In This Issuep. 3Roberts Family Farewell

p. 4Caring Ministries

p. 5Children’s Music Camp

May 2017Confirmation Class of 2017Please join us for the service of confirmation on Sunday, May 7 in the sanctuary at the 9:30 am. The entire congregation, friends, and family of all

the confirmands are encouraged to witness more than 20 young people confirm their faith in Jesus Christ and join the First United Methodist Church. This is an amazing time in the spiritual lives of these young people! Help us to support them in their decision to become disciples.

Senior Recognition Sunday 2017Celebrate our high school senior class of 2017 this month! Senior Recognition Sunday will be on Sunday, May 14. Graduating seniors and their families will be recognized and prayed for during each service. A reception for the congregation to congratulate our seniors in the atrium of the Christian Life Center will be held at 9:00 am. A brunch for seniors and their parents will be held at 9:30 in the Shelton Room. The following seniors will be recognized:

Laura Carter, Callie Dodd, Haleigh Dooley, Lizzie Purnell, Erica Hendrix, Jack Henry Hill,Spencer Kauffman, Blake Kelliher, Sydney Kelliher, Madelyn Lawrence, Lexie Lybrand, Carlie Moore,

Mary Catherine Nolan, Brianna O’Rorke, Isaac Schaffer, Elli Short, Brett Stineman, Ben Turner,Paige Whitley, Bailey Wooldridge, Reagan Yancey, Shelby Little, Caroline Folds,

Mary Catherine Hancock, and Race Tittle.

Please notify the church office at (501) 623-6668 if there are graduating seniors missing from the above list.

Bereavement Committee RecipesOur Bereavement Committee appreciates all those who help and cherish the faithfulness our church members have shown to our church and to the families of our congregation. These are recipes that members have prepared for the family meals and receptions.

Joy Bennett’s Butter Pecan Cookies

1pkg. Betty Crocker Butter Pecan Cake mix.1pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix (reg. or sugar free)1egg1cup oil1Tablespoon vanilla1/4 C. pecan meal(optional) available @ the country store

Mix together all except meal.Roll into walnut size balls then roll into meal.

Bake on an insulated sheet at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp

Don’t Miss!May 2017Events

Sunday, May 7Confirmation Sunday

9:30 AMSanctuary

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Counting Our BlessingsCyndee Metcalf |cmetcalf@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 102

General Church Operations March 2017 Year-to-Date

Tithes and Offerings $137,965.79 Tithes and offerings $373,068.63Monthly Expenses -$169,787.02 YTD expenses -$400,435.59Monthly Net Income -$31,821.23 YTD net income -$27,366.96

Missions and Memorials March 2017 Year-to-Date

Mission Offerings $15,374.17 Mission Offerings $26,599.17Memorial Offerings $15,860.00 Memorial Offerings $18,100.00Mission Disbursements $4,238.97 Mission Disbursements $11,159.70Memorial Disbursements $112.34 Memorial Disbursements $331.47

As reported in January, the church received an unexpected gift from the estate of Cecil Cupp, Jr. that allowed us to pay off our Lines of Credit. While our short term debt has been eliminated, many have asked about our long term debt that is a result of the purchase of the Howard Johnson and Hudlow properties. As of March 31, 2017, the balance of that loan is $1,501,837.72. Our monthly payment for the loan is $9465.32 and is paid from the Building/Debt Retirement Fund. As you can see, contributions made to this fund are vital to the overall, long term financial health of the church. Since many of you have requested updates on our debt profile, the balance of the property loan will be reported in this column every month.

Sunday, May 14Senior Sunday

Reception - 9:00 AMBrunch - 9:30 AM

Christian Life Center

Wednesday, May 31Roberts Family Farewell

5:00 - 7:00 pmChristian Life Center

Rio Bravo Mission Trip 2017This spring marks the eleventh consecutive year our church has sent a mission team to Rio Bravo, Mexico. We are in urgent need of medical missioners, as well as construction volunteers. Mission dates are June 4-10. This is an opportunity to enjoy a week of fellowship and meaningful service with other United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. Our trip leader will be Rev. Jim Benfer. For further information contact Dr. Lou Poole, at (870) 867-2932 or (501) 547-4391.

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Senior SaintsCandy Poirier |cpoirier@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 117

Dinner & A MovieJoin us Thursday, May 11th at 4:30pm in the Christian Life Center for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. We will be seeing “BFG”. The BFG is a 2016 American fantasy adventure film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Melissa Mathison and based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. In the film, an orphan human girl befriends a benevolent giant, dubbed the Big Friendly Giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world. Call Candy Poirier by May 10th to RSVP at (501) 623-6668 ext. 117. (NOTE: This is a week early this month)

New Orleans Trip UPDATEIf you would like to join us on a trip to New Orleans in September to stay 3 nights and tour the WWII museum and the Aquarium, the deposit of $150 (per person) is due by May 15th. We will leave on Wednesday, September 13th and return on Saturday, September 16th. We have 20 more spaces to fill so let all your friends know. This will be a great trip and a lot of great fellowship and we will be traveling by coach. We are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn which is close to where we will be visiting. Contact Candy Poirier for more information at 623-6668 ext. 117.

Did You Leave a Glass Dish In the CLC?May 1 through May 16 we will have a table sitting out in the Atrium of the Christian Life Center for those who have not retrieved or have forgotten you may have a dish here. Please come by and see if one may be yours. Those that are left will be donated to a good cause.

Please join us for dinner to honor and thank Rev. Zach Roberts and the Roberts family for their years of dedicated service to First United Methodist of Hot Springs. We want to wish them well on their new journey in ministry in Blytheville, Arkansas. The dinner will be on Wednesday, May 31 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm in Cupp Hall of the Christian Life Center.

Roberts Family Farewell

Looking to Serve?If you are looking for different ways serve in the church, we encourage you to serve in The ConneXion Service. Our contemporary service provides plenty of opportunties to become involved. Contact Contemporary Music Director Bryan Gerhart for more information.

Bryan Gerhart|bgerhart@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668

In OurPrayers

Christian Sympathy goes to...

Robin and Lauren Steigler in the recent death of Robin’s husband and Lauren’s father, Charles Steigler; John and Donna Crenshaw in the recent death of their nephew and his family, Joseph, Jennifer, Jacob and Jillian Crenshaw; the family of Charles Nelson in his recent death; Rev. David and Carolyn Wilson and Tim, Angie, Sam and Wyatt Wilson in the recent death of David’s mother, Dixie Wilson; Terry and Jennifer Smith and Scott and Madison Connaway in the recent death of Jennifer’s mother, Maggie Harrison; and to John and Deborah Shannon in the recent death of John’s brother, Harry Shannon.

Please keep these families in your prayers at this time.

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Rev. Teresa Holt |tholt@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 116

Underground YouthLiz Robinson |lrobinson@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668

If you, a loved one, or friend are undergoing an illness, grief, divorce, or other life-changing situation, we are here to help. We have many caring ministries that can provide opportunities for prayer and healing. We also are in need of volunteers to provide ministry to those in need of care.

Hospital Visitation Our pastoral staff and Stephen Ministers visit the hospital daily on weekdays. Contact the church office if you know of someone who is currently in the hospital and in need of pastoral care.

Stephen Ministry Our Stephen Ministers are provided extensive training to be a listening ear for someone who is suffering, lonely or in need of special attention. Stephen Ministers are not counselors, but a Christian presence to be with someone during difficult times. Our Stephen Ministers also provide hospital visitation, volunteer to pray with our Open Arms Food Pantry guests, and are volunteer chaplains for community help organizations. If you would like a Stephen Minister, contact the church office at (501) 623-6668.

Knitwits This wonderful ministry meets once a month and many in our church provide handmade items as a tangible representation of love to those undergoing difficult situations as well as young babies and their families. The Knitwits create prayer shawls for those who are suffering illness or grief and are prayed over by those creating and delivering the shawl; crocheted and knitted hats are provided to the Genesis Cancer Center and anyone who is undergoing chemotherapy; Baby Blankets are given to the family of babies or young children who are baptized in our church; and Layette sets are provided to community organizations who assist young mothers. To recommend someone for a prayer shawl, contact the church office or Teresa Holt.

Anointing Ministry Every Communion Sunday, Anointers are available at the front of the Sanctuary to anoint during communion. You may ask for healing for you, family member, or friend. The Church’s healing ministry in no way detracts from the gifts God gives through medicine and psychotherapy. Rather, it adds to our total resources for wholeness. The greatest healing of all is the reunion or reconciliation of a human being with God. When this happens, physical healing sometimes occurs, mental and emotional balance is often restored, spiritual health is enhanced, and relationships are healed.

Prayer Team Our Prayer Team meets every Wednesday at 11:30 am to pray over concerns expressed by our members and guests. If you have a prayer concern for you or someone else, you can submit it by a prayer card, located in the pews on Sunday (to be placed in the offering plate) or by email at prayer@fumchs.com.

Checkmates Checkmates are volunteers who provide a friendly phone call or visit to those in our congregation who have returned from the hospital or who are homebound. We will be expanding this program in the next six months and need volunteers to call or visit.

Caring Ministries

Cereal Packing We had SO much fun packing cereal! Project Hope Food Bank donated 1,050 pounds of cereal to the church so we dedicated a Wednesday night to packaging the cereal into smaller bags. The bags went to our own Open Arms Food Pantry as well as other pantries in Hot Springs. A big thank you to all of the volunteers we had that night to help package the cereal!

Cookies On A MissionMark Your Calendar for Sunday, June 4 for the next Cookies on a Mission, UMW’s fundraiser to support missions. Cookies will be on sale in the breezeway and in the Christian Life Center during the following times:

9:15-9:45 a.m.10:15-10:45 a.m.

After all 3 services

Purchase a bag of three home-baked cookies for $1.00 or a dozen home-baked cookies for $4.00.

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Children’s MinistryMichelle Wilkins |mwilkins@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 130

Spring Fling Thank You A big thank you to all of the volunteers that helped make Spring Fling such a success! We are so thankful to everyone who came for the games and Road to Resurrection. It was truly a memorable and fun experience for all!

VBS 2017 Maker Fun Factory is coming to FUMC! Kids will learn how God gave them each special gifts to use for good in the world. VBS will be Monday, July10 - Thursday, July 13 from 9 am - 12 pm. Watch the preview video for more details: https://youtu.be/5fjMyDcJcgk. To volunteer, contact Children’s Ministry Director Michelle

Wilkins at mwilkins@fumchs.com. Register online: http://fumchotsprings.org/#/children/summer-camps-and-vbs

CAMP 45 2017 CAMP 45 is our summer mini-missions camp just for 4th & 5th graders! The Camp will be Monday, July 10 - Thursday 13. We will teach students the importance of reaching out to our community to share God’s love to those around us! We will meet at First United Methodist Church in the Underground (youth area) at 8:45 am each morning for check-in. Check-out will be at 12:00 noon each day. Light snacks will be provided. Register online: http://fumchotsprings.org/#/children/summer-camps-and-vbs.

Music NotesTimothy Tucker |ttucker@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext. 118

Easter 2017 What a grand celebration we had on Easter Sunday this year! Many thanks to the Chancel Choir, the Chancel Ringers, Sanctuary Bells…and how about that brass ensemble and percussionist? Once again this year, we were blessed to have players from Henderson State University. In case you missed their names in the bulletin or couldn’t make it to church, we were honored to have trumpeters Olivia Cathey and Kam Martin, trombone players Dr. Jamie Lipton and Raven Morris, horn player Krishtn Johnson, tuba player Kenneth Harris, and percussionist Andrew Steck. We also had beautiful choral anthems on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday with local cellist Marque Haupt. If you were inspired by the music of Holy Week, I encourage you to join the choir or a bell ensemble. No audition is necessary, only a desire to worship God through music.

July Music As many of you know, the choir takes a vacation during the month of July and Traditional Worship features other musicians. It has recently come to my attention that there used to be a tradition of Sunday school classes doing special music during worship in July. If your class would like to participate in worship this way, please contact me (ttucker@fumchs.com) and I will put you on the schedule. Likewise, if you are a soloist, belong to a musical group, play an instrument, etc., please consider playing during worship this summer. God’s praises are not only heard in choral music. I look forward to hearing from many of you.

Annual Conference This year’s Arkansas Annual Conference opening worship will be on Sunday, June 18, at the Convention Center and will begin at 7:30pm. Our Chancel Choir will be the anchor choir and I will be the music director this year. We will be joining other choirs from the conference in a larger 70-75 voice choir, singing with string quartet, piano, oboe, and bagpipe! The music will include Amazing Grace by Mack Wilberg (if you were at the centennial celebration, you will remember this powerful version of the beloved hymn), The Lord is My Shepherd by John Rutter, and My Soul’s Been Anchored by Moses Hogan. I invite anyone who would like to be a part of this great worship event to join the choir. We will begin rehearsing the music very soon.

Children’s Music Camp 2017 Join us for the children’s music camp Music Fun Factory this summer! This year’s music camp will be tied into the VBS theme of Maker Fun Factory by using songs from VBS. The kids will learn recorder, handbell, and ukulele parts to accompany their singing. The camp will be Monday, July 17 - Thursday, July 20 for completed 1st - 5th graders. Register online at http://www.fumchotsprings.org/children/summer-camps-and-vbs/

Cookies On A Mission

In Memory of Maggie Harrison From Bobbie Horton, Mike and Ruby Bush

In Memory of Howard Cissell (Brother of Mickey Cissell) From John and Karen Poe

In Memory of Dixie H. Wilson From Dr. and Mrs. Tom R. Wallace, Irene Reginer, Linda R. Brannan, Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Fleischner, Tom and Cathy Pierce, Brian and Joy Holtz, John and Sue Polk, Wayne and Jane Ranson, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Van Bebber, John and Karen Poe, Bob and Thea Mathis, Jean McClanahan, Lou Boyd, Graham and Julie Holt, Jeff and Maggie Holt, Jayme and Brittany Holt, Allen and Lou Bedell, Harold, Dawn and Melody Duke, Mark and Judy Smith, Bobbie Horton, Mary E. Humphreys, Bobbie Horton, Dr. and Mrs. Brian Reilly, Gary and Bobbie Troutman, Mike and Ruby Bush, Tom and Nancy Vandergrift, First Public, Mike and Lee Ann Sewell Dr. Larry and Lavetta Walker, Max and Barbara White, Martha Burch, Carl and Lynne Crow, Bill and Bernard Cluck, Orby and Sandra Brooks, Rev. David and Carol Moseley

In Honor of John and Sue Polk From Marilyn Blackwell Simpson

In Honor of Dr. Tom Wallace From Dr. Graham and Julie Holt

In Honor of Mary Ellen Humphreys’ 95th Birthday From Mildred Smith

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In Memory of Andrea Hamby From Rev. David and Carol Moseley, Kenneth D. White, Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Tucker, Jr., Julia Meek, Mary Beth & Andrea Bridges, Evraz Stratcor, Inc., James and Mylinda Lapaglia, Dr. Jim and Suzi Burton, Husqvarna Outdoor Products, Inc. Elkay Plastics Co., Inc., Dustin and Rebecca Vaughn, Jeff and Cynthia Purnell, Larry and Nan Dworsky, Embassy Suites, Greg and Amy Whorton, Marsha Oliver, Jeffrey Pesce and Angela Hardison, Jeremy and Amy Stone, Kevin and Sarah Gentry, Wayne and Margaret McElroy, Nitalyn Sigman, Skip and Billie Rutherford, Bill and Shannon Ahlbrandt, Wayne and Jane Ranson, Jeff and Melanie Newman

In Memory of Charles Steigler From Rev. David and Carol Moseley, Kathleen Ann McConkie, David and Nancy Bartlett, Bob and Peggy Woodall, Tom and Nancy Petillo, Ronnie and Julie Twyford, Mildred Smith, Craig and Tracy Keaton, Skip and Billie Rutherford, Peter and Jacqueline Blakeslee, Harold F. Bass, Carolyn Tennyson, Mr. Mrs. Carl Crow, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Fleischner, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Van Bebber, Bob and Thea Mathis, Allen and Lou Bedell

In Memory of Harry Shannon (Brother of John Shannon) From Steve and Kathy Storey, Barbara Graham and Dale Cody

In Memory of Darrell Meyer From Barnett Grace, Dr. Jim and Suzi Burton, Larry and Gwen Stephens, Sam and Liz Stathakis, Kay Provus, Dr. and Mrs. Tom R. Wallace

In Memory of Joe Kaufman From Betty J. Murphy, Donald and Pamela Bates, Dr. Rob and Stella McCrary, Dr. Jim and Suzi Burton, Dr. Graham and Julie Holt, Jeff and Cynthia Purnell, Kathleen Ann McConkie, Larry and Gwen Stephens, Sam and Liz Stathakis, Stanley Sistrank, Martha Jane Murray Munro, Dr. and Mrs. Tom R. Wallace, Bob and Joan Case, Esther Klady

In Memory of Diane Freeman (Sister of Elbert Walker) From John and Karen Poe

In Memory of The Joseph Crenshaw Family (Nephew of Dr. John Crenshaw) From Jim and Jane Randall, Saints and Sinners Sunday School Class

In Memory of Iva Harrison From Rev. David and Carol Moseley, Kay Provus, John and Sue Polk, James and Beverly Farrel

In Memory of Doris Barham (Mother of Tom Wallace) From Dr. Jim and Suzi Burton, The Holt Family, David and Nancy Bartlett, John and Karen Poe, Ronnie and Julie Twyford, Kay Provus, Allen and Lou Bedell

In Memory of Charles Nelson From Rev. David and Carol Moseley, John and Sue Polk

Special Gifts

Thank you to the Children’s Council for the coffee tasting and muffins. Delicious!

School Age Enrollment Spots for school-age children kindergarten through sixth grade are filling up fast. SIGN UP NOW! The cost is $115 per week or $40 per day. Call Director LesLee Jones for additional information and a registration form at (501) 318-1377.

Child Development CenterLesLee Jones|ljones@fumchs.com | 501.318.1377

May 2017 @ FUMCMonday, May 1Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Group 9:00 AM

Tuesday, May 2UMW Meeting 10:00 AM Outreaach meeting 1:30 PMOpen Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PMGenesis Class 5:00 PMStephen Ministry Leadership Meeting

5:30 PMStephen Ministry Supervision Meeting

6:00 PM

Wednesday, May 3Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:15 AMRomeo 11:30 AMAdult Handbells 5:15 PMGetting Ahead Program 5:30 PMLiving the Wesleyan Way 6:00 PMYouth Small Groups 6:00 PMThe Listening Life Study 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:30 PMYouth Music 7:15 PM

Thursday, May 4Handbells 11:00 AMNational Day of Prayer Service 6:30 PM(Assembly of God Church)

Friday, May 5Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 7Traditional Worship 8:15 AMService of Confirmation 9:30 AM(Sanctuary)Sunday School 9:30 AMTraditional Worship 10:45 AMConneXion Worship 10:45 AMSunday Night Youth 5:00 PM

Monday, May 8Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Group 9:00 AMYAC 4:00 PM

Tuesday, May 9O’Brien-Thornton Circle 10:00 AMHelen Wilson Circle 10:00 AMJane Murphy Circle 12:00 PMOpen Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM

Wednesday, May 10Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMKnitwits Meeting 12:30 PM

Intercessory Prayer Group 11:15 AMPraying for Revival 4:30 PMAdult Handbells 5:15 PMGetting Ahead Program 5:30 PMLiving the Wesleyan Way 6:00 PMYouth Small Groups 6:00 PMThe Listening Life Study 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:30 PMYouth Music 7:15 PM

Thursday, May 11Handbells 11:00 AMXYZ Luncheon 11:30 AM Senior Saints Dinner & A Movie 4:30 PM

Friday, May 12Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 14Traditional Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMTraditional Worship 10:45 AMConneXion Worship 11:00 AMSunday Night Youth 5:00 PM

Monday, May 15Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Group 9:00 AMUMW Board Meeting 1:30 PM

Tuesday, May 16Methodist Men’s Breakfast 7:30 AMOpen Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM

Wednesday, May 17Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:15 AMRomeo 11:30 AMGetting Ahead Program 5:30 PMLiving the Wesleyan Way 6:00 PMYouth Small Groups 6:00 PMThe Listening Life Study 6:00 PMYouth Music 7:15 PM

Thursday, May 18Handbells 11:00 AMGrace In Action Circle 11:30 AM

Friday, May 19Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 21Traditional Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMChapel Communion 9:30 AMTraditional Worship 10:45 AMConneXion Worship 10:45 AMSunday Night Youth 5:00 PM

Monday, May 22Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Group 9:00 AM

Tuesday, May 23Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM

Wednesday, May 24Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:15 AMRomeo 11:30 AMQuarter Notes Rehearsal 5:00 PMAdult Handbells 5:15 PM Getting Ahead Program 5:30 PMLiving the Wesleyan Way 6:00 PMConfirmation Parent Meeting 6:00 PMYouth Small Groups 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:30 PMYouth Music 7:15 PM

Thursday, May 25Handbells 11:00 AM

Friday, May 26Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 28Traditional Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMTraditional Worship 10:45 AMConneXion Worship 10:45 AMSunday Night Youth 5:00 PM

Monday, May 29Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Group 9:00 AM

Tuesday, May 30Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM

Wednesday, May 31Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:15 AMRomeo 11:30 AMThe Roberts Family Farewell 5:00 PM(Rev. Zach , Beth, John and Lauren) Adult Handbells 5:15 PMGetting Ahead Program 5:30 PMLiving the Wesleyan Way 6:00 PMYouth Small Groups 6:00 PMThe Listening Life Study 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:30 PMYouth Music 7:15 PM

First United Methodist Church1100 Central AvenueHot Springs, AR 71901

CONNECT WITH US (501) 623-6668 | www.fumchotsprings.org

Welcome Our New Members & Baptisms!

Linda Dowdy Steven and TrinityBurroughs

Baptisim of Robert Mark Blake & Elizabeth Lynn

Blake,Children of Rachelle &

Christopher BlakeGreat-grandchildren of

Gail Elsea

Kendall and Haley Hancock, Mary

Catherine and Charlie

JR and SheilaBurroughs