, and if you’re a new fourth grader, you’re already anticipating
your first essay “What I did on my summer vacation?” This will be an easy assignment if you were part of Trinity’s summer program “Walk Around The World” on Monday evenings. Our little band of people (and one dog named Baxter) met to discuss Bible verses focusing
on the word “walk,” and then we ventured 15 minutes out into the neighborhood and 15 minutes back to the church. We walked in Michigan’s ever-changing weather, including heat,
humidity, drizzle, torrential downpour, wind, sunshine, and clouds. We told each other stories, talked to people along our way, and learned a lot about the physical layout of our
church neighborhood. We also logged the miles we earned during the week, which in the end totaled almost 2,000 miles. On our world map, we started at the equator just west of
Christmas Island, which meant most of our journey was across the ocean. When placed on an equivalent land map, we walked from Los Angeles, CA, to Detroit, MI. Amazing!
This fall, the Parish Nurse ministry will once again sponsor the Go4Life class on Tuesday
mornings, beginning Sept.18 from 9:15-10am in Discovery. It is a stretching and movement class geared for all ages and abilities. No special equipment or clothing is needed, just a
desire to have some fun (and occasional chocolate). At 10am, immediately following the Gophers, there is “Coffee with the Staff” in the Parlor. This open coffee time has been very
well attended, so come early and grab a seat at the table for some lively conversation. Pastor Steve, his wife, Gina, and I will be hosting “Meet & Greet the Pastor” at Clark
Retirement Community on Monday, September 17, for our members who reside there. Our meeting time is 10:15-11am in the Chatterbox. Even if you don’t live at Clark, you’re
welcome to join this casual coffee time with the pastor and his wife.
Find your place at Trinity this fall to enrich your body, mind and spirit so that together we can be a healthy faith community to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of
the world. “So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God
require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” Deut. 10:12
Blessings on your journey!
Katie Orent RN, Parish Nurse
Hospitality Statement
Trinity UMC celebrates the diversity of the human
community and affirms the sacred worth of each person as a recipient of God’s love and grace. As disciples of Jesus
Christ, we declare ourselves to be an open and inclusive congregation and welcome into full participation all persons
regardless of gender, race, national origin, physical or mental abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,
marital status or economic condition.
Justice Choir GR- Resumes Sept. 10
With new leadership, a new director, and plenty of social issues to address, Justice Choir
GR will hold the first open rehearsals for the new season here on Sept. 10 & 17, 6:30pm.
The first concert, Sing Out for Mental Health, will be Sunday, Nov. 10. Follow Justice Choir
on Facebook or check out their website, located at justicechoirgr.com for introductions
to the new leadership, information about the concert, and other ways to get involved with
Justice Choir. Contact Karen Kennedy at [email protected] with questions.
Page 3 / September 2018
To have news listed in the October Trinity in Touch, submit your content to the church office at [email protected]
on or before Monday, Sept. 24.
Events, Opportunities & Updates
Outdoor Worship Sunday, Sept. 9, 11am- Townsend Park Do not miss an exciting opportunity to Worship-in-the-Park with the Trinity faith community on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 11am at Townsend Park
Pavilion in Canonsburg (near Rockford). This annual tradition will be followed by a potluck picnic, games, fellowship and great fun!
Bring a friend and enjoy the amazing community that is Trinity. Bring a
dish to pass and your own table service. Beverages will be provided.
September Faith Formation Sunday, Sept. 16, 23, 30- 9:50-11:15am You are invited to spend the September Children's Faith Formation exploring ancient Babylon through the eyes of Daniel and his friends. Discover great Holy
Land adventures exploring the reality of God's love and how we can claim our faith. During Tribe time you will hear amazing stories, sing exciting songs, visit
the bazaar where astrologers will share science, and the mosaic studio will offer creative opportunities. Sundays, September 16, 23, 30 at 9:50-11:15am in
Fellowship Hall. Pre-School on up invited! Youth and adult helpers welcome! Adults are invited to begin the segment with the children and will be invited to discuss the scriptures used each week in
their own setting. This is a great Inter-generational opportunity. No registration necessary- just join us in the Fellowship Hall. The Babylonian bazaar cafe will be open and ready!
Deeper, Better, Clearer- Sundays- 6-7:30pm
Have you ever wanted... To gather gems of thought
To find something “more” To grow in awareness of God in everything
Our church group, DBC (Deeper, Better, Clearer) can help you. We begin a new Sunday evening 6-week program starting Sunday, September 9, from 6-7:30pm.
Join us for a lively discussion guided by a book written by Fr. Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs. One is not required to read
the book before the discussion, however, reading enables one to gain more from the program. Each week we will cover one chapter from Rohr’s book. Questions? Contact Debbie Bolla at [email protected], or Merrita Tumonong at
Bring on the Fall As if we haven’t had enough great news lately, with the Manskars arriving and Randy Burghart
being hired as our new Music Director, we are also pleased to announce that Rich Tillstrom has accepted the role of Stewardship Chair. This role will help us develop a more separate work area as intended in its’ own
standing apart from Finance. This will also get us ready for our annual Stewardship Campaign this year. We have been blessed with all these new staff and lay member roles. Please let Rich know how much we appreciate him for stepping
into this role. A pat on the back of thanks and encouragement goes a long way as we all know. With our trust in God, the commitment to our vision and goals, and the model of Jesus of unconditional love and acceptance, the church can welcome
a thriving campaign and continuous assistance from the Stewardship Work Area. Blessings, Carol Hillman, Trinity Lay Leader
Page 4 / September 2018
Monthly Meeting
Night
September 25- Memorial & Endowment (dinner); Finance/Stewardship (report)
October 23- Missions (dinner); Community Ministries (report)
November 27- Nominations
(dinner); Music Development Team
(report)
NO DECEMBER MEETING
Trinity Music
Praise Team Rehearsal- Wednesdays August 29 & September 5, 6:30-8pm
Lend your musical talent to the Trinity Praise Team! Our new Music Director, Randy
Burghart, welcomes you to join our rehearsals to prepare for the 2018 - 2019 season.
Praise Team Rehearsal- Sundays beginning Sept. 16 Praise Team will rehearse prior to the early service at 7:30am in the sanctuary weekly.
Chancel Choir Rehearsal- Thursday, August 30 - 6:30-8pm
Continues weekly in choir room and/or sanctuary through end of May.
Trinity Ringers Rehearsal- Thursday, August 30 - 8-9pm Continues weekly in sanctuary through end of May.
“Welcome Randy” Reception- Sunday, September 16
Kickoff Sunday! Chancel Choir sings in service. Cake and punch reception to welcome Randy, our new Music Director, following the 11:15am service.
Children's Choir Rehearsal- Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30-10am in the choir room.
Open to children age 5 - high school. Continues each week.
Trinity Scouting
Scouting resumes regular meetings in September!
Girl Scouts will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month from 6:15-7:30pm
beginning on September 6. They will meet in the basement (the pit/alley).
Cub Scouts will also resume regular meetings on Thursday, September 6. They will meet the
first and third Thursday from 6:15- 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Girls are now able to join the Cub Scout Program. Any girls or boys
in Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to join.
Boy Scouts (grades 6-12) will begin the school year with a Welcome Back Pool Party on August 20 at the Kuske home. The
first meeting is August 27 at Trinity from 7- 8:30pm. They will meet every Monday, with the third Monday of each month being
reserved for the Committee meeting and PLC meeting. All are welcome to join; no scouting experience required.
Contact Bonnie Czuhajewski for more details on any of these programs at 466.6816; [email protected].
Mission Work Camp Fund Fall Auction
"All You Need Is Love" Sunday, Nov. 4
9am-2pm, Fellowship Hall
NEEDED are your creative donations of homemade goods, artisan pieces, helpful services, recreation tickets,
yummy delights and so much more!
The Auction will be set up all morning with a Silent Auction section, with light lunch and followed by Live
Auction. Come and enjoy the Church Conference AND support the amazing opportunities we have
to be in ministry with the world!
See the display in the Parlor beginning mid-September for more ideas you can donate.
Church Conference
Sunday, Nov. 4 10-11am, Parlor
Plan on attending
Trinty’s annual Church Conference and meet new
District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford.
Hospitality Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6pm
For all involved in Sunday hospitality- greeters,
ushers, liturgists, etc. Join us for a light supper and
helpful info as we continue to make Trinity welcoming!
Page 5 / September 2018
Discipleship-on-the-Go With fall coming, our plans and events allow us to go, to visit and to have fun
in refreshing ways that are good for our bodies and spirits! We, on the Disciple-ship Team, encourage you to enjoy these months ahead. We also invite you to
use our simple Discipleship-on-the-Go tools to keep your hearts soft and open to God’s presence, which never, never leaves us and is always ready to connect
with our souls.
On Tuesdays, remember to use “PT7” as a time to focus on our church community and its commitment to be God’s presence in our neighborhood and world. Each Tuesday at 7am or 7pm take a moment- at home or work, in the car- to pray for our community at Trinity. Feel free to pray for the staff, our children and teens, those traveling, those in school,
those who are shut-in or elderly, those who are sick, lonely or suffering in some way….and when you can, enjoy praying for persons by name. As you pray on “Tuesdays at 7” you will have the added joy of knowing your prayers are melding with
the prayers of others here at Trinity no matter where this season takes you.
Also on Tuesdays, be sure to use “Centering Moments” to practice a moment of stillness and silence. Quiet your busy mind and focus on the words of the brief meditation, allowing God to woo your spirit in ways you could not anticipate!
This is available to be sent to you through the Trinity email system. Allow your heart to soften and open to our Creator and the Universe surrounding you.
Finally we invite you to begin practicing “Thankful Thursdays!” We invite you to be mindful of all the ways you are
blessed each day, but to be especially ready to express heartfelt thanks to God and all others in your day on Thursdays. Gratitude is a natural heart response to beauty, calm and joy so invite your heart to intentionally go into this delightful
space as often as you can. Let your heart sing out to God and practice offering a grateful “thank you” to family, friends, even strangers on “Thankful Thursdays!”
We ask God to go with you in your comings and your goings in the weeks ahead and may you find yourself growing deeper, loving better and seeing God more clearly in your lives. Trinity UMC Discipleship Team
Sunday Scriptures September 2 James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
September 9 James 2:1-17
Mark 7:24-37
September 16 James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
September 23 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
September 30 James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50
October 7
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16
October 14
Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31
October 21
Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45
October 28
Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52
Mid-Week Bible Study Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12, 12pm
Read the Scripture lessons for the coming Sunday. We will explore the Epistle Lesson and Gospel Lesson
that will be read.
Questions for reflection: What does the text tell us about God?
What does the text tell us about human beings? What does the text say about the relationship between God and
us, the church, and/or the world?
Page 6 / September 2018
Community Ministries- A Fun Summer of New Experiences
The Community Ministries Program has wrapped up its summer programming and is getting ready
for the new school year that will have already started by the time you read this article!
This summer we tried a few new things such as a summer reading program, connectional programming for our 6th and 7th grade students and even a fishing trip for King Salmon on Lake
Michigan. Most importantly, we spent time together and grew not only in our skills, but also in our relationships.
During our piloted summer reading tutoring, we worked with a few students who were behind in
reading and really found fun ways to teach them vocabulary words to help increase the amount of words that they could access in their reading. We then practiced using these words in their weekly
reading assignments. We covered desks in shaving cream to learn spelling words, we developed new board games, filled rooms with balloons that had parts of their words they needed to combine. We
threw pieces of paper with their words at hula hoops and they needed to repeat the words if they missed, which by design happens often. They played a game called “BUMP” that involves pulling out
words on pieces of paper, but you better pull them out in the right order or you might draw the “BUMP” card and go all the way back to the start!
We made the learning fun and children responded in a positive way! One child who sometimes
struggled to stay focused showed up for every session, even when there were many opportunities to “skip” a session because of other things happening. He has even asked for help with multiplication and been excelling with
his new challenge! As a program, we are very excited to continue this progress, both during the school year and next summer, as well.
The fishing trip was another great highlight for a few of our children who have never had an experience like that before and allowed for many great conversations with these youth. We took
three children on this trip, as well as great volunteers including Larry Gill and Judy Conner, who were instrumental in making this opportunity possible. One child caught a small king salmon, one youth had
two fish on the line that he fought but was unable to bring to the boat, and finally there was one happy youth who caught the BIG lake trout. This child has excitedly shared his story many times and was
very excited to receive a framed 8x10 photo of this great moment! Go to the Community Ministries Facebook page to see the video of him bringing the fish in the boat. This was an amazing experience
and created memories that will be shared for a lifetime.
As always, these experiences couldn’t happen without amazing volunteers and financial supporters who give of their time, talents and treasures, to help make meaningful experiences for our children. Thank you from the bottom of our heart for all
of the ways that you give to help others. You are all amazing!
Interested in volunteering or financially supporting the Community Ministries Program? Please contact Matthew Witkowski, Community Ministries Program Director, at [email protected] to learn more. Also, plan on attending Community
Ministries Sunday in October and check out our Facebook page to stay connected.
Dinner for 8 We’re excited to again offer “DINNER FOR 8.” If you’ve done it before, you know
what a great way this is to get to know others in our church family. If you haven’t, a host offers their home to provide dinner for 8 people, months of January thru
May, trying to get different group of people each month. The host calls the other members to arrange time, date, what to bring (host provides main course), we EAT!
And have great conversations, play games, or whatever host cares to do. Please watch for sign-up on connection card beginning in September. Contact Judi Ryan at
[email protected], or Joy Murphy at [email protected] with questions.
Page 7 / September 2018
Wesley Fellowship at GVSU
The Wesley Fellowship at GVSU is an inclusive community enabling individuals to grow in faith and social justice. The new
school year is underway and by the time you read this, we will have served new students coffee, donuts, and bagels on Saturday and hosted a game and snack night on Sunday all before classes have started.
We are sponsoring a “Where’s Wesley” contest this September. Students will be taking selfies of themselves with a John
Wesley cutout around campus and posting them on our Instagram page ( #gvwesley, #Where’sWesley).
Our weekly Sunday dinners will resume Sept 9 at a new on campus location. Individuals, families, and groups are invited to help us create a community of hospitality on campus by providing a meal. You may bring a meal, order a meal, or provide the funds for a meal. You are encouraged to eat with us and meet our students.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday of the academic year, the Listening Post is present
in the Kirkhof Center from 11am-2pm. Here, volunteers are present to be a compassionate, non-judgmental listener. Volunteers work in pairs for 90 minutes
once a week.
We will be gathering student leaders for Evensong, weekly worship that is contemplative and participatory, and service learning opportunities.
Want to keep up with what is happening at Wesley? Sign up for our periodic
newsletter by sending an email to [email protected]. Follow gvwesley on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Nancy Janisch, Interim Director Wesley Fellowship @ GVSU
616.821.0351 [email protected]
Monthly Meeting Night
Change for 2019!
Policy Governance Board recently voted to change the week of
Monthly Meeting Night to the 3rd Tuesday of the month-
beginning January 2019.
With this change of committees meeting a week earlier,
your chair will be able get updates to the newsletter
without waiting until the next month’s newsletter.
Following is the schedule of 2019 Monthly Meeting Night dates. Please note dinner and committee report responsibilities:
Jan. 15- Membership and Hospitality
Feb. 19- Discipleship Pathways
March 19- Music
April 16- Trustees
May 21- Stewardship and Finance
June 18- Church and Society
NO JULY MEETING
August 20- SPRC
Sept. 17- Memorial and Endowment
Oct. 15- Missions
Nov. 19- Nominations
NO DECEMBER MEETING
9
Youth Retreat
10a- Worship @ Trinity
11a- Worship @Townsend Park
6p- DBC, FS
10
9:30a- Staff Mt, C
3p- Stage GR, FH
4p- Circles, P, N, PE
5:30p-SM Leaders, F
6p- Circles Play, S
6:30p- Justice Choir
7p- SM Peer Sup, FS
7p- Scouts
11
7a- PT7, Centering M.
9a- Cookies, FK
3p- Stage GR, FH
6p- Hospitality
Meeting, D
6:30p- Men’s B-Ball, G
6:30p- Resolve, FS
7p- Spiritalk, L
12
9a- Stir it Up, FK
12p- NA, L
12p- Bible Study, FS
3p- Stage GR, FH
6:30p- Haiti Meeting, D
7p- Ping Pong, G
16
7:30a- Praise Team 9a- Casual Worship
9:50a- Faith Formation, FH
11:15a-Traditional Worship
12:15p- Welcome Randy, P
12:15p- Church & Society, FS
6p- DBC, FS
17
9a- Staff Mt, C
10:15a- Meet &
Greet, Clark
3p- Stage GR, FH
4p- Circles, P, N, P
6p- Circles Play, S
6:30p- Justice Choir
7p- Scouts
18
7a- PT7, Centering M.
9a- Cookies, FK
9:15a- Go4Life, D
3p- Stage GR, FH
6p- Worship Mt, C
6:30p- Men’s B-Ball, G
19
9a- Stir it Up, FK
12p- NA, L
12p- Bible Study, FS
3p- Stage GR, FH
7p- Ping Pong, G
20
Thankful Thursdays
11a- La Leche, A
3p- Stage GR, FH
5p- Basketball, G
6:15p- Cub & Girl Scouts
6:30p- Chancel Choir
8p- Handbells, S
21
Office Closed
22
9a- PGB, D
23
7:30a- Praise Team 9a- Casual Worship
9:50a- Faith
Formation, FH
11:15a-Traditional Worship
6p- DBC, FS
8
Youth Retreat
24
9:30a- Staff Mt,
EGR Library
3p- Stage GR, FH
4p- Circles, P, N, PE
6:30p- Justice Choir
7p- Scouts
25
7a- PT7, Centering M.
9a- Cookies, FK
9:15a- Go4Life, D
3p- Stage GR, FH
5:30p- Monthly Meeting Night
6:30p- Men’s B-Ball, G
13
Thankful Thursdays
11a- La Leche, A
3p- Stage GR, FH
5p- Basketball, G
6:30p- Chancel Choir
8p- Handbells, S
14
Office Closed
5p- Wedding Rehearsal, S
15
12p- Wedding, S
26
9a- Stir it Up, FK
12p- NA, L
12p- Bible Study, FS
3p- Stage GR, FH
7p- Ping Pong, G
7p- PC Parent Group, L
27
Thankful Thursdays
11a- La Leche, A
3p- Stage GR
6:30p- Chancel Choir
8p- Handbells, S
28
Office Closed
29
Youth Event- AJ’s
7
Office Closed
Youth Retreat
9a- GR Musicians
League
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Room Codes:
A- Awakenings C- Centre (Main Office) CM- Community Ministries
Office CR- Choir Room D- Discovery F- Fellowship Hall
FK- Fellowship Hall Kitchen FS- Fireside
L- Library
LL- Lower Level Youth Room N- Nursery P- Parlor
PK- Parlor Kitchen PE- Pellowe P & A- Pit & Alley PL- Parking Lot
S- Sanctuary
Page 8 / September 2018
6
Thankful Thursdays
11a- La Leche, A
3p- Stage GR, FH
5p- Basketball, G
6:15p- Cub & Girl
Scouts
6:30p- Chancel Choir
7p- Fishing Club, D
8p- Handbells, S
5
9a- Stir it Up, FK
12p- NA, L
3p- Stage GR, FH
6:30p- Praise Team, S
7p- Ping Pong, G
4
7a- PT7, Centering M.
9a- Cookies, FK
3p- Stage GR, FH
6:30p- Men’s B-Ball, G
2
10a- Worship, S
3
Labor Day
Office Closed
29
7:30a- Praise Team
9a- Casual Worship
9:50a- Faith Formation, FH
11:15a-Traditional Worship
6p- DBC, FS
