Thursday, September 25, 2014

San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church Enews "On Being A Pilgrim... " for Wednesday, 24 September 2014

San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church Enews "On Being A Pilgrim... " for Wednesday, 24 September 2014

eNEWS Masthead Final            
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
  
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit and enriched by our traditions to move boldly into a shared future 
where all people are invited to connect with Christ, cultivate faith together, and commit to serve 
as life-long followers of Jesus Christ.
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N E W S  L I N K S
Craig Brown - 2013

Senior Pastor  
Craig Brown
On Being A Pilgrim... 
This Sunday, September 28, 29 members and friends of our church will depart on a pilgrimage to retrace our Wesleyan and Celtic roots across England and Scotland. A year ago, plans were set in motion for this pilgrimage that will expose participants to the richness of our spiritual heritage.
Why not call it a tour? A tour is about observation and information. Perhaps you have experienced tours that showcase great destinations, but does so within an American cultural framework. A tour makes us observers but not necessarily participants.
A pilgrimage gives each person an experience that transcends culture and even time. Pilgrims are open to God's power to transform as has been experienced by many before us. We hope to return having been transformed by our experience of walking in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley, St. Columba, St. Aidan, The Venerable Bede and St. Cuthbert.
As Christians in general, we are described as pilgrims and ambassadors. Ours is the mission of experiencing God's unconditional love and grace in a world that continues to be troubled by violence. Our pilgrimage in this life is God's call for us to represent the very essence of God's reign of love. 
What shape has your pilgrimage taken? How are you making efforts toward being a pilgrim that shares God's grace with all?
Craig+P.S. Be sure to follow our pilgrimage on First Church's Facebook page. There will be daily updates and photos. You can make a digital pilgrimage with us! 
Worship WORSHIP

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
Dare to Follow Jesus
Scriptures:
Text to read: Nehemiah 2:1-2 It was the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king. At the hour for serving wine I brought it in and gave it to the king. I had never been hangdog in his presence before, so he asked me, “Why the long face? You’re not sick are you? Or are you depressed?”
2-3 That made me all the more agitated. I said, “Long live the king! And why shouldn’t I be depressed when the city, the city where all my family is buried, is in ruins and the city gates have been reduced to cinders?”
4-5 The king then asked me, “So what do you want?”
Praying under my breath to the God-of-Heaven, I said, “If it please the king, and if the king thinks well of me, send me to Judah, to the city where my family is buried, so that I can rebuild it.” and Revelation 21: Everything New
1 I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea.
2 I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband.
3-5 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
____________________________
John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary:
Nehemiah 2:1-5
Verse 1
[1] And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.
Nisan — Four months after he had heard those sad tidings. The reason of this long delay might be either that his turn of attending upon the king did not come 'till that time: or that 'till then he wanted a fit opportunity to move it to him.
Verse 2
[2] Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
Sad — His fasting joined with inward grief had made a sensible change in his countenance.
Afraid — It was an unusual and ungrateful thing to come into the king of Persia's presence with any token of sorrow. And he feared a disappointment, because his request was great and invidious, and odious to most of the Persian courtiers.
Verse 3
[3] And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Why should, … — All the grievances of the church, but especially its desolations, ought to be matter of grief to all good people, to all that have a concern for God's honour, and are of a public spirit.
Verse 4
[4] Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Let, … — My sadness comes not from any disaffection to the king, for whom my hearty prayers are that he may live for ever; but from another cause.
Sepulchres — Which by all nations are esteemed sacred and inviolable. He saith not a word of the temple as he spake before a Heathen king who cared for none of these things.
I prayed — To direct my thoughts and words, and to incline the king's heart to grant my request.
Revelation 21:1-5
Verse 1
[1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I saw — So it runs, Revelation 19:11; 20:1,4,11, in a succession. All these several representations follow one another in order: so the vision reaches into eternity.
A new heaven and a new earth — After the resurrection and general judgment. St. John is not now describing a flourishing state of the church, but a new and eternal state of all things.
For the first heaven and the first earth — Not only the lowest part of heaven, not only the solar system, but the whole ethereal heaven, with all its host, whether of planets or fixed stars, Isaiah 34:4; Matthew 24:29. All the former things will be done away, that all may become new, verses 4,5; 2 Peter 3:10,12.
Are passed away — But in the fourth verse it is said, "are gone away." There the stronger word is used; for death, mourning, and sorrow go away all together: the former heaven and earth only pass away, giving place to the new heaven and the new earth.
Verse 2
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I saw the holy city — The new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem, are closely connected. This city is wholly new, belonging not to this world, not to the millennium, but to eternity. This appears from the series of the vision, the magnificence of the description, and the opposition of this city to the second death, Revelation 20:11,12; 21:1; 2,5,8,9; 22:5.
Coming down — In the very act of descending.
Verse 3
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
They shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God — So shall the covenant between God and his people be executed in the most glorious manner.
Verse 4
[4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And death shall be no more — This is a full proof that this whole description belongs not to time, but eternity.
Neither shall sorrow, or crying, or pain, be any more: for the former things are gone away — Under the former heaven, and upon the former earth, there was death and sorrow, crying and pain; all which occasioned many tears: but now pain and sorrow are fled away, and the saints have everlasting life and joy.
Verse 5
[5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And he that sat upon the throne said — Not to St. John only. From the first mention of "him that sat upon the throne," Revelation 4:2, this is the first speech which is expressly ascribed to him.
And he — The angel.
Saith to me Write — As follows.
These sayings are faithful and true — This includes all that went before. The apostle seems again to have ceased writing, being overcome with ecstasy at the voice of him that spake.
____________________________

Daily Devotions:
Monday, September 22, 2014
Sermon theme: Dare to follow Jesus - Commit
Read both passages.
What do they share in common?
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Sermon theme: Dare to follow Jesus - Commit
If Revelation is a "fulfillment" of Nehemiah's call, what is our role in it?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Sermon theme: Dare to follow Jesus - Commit
How do you (us) address an increasingly violent world in light of God's perfect redemption? (How do we get to the new Jerusalem?)
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Sermon theme: Dare to follow Jesus - Commit
What part do you play in helping this world move closer to Revelation 21?
Friday, September 26, 2014
Sermon theme: Dare to follow Jesus - Commit
What spurred Nehemiah to make a bold request?

How does that same feeling work in you?
____________________________
SANCTUARY WORSHIP
8 AM | 9:30 AM | 11 AM | Pastor Craig Brown
M O D E R N   W O R S H I P



WATER'S EDGE | at The Cove, Krause United Methodist Center 
9:30 AM | Band | Communion | Pastor Elbert Kim
After our service, stay for Potluck in the Cove followed by Talitha Get Up 11 AM - 2 PM, Water's Edge upcycling craft group benefiting the Imagine No More Malaria Project.

F5 Logo Red

F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall | 5 PM | Band
Pastor Craig Brown, preaching via video 


SUNDAY DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAMS | 8 AM - 12 PM, 5 - 6 PM
See Schedule... Questions? 
Contact Laura Schwarcz, Director of Children's Ministry. 
 WedWEDNESDAYS
Vespers
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge

E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion  
6 PM - Dinner ($6)| Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM -  Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
communityCOMMUNITY
America's Drug Epidemic: Our Families and City Public Forum

If you missed this symposium last Saturday, here is a video from the event.
First Church, along with the City Club, Temple Emmanu-El and the YWCA, hosted this symposium with a panel consisting of San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore, San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and the U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. Our own Pastor Greg LaDue spoke in regards to the therapeutic possibilities for those seeking healing for themselves or other family members. 
LifeGroupsLIFE GROUPS
Life Groups Forming
Recently, Pastor Craig shared in his sermon that Life Groups are ways to Connect with Christ and one another. This past summer we trained our first group of leaders. They are anxious to hear of your interest in a Life Group; a group where we see God working in each other's lives. Life Groups are places to talk about Kairos moments, when God is trying to move you. They are safe places to discuss those moments and its significance, to pray, to create a plan of action, and to have a group build you up. We'll "do life" together and have fun in the process! Register here for a Life Group. Questions? contact Beckett Kirk, 619-297-4366.

Sponsors Needed for All-Church Fall Festival
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 3-5 PM | Plaza, amphitheater, other campus locations
First Church's Children's Ministry will be celebrating fall with its annual All-Church Fall Festival. Costumed kids (and adults) will be treated to games, crafts, and, of course, lots and lots of candy. We are asking all First Church-affiliated groups as well as families or individuals to sponsor a booth or support the event in any number of ways, including a chili cook-off. Read more here... Please contact Laura Schwarcz for ideas and information.
Acolytes
Acolyte Training Class Meets Saturday, October 11
9-11 AM | Sanctuary
Any potential Acolytes who missed the recent registration may attend the class and register there. All aspects of Acolyte functions will be covered and include a tour of the sanctuary symbols. For further information, please phone Ron De Fields, Acolyte Coordinator, 619-461-5457.
MusicMUSIC
World Communion Sunday Will Feature Dixieland Jazz Music
Sunday, Oct. 5 | 8, 9:30, 11 AM | Sanctuary  
St. Cyril's Church of Encino, CA, commissioned a New Orleans Jazz (Dixieland) Mass to commemorate the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in a memorable way. On World Communion Sunday we will experience a connection with the people who continue to rebuild their lives in the wake of Katrina when the Contemporary singers and band lead the congregation in the liturgy of Holy Communion in the style of Dixieland Jazz. Read more here...

Music/Worship Ministry Opportunity for Children's Church:
 The Music Ministry is looking for two persons interested in a very short-term commitment (six weeks) involving the training of Kindergartners through 3rd graders in music and worship from mid-November through the end of Advent on Sunday mornings from 8:15-8:40 AM.  Read more here...
ServeSERVE

San Diego Habitat for Humanity will host a volunteer orientation here at our church. You are invited to attend if you are interested in being a part of their incredible work of renovating and constructing homes for veterans and low income families throughout our community. The orientation will beThursday, Oct. 2  in Linder Lounge, 7 - 8 PM. Hope to see you there!

Mentoring and Beyond Training
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 12:15 - 1:30 PM | The Cove, United Methodist Center

Join us for an exciting and meaningful training class taught by Rev. John Hughes, CEO of METRO. The goal of this training will be to excite and equip us to build meaningful relationships with families at Cherokee Point Elementary to help facilitate positive and lasting changes in their lives. By listening and building relationship we can be effective and compassionate leaders in this community. Lunch will be provided. RSVP here... 

 Imagine No MalariaImagine No Malaria Fundraisers Underway
Through June 2015 | Resources, ideas, goal forms...


<< The Choir fundraiser concluded with $2,400 for Imagine No Malaria and Director Stan Wicks accepting an ice bucket challenge. Watch the video! 
studySTUDY
John Wesley
Understanding Grace
Wednesdays, Oct. 1 - 15 | 6:45 - 8 PM | Linder Hall 2 | RSVP
This three-part class gives an overview of the Wesleyan understanding of grace. The class is in conjunction with the Sunday morning sermon series "See What Love Is," during the same time. 
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DivorceCare® for Kids and Adults
Sundays, Oct. 5 - Dec. 28 | 1 - 2:30 PM  
DivorceCare® for Kids is a special group to help children, ages 5-12, heal from the hurt caused by the separation or divorce of their parents. While parents are attending DivorceCare® for Adults - Support Group. To learn more and to register...
Genesis to Revelation
Sundays, Oct. 5 - 26 | 11 AM - 12 PM  | Trotter Chapel | $15
Study the whole Bible in a month! This is a four-week crash course of the Bible that provides a quick overview of the Old and New Testaments. Understand the flow of Scripture and the basic history of Israel that are necessary when reading passages in its biblical context. To register online...
SDSCS Lecture: Origins of Christian Anti-Semitism
Mondays, Oct. 6 - 13 | 7 - 8:30 PM  | Linder Lounge | $10 per lecture
Speaker: Dr. Russell Fuller, University of San Diego
A recent Anti-defamation League Survey estimates that more than 100 million people around the world harbor anti-Semitic attitudes. In this two-week course we will examine the beginnings of Christian attitudes toward Jews and Judaism, both positive and negative. To register online...
Christian Denominations
Wednesdays, Oct.22 - Nov. 19 | 6:45 - 8 PM | Linder Hall 2
Learn the history of the church and how the different denominations came into being, the emphases of each tradition, and how the theology of each denomination lends to those practices. Revs. Elbert Kim, Jessica Strysko and Greg LaDue will explore Roman Catholicism; the Lutheran Church, Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church, and Methodism. Register and more info here...
seniorsSENIORS
Falling Down
Strong Today: No Falls Tomorrow
Thursday, September 25 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Hall | Free

This free event offers balance and wellness screenings, dynamic speakers, exhibitors, prizes, and much more. To register call 1-800-827-1008
Presented by The San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force. See flyer...
Cave Painting of Baja Is Program For October 8 Active Adults
Wednesday, Oct. 8 | Linder Hall  
Tom Large will present "Cave Painting of Baja, California," a 14-day mule trip into the Sierra de San Francisco mountains 400 miles south of the border, at 1 PM during the monthly meeting of Active Adults. Come early for blood pressure check at 10, followed by Bible study at 10:30 AM. Sign up for noon lunch ($5) by calling the church office by Monday, Oct. 6, at 619-297-4366.
Join KOINONIA! Sundays | 8 AM | Linder LoungeKoinonia is the Greek word for fellowship. Each week, an invited speaker leads the meetings through studies of the Bible and reflections of various religious topics. Koinonia is active and participates and sponsors social activities and charities. All are welcome to be part of this caring, and supportive group. September 28 speaker is John Stevenson.
MembershipMEMBERSHIP
New Beginnings: Exploring the Family of Faith
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 3-7 PM | Linder Lounge | Includes Dinner
Sign up today for this exciting exploration with Pastor Craig and the clergy. Together we will discuss biblical perspectives on:

  • What Does Church Membership Mean?
  • What is Our Household All About?
  • The Blessings of Our Household (and our Discipleship Pathway)
  • Responsibilities of Being in This Household 
We will share dinner together. Those who are prepared for membership will be received November 9. Please reply to Demmie Divine, Membership Secretary, to participate. 
NoticesNOTICES
Small group offering: Connect with the ChristCare Sunday Morning Mix on Sundays Sept. 28, and October 12. We will cover: "Lifestyles: Going in Style." On October 26, Linda Fitts will share "Stories from the Camino" and the recent Pilgrimage. We meet in the office conference room from 9:15-10:45 AM. All are welcome! Questions? Contact Beckett Kirk in the church office.
Ralphs Rewards Card for Missions - By registering your Ralphs Rewards Card, Ralphs will contribute to our Missions ministries at First Church. You can register at www.ralphs.com, begin by selecting the "Create an Account" button and follow the prompts. Be sure to designate The First United Methodist Church of San Diego #82033 to receive the funds from your shopping. If you already participate, you must renew each year by registering at the same website. Sign-in and follow the prompts. 
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a meal followed by activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
"Milk Donors" needed for Loaves and Fishes Sunday food ministry: one half-gal. of milk each Sunday to help supplement our weekly food distribution to low income families and the elderly at Wesley UMC. Contact Brenda BlakeTom Large explains the situation here.  

Got Milk? Milk Donors Needed

    Got Milk? Milk Donors Needed image
    Every Sunday our Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry gives out a wide variety of groceries and produce to over 100 low income families and the elderly. We know for a fact that the main items almost everyone is looking for are the half-dozen eggs and a half-gallons of milk. We always have enough eggs for at least 90 to 100 people, but only enough milk for 72 people resulting in those in the later part of the line leaving empty-handed.
    Increasing our weekly milk supply would make it possible for more people to receive their half-gallon; however, such an increase would eventually take a toll on our cash fund over time. 
    Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry is looking for a group of about 25 to 30 “milk donors” who would commit to bringing just one half-gallon of milk to Linder Lounge each Sunday morning. If you feel you can help with this vital need, please see Brenda Blake on the patio and add your name to the “Milk Support” sign-up sheet. If you’re part of a church small group or other church group entity and want to sponsor a weekly case of milk please let Brenda know.
    A half-gallon of milk is not very much to receive, but can mean a great deal to a person on a limited budget. This food ministry is humbly grateful and thankful for all the member support it receives.

    McDonald's gift cards for people in need - The Heart of Christianity Class has $5 McDonalds gift cards available to distribute to people in need. Stop by the table on the patio for information. Donations requested. 
    The Altar Flower Calendar has many openings for Sundays through December. Help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to reserve. Each bouquet is $50.
    Save the Date
    • Raúl Prieto Ramírez, renowned Spanish organist, in concert, October 26.
    • A Place at the TableOctober 29. An evening of dialogue and action as we view clips from this acclaimed film. Sponsored by Food Ministry Task Force and the San Diego Hunger Coalition.
    • Women's One-day Retreat: Abide in Me, November 8
    • Celebrating 50 Years of First Church in Mission Valley. Saturday evening, November 22, 2014, A Crossroads Celebration! Watch for your invitation to arrive in the mail this October! 
    • Prayers & Squares workshop for beginning quilters, January 31, 2015. Participants will learn basic skills of cutting, sewing, and assembling a quilt top.
    Sponsor a Prayer Quilt for someone in need of prayer -- whatever the reason. Submit a request or call Cheryl Johnson at 619-297-7575.
    Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our2014 schedule
    Our "Just a Little Gift' Shop" is open Sundays, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. It's located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room.   
    MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE | 3186 Adams Ave. 
    Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM



     
    HB Henriot Quimper Dishes
    Hand painted, France.
    4 plates, 3 bowls, 2 cups.
    $120 for all.
    The Thrift Store lists items on Craig's List. To see the items, enter "Mission Outreach" in the search box on Craig's List. 
    Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised $34,000 for local missions.
    eNEWS, the official newsletter of First United Methodist Church of San Diego, is published every Wednesday.
    To submit an article for consideration, send to communications@fumcsd.org
    by the Wednesday of the week prior to publication


    2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South 
    San Diego, California 92108 United States
    (619)297-4366
    WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
    ____________________________

    "Our Father, who art in Heaven…" by Brenda Blake for Thursday, 25 September 2014

    HEADER-In Real LifeFor as far back as I can remember it seems like I’ve always known the words to the Lord’s Prayer. A few weeks ago at our weekly staff meeting, Pastor Craig asked staff members to share their memories of when they learned the words to this prayer. Many remembered exactly when and from whom they learned the words.  I tried really hard to remember, but as of yet it hasn’t come to me. There are only two choices though, I either learned it from my parents, or I learned it in Sunday school. What I do know for sure is, I’ve said the prayer silently, and out loud many more times than I could even count. But, I know there is a huge difference between saying the words of the prayer versus living the words of the prayer. Living out the words of the prayer requires taking action and… well, that requires some hard work on my part. 
    Pastor Craig invited us (staff) to let the Lord’s Prayer shape how we pray. And to reflect on these two questions: what do I need to confess? and, who do I need to forgive?
    As far as confession goes, I think I’m comfortable talking with God about where I’ve sinned, or failed, or came up short. I’m less comfortable confessing out loud (or in my blog), but I’ll give it a try. For the past few weeks I’ve been feeling distressed for not having as much patience with others in my life. I’ve been procrastinating, not taking care of things needed to be done.  And, I have to offer an apology to someone, for not being there when they needed me. I know that I have failed myself, others, and God. I know that God will ‘forgive my trespasses” and I also know that,  I need to pray daily, over and over again.
    As to the forgiveness question, I will defer to a recent (Tuesday, August 19) assignment in our Daily Devotional Guide. “What prevents you from forgiving yourself, others, institutions, or God? “ 
    For now, I will pray for willingness and a softening of my heart. I sincerely believe this simple prayer has the power to change my life if only I become willing to let it.
    Brenda Blake, Director, Church & Community Work
    ____________________________
    In Our Prayers
    We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
    IN MEMORIAM
    Judith Hass passed away on September 9. She was received into membership in 1976 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by her husband, Gerald, children, Lisa (Jeff) Dualon, Ryan (Angie) Hass, and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. in Trotter Chapel.
    Warren "Ted " Hoyt passed away on September 19. He was received into menmbership in 1997 by Rev. Djalma Araujo and is survived by hsi wife, Julie, mother, Lyla Hoyt, sisters, Mary Gough and Julie Broulik, halfsister, Grace Davis, and 11 nieces and nephews.
    Mel Modisher passed away on September 17. He was received into membership in 1971 by Rev. C.A. McClain and is survived by his children, Nua (Michael) Shores, Brian (Kathie) Modisher, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
    Our sympathy is with Pam Molohon and family on the loss of her husband, Mark, who passed away on September 22.
    A memorial service for Neil Dreischmeyer will be held on Saturday, September 27, at 4:30 p.m. in Trotter Chapel.
    A memorial service for LaVerne Fast will be held in our sanctuary on Saturday, September 27, at 1:00 p.m., Rev Mary Allman-Boyle officiating.
    Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
    Sam Adams
    Will Brown
    Jason Constantine
    Grace Kirkland
    Jake Huntley
    Chris Lemon
    Carl Meuser
    Doug Samples

    Matt O'Neal
    ____________________________

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