New Artwork for the Compassion Journey

Hungry!?!

I've been working some more on the first message for the Compassion Journey which is only a few weeks away now. The first week deals with Jesus' words, "I am the bread of life." The first steps to Christ-like compassion is through faith in Him.

We always try to keep people aware of series that we are preaching, but I want to ask you to really pray for the Compassion Journey. I really think that it has the potential to change our church, and those that come into the church. I'm asking that we be a church of inviters in order to get people to hear this series.

The spiritual destiny of our community will only change when they are brought face to face with the teachings of Jesus. How does that happen? It happens when we are living proof, when we are the face and hands of Jesus serving in our community; giving a care about whether people are continuing one more day apart from Jesus. Join me in praying like this series all depends on God, and working like it all depends on us.

--Ben

Update

My Father is doing well after surgery. I saw him again this morning and he seemed to be feeling well, and beginning his recovery. Thanks for your prayers.

--Ben

Heartbreak

I just got off the phone with a long lost friend who was quickly found at the other end of my phone today. He lives in Huntington, In. I guess there should be a whole lot more to tell you that is fun and positive, because Jesse Brown is a riot, and I really loved catching up with him. The heartbreak came at the end though. Earlier in the conversation I had asked about a number of mutual friends that I hadn't heard from. One name in particular stood out to me, because of the influence that he was on me early at VFCC. It turned out that he has recently left his wife. These stories are heartbreakers to me. Marriage is so important to me, that the idea of another marriage crumbling just takes the "wind out of my sails." Do you know what I mean? You're plugging along, making good progress, feeling up and then it's like you just want to go crawl into a hole and cry yourself to sleep.

I'm sorry to post such a downer, but I would appreciate your prayers as I process this, and what's worse is that he and his wife must be in such turmoil.

That's what your pastor is really thinking about today.

--Ben

Prayer Need

The commenter who most often refers to himself as DAD is recovering now from Hip replacement surgery. He is my father, and had a long and difficult surgery today. His Dr. commented that it was the hardest surgery he had done. They had problems in a couple areas. My dad is now out of surgery and beginning recovery. It will be a long process. Please pray for him over the weeks to come.

--Ben

Schedule Adjustment

I've decided that if I'm out of bed twice during the night, then I'll give myself an extra hour sleep in the morning. That's part of the adjustment that I'm going through. I've been trying to keep you up to date and am open to suggestions when you think you have an idea that'll help me. We came through a bumpy weekend with Sydney's first virus, and I've been on a diet that gives me more energy so I'm not ready for bed as early, but then I pay for it when I get up the next day.

Don't worry, I'll get it straight one of these days.

--Ben

Sewing Team

Can you sew?

We need people to sew for the set build. If you can sew and would like to help, please e-mail me at ben@severnriverchurch.com .

Thanks,
Ben

Swing Set Update

Friday's are my day off. So today I got to work on assembling my daughters' new swing set. I thought I'd share some pictures from the event. It isn't fully finished. I need to anchor down the bottom to keep it from creeping off the spot, but you can see it's ready for fun. Special thanks to my dad, brother-in-law Andy, brother-in-law Brad, and Father-in-law Dave. As Uncle Andy would say, "It's funtastic!"

--Ben

New Audio

We have had a problem since we moved into the FLRS 101 location. The lobby is significantly removed from the sound in the hall. So we can't get started on time, because people are rolling in about 5 minutes after we start. We previously had a two minute warning, but I thought we needed to step it up a little.

Starting this week this audio will be broadcast into the lobby area to help people find their way in. Enjoy!



See you Sunday!

--Ben

* Music provided by www.royaltyfreemusic.com for non-profit use.

Dream a little dream of me...

Hey, just wanted to let you know how excited I am to speak this Sunday. You should know that I get excited every time I get to do a teaching mainly because I feel like that is what God has created me to do. But also because I believe that teaching God's word and the teachings of Jesus lead people to the best life possible. And if you're a pastor and can't get fired up about that, stay home. Right!?!

This week we close out the Back to the Beginning series on Genesis. We're looking at our fourth character Joseph. Joseph is easily one of my top 5 people in the Bible. Those who have been in my ministry long enough know that he is one of my favorites to exegete*. There is so much in his life that I think is exciting and relevant and almost too often overlooked.

I can't wait to share about it Sunday. This is my prayer. That people who are confused or beat down in the circumstances of life, who are wondering what the next step toward fulfillment in life is, will be at Severn River Church on Sunday. I believe that God's word can transform your life.

See You Sunday!
--Ben

* critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.

A Church Of Inviters

We are really excited to have released our brand new invitation cards. So far I've handed out several, and with very positive results. I think that one of the biggest reasons that any of us don't invite is the fear of rejection. These cards really help in that area. They're so clever that even if people are negative towards church, can't help but smile over the invitation.

I hope you'll join us in being a church of inviters.

--Ben
* note: the image above was an original picture file, cards have been updated with new location.

Contacts

I heard a statistic last week that in order to really be in touch with your community you needed to make 1200-1500 contacts in the community (not church, although if I had 1200 contacts in our church that would be great).

Today I picked up another two. Bill Gillette is a retired West Point graduate and currently works for Waddell and Reed financial planners. Additionally, I met Don Rosenshine. He works for a mortgage brokership out of Annapolis, specifically with reverse mortgages.

I got a call from Bill two weeks ago. He was at an NRG networking meeting and got my card from someone in the group that I happened into in Severna Park. He asked for a lunch appointment and I was happy to oblige. We went to what used to be the Officers Club on Ft. Meade. To Bill's chagrin the commanders had not done their job and it is now available to anyone who comes in. But they serve a daily buffet lunch, and it was a nice place for the luncheon we had.

These two guys were great company sharing important information about their services and products. Bill was what Don called a "marketer" while he believed himself to be a "salesman". The difference being that Don sells the product, but Bill can initiate relationships. Something to learn on both sides there.

The networking continued to make me think about the interface between church and business. What relationship can there be, and how can we reach people without reaching them where they are. There seems to be a taboo in this area, but I think there might be an important element of Church ministry we're missing. More on that later.

For now, if you're looking for information regarding reverse mortgages call Don Roseshine at 410.269.1701 or e-mail donrosenshine@hotmail.com . For Financial Planning with a conservative and successful company like Waddell and Reed call Bill Gillette 410.674.2801.

--Ben

Google Servers Down

I host my site through Google. But they are having technical difficulties, and the servers are down. Sorry for the trouble, thanks for checking in.

--Ben

Part of the Wall

A thought has been mulling in my mind for a week now. I heard someone mention this thought so it's not original to me, but it is on my mind so I'll share it. Nehemiah didn't just rebuild the wall that surrounded the city of Jerusalem. He rebuilt the people of God. The people were a part of the wall. They held trowels in one hand and swords in the other, they were part of the wall. If the city was attacked it was the wall that provided defense right? Well, it was also the people. The people defended the city.

I guess what I've been thinking is that it is not just a matter of the "Machine" be it a wall or church. It's the Mission, and the mission exists only in people not the Machine. We can get focused on our "wall" or we can be focused on our mission. If we get caught up only in the machine of what songs we sing, how we play them, what food we have at food services, what teaching we hear, or did what they were supposed to do on Sunday we're caught in the machine. And is that really what we're about? We believe that the church is better at being the church when we're not at church. That's mission not machine.

The wall was an integral part of what Nehemiah did, just like our Sunday Gatherings are an integral part of SRC. It just wasn't the point then, and it's not the point now.

--Ben

Let It Rain

Man it's nice to get some rain. It seems like it has been so long. Plus it tinges the light in the morning and evening and with cooler temps it lets you know that autumn is just around the corner. That's my favorite time of year.

--Ben

Weekend Reflection

We had a great weekend gathering at SRC this week. I had a few reflections I thought I'd share.

1. Not back to full capacity, but a lot of folks were finding their way back to the church after the summer vacation months.

2. Recently I've taken over the Large Group responsibility of organizing volunteers to help with set up/teardown, and all the other volunteer positions on Sunday mornings. I have been very pleased with the response of people I've talked with, and was very pleased yesterday when people that I hadn't asked to help showed up early anyway. Volunteerism is a word that the community around us is very familiar with, inside the church we call it ministry. Thanks!

3. FIRST FUND. A couple weeks ago, we made the decision to initiate the First Fund. The First Fund is a special collection separate from tithing for a special project. You can read an earlier post to understand more fully what it is about, but bottom line, it is paying for a remodel/makeover of our current worship space. Yesterday we topped out over $1000.00, so I'm going to ask you to stop giving. And for those of you who didn't even get the chance to give to it yet, that's ok. I'm sure there will be other needs in the future. Thanks for giving. It was really a test for us in our first capital campaign. And you guys did great!

See you next Sunday!

--Ben

Bad Night For Ravens, Great Night For Me

Last night I got the chance to do something I love, Ravens Football. I love the Baltimore Ravens football team. And there is nothing I love more than seeing them play. I can't imagine how great it would be to own season tickets, but I kinda set a goal a couple years ago that I would like to see at least one game a season at a stadium. Last season I saw two, a pre-season game in DC and a regular season game in Baltimore. Both of these opportunities were at the invitation of friends, and I'm so thankful. Last night I saw the game with my brother-in-law Brad, father-in-law Dave, and his brother-in-law who had the funniest line of the night, (responding to all the Jerseys he saw at the train) "Who is R. Lewis?". We didn't let him forget who R. Lewis was the rest of the night.

Great night. The Ravens lost, in what was a much different game than the score (10-9) would indicate. Bottom line is that the Ravens offense struggled, and the defense allowed a touchdown. But we'll get'em next week. After all it's only the pre-season so losses don't matter. (It only matters when we win.)

I'd like to say that I really enjoyed the time with my family, but in all honesty I get pretty intense about the game when I'm there. No but seriously I probably enjoyed that game the most of any I've been to. Until the next one.

Go Ravens
--Ben

New Swing Set

I found out this week that a family was giving away a swing set that "still had a lot of life left in it.". So I tracked it down and today with the help of family I got it moved into my backyard. Now, it's in several pieces, but when it's up. It's going to be great.

I'll keep you posted with updates and pictures.

--Ben

The Novicks

Last night I got to enjoy dinner with new friends. The Novicks are missionaries to France who work with the production and distribution of the Sharif Bible. The Sharif Bible, while not the only Arabic translation, is the only translation that is designed for evangelism among the Arab Muslims of the middle east and North Africa. They're mission is the distribution of the Sharif Bible at trade shows, book sales, and distribution through Arabs. Their vision is that the Bible would be distributed so that God's word would be in place when a world-wide revival turns the hearts of Muslims toward Jesus. 1/5 of the worlds population is Muslim.

Great people. Great time.

--Ben

I'm Back Again.

I guess if I'm going to publish articles titled "I'm Back" I should do articles telling you when I'm leaving. Sorry about that. In the mean time, thanks for reading and checking in here at www.benjaminrainey.com.

I have been traveling all week to Northern VA to a conference that I didn't really want to attend, but man am I glad I did. God has been speaking to me for some time about some things in our new church that I think he wants us to change, and this conference helped to form in me the things God wants to do through us.

I've long told you that I believe that every person/organization has a voice, and when we find our voice we will move into ministry in ways we've never seen before. I think that I found the pathway toward finding our voice. I look forward to educating and informing you each step of the way so that together we can make this church what it is supposed to be...a significant church in the Annapolis area making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey God's word.

Glad to have gone, gladder to be back. It's tough driving the 495 beltway everyday. I'm worn out.

--Ben

Re: The Bottom

Just wanted to update you that yesterday we had 22 in worship. That was not our lowest week. Thanks to those who prayed for us, changed their plans to come and our visitors.

Someone did ask me if it was the last big vacation day of the summer. I said, "I hope so."

See you all next Sunday.

--Ben

Bonus Footage

Video From Sunday

Volunteer

I had a great conversation a couple days ago with a member of SRC. He was reflecting on the church and what it meant to him, and one thing that stood out was the heart of volunteerism that he displayed. He said that when he works each week on Sunday morning he feels really good. He feels like he's doing something important, because he knows that without SRC his life would be significantly different. The experience of our church has made an eternal difference in his life. And now through his volunteerism he is making a difference in many other people's lives. This is a really great illustration of what the Bible calls our "reasonable act of worship". He said that he didn't understand how people could not get involved in helping at the church, not from a position of condescension but out of joy. He just loves doing it so much, he wanted everyone to feel like he feels when he serves.

Give all you can give...time, money, work, service. Give it all. In a world that is moving faster and faster toward the end of our time here, sacrifice for things that really matter. Bills, achievement, career, etc. are all going to be over one day and the only thing that will continue is the church of Jesus Christ. The only enduring thing will be what you did for the souls of others. You can make an eternal difference by loading and unloading the trailer, running cables or the sound board, watching over little children and introducing them to God's love from a young age. You can make an eternal difference. Give all that you can give, it's worth it.

--Ben

Book Review: Courageous Leadership

Book Review: Courageous Leadership

By Bill Hybels

I have more books on leadership on my shelves than any other subject. Recently when I began a new regimen with my coach Patrick Grach he required that I read this book. It facilitates our discussion on a monthly basis. After reading the first two chapters, I realized that it was a must read for my Operations Team as well. This is the best leadership book I’ve ever read.

I have given verbal reviews to a number of people about this book. Generally what I’ve said goes something like this. There is a pastor in DC named Mark Batterson. He is an author and I have reviewed his books and keep track of his blog daily. I’m looking forward to his next book, I’ll buy it and read it. But he was planning on writing a “leadership” book, until a change several months ago lead him to a different book to publish. I think Mark is a great guy and good author, but what does he know about leadership compared to what we’re given in Courageous Leadership? The reason I bring up the comparison is not that Mark pastors 1000 in DC and Hybels pastors 15,000 in Chicago, it is because Hybels waited 30 years to publish a book on leadership. What you end up with is such a refined view and value of leadership that you immediately recognize the quality of what you’re reading, and are inspired to change, reflect, and pursue the spiritual gifts that God has given you.

Drawing from his own experiences at church, home, and hobbies…

For the rest of this book review click the link titled Book Reviews to the right.

--Ben

The Bottom

Tomorrow, I think we'll hit bottom at Severn River Church. The summer has decimated our attendance. We've had reminders here and there that the church is bigger than our Sunday attendance numbers show, but the bottom line will come tomorrow. Of the regular committed attenders of SRC's Phone List I know of over half that are out of town traveling. Should be interesting. See half of you tomorrow.

--Ben

Where I've been

Some of you may wonder where I've been. I have actually been right here the whole time, but the last couple days have been busy for me. Wednesday and Thursday were days that I wasn't able to accomplish everything I wanted to.

I started our Second year fundraising, by asking churches and individuals who supported us in our first year to continue for a second year. I'm currently 3/5 through that process. Because I have a relationship with these pastors and churches I am handwriting reflections of what their contributions have meant so far. This is, of course, the long way around, but I think they deserve a sincere thank you for the investment they've made. Enclosed in the card is a postcard that allows them to express their intention for the future. Some churches I know are going to end their support, I wanted them to be able to do it while knowing what their church's sacrifice has meant to me.


That started bleeding into Friday morning. I sat at my desk and started doing "prep work" addressing and stamping the envelopes and postcards. The whole time I was hearing in my head, "This is your rest day (sabbath). Why are you working?" So, I got up and went in the house where Corie asked if I had been working. I sheepishly gave a non-commital answer (it was only addressing and stamping.) Then she helped direct my priorities, by moving me out of the house towards Lake Waterford Park with my girls, lunch, swimming, watching tv at my in-laws. I got home at around 10:00 p.m. Many people have no trouble resting. It is a little more difficult for me. Taking a day to rest during the week is a discipline for me. I think that others think it comes easier to me than it does to them, I just think I work harder at resting. The bottom line is I can't afford to wear out. A jaded plumber, or burned out accountant can still operate their business focusing only on the task and having a terrible attitude. But for me to accomplish the mission of pastoring I need to be as fresh, creative, and senstive as I can be. I'm doing eternal work with people not tasks. If you ever wonder how to pray for me, rest is probably a good one. And wisdom. And improved preaching. (But you already pray for that. every week ;-)

--Ben

The Frist Day (Video from last Sunday)

Realy Long Short Week

This baby must be affecting me more than I realized. I'm backing off again of my approach to trying to operate at the same level I was before Ellie arrived. I'm just gonna need more time to adjust. But then, you already knew that.

Case in point. This morning in the shower I was reflecting on what a long week it had been already. I was scrolling through my memory of all that had happened; all I had been thinking about. And all of these things and it's only Tuesday. This was going to be a long week.

As I rinsed the shampoo out of my hair, it hit me. Today's Wednesday!

Then my entire thinking changed. I have so much to get done and a day less to do it.

Getting into the shower it was a long week, getting out...not long enough.

Don't worry, one of these days I'll get a grip on reality again.

--Ben

New Audio Message

A Theology of Space

I'm no space planner. I'm not the artistic guy who walks in to do the extreme home makeover. I paint from time to time, and I enjoy working on stuff, but if you've ever seen my office decor it's pretty lacking.

Corie has a much better taste for that kind of thing, but if you visit our house you'll find that we don't go "all out" to decorate. We only add decoration when we can afford it or if we need it. We've got THIS END UP furniture that will last us forever, and we got it second and third hand. Not really into stuff and material possessions.

But there is one place that I really care about looks and decor, and that's at our worship space.

There are a number of scripture passages that inform my perspective on worship space decoration and I thought that I should share with you, why it is important to me...a theology as it were.

• Genesis 1-2 Worship in the Garden

God created the most beautiful place for man to worship Him. I believe he began creation with an interest in what the space was like that man worshiped Him. God could have made an entire universe of black, gray and white, but he didn't. He could have made the earth just to support man without animals, birds, fish, vegetation, land and waters. But he didn't. He demonstrates in the poem and account of creation that he is into the decoration as much as he issue of worship.

• Exodus 25-40

In Exodus after man had sinned and God set apart a people for His covenant with man, He instructed His people how to build a place for him. It was called the tabernacle. Consider this, God spent almost the entire second half of Exodus detailing everything from Priestly Uniforms, to each drape and what color and fabric it should be, to tent pegs. The tabernacle was of utmost importance to the nation of Israel. It was the identification of where God was. Every detail of decor was scripted by God. I think he was into the atmosphere as much as the issue of worship.

• 1 Kings 6-7

In Solomon's day the nation had settled into their land and rested from war. Solomon was chosen to build the temple. You know many times we hear, "The devil is in the details." But somehow I think that Worship is in the details. When they built the Temple they used stones cut in a quarry, and the bible says that they were exact, perfect, there was no sounds of hammers and chisels at the temple site. They had exact measurements, detailed descriptions. And when it was built God's presence resided in the temple. It was a sensual experience coming to worship. Think of it: touching the floor stones as you walk into the place God resides, seeing the instruments of worship gleam golden in the light, smelling the air potent with specifically prescribed incense, the sound of the choir and instruments, the taste of the bread on the tongue of the priest. God went all out in His desire to commune with man. It wasn't just the worship it was the space. Here's why. Ever since Genesis we have had to abide in the world that was cursed. Sweating, toiling, pain... But God created spaces where people could come and disconnect from that world. Where they could enjoy Him.

• Revelation 21-22

Enjoying God is what the last two chapters in the Bible are about. It's about moving back into the Garden. Moving into the place where God and man are in complete communion. And there are plenty of details about what it will look like.

In light of this scriptural foundation, what can we take from the situation we read about and apply in the situation we find ourselves in? I think that we need to make worship space a place where the senses of the people gathered are piqued toward God. Where they can disconnect from the life they live 24-6 3/4. And for that one quarter, for just a little while come to a place where they refocus on God. The worship space of today is practice for what is to come. That's why I think we need to do our best with how worship spaces are decorated.

Yesterday I posted regarding the First Fund . This is the Theology behind that request. It's so that we can make our worship space a place where people can meet God, know Him, and love Him more.

--Ben

First Fund

Sunday we announced our First Fund. The First Fund is the first campaign that exercises legacy giving. We are told to tithe from scripture. We know that it is the expected starting point of giving. But so much of scripture that talks about giving is in reference to giving above and beyond the tithe. We are partnering to facilitate the change in location. The new room offers a number of needs that we just weren't prepared for, so we're asking the church to partner together to improve our space to help people come to Christ.

The First Fund has a $1,000.00 goal. The money will be used to improve lighting, erect pipe and drape to cover the furniture and wires, purchase tables for our stations that are lighter and less obtrusive, and improve our children's room.

I was so pleased that someone in the church, who would be away on Sunday, brought their check to my house. They gave the first $150.00 someone else contributed $100.00, so in the first weekend we already received 25%.

If you would like to particpate in the First Fund, please make checks payable to Severn River Church, and mark the memo: First Fund. I believe this is a challenge, but I think we can reach our goal together. Giving may be done on Sunday morning during our ministry time, or directed to our mailing address: 814 Barbara Ct. Glen Burnie, MD 21060.

--Ben

Developing a Leadership Culture

Recently, I've upped my effort in developing leaders. I started with our Operations Team. Soon I'll be expanding it to a larger group of SRCers. I want to develop leaders at all levels and stages. I want to see everyone involved in leading someone else. Remember the law of sowing and reaping. If we sow in helping leaders develop, we reap leaders. It's a neccessary next step.

--Ben

Do you remember when...

It was the greatest day of your life because you got chocolate milk? My daughter Sydney does...

--Ben

Slump or Bump

The summer is a notorious time for church slumps. We've dealt with it already in our first summer. People on vacations really seem to rip the heart out of the momentum of attendance. But are things as slumpy as they seem?

Our Operations team has been challenged with this statement all summer, "We can and must grow this summer." And despite the numbers I believe we are growing. Here are my reasons.

1. So many people are traveling, but they'll be coming back.
I can't wait for September. I really believe that as we head into the Compassion Journey that we're going to see all the people who have been away, all coming back. Then it's going to feel like a growth spurt, but we haven't even added anyone yet.

2. The growth that's happening during the down time.
I'm so thankful for people like Rob who, last week, brought three guests with him. I was excited myself this week to have a guest that I invited come. As we continue to be faithful in inviting, God will continue to grow the church. When these people come and join us for the Compassion Journey, we're gonna look around and say, "Wow, when did we become a church of 50?" Our answer will probably be that we grew because of the Compassion Journey, we grew in the fall, etc. The fact will be that we've been growing all along, it just didn't look like it.

So what do we do with what's left of the summer? I want to ask you to dig in and invite, invite, invite. Invitation is the sowing and reaping of church growth. We need to be a church of inviters.

--Ben

Day Off

Well, I made it through my week, and finished up with one more meeting this morning. I had an 8 o'clock appointment at Corky's. It was with a very nice lady who lives in Cape St. Clair. She has developed a website called www.broadneckpeninsula.com The purpose of the website is to help direct you to over 70 pages of resources specific to the area. The reason that she contacted me was that she added our church to her advertisers for free. And was interested in learning more about the church. I'm looking forward to seeing her and her husband at Severn River Church soon for a visit.

--Ben

Pastor's Growth Group

I'm spending my morning with the Pastor's Growth Group. I have really grown to enjoy a chance to discuss with these church leaders. And have particularly enjoyed hearing the journey that they're on. Some of them are starting to really change their thinking on some things. It's really exciting.

--Ben

Better Blogging Bureau

Well, the blog is working. I got emails from two people yesterday noting that they had found the blog and wanted to meet me. Both showed some interest in the church, and I'm looking forward to sharing our story with them.

The purpose of this blog is to give access to me, my thoughts, and ideas related to my life and work for the church. It was birthed out of the question, "What if people really knew what their pastor was thinking about, pursuing, believed was the direction for the church? What if we could all be aligned around one common vision?" Thus this website was born.

I'm so thankful for all the people who visit this site and contribute to the church by working together, staying informed of vision. Vision leaks. It drains out of us no matter how compelling the vision is. We have to stay in touch to keep the vision full in our church.

And just think, unlike Exxon, you can fill up here for free.

--Ben

Promoted

I just promoted SRC to about 30 business contacts at this event. I was praying that I could get in and a guy came over and invited me to meet some people. I got to introduce myself to the whole group and offer to help connect them with others.

I felt really psyched about it. I love to rub shoulders with people you are as passionate about their mission and message as I am. Mainly I guess because I love my mission and message.

--Ben

Networking

I ended up in a networking meeting today at the coffee house. It is a buzz with people exchanging business cards. It's interesting to see the different personalities come out. There are the quintessential wallflowers, pushers, pullers, and everything in between.

I have a friend in sales that says "Shy salesman have starving kids." It's a great game to watch.

I was praying for someone I knew to come in. The event is a private affair in the back of the coffee house, and I wanted to at least figure out who and what the group was. Then my friend Jackie, a local business owner showed up. She's part of the event and we got to talk with each other. It's a group that meets weekly. I'm looking for my edge into this group.

--Ben