Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Captain Thomas M. Roche on the occasion of his retirement from the Lower Makefield Township Police Department. Throughout his 42-year career in the township, Capt. Roche distinguished himself with his contributions, service and responsibilities, including oversight of the police department's internal affairs investigations, traffic safety unit, events and planning and as deputy emergency management coordinator. Furthermore, his supervisors recognized the key role he played in the Lower Makefield department's award and designation in the Pennsylvania Accreditation program. Prior to joining the department, Capt. Roche was a proud member of the United States Army in Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam and also as a member of the military police, stationed at several Army bases in the U.S. He is a decorated veteran and a dedicated member of the law enforcement community, Capt. Roche has set a fine example of public service for others to follow and begins his retirement with the appreciation of the citizens he willingly served.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a lifetime of dedicated community service. Fred Schea of New Britain Township has been a fixture in local banking for decades, but is equally as recognizable as a champion of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County and an advocate for its mission of providing affordable housing for those in need. It is with great pride that I recognize him as the recipient of Habitat for Humanity's Lifetime Achievement Award. This well-deserved recognition highlights Fred's staunch support for the organization's laudable mission as well as his commitment to countless other community and civic organizations that benefit from his involvement. Congratulations to Fred on this tremendous accomplishment and I thank him for his years of selfless effort.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of Kendra Kilroy of Quincy, Massachusetts, one of tens of thousands of women harmed by the permanent sterilization device Essure. Because of Essure, she has lived in debilitating pain. She has lived in anxiety, thinking maybe her doctor was right and her symptoms were really just in her head. She lived in sadness, missing out on field trips, school plays, and a Christmas concert for her children because she was too sick and too tired. Mostly, she lived in anger, finding out that the Essure coil was migrating through her fallopian tube and into her body. She now lives in hope, knowing we have people fighting with and for us to protect so many women from the same fate. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a voice for the Essure sisters, to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, their pain is real, and their fight is real. My bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. Too many women have been harmed. I urge my colleagues to join this fight because stories like Kendra's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my resolution expressing support for the designation of February 28, 2016, as National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day. In solidarity with those living with rare eye conditions and blindness, I am introducing it in braille. Joining me today is the Smedley family from my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, whose sons, Michael and Mitchell, suffer from a rare eye condition which has caused them to lose their sight at a very young age. But this has not stopped them from pursuing their dreams. Michael serves in his high school student government and is a member of the track team. Mitchell is on the wrestling team and performs in school plays. National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day will highlight exceptional individuals like Michael and Mitchell as they overcome challenges and show us true inspiration. In doing so, this day will increase awareness for all rare eye diseases and conditions that lead to blindness as well as the need for increased funding for research and for accessibility of treatments. As a member of the congressional Rare Disease Caucus and as a voice for the Smedleys and the millions more living with blindness, I am proud to introduce this resolution today. I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the ASPCA in celebration of their event Paws for Love, and bring attention to the importance of animal shelters throughout our country. Paws for Love is an annual event, hosted by the ASPCA, as well as many local animal shelters here in Washington, D.C., featuring adoptable pets, along with providing information about adoption. As a proud parent of an adopted pitbull of my own and co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I know firsthand the value that local animal shelters offer and how they offer a second chance and loving homes to animals in need. As we have seen through natural recent disasters, animal shelters were placed in difficult situations when families evacuated and were forced to separate from their pets. These shelters need our help. Ensuring adequate funding for these programs is incredibly important. I am proud to be an outspoken advocate for animal welfare. I look forward to working with my colleagues on these issues in the future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for two decades Rev. Dr. Robert E. Hamlin, Sr. has served as a faith leader and dedicated community member as Senior Pastor of the historic Second Baptist Church of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Reverend Hamlin was first licensed to preach at McKinley Memorial Baptist Church in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania under the leadership of Rev. Lowell M. McCown, Sr. in 1994. In February of 1996, he was installed as the Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown and, under his leadership, the congregation has grown in both size and spirit. Already one of Bucks County's most historic churches, Reverend Hamlin has strengthened and continued Second Baptist's important role in our area. His commitment to minister to the wide and diverse community he serves has provided for the spiritual development and earthly needs of the surrounding communities. As a past moderator of the Suburban Baptist Association and member of the Board of Directors of several local, national and internationally based organizations, Reverend Hamlin's ministry is one that has impacted thousands not only in Bucks County, but around the world. On this, Rev. Dr. Robert E. Hamlin, Sr.'s 20th Pastoral Anniversary, we recognize his continued commitment to the betterment of his congregation and community. I join with the members of the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown in recognition of this achievement and in sending best wishes for many more years to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, in light of recent reports of ISIS entering Europe disguised as refugees and a terrorist having just tried to take down an aircraft, I think it is important to understand the threats we face, but also to learn from the past. In the 9/11 Report, al Qaeda mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told al Qaeda terrorists to watch the cockpit doors at takeoff and landing to observe whether the captain went into the lavatory during the flight and to note whether the flight attendants brought food into the cockpit. We all know what happened when these attackers stormed the flight deck and turned our airliners into weapons of war. But today, more than 14 years after the attacks of September 11, the FAA still admits the cockpit is vulnerable when the reinforced door has to be opened. That is unacceptable. We know that terrorists study our vulnerabilities and make their plans accordingly. Yet, even after the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission emphasized the importance of ``a layered security system,'' we have not taken the simple, cost-effective step to protect the skies above us with the installation of secondary barrier doors. These lightweight, wire-mesh gates can be closed whenever the cockpit door is opened and effectively protect against a terrorist--or team of terrorists--rushing the cockpit by providing the pilot enough time to recognize the threat and reenter and lock the reinforced cockpit door. They are easy to deploy and stow, and provide the ``layered protection'' that experts agree is needed. That is why I have introduced the Saracini Aviation Safety Act. This is a one-page bill named after my constituent, United Airlines pilot Victor J. Saracini, whose life was taken when his aircraft was hijacked and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11. It requires that these cost-effective secondary barriers be included on large passenger aircraft. We promised to never forget those lost on 9/11 and the lessons learned by all of us on that tragic day; yet after many years and more than 40 hijacking attempts around the world, including five that were successful, we are still not taking this threat seriously. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to advocate for the adoption of this commonsense policy, both as a stand-alone bill or as part of a larger piece of legislation like the FAA reauthorization, and I urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate State Representative Gene DiGirolamo, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who will be honored this month with the American Medical Association's 2016 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, which is named for its founder. Representative DiGirolamo's dedication to the betterment of public health through advocacy and legislative work in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives earned him this prestigious award. He is presently serving in his 11th term in office and third term as chairman of the House Human Services Committee. Representative DiGirolamo steadfastly continues his advocacy of issues related to drug and alcohol treatment and prevention, physical and intellectual disabilities, and individuals with mental illness. Additionally, he wrote legislation that increased funding for vital rehabilitation centers, while establishing a separate cabinet agency for the important effort that streamlined drug and alcohol treatment services in Pennsylvania. Representative DiGirolamo has provided leadership to his associates and constituents and set an example for others to follow, and I am honored to call him my friend. Congratulations, Gene.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of Elvira Lopez of Odessa, Texas, one of tens of thousands of women harmed by the permanent sterilization device, Essure. Elvira's story began in 2011 when she sought a tubal ligation. She was instead introduced to Essure. After surgery, her health began to decline dramatically. Despite symptoms of confusion, low energy, and constant pain, doctor after doctor told her that the device was not causing her health issues. Then, in 2015, she had no choice but to undergo a hysterectomy as a last-ditch attempt to end the pain caused by this flawed device. I rise as a voice for the Essure Sisters to tell this Chamber that their pain is real, their stories are real, and their fight is real. Mr. Speaker, my bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. Too many women have been harmed. I urge my colleagues to join this fight because stories like Elvira's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Barbara Clark for a job well done on the occasion of her retirement. This is a milestone for the executive director who led the Network of Victim Assistance for 25 years. NOVA, which serves Bucks County and the Philadelphia area is recognized for its high quality services for the most vulnerable in the community. Under her direction, NOVA evolved from a small victims services organization to a large, financially sound, nationally recognized organization with high standards of services available to crime victims, including--children, the elderly and people with disabilities. As executive director, Barbara Clark led the way and was widely recognized and honored for her ability to create problem-solving groups and find solutions and funding to accomplish the work--the creation of a community free from violence and harm. Among her many accomplishments is the ability to fund the agency and its projects. Under her guidance, the budget and the capacity of NOVA rose from $235,000 in 1991 to more than $3.3 million today. Another initiative that defined her management ability was the NOVA comprehensive capital campaign she launched in 2008, called Voices Against Violence. The goal was set at $1.9 million, but at the end of the campaign $2.1 million was raised. Once again, her knowledge, dedication and her outstanding management abilities led the way. Barbara has the appreciation and gratitude of her colleagues, those she mentored, and the community she served. In so doing, she has set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of Sabrina Fregoso of Diamond Springs, California. Sabrina is one of the tens of thousands of women harmed by the permanent sterilization device Essure. In August of 2012, Sabrina welcomed her fourth child, at which time she discussed permanent sterilization with her physician. Her doctor recommended Essure and assured her that the procedure was safe. Immediately following the Essure procedure, Sabrina began to notice a consistent and substantial decline in her health, including losing control of her bowels, extensive weight gain, severe bloating, hair loss, and sores covering her body. Her lower back, hips, and leg joints became painful. She experienced numbness in her feet and sharp heel pain that made it difficult to walk. Mr. Speaker, today I rise again as their voice to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, their pain is real, and their fight is real. My bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. I urge my colleagues to join in this fight because stories like Sabrina's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of Scottsville Methodist Church. Begun around the close of the Civil War in an area known as Scotts Corners, Scottsville Methodist has served as a community of faith for the people of Lower Bucks County for a century and a half. Over the years, the church has changed names and locations, but what has remained consistent is its commitment to strengthening the faith and sense of community for those who worship there. On this, the celebration of their 150th anniversary, I join with the congregation of Scottsville Methodist Church and congratulate them on this great accomplishment. I wish you many more years of success and peaceful worship.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to tell the story of Amanda Dykeman of Illinois, one of the tens of thousands of women permanently harmed by the sterilization device known as Essure. After Amanda had the device implanted in 2010 at the age of 28, her hair began to fall out, she felt great fatigue, continuously fought urinary tract and kidney infections, and would suffer from severe abdominal and joint pain. She suffered with so much pain that she would contemplate suicide. Her symptoms subsided after a total hysterectomy in 2013, but, physically, she knows that the device left her permanently damaged. I rise as a voice for the Essure Sisters, who number in the thousands, to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, their pain is real, and their fight is real. Mr. Speaker, my bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. I urge my colleagues to join in this fight because stories like Amanda's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of Lisa Conti of Pennsylvania, who is one of tens of thousands of women who has been affected negatively by the permanent sterilization device known as Essure. In 2010, 10 months after the birth of her son, Lisa underwent the Essure procedure. Her doctor said it was a perfectly safe, nonsurgical procedure with no downtime--the perfect option for a single mother, he said. Unfortunately, like so many others, following the failure of the device, Lisa now lives with chronic pain, multiple surgeries, and depression. What was supposed to be a simple procedure has cost her several jobs, time with her children, and years of her life. I rise as a voice for the Essure Sisters in order to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, that their pain is real, and that their fight is real. Mr. Speaker, my bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. Too many women have been harmed. I urge my colleagues to join this fight because stories like Lisa's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Bucks County Treasurer William ``Bill'' Snyder for 36 years of honorable service to the people of Bucks County. Before his election in 1980, he served our country with the 31st infantry in Korea between 1951 and 1953. Upon his return to civilian life, he operated and built a successful business and was a member of the International Operating Engineers Union. He is known for his local civic and community involvement, including serving on the Doylestown Township Planning Commission and later the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors. As county treasurer, Bill Snyder has implemented many changes and efficiencies and was an active member of the County Treasurer's Association of Pennsylvania. In addition, he held various leadership positions on the Bucks County Republican Committee. On this, the occasion of his retirement, we wish him many happy and healthy retirement years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, heartiest congratulations to Glenn Hall on the occasion of his 90th birthday and a lifetime of teaching and learning. His career in education began in a one-room schoolhouse in 1954, but he has taught every grade level, including graduate school, since then. While teaching at a Florida community college, in 1961, he received a Fulbright grant to teach English and American history in the Netherlands. Upon his return, he heard of the opening of a new community college in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and in 1965 was among the first instructors hired. During a 35-year teaching career at Bucks County Community College in Newtown Township, he also was Dean of Academic Affairs for 14 years. And in 1976 he was among the first group of educators to visit China after the communist takeover in 1949. As we congratulate Glenn Hall on this milestone birthday, we express our gratitude for his honorable service in the U.S. Navy and his contributions to the academic community and especially the students he inspired. May his future be filled with good health, happiness and new adventures.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of Kathryn Frederickson of Maryland. Kathryn is one of the tens of thousands of women that have been harmed by a permanent sterilization device, the medical device known as Essure. Essure was recommended as the optimal birth control solution for Kathryn, despite a pre-existing autoimmune condition and a known nickel allergy. After the procedure, she felt severe pain, extreme bleeding, vomiting, and rashes, caused by the nickel-based device. After 3 weeks of pain and discomfort, Kathryn paid $7,000 out of pocket to remove the device. One coil was found in her uterus. She lost 2 months of work and of her life. Kat's health has never been the same. I rise as a voice for the Essure Sisters to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, their pain is real, and that their fight is real. Mr. Speaker, my bill, the E-Free Act, can halt this tragedy by removing this dangerous device from the market. Too many women have been harmed. So I urge my colleagues to join this fight and to join the bill because stories like Kathryn's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the story of Angie Firmalino of Tannersville, New York, one of the tens of thousands of women harmed by the permanent sterilization device, Essure. Essure is a nickel-based coil that is designed to be inserted into the fallopian tube and cause tissue scarring, leading to blockage of the tube. However, tens of thousands of women have complained of terrible side effects and excruciating pain. Women have died. And when the device has failed and women have become pregnant, this device has killed their unborn child. Yet, despite its failings, this device remains on the market with the full support of the Food and Drug Administration and industry. In 2009, 3 months after the birth of Angie and her husband's last child, she underwent the Essure procedure. While the procedure itself was extremely painful, the pain didn't stop when she went home, as she began having side effects immediately thereafter. For almost 2 years, Angie suffered from a sharp, stabbing pain in her lower left side, back pain, heavy and constant bleeding, joint pains, fevers, fatigue, and depression. Her doctor reassured her that it was just her body recovering from the pregnancy, C-section, and Essure procedure, and that she would eventually get back to her old self. That did not happen. In 2011, after nearly 2 years of pain and complications, Angie's doctor ordered an ultrasound to try to determine a cause. What was discovered was shocking. An Essure coil had dislodged itself from her right fallopian tube and had become embedded in the wall of her uterus. Meanwhile, the left coil was almost completely expelled, but twisted and coiled. These were the causes of her pain. Overwhelmed and alone, Angie tried to comprehend the situation. She was never told that the coils could expel, migrate, or embed in other organs. She wondered how this could happen. Searching online for answers, she found little information and little comfort. It took Angie weeks after identifying the problem to find a doctor she felt comfortable with for the removal surgery. With no information available about Essure removal, Angie located a doctor who seemed to know what they were doing and seemed to have a plan for the device's removal. Unfortunately, during the procedure, the Essure coils broke as they were removed, sending metal fragments, like shrapnel, further into her body. In the years since, Angie has undergone four surgeries directly resulting from Essure, and eventually lost her fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and one ovary. And as her joints mysteriously began deteriorating, she has undergone an additional three surgeries on her joints. Today, after a hysterectomy and surgery after surgery, Angie still lives with daily, chronic pain, joint issues, and debilitating headaches. And while some of her pain may be gone, the emotional scars have stayed with her. At the age of 43, the mother of four, Angie says she is still not, nor will she ever be, her old self. But as a result of all this pain and suffering, she was able to do something pretty incredible: Angie started a Facebook group called the Essure Problems Group--something to fill the void that she found. It was a place to tell her story and to see if others had been impacted the same way that she had. Mr. Speaker, in the years since, this online community has surged to more than 24,000 members. Sadly, Angie now knows that she was not alone. Every day, this group connects women living through their own Essure nightmares; and every day, Angie is brought to tears at seeing the stories, many so similar to her own, of thousands of women around the country. Together with her Essure sisters, they now work toward one common goal: to remove this dangerous device from the market so that no more women are harmed. I am proud to rise today as a voice for these women, to tell the Chamber that their stories are real, their pain is real, their fight is real. If the manufacturer or the regulatory industry tasked with oversight won't act, then we, as representatives of the thousands of harmed women, must act. That is why I rise in support of the E-Free Act, a one-page bill to remove Essure from the market by forcing the Food and Drug Administration to revoke the pre-market approval that let this product into the public back in 2002. Mr. Speaker, the E-Free Act can halt this tragedy. I urge my colleagues to join this fight because stories like Angie's are too important to ignore.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the initials AOH may tell the story best. Some say the initials stand for, ``Add One Hour''--describing the easygoing, no rush attitude of many of its members. Others believe AOH, ``America's Only Hope'' has been used to define the loyalty of the Irish to the principles of their adopted land. In either case, its members would certainly all agree, that to be Irish, is indeed, a blessing. To be a Hibernian is an Honor. I offer my gratitude and congratulations to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Newtown, Division 2, for 25 years of working in harmony with the doctrines of the Catholic Church and fostering a sense of loyalty to country among its members. AOH, Newtown Division 2, proudly hosts the ``Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Kilt Tilt Run, Warrior Walk and Festival'', featuring the Annual Joe McGinnis Scholarship 5K in addition to the annual Celtic Kilt Night fundraiser for local food banks. Past president of the Bucks County Board of the AOH and Newtown Division 2 member, ``The Irish Godfather of Bucks County,'' Joseph W. McGinnis, Jr. would be proud of the work that has continued in his name. Once again, thank you and congratulations to AOH, Newtown Division 2 for 25 years of friendship, unity and Christian charity.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Assistant Fire Chief John Izak of the Nottingham Fire Dept. for the swift action that saved the life of a 14-year-old boy who had collapsed on the soccer field. A trained first responder, Mr. Izak, was able to do the right thing at the right time. He assessed the patient, called 911, provided CPR and helped other responders with defibrillation that restarted the heart of Trevor Newhouse. All of these vital steps led to Trevor's quick diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The Newhouse family, and the entire 8th Congressional District, would like to thank Assistant Chief Izak for his life-saving work and dedication to our community. The greater community also acknowledges all of the first responders who helped in this incident. We appreciate your 24-7 commitment to the residents of Bucks County. John Izak's selflessness and quick thinking saved a young life. He has set a powerful example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, three years before the lights on the famous Christmas tree in New York City's Rockefeller Center were flipped on, a small town in my district of Pennsylvania began a tradition that has spanned generations and leads the nation. Since 1909, residents of Perkasie Borough have been gathering together in early December to light the community Christmas tree--a tradition that stands as America's oldest continuous tree lighting. A town of under 3,000 at the time of its first Christmas celebration, Perkasie has grown steadily while community leaders, elected officials and local residents have kept its unique small town charm and timeless Christmas ritual. Today, I recognize December 5th as what will be Perkasie's 106th consecutive community Christmas tree lighting and join in the celebration of this enduring holiday tradition.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, America has a long tradition of opening its arms to oppressed people from around the globe. While the human rights of those fleeing terror and destruction must be respected, it is vital that we work to ensure that our Nation's safety is in place in this time of turmoil and unrest. The United States cannot indefinitely close itself to the stark realities of the world, nor should we hastily accept tens of thousands of people without proper screening. That is why I have called on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to suspend efforts to bring Syrian refugees to Pennsylvania until there are verifiable and robust mechanisms in place to properly screen all participants for potential security risks. To facilitate the thorough screening needed, I am supporting legislation prompting the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the FBI, to provide new security assurances before admitting refugees into the country and for the Government Accountability Office to conduct a sweeping review of security gaps in the current refugee review process. This measure addresses both shortcomings in our existing programs and ensures a role for congressional oversight. Mr. Speaker, the refugee crisis the world faces is a symptom of a larger problem: militant Islam and the efforts of groups like ISIS to destabilize and destroy others. We need a long-term solution to this problem, and that includes defeating ISIS.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1694) to amend MAP-21 to improve contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small business concerns, and for other purposes.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the Record on H.R. 1694.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Christian Life Center on its 25th anniversary. With the prayers and planning of a small, but committed, group of Christians, the Christian Life Center was born in 1990. In the years since, the Center has continued to grow in faith and mission at its beautiful complex in Bensalem Township, Bucks County. Through its tireless work, the Christian Life Center has taken the Gospel into homes and hearts throughout its community while growing a welcoming place of worship for Christian families and individuals dedicated to their faith, each other. My best wishes for ongoing devotion and continued growth in the coming years.