MISSION STATEMENT:

To give honour and glory to God and to work towards helping the people of God to live according to the principles of His Kingdom through participation in the various programmes and ministries of the Church.

This is the Charge as given by our Lord Bishop Calvin Bess at the Opening Service for Synod at the St. Andrew's Church, Scarborough, Tobago, on May 13.

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is truly gratifying to be here in Tobago for Synod 2009 and to engage in this act of Divine Worship to mark its commencement. It is my humble privilege to thank the Tobago Regional council for having planned so thoroughly to ensure the smooth running of this event.

At this time we review the work of the Diocese for the past year and, together with this, look forward to the tasks upon which we should embark.

A quick glance at some statistics published by the Central Statistical Office tell us that:

The price of oil (the country’s main source of revenue) averaged $100.00 per barrel in 2008. Natural gas prices were at an average of $9.00 per thousand cubic feet in 2008.

The overall picture in 2008 was one of prosperity but the situation changed drastically during the last quarter.

The price of oil dropped dramatically and the projected price for 2009 is $53.00 per barrel. The price of natural gas in 2009 is projected at $4.25per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) which is less than half the 2008 price. [Statistics and Projections on oil and gas were published by the Energy Information Administration (the official energy statistics from the US Government]

The report of the IMF Article IV Consultation which was published in March 2009 states that "….Trinidad and Tobago has achieved an impressive improvement in economic performance in recent years, supported by a booming energy sector. But now the deteriorating external environment, marked by falling energy prices and a severe global slowdown, poses risks to the economy"

The high level of criminal activity in the country continues to be a cause for concern.

Our theme for Synod 2009, as it was in 2008, is "The Parish: A Community of Hope" How did we fare in 2008? Our performance in 2008, be it success or failure, together with the outlook for 2009 will engage our minds at this Synod and guide our actions for 2009.

There was a favourable employment climate in Trinidad and Tobago in 2008 but our experience tells us that there are areas where poverty still exists. A Survey conducted by the Government in 2005 estimated poverty in the country at 17%.

Reports from our Regional Councils tell us that during 2008 parishes continued several aspects of social outreach by way of distributing meals, items of food and clothing and by conducting wellness clinics. The Mothers’ Union and the ACMS have featured in these programmes. These activities, without doubt, have helped to reduce the financial burden for several persons. We encourage you to continue your efforts in this vein.

The movements in the price of oil and natural gas towards the end of 2008 have reduced the Government’s revenue and its spending capacity. Since the national budget was prepared in September 2008 Government has made some downward adjustments in its spending programme. A large portion of our population is employed directly and indirectly by the Government and will likely feel the impact of the reduction in Government’s spending sooner rather than later.

The challenge for us in 2009 is to conduct our outreach in a sustainable manner as the changed circumstances of the Government will decrease the income generating capability of our people.

St Michael’s School for Boys has re-introduced agriculture as one of the offerings at the School and we commend them for this initiative. A proposal was made at Synod 2008 to develop agriculture as a meaningful occupation for citizens of our country. A team, led by Dr Carlisle Pemberton, was established to implement this resolution and has prepared a plan of action that is based on co-operation with the Ministries of Agriculture and Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. The plan is intended to re-educate our youth and enable them to engage in sustainable self-employment. Copies are available at the Synod and I urge parishes to consider how they can channel persons into this programme.

Considerable activity in the housing sector in Trinidad over the last three years has resulted in increased opportunities for citizens to own their own homes. The housing construction boom together with the establishment of new downstream industries in the energy sector has been the major contributor to a steady reduction in unemployment. At the same time, however, these developments have heightened our awareness of the rapid depletion of forest vegetation and there continues to be concern about disposal of industrial waste.

Climate change has been reflected in unusual levels of flooding followed by periods of severe drought. Tobago faces challenges in respect of beach erosion, sewage disposal associated with large hotel development and the consequent impact on the fragile ecosystem.

Recent environmental and occupational health and safety legislation have made it imperative for us, as church to acknowledge our responsibilities and to develop a response. Our Catechism reminds us that our Christian response to the love of God is expressed in our responsible use of the earth and the rest of creation so that neither human nor animal life is endangered.

We cannot adopt a ‘do nothing’ approach in this regard. We must perform our Christian duty, not necessarily limiting ourselves to the commitment required by the State.

The Environmental Action Team that was appointed after Synod 2007 has done considerable work in preparing a policy for caring for the environment. The policy has been included in your Synod Packages and the Team will make a formal presentation to Synod on Friday. As Christians we need to take action to preserve the environment for our children and our children’s children. This action must begin now. Tomorrow may be too late.

In an attempt to have a positive impact on the environment, I wish to announce that the Retreat House will use Solar Energy for all its heating purposes. This Synod is being asked to adopt this measure in all future Diocesan constructions that require heating.

Our sincere thanks go to the Fr David Harrison, Ms Pat Ruddell and the other members of the Environmental Action Team whose perseverance has provided us with the policy.

The Diocesan Occupational Safety and Health Committee was also appointed in 2008, pursuant to a resolution of Synod 2007. This very dedicated Committee, under the leadership of Mr. Stephen Rewan, has prepared a Safety Policy for the Diocese that has been approved by Diocesan Council. We now need to adopt this policy, display it at all of our facilities and ensure that we provide a safe environment for persons who use our facilities. The policy was published in the Outlook earlier this year and copies are available from the Diocesan Office.

You are encouraged to study the report of the OSH Committee as there is much work for all of us over the next few years.

Sisters and Brothers, we must recognize the effect that the high income levels in Trinidad and Tobago have had on the values of our people, particularly on our impressionable youth. Young people of today are exposed to a wide variety of distractions that did not exist twenty or even ten years ago. As we develop our communities of hope we need to ensure that our church offers enough opportunities for young people to grow and develop Christian values. The Anglican Football League was restarted in 2008 with such a mission.

The Anglican Football League is run by a group of young persons out of the Southern region and has generated a certain amount of excitement among youth in the South and Northeast regions. Northwest and Tobago are yet to get into the action. In 2008 teams from South and Northeast participated in the competition and the League Champion hailed from St Andrew, Couva. The Big Four Champion was St Augustine, La Brea. Initially games were restricted to males but this year a South All Star Girls Team was scheduled to play a North All Star Girls Team at the Big Four competition which was held on Sunday last. You can get the results of the fixture hot off the press from the League’s website at www.webng.com/anglicanleague.

A lack of organization among youth and limited support (financial and otherwise) from the parishes have been cited by groups as factors that have restricted their ability to enter the competition. Representatives here today are asked to take note and to implement corrective action on return to your parishes.

Happening continues to provide an opportunity for our youth to focus on key aspects of faith and in 2008 the movement celebrated its tenth anniversary. At its thanksgiving and awards service a number of persons – including founding members, Mrs. Barbara Reid-James and Ms Betty Reid – were honoured.

RELAY, another youth initiative whose acronym represents Real Entrepreneurial Living for Anglican Youth, held its second Youth Business camp at Trinity College East. RELAY is a business and entrepreneurial education initiative with a mission to open the minds of Anglican youth to the possibilities of business and entrepreneurship. The RELAY Team has been operating with minimal funding but hopes to expand its offering to form part of our Schools’ Curriculum.

Our thanks go to the several committed persons who have facilitated the initiatives that I have just outlined. I commend all of the activities to you and ask that you encourage as many youth as possible to participate in the opportunities that they present.

Our Regional Councils report varying degrees of youth activity at the level of the Parish. There is much interest in music, particularly the steel band, and some groups have won awards in the National Music Festival. The South Regional Youth Council appears to be vibrant and during 2008 organized several activities with success. The report from the (Diocesan) Youth Department describes a fair level of activity from the North West Region but shows that the Youth Councils in the North East Region and Tobago face some challenges. We encourage the North East and Tobago Regions, with the help of the adult Regional Councils, to continue their efforts to re-activate the Youth Regional Councils. There is considerable benefit to be gained from working as a group, as a Parish, as a Region and as a Diocese.

During 2008 our newly appointed Youth Director invited clergy, unfortunately with little success, to identify adult mentors for the youth in each parish. The mentor is particularly important in the parish for maintaining the stability of the Youth group since members leave to pursue studies or other developmental activity as their circumstances change. The mentor would also be well-placed to facilitate co-ordination of the regional effort. May I encourage delegates to this Synod to give this call your urgent attention.

The Youth Director has pointed out that Youth Ministry will only move if youth affairs become a priority for everyone. Is this your priority? If it is, you need to respond promptly to this call. We need to return to our parishes and ensure that the youth are supported in their efforts. The young people in our church represent its future. More than that, given the fact that the Central Statistical Office estimates that in 2007 roughly 53% of the population in Trinidad and Tobago was less than 30 years old and 68% was under the age of 40, young people are also our present!!!

A report from the Anglican Education Board of Management has been submitted, copies of which will be made available at the end of this Service. So too will be a report from the Bishop Anstey Association.

The Bishop Anstey Junior School and Trinity Junior School have submitted reports for the year 2008. For 2008 BAJS has recorded achievement in academics, culture and sports. We can feel justifiably proud of the holistic education being provided for students at this school. The School, however, is faced with some difficult decisions regarding upgrade of its physical plant in the face of financial constraints. The Report lists a number of critical activities to be undertaken. Persons who can offer any assistance in bringing these projects to fruition are encouraged to come forward.

Trinity Junior School has reported good results at the SEA examination and has also reported success in extra curricular activities at the national level.

A new Principal assumed duty at Trinity College in July 2008 following the retirement of the former Principal. The College reported fair passes at CXC and CAPE levels. The outlook for the future includes exploring strategies to enhance the academic performance of students and to deliver the curriculum in more interesting ways.

The Mothers’ Union Children’s Home, St Michael’s School and St Mary’s School have made credible attempts to treat with our young people with challenges. These institutions have been broadening the experiences of these children and young persons to help them to find their place in society. There continue to be challenges but we must recognize the efforts of the majority of committed staff and volunteers who offer hope to these children and youngsters. The enactment of new legislation for providing for children at risk will present new requirements for which these institutions need to prepare.

Fellow Delegates, I wish to bring to your attention a new initiative that needs your co-operation and support. Project Hope began in January 2009 and is being conducted in the Epiphany Anglican School in Morvant to assist children who are experiencing challenges to learning. The project is still in its infancy but will make an impact on the lives of persons who would otherwise have dropped out of the system. In spite of the fact that there is limited funding, it is proposed to extend the project to South Trinidad and to Tobago. Your contributions of time, talent and treasure to this project will be welcome. Details of how your contribution can be made are included in The Bishop’s Letter in the May edition of the Outlook.

The Christian Education/Sunday School Programme has made considerable progress in developing publications geared to education of our children between the ages of two years to twelve years. These publications will be of great benefit to persons who teach in our Sunday Schools and our Primary Schools. The Children’s Ministry Team has prepared draft guidelines for persons who work with children and young adults. These guidelines will, no doubt, be expanded as we develop interpretations of the new legislation relating to children. I encourage all persons working with children and young people to familiarize themselves with these very useful publications and with the updates as they become available.

The Family Life Commission has been looking at issues relating to societal challenges. The Commission has studied statistics from the Courts that reveal a high level of divorce in Trinidad and Tobago. This together with other insights gained have led the Commission to conclude that couples are not being adequately prepared for marriage and consequently the Commission is preparing a Marriage Preparation Programme to be adopted by the Diocese for use in preparing couples for marriage.

I must remind you that a marriage ceremony marks the beginning of a journey. The parish as a community of hope will do well to provide support for the couples throughout the entire course. The Mothers’ Union and the ACMS who have been working with families are asked to take note of the resource material being developed and more importantly, of the resource persons within their communities who can act as mentors where appropriate.

During 2008 clergy were introduced to the Collaborative HIV/AIDS Management Programme for Families (CHAMP) – a programme based on a research project that was conducted in schools in Trinidad and Tobago several years ago. The programme is broad-based including several parenting issues, and has been adapted for children between the ages of 11 to 14 years. It is particularly suited for pre-confirmation youngsters in our churches and is recommended for adoption by parishes throughout the Diocese. A team of Diocesan Facilitators has been trained and facilitators are available to assist parishes who wish to use the programme. We thank Father Chatfield for the extensive work that he has done on CHAMP. The parishes of St Thomas, St Agnes, Holy Saviour and All Saints have participated in the programme and will, I am sure, be happy to share their experiences in this regard.

The Institute of Pastoral Care has resumed activity after a brief interval, due to the departure of the former Director. The Institute has been offering training workshops in areas such as counseling, visitation of sick persons, and parenting throughout the Diocese. The workshops have been well received and clergy and laity should make every effort to participate and to encourage others to attend when the workshops are held in their communities. Thank you Mrs. Lewis, keep up the good work.

Since 2006 the Diocese has been expressing concern regarding the level of crime in the country. The Diocesan Council has arranged meetings with key personnel from the Ministry of National Security as we have tried to fashion our response to these concerns. At one of these meetings the Commissioner of Prisons had expressed the need for persons to counsel prison officers. A training programme is being developed through collaboration between the Ministry of National Security and the Council of Prison Chaplains and Ministers (COPCAM). We need clergy and lay ministers to participate in this programme so that we can make a difference. For further information please see Fr Jeff Elder.

Most of us here have been touched by criminal activity either personally, through family or through close friends. We must be mindful of the fact that the perpetrators of crime come from within communities. Crimes are committed on persons within communities. Perpetrators may be caught, brought to justice and removed from society as part of their punishment. Nevertheless, after a period of incarceration they are returned to communities.

During 2008 the President of the Caribbean Umbrella Body for Restorative Behaviour (CURB) – shared with members of the Diocesan Council some of the work being done by this body. CURB is involved with rehabilitation of prisoners and the President pointed out that in the absence of a sound support system for ex-offenders there is a high rate of re–entry of these persons into crime. Currently, our prison chaplain, together with chaplains from other denominations, works with persons while they are being held in prison. During this period they often lose contact with society and there is little support for them when they are released. CURB has suggested that faith-based organizations in communities should work together to support these persons in order to reduce the likelihood of their re-entry into crime. An offshoot of CURB – Caring for Ex-Offenders Caribbean – has recently been formed to work with Christian organizations to provide ‘a church home’ for ex-offenders.

Please note that the work of CURB is not limited to ex–offenders as the organisation provides support, inter alia, to survivors of crime and victims of domestic violence. CURB has recently started a mentoring programme for young men at YTC and is eager to introduce the youngsters to responsible men (and women) who can act as mentors.

CURB is seeking to enlist persons who are willing to disciple ex-offenders. Volunteers will not be left on their own as they will work in groups and training and support will be provided. I put you on notice that correspondence will be sent to clergy in the parishes in this regard and I trust that both clergy and laity will respond to this need in a positive manner as we seek to strengthen our parishes as communities of hope. In the interim, interested persons can contact Fr Jeff Elder or the Diocesan Office for further information on CURB. In addition to the above, I have begun a conversation with the General Secretary of the Caribbean Conference of Churches inviting that organization to serve as an umbrella body to bring together the various faith communities to work with gangs to identify the cause or causes of the conflict that is decimating the young male population of our nation, and to work for reconciliation, and also, for the rebuilding of communities.

At this time, several building projects are underway in various stages of completion. Tenders have been invited for construction of St Bartholomew’s Church in Mayaro – the relevant plans having been approved. The Diocese offers its sincere thanks to Rev Pam Greaves, on behalf of ‘Clergy and Friends in Concert’ who contributed in excess of $100,000 towards this project.

Construction of the Retreat House in Tortuga should begin before the end of 2009. Plans for rebuilding Ascension Church, Eckel Village have been approved by Town and Country Planning Division and are now being considered by the Princes Town Regional Corporation. The renovation of the building that houses the Mission to Seamen was completed in 2008. A new Parish Hall was completed at Good Shepherd Church in Tunapuna and was dedicated on Sunday May 3^rd 2009. St Mary’s, Tacarigua; St Thomas, Chaguanas and St Margaret’s in Belmont are actively pursuing plans for building Parish Halls and Holy Cross, Marabella is preparing to award a contract for construction of its new Rectory. As these projects come on stream we should be better placed to conduct activities that enrich the lives of persons in the communities that we serve.

Several parishes have acknowledged that their buildings are in need of repair. Initial reviews conducted by the OSH Management Committee have not identified any organized programmes of building maintenance. We must recognize our responsibility to provide safe places of worship, employment (and refuge in some instances) for persons who use our facilities. Buildings and Lands and OSH Committees, at Parish levels and at Regional levels, must collaborate with the Diocesan Committees to put our respective houses in order.

I am pleased to announce that a Self Insurance programme is now underway. Work is proceeding to allow us to begin implementation of the programme in 2010. The lack of maintenance of our buildings will increase our exposure to risk so parishes need to address this deficiency.

I now turn to our Statistics, Reporting, and Accountability. These areas, though improving somewhat, continue to present us with great challenge.

Last year we reported that at April 30, 2008 nine (9) of the 30 Parishes and one (1) District had submitted financial statements in respect of the previous year (2007) to the Board of Finance. This year, I am relatively pleased to report that at April 30 2009 the Diocesan Office had received reports from 12 parishes. This represents some progress and we must commend the Board of Finance for having provided the necessary encouragement to parishes in this sphere. But there is room for further improvement. Fellow members of clergy, our Regulations are based on the premise that vestries will present audited financial statements to parishioners as part of their report at the annual General meetings to be held by March 31 each year. We must do more than pay lip service to accountability. I look forward to the day when all thirty (30) parishes and one (1) District will comply by holding their AGMs and submitting audited financial statements to the Diocesan Office well before the deadline date of March 31.

The Diocese is seeking to compile statistical data that can help us to monitor our progress in certain areas over time. During 2008 the Diocesan Council agreed on a format for submission of quarterly statistical data to the Regional and Diocesan Offices. The format for the Annual Statistical Return was modified to represent a collation of the Reports for the four (4) quarters. It was anticipated that the collection of data at quarterly intervals would help parishes to comply more readily with Regulation 8:6 which determines the level of representation at Synod. The Regulations require these returns to have been submitted by January 31 each year. Last year, at April 30, nineteen (19) parishes had submitted statistical data. This year that number has been reduced to thirteen (13). The current status of returns is available at the Synod Secretariat. You are all urged to consult the report to determine the status of your parish. We shall all benefit by your compliance.

Fellow members of Synod, I am delighted to report that at April 30, 2009, there were only five parishes whose assessments had not been paid in full to December 31, 2008. Congratulations to those parishes that have cleared the outstanding amounts. The other five know what must be done. A number of parishes have missed one or maybe two payments in 2009 but it is assumed that these are temporary timing differences and that by the end of 2009 payments from these parishes will be current. I encourage you all to monitor your monthly payments to avoid falling into arrears. We must do all we can to live within the Regulations that should determine our behavior.

I wish to remind you that the monthly assessment represents the major source of revenue for the Diocese. These revenues provide the funds to pay our clergy and staff and to provide the resources to implement Diocesan programmes. The Board of Finance has presented draft Financial Statements for 2008 that, as in previous years, reflect expenditure that exceeded our income by several hundred thousand dollars. The overall result expressed in the 2008 Statements is positive because of a surplus generated by Couva Shopping Complex. Whereas the Complex contributes fees to the Diocese all of its profits are not available for use by the Diocese. If our work is to continue in a meaningful way we need to have sources of income that are adequate to meet our expenses. The Board of Finance will present further detail on this matter tomorrow. I challenge you to come up with one or two creative ideas that will help to reduce our current deficit.

Sisters and Brothers, sharing of information is a critical factor for our existence. The Diocesan Communications Committee (DCC) was appointed in November 2008 and is examining the forms of communication used by the Diocese.

The Anglican Outlook continues to be a useful method of communication and the DCC is exploring ways of increasing its effectiveness. Circulation has not grown significantly over the last 10 years despite the fact that the quality and presentation of information have improved significantly. Parishes have been invited to identify two persons with responsibilities for communication. Please review the report from the Committee and respond appropriately.

We communicate our message through various other forms of media. The radio ministry "Called to Be" emanating out of the North East Region each Friday from 11.00 pm to 5.00 am occupies its own niche with listeners. "Reflections – the Anglican View" from the North West Region is broadcast on the first Sunday of each month and one parish, the Holy Saviour, has its own monthly programme "Night Ministry". Live service from a church in the Tobago Region is carried by Radio Tambrin on the third Sunday of each month. Primary Praise – a programme of hymns sung by children from our primary schools – is aired monthly. We need to share information about these broadcasts with as many persons as possible since they provide immense spiritual benefit to individuals, particularly shut-ins and those who, for reasons of their own, are unable to attend communal worship.

Several parishes communicate with parishioners and the wider community through individual websites and chatgroups. The address of the Diocesan website (http://trinidad.anglican.org) is carried in the Outlook. Our website is being reviewed and should be updated by the end of June 2009. The updated website will carry a version of the revised Regulations that may be downloaded for use. Facebook users may wish to know that in 2008 a Diocesan web-based chatgroup was launched. Additional information on this chatgroup can be obtained from the Co-ordinator of the Outlook.

We note that whereas some parishes are technologically advanced, the overall level of computer use in the Diocese is still inadequate. I urge you to identify the ‘techies’ in your congregations and to allow them to use their expertise to enhance your technological offerings. The Diocesan Office will be extremely happy to provide these techies with opportunities to hone their skills. Please contact us.

To improve our Diocesan communication, I am proposing that three (3) Regional Administrators be appointed to take care of the communication needs on a timely basis, to ensure that all communications emanating from the Diocesan Office is received in the Regions and that they be complied with, and that responses reach the Diocesan Office as soon as is practicable. This measure should be implemented by December 2009.

We continue to experience a shortage of clergy in the Diocese. During 2008, we lost the services of Canon Clive Griffith who died in June. Fr Emmanuel Aguwa returned to Africa after a brief period in Trinidad. Brother Derek will be returning to the United States shortly. Fr. Michael Chatfield will be returning to the United Kingdom in June 2009. We wish to place on record our gratitude to them for their invaluable contributions to the work of the Diocese. We wish them all God’s blessings.

The Diploma in Theological Studies for lay persons is offered on alternate Mondays at St Catherine’s Girls Primary School in Trinidad and at Bishop’s High School in Tobago. We urge you and your parishes to make use of these offerings.

For several years there have been resolutions at Synod calling for training and development programmes for clergy and laity. During 2008 a team, led by Canon Berkley developed terms of reference for a project geared to building capacity within the Church. A consultant will be invited to identify the needs of our parishioners – both practicing and lapsed, the skills sets of clergy and key officers in the parishes and to recommend strategies, including training for clergy and laity that the Church should adopt to satisfy the needs of parishioners. The Diocese is exploring ways of funding the project and will soon be inviting proposals from consultants to begin work. This project will provide valuable information to enhance our work as we seek to develop our communities of hope.

It cannot be overstated that the Church does not serve its leaders, it serves God. This truth must never slip from our consciousness.

When the Church ceases to keep God in its focus, it goes astray and misuses its resources: human, money, knowledge, etc.

Our scriptures provide us with a graphic account to illustrate this truth. God called Israel out of Egypt to serve Him. When Israel ceased to serve God’s purpose, Israel went astray in the wilderness, "Make us gods", was their call to Aaron. And their god became a creature of their own human vision – a golden calf. And a journey which should have been accomplished in forty days took forty years. False visions, as good as they seem, distract.

Churches can, and have lost their vision and mission: The Church at Ephesus. The Church at Pergamum. The Church at Thyatira. The Church at Sardis. The Church at Laodicea. Churches can, and have lost their vision and mission.

God has given His Church the power to accomplish His purpose. That is the message of Pentecost, for on that day, the community of disciples became filled with the Holy Spirit. The disciples now had the living, transforming Christ alive within them, allowing them to become the living, breathing Body of Christ in the world. We cannot accomplish God’s purpose with our human power. To receive God’s power means that the Church must consciously open herself to God’s guidance. But there is a prerequisite for this – the death of self. There is no way that God can fill us if we are already filled.

To the extent that the Church is grounded in God’s purpose, the Church will accomplish God’s mission. To the extent that the Church is grounded in our human purpose, is the extent to which the Church will fail God. In the Spirit of God, I recommend that we come together to undertake the task of discerning God’s purpose for us. A suggested instrument for discerning God’s Purpose for God’s Church has been provided.

In closing, I wish to offer sincere thanks to the Synod Planning Committee and to the staff of the Diocesan Secretariat who have worked diligently spending many long hours to ensure that the arrangements for this Synod have been of the standard that you are now experiencing.

I leave you with the reminder that God expects his Church to build communities of hope. Our faith is the foundation of our hope – a hope that is based on the love and mercy of God. Do we express that hope in the way that we worship? In the programmes that we offer? In the things that we say and do? As we reflect on the work of the respective groups and on our own contributions to the work of the Church we need to ask ourselves these questions and to remember that no-one else can do what God has called us to do.

Sisters and Brothers, I thank you.