From Pastor Molly: I Believe in the Holy Spirit
Years ago, a colleague hung a sticky-note prayer at eye level on the moulding next to the door in my office bathroom. It said something like: "May the Holy Spirit be rockin' with you today. (This prayer renews itself every time it's read.)" It hung next to the place where I kept my clergy robe and stoles, so I prayed it every time I dressed for worship. I also prayed it throughout the day, whenever I used the bathroom. Every time, it made me smile, and it reminded me that I was not alone. Everything I go through, God's Holy Spirit and the community of the church are with me.
I cannot measure how much it has changed my attitude to believe that the Spirit is always cheering me on, wanting me to succeed. For God's glory.
One of the challenges of believing in the Holy Spirit is that it shows up in things that seem ordinary: wind, water, breath, fire, doves. The challenge is to pay attention, to believe and perceive that God is at work in the very ordinary things of this world.
The Spirit shows up in nudges and breezes, in offhand comments from others that are just what we needed to hear. It's phone calls and inner voices and sticky notes left on doorposts. I encourage you to pay attention, when you feel a prompting to leave a sticky note for someone else--or send a text, make a call or offer an invitation. The Spirit uses us to carry God's message of love.
May you know the Spirit's presence, and feel it's movement through your life!
Pastor Molly
I will be away this Sunday, and am so grateful to Rev. Nicole Reilley for preaching and teaching with us again. I will be away with my family over the weekend, and return to the office on Monday.
In Worship This Week
Sunday, March 19
Third Sunday of Lent
"I Believe in the Holy Spirit"
Rev. Nicole Reilley, preaching
Acts 1:1-8
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Spirit of God" (chancel choir)
Scripture Text: Acts 1:1 Dear Theophilos:
In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach, 2 until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven.
3 After his death he showed himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days they saw him, and he spoke with them about the Kingdom of God.
4 At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to wait for “what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. 5 For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!”
6 When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” 7 He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Acts 1:1-8
(Read all of Acts 1)
Verse 2
[2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
After having given commandment — In the 3d verse Acts 1:3 St. Luke expresses in general terms what Christ said to his apostles during those forty days. But in the 4th Acts 1:4 and following verses he declares what he said on the day of his ascension. He had brought his former account down to that day; and from that day begins the Acts of the Apostles.
Verse 3
[3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Being seen by them forty days — That is, many times during that space.
And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God — Which was the sum of all his discourses with them before his passion also.
Verse 4
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard from me — When he was with them a little before, as it is recorded, Luke 24:49.
Verse 5
[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost — And so are all true believers to the end of the world. But the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost also are here promised.
Verse 6
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Dost thou at this time — At the time thou now speakest of? not many days hence? restore the kingdom to Israel? - They still seemed to dream of an outward, temporal kingdom, in which the Jews should have dominion over all nations. It seems they came in a body, having before concerted the design, to ask when this kingdom would come.
Verse 7
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
The times or the seasons — Times, in the language of the Scriptures, denote a longer; seasons, a shorter space.
Which the Father hath put in his own power — To be revealed when and to whom it pleaseth him.
Verse 8
[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
But ye shall receive power — and shall be witnesses to me - That is, ye shall be empowered to witness my Gospel, both by your preaching and suffering.
"Spirit of God"
1. Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art,
and make me love thee as I ought to love.
2. I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no opening skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.
3. Has thou not bid me love thee, God and King?
All, all thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see thy cross; there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek thee, and O let me find.
4. Teach me to feel that thou art always nigh;
teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
5. Teach me to love thee as thine angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame;
the kindling of the heaven-descended Dove,
my heart an altar, and thy love the flame.
Listen to Sermons onlineVisit our Website
News From Our Members
Last Sunday when Pastor Molly Vetter asked us to recall an image of Jesus Christ that made an impression on our lives, several people indicated the stained glass window in our sanctuary of Jesus praying in Gethsemane which centers the wall behind the choir loft. So I have decided to relate my personal experiences with that beautiful art work.
I and my family first walked into our sanctuary in the fall of 1948 and were impressed by the stained glass window of Jesus, which in those days was just the...
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Bob Peterson's popular column for the Mainsail has found new life, online! Read his view from the pews about church life and community news. You'll enjoy keeping up with the many good things happening in our congregation!
Thursday, 16 March 2017 by Bob Peterson
Last Sunday when Pastor Molly Vetter asked us to recall an image of Jesus Christ that made an impression on our lives, several people indicated the stained glass window in our sanctuary of Jesus praying in Gethsemane which centers the wall behind the choir loft. So I have decided to relate my personal experiences with that beautiful art work.
I and my family first walked into our sanctuary in the fall of 1948 and were impressed by the stained glass window of Jesus, which in those days was just the center portion, no cross. About twenty years later I learned that when the sanctuary had been dedicated in 1929 that window was placed upstairs behind the balcony with that glass work being behind the altar. Later one of our congregation led the work to replace it where it now is and reverse the window by the street called Broadway. If my memory is any good, it was the grandfather of Bess Winthers.
Later I overheard one of our senior ministers relate that he served in a church with the largest sanctuary related to the smallest cross in our Southern California Conference. The only cross was the same small brass cross that now sits on the altar each Sunday. I cannot remember which minister it was, but it made me think about what could be done. I told that story to a current minister and he said I should talk to a member who lived in Palos Verdes Estates and whose name I have forgotten.
To make a long story shorter we eventually appointed a small committee to work on the idea. Several people led by Gene Koester and other interested persons decided to contact a stained glass window company to look at the window and see what could be done. Lo and behold, we contacted the same company that had installed it in 1929, fifty years previously. They even told us it wasn't stained glass, but painted glass. The window at this time had started to buckle and needed to be removed, repaired and replaced for about $23,000.00, a huge blow to us all.
Much discussion, proposals, drawings and costs were considered, but the new stained glass you see now is there, was the most approved plan and as the window had to be redone anyway, it looked as if we might be able to come up with something. My self chosen job on the committee was to keep the congregation informed about all steps taken, physical, financial and otherwise. So, the window was taken out, permits filed for, money contributed (now up to $65,000) and for about nine months our worship was done with scaffolding in place, cloth covering up the boarded up hole and all the while we assured the congregation that no budget money was paying for this work.
When finally revealed, the committee and I received comments from people about how they loved the final result. Opponents of the project came forth to say they approved. It was an instant success and our church is now known for this beautiful reproduction of an artist's drawing of Jesus, at the center of the cross.
Read Bob Peterson's Lay Looker column here
Coming at Church
During Lent; we are doing special six-week study and sermon series, about what we believe, and why. Walking through the traditional statements of faith that are a part of our Apostles’ Creed, we will have a chance to look closely at what it means (and doesn’t mean) to say we believe. Based on a new book by United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton.
Our sermons will coordinate with the six chapters, and the video and discussion groups.
There are six small group options for the study. Though all of the groups have already begun, it's not too late to join any one of them. Think about which might work for you and sign up on Sunday here at church, or email the office:
Sunday afternoons: Noon-1pm at Veterans Park, children welcome, hosted by Dawn Kirkemo
Monday evenings: 6:30-8 PM at church this week for YOUTH ONLY
Wednesday evenings: 6:30- 8 PM at Rev. Nicole's home (15 Gaucho Dr, Rolling Hills Estates)
Wednesday mornings: 10:30-11:30am at the home of Helen Stockwell (North Redondo)Thursday mornings: 11-noon in May Day Parlor with Pastor Molly
Palm Sunday at Beachfaith Church
Join us for a Palm Sunday Procession on Sunday, April 9! Meet on the patio at 10am, where we will reenact Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey! The donkey and rider will lead us into the sanctuary, for special music and a message.
Worship with us before or after--in the sanctuary at 10:30 or Epworth Lounge at 8:30.
After 10:30 worship, stay for fellowship and a casual fundraiser lunch in support of our Baja Mission.
Visit our webpage or Facebook Event for online info that's easy to use to invite others!
Good Friday Service of Darkness
Worship with us on Good Friday, April 14, as we remember and contemplate Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Our choir will sing Dale Wood's "Service of Darkness," which includes seven choral meditations on the last words of Jesus Christ. Interspersed with scripture readings of these words that Jesus spoke from the cross, the service will provide a prayerful and meditative space on this holy day.
Worship begins in the sanctuary at 7:30pm, and ends with silence and darkness.
Easter Worship and Egg Hunt
We will celebrate Christ's resurrection in worship on Sunday, April 16! Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for this special day of celebration. Besides our worship services, we invite children to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:45. Meet near the parking lot on the Broadway lawn!
Starting this week, empty plastic eggs will be available to pick up and fill! Grab a bag on the patio starting at 9:30 and after 10:30 worship, and return the filled eggs by April 2nd!
Our worship will be especially rich on Easter Sunday, as we celebrate resurrection. Please invite your friends, colleagues and neighbors to any one of our three Easter services (and an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:45!):
At 6:30am: Sunrise Worship on Torrance Beach. Meet on the beach below the parking lot at the south end of the Esplanade; our church and Riviera UMC share together in this beautiful Easter worship tradition! Our youth band will lead music.
At 8:30am: Easter Worship in Epworth Lounge. Celebrate Resurrection in the simplicity and hospitality of our casual worship service. With holy communion and rich conversation, prayer and a sermon.
At 10:30am: Easter Worship in the Sanctuary, with Brass Ensemble, Band and Choir. We're pulling out all the stops for a festive celebration of Christ's resurrection. We have some top-notch musicians from our church and the LA community who will be with us, and a message that is world-changing! There will be communion and a sermon; all are welcome.
Book Club
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00pm in May Day Parlor. The book chosen for discussion is "Beaded Hope," by Cathy Liggett, which tells the life-changing story of four American women who volunteer at a women's hospice in South Africa.

At 6:30am: Sunrise Worship on Torrance Beach. Meet on the beach below the parking lot at the south end of the Esplanade; our church and Riviera UMC share together in this beautiful Easter worship tradition! Our youth band will lead music.
At 8:30am: Easter Worship in Epworth Lounge. Celebrate Resurrection in the simplicity and hospitality of our casual worship service. With holy communion and rich conversation, prayer and a sermon.
At 10:30am: Easter Worship in the Sanctuary, with Brass Ensemble, Band and Choir. We're pulling out all the stops for a festive celebration of Christ's resurrection. We have some top-notch musicians from our church and the LA community who will be with us, and a message that is world-changing! There will be communion and a sermon; all are welcome.
Book Club
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00pm in May Day Parlor. The book chosen for discussion is "Beaded Hope," by Cathy Liggett, which tells the life-changing story of four American women who volunteer at a women's hospice in South Africa.

Church Council Finance Update
Our Church Council recently approved a 2017 budget for our ongoing ministries of $494,000. This is modestly smaller than our 2016 budget, with careful reductions that let us continue our investments in the meaningful ministries of this congregation.
This spending plan is about $16,000 more than our current projected income, though, so we continue to invite you to consider additional contributions or pledges of giving to help us close this gap without negatively impacting our ministries. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

Parents' Night Out is March 24th! 5-8pm
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The evening costs $20.00 for first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
Email Children's Ministry to reserve your spot by next Monday, March 20th!
Toddlers through 8th grade welcome!
Our Church Council recently approved a 2017 budget for our ongoing ministries of $494,000. This is modestly smaller than our 2016 budget, with careful reductions that let us continue our investments in the meaningful ministries of this congregation.
This spending plan is about $16,000 more than our current projected income, though, so we continue to invite you to consider additional contributions or pledges of giving to help us close this gap without negatively impacting our ministries. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
Parents' Night Out is March 24th! 5-8pm
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The evening costs $20.00 for first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
Email Children's Ministry to reserve your spot by next Monday, March 20th!
Toddlers through 8th grade welcome!
We're compiling a short list of tasks to complete (or begin) on Saturday, April 1 from 8am - noon. If you have some free time and would like to help out, come by and join the fun. We'll have the list ready very soon, so you can choose what you'd like to help with. Email the office if you have any questions.
Children Singing Special Music for Mothers Day!
Our BeachFaith Kids will be writing a special song and performing it in worship on Mothers day!
We will meet on Sunday, April 2nd after church to write our song!
Rehearsals will be April 23rd &30th after church and May 14th at 9:30
Registration Open for Arts Camp!
June 26-30
Cost: $200.00
This program is opened to Kindergarten through 8th Graders!
BeachFaith Kids is excited to offer dance, music, and visual arts as part of our Arts Day Camp programming this year!
Click Here to register!!
We are also seeking volunteers!!!!
Contact Children's Ministries for more info!
Summer Camp at Lazy W!
Send a young person you love to camp! Registration is open now!
The cost is $435 for traditional camps and $465 for adventure camp.
Early Bird: Save $50.00 (through March 31, 2017)
Financial assistance is available, get in touch with Risa for more details!
Little Canyoneers (Grades 1-3): June 25-28
Adventure Camp (Grades 7-10): June 25-30
Elementary Camp (Grades 3-6): July 9-14 (Risa will be here!)
Junior High Camp (Grades 6-9): July 16-21
Senior High Camp (9th Grade-Graduated Seniors): July 23-29
Learn more here!
Register here
Taco Fundraiser on Palm Sunday!
Our church is sending 18 people on Baja Mission 2017! Come to the Taco Fundraiser after church on Palm Sunday on the Epworth patio for tacos and stories about trips gone by.
This trip helps vulnerable people in the San Quintin Valley, and it sometimes even helps those who go. Come support us!
Fundraising Goal: $2700
Contact Stephen for more info!
Registration for Vacation Bible School is OPEN!
All 3 year olds through 8th graders are invited to join us for a fun week of learning we were designed by God for a purpose! Sign up a child you love today!
Click here to register!
VBS & Arts Camp Need YOU!
Make a difference in the life of a child this summer!
Volunteers are need for our summer programming!
A Week In The Arts Camp: June 26-30
VBS Maker Fun Factory: July 31-Aug. 4th
Email Children's Ministry to sign up!
Other ways you can help:
- Bring in clean, craftable recyclables (cans, yogurt cups, old kitchen utensils, craft supplies/scraps, paper towel rolls, lids, tops of squeezable apple sauce, etc)
Amazon Wishlist & have it shipped directly to church!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 20, at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd). All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Join us for our monthly quilting workshop on Friday, April 21 in the choir room. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great easy way to begin. More information is online.
Meals and More: Did you know that we have a ministry that organizes meals and other assistance for church folks in times of need? In the past, we've helped arrange rides to medical appointments, meals for people recovering from surgery, and more. Leila Grantz coordinates this ministry, using online sign-up tools. If you want to be a part of the group that she emails when there is an opportunity to help, or if you know someone who's in need of a little help, please contact the church office or Leila.
This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
Nursery (6 weeks+): The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across from Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade) Meet us upstairs in the Sunday School room at 10:30! We will begin our Lenten Creed Sunday school activities this week, exploring the third part of the Apostle's Creed- I believe in the Holy Spirit! We'll rejoin our families in worship for Communion.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in church with your families, then meet Jen for Sunday School during "Passing of the Peace"! You'll rejoin your family for communion!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Middle School Sunday School? Yes!
-Youth Group? Nope! Normal Youth Group is on hiatus through Lent!
-Youth Group Lunch: After 10:30 service Sunday, we'll walk to Smash Burger!
-Monday Lent Dinners meet this week (Mar 20, 6:30-8pm) at church!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We gather together socially on the regular, though somewhat erratically. Contact Stephen Hale in the church office to be kept in the loop!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell and Paul Caldwell.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. All are welcome. Starting March 9, the Bible Study will using our lenten study, "Creed."
United Methodist News & Events
Our congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Website
Ongoing Ministries
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.

This year's CROP Walk is at our beautiful South Bay Botanic Gardens, Saturday, May 13, 10 am to 2 pm. Please walk, donate, do what you can to make this a better world.
The Peninsula/Harbor CROP walk started about 30 years ago as a 10 mile walk. It's a shorter walk today but the mission hasn't changed; feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless. Church World Service is one of nine agencies helping resettle refugees in the USA.
Our own Shared Bread program has been a fortunate beneficiary of Crop Walk. for many years.
Would you consider joining our walk team and/or making a donation? Our team name is "First Redondo UMC."
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
This year's CROP Walk is at our beautiful South Bay Botanic Gardens, Saturday, May 13, 10 am to 2 pm. Please walk, donate, do what you can to make this a better world.
The Peninsula/Harbor CROP walk started about 30 years ago as a 10 mile walk. It's a shorter walk today but the mission hasn't changed; feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless. Church World Service is one of nine agencies helping resettle refugees in the USA.
Our own Shared Bread program has been a fortunate beneficiary of Crop Walk. for many years.
Would you consider joining our walk team and/or making a donation? Our team name is "First Redondo UMC."
For the past two years, our amazing pianists MaryAnn and Cris have thrilled us with their wonderful preludes and postludes, which they swap from week to week – last week, Cris played...
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 16 March 2017 by Jim Raycroft
Francesca Battistelli is a Christian recording artist who was born in New York in 1985 and released her first independent album in 2004 titled Just A Breath. She released her first studio album under the Fervent label in 2008 titled My Paper Heart. Her single Holy Spirit, written by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, was released in 2014 as part of her 3rd studio album, If We're Honest, and it went on to win a Grammy in 2016 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
For the past two years, our amazing pianists MaryAnn and Cris have thrilled us with their wonderful preludes and postludes, which they swap from week to week – last week, Cris played the prelude and MaryAnn played the postlude. This week, MaryAnn will prepare us for worship with the prelude, and Cris will put the exclamation point on the service with his postlude. Some of the most commented on postludes that Cris has played have been written by American pianist/arranger Dino Kartsonakis. Born in 1942 in New York, Dino has become known for his virtuosic piano arrangements of sacred music, which were published but are mostly now out of print due to their difficulty. He won a participation Grammy in 1999 for his involvement in the soundtrack for the movie The Apostle, starring Robert Duvall. He has hosted two television shows – The Dino and Debbie Show (with his first wife Deborah Keener) in the 70's and The Dino Show, which aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He is a regular performer in Branson, Missouri, and his flair for showmanship, costumes, jewelry and pianos got him the nickname The Christian Liberace. A few weeks ago, I was surprised to hear one of his albums playing in the background of the men's locker room at the health club that my wife and I belong to. Interesting aural dichotomy – hip-hop in the gym but soothing sacred piano music in the locker rooms.
This week's anthem is an arrangement of the hymn tune Morecambe, which we know (and will sing this week) as Spirit of God, Decend Upon My Heart - #500 in the hymnbook. It was written by Carl Strommen, who was Band Director at Mamaroneck High School in New York in the 1990's.
Next week, we'll be bringing back our guitar orchestra again for a rousing rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In. If you'd like to play with us, or sing with us, everyone is welcome. Let me know and I'll get you a copy of the music. All you really need to do is show up Sunday morning and join in.
Read more about our music here
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Any one can read the books and our own local UMW unit will get credit! click here for information about the program.
Support missions through recycling!
Bring your plastic bottles, aluminum cans AND CRV glass bottles to church every Sunday. By recycling we can support Corazon, Crop Walk, Habitat for Humanity and some of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) programs: Syrian refugee relief, eradicating hunger, clean water, ending malaria and fighting HIV/AIDS. Please bring your cans and bottles.
We have many spots to fill for liturgists on Sunday mornings. The following link will take you the sign up. Please check it out.
Sunday Worship Liturgist Sign Up
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sunday mornings, and walk across the street, reserving the parking lot for those with mobility challenges or for new visitors. We also have a bike rack on the patio. Thanks for your consideration.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available on Sunday mornings. Just ask for one at the audio/video booth in the sanctuary.
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First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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