Transitions
Member
Jane Anderson Smith
October 22, 2009
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.
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Sunday Lectionary Readings
November 1, 2009
All Saints' Day
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 or
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation
21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
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Clergy Thoughts
By the Rev. Rebecca DeBow
Prayer and a Good Night's Sleep
A little girl said, "I know Jesus is in my heart because when I put my hand on my chest, I can feel him walking around in there." Sometimes, I feel that way too! Whenever I'm patient, kind, joyful, enabled somehow to do what I can't do on my own, then I'm experiencing the life of Christ inside my life, and I'm living eternal life right now.
I don't know why I'm not grateful for that gift every minute of the day. Maybe I forget. Something else that baffles me-why don't I pray a whole lot more than I do? Francis Walter, a retired priest with an admirable prayer life, said, "Don't beat yourself up because you're not praying enough. I used to do that. Then I realized I could spend the time I used to feel guilty, to pray. Don't worry about the past. Each day is a new beginning."
I read that, according to Genesis, each day in creation begins with evening. The Hebrew tradition says Sabbath begins not at sunup but sundown. That's one way the Bible helps me remember a very important truth: Everything does not depend on me. I go to sleep. God goes to work. I am not in charge. While I sleep, God works. The world turns; things happen, and I don't manage any of it. Psalm 127 says, in vain you rise up early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for God grants sleep to those he loves.
Something else I read-in one year an estimated 24,000 people die in car accidents caused by sleep deprivation and fatigue. Lack of sleep causes arguments, confusion, poor workmanship, and it make me grumpy! We're accustomed to being tired as if it were normal. People who lead spiritual retreats say the main reason it's so hard to pray is fatigue. Would you believe, it's actually a spiritual discipline to get a good night's sleep?
So when I lie down tonight, I plan to start the new day with a prayer and thank God for all the ways he has blessed me. I'll ask forgiveness for the things I've done wrong and then I'll let them go. Then before I fall asleep, I'll put my hand on my heart, and see if I can feel Jesus walking around in there.
[With thanks to John Ortberg's God Is Closer Than You Think.]
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All Saints' Day
November 1, 2009
Members of Saint Luke's
who have died since last All Saints' Day
Mary Katherine Pappandreou Davis
Joshua Armes Dawson
Felix Melville Drennen II
Ellen Pratt Wilkerson Given
William Reynolds Ireland
Helen Craig Kirsten
Betty Noreen Harpster Lankford
Frances Thomas Little
George Gambrill Lynn Jr.
Sonya C. Machemehl
George Fleming Maynard III
Winston Bush McCall
Eleanor Shaw McKinnon
Robert O. Miller
John Delma Nall
Mary Beth Reyher
Jane Anderson Smith
William Jack Smith
Carolyn Dickinson Tynes
James Allen Wagstaff Sr.
Abbott Brand Walton Jr.
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
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Vestry Elections ˇ Sunday, November 15
We will elect five new members to the vestry on Sunday, November 15. Voting will take place before and after services. The vestry nominees are: Judy Bewley, Roxy Brown, Bebo Cole, Ogden Deaton, Cary Gilbert, David Hufham, Kim Kimberlin, Susan Logan, Lindy Pearson, and Jeanette Watford. Look for biographical information on these individuals in the next issue of the Dialogue and on the web.
The newly elected members will replace these five outgoing vestry members who have faithfully completed their three-year terms: Livy Abele, Helen Camp, Cobb Hagan, Thornton Hydinger, and Allan Rowe. The remaining members who will serve with the new members on the vestry are: Tom Garrett, Bucky Law, William Nicrosi, , Rob Waudby, Diane Weatherford, Warren Cain, Jim Hancock, Norman Jetmundsen, J.D. Segers, and Clinton Smith.
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Dolores Hydock
to be featured at November 2 ECW Meeting
All women of Saint Luke's are invited to enjoy lunch ($6) and hear award-winning actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock tell a Thanksgiving story you'll never forget on Monday, November 2, at 11:30 am in Graham Hall.
Reservations are required for this special meeting. Contact Julia Willcox (970-0867 or juliewillcox@aol.com) to make your reservation by October 28. Feel free to bring a friend. Childcare is available.
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Celebration Winds Concert
November 1 - 3:00 pm
Saint Luke's Nave
The concert band Celebration Winds will present a concert of sacred music this Sunday. Led by conductor Greg Berry, the band is comprised of sixty-five professional and semi-professional musicians, many of whom have played in concert together for several years.
The program will include classical music, movie themes, Broadway tunes, and a medley of Civil War music. The band has played in England, at the Alabama Bandmasters' Convention, The Texas Bandmasters' Convention, and in six states around the country. The program is free and the public is cordially invited.
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Please contribute a piece of pottery or ceramic in either blue or white or in some combination for a mosaic to be created for our property next door. Broken or chipped pieces are welcome! Boxes will be available throughout the month of November.
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Remember To "Fall Back"
This Weekend
Set your clock one hour back
before you retire for the evening this Saturday, !
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Wednesday Nights in November
6:30 to 7:15 - Graham Hall
All are welcome for supper from 5:30 to 6:30!
November 4: The Rev. Mark Johnston, Director of Camp McDowell, will talk about his own spiritual journey and how he has been led to care for God's creation. Come learn about the wonders preserved at our own Camp McDowell as well as other efforts to raise awareness about threats to our land and rivers. Go to www.campmcdowell.com to see the programs going on at our diocesan camp.
November 11: The Rev. Kevin Higgins, Global Teams, has been a missionary in a predominantly Muslim nation. Learn how God is already at work among Muslim people, building the Body of Christ through ways that fit the culture of the people. To learn more, see
www.global-teams.net/
November 18: Maggie Johnston, Director of the Environmental Center at Camp McDowell, explains the outdoor program for school children that teaches environmental science and responsibility. To learn more, see www.campmcdowell.com/cmec/index.htm
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Dove Tree Sign-Up
Begins Sunday, November 1!
Saint Luke's Dove Tree ministry is a way to help needy children by opening your hearts, wallets, and prayer lives in a meaningful way. Parishioners who participate in the program are given a list of needs and wishes of the child; then the fun of making dreams come true begins! Without the Dove Tree program, these dear children, whose names are referred to us from Bridge Ministries, would not be able to celebrate Christmas with gifts. You may want to join together with another family, your Sunday School class, your reunion group, or another person to help share the cost.
Beginning Sunday, November 1, please look for the Dove Tree table in Claypool Commons or the courtyard on Sunday mornings , or call Jennifer Boylan (999-4395 or 969-2088) or Carrie Law (879-6823).
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Donate Items for
ECW "Green" Reindeer Sale
re-purposing ... re-using ... re-gifting
Christmas décor you want no more
Home accessories that you used to adore
Gifts you received, but just never used
No, not "junk"
In case you're confused!
Items that once brought you pleasure
Could now be someone else's treasure
Search your basements, attics, and closets, too!
Think... re-cycling, re-purposing, re-gifting
Making something 'old" new!
Go on a mission,
Search high and low
All proceeds from the sale
Help to make our ECW funds grow!
Please bring your items to the Commons and place in the area behind the receptionist desk before Sunday, December 6. Any questions? Please contact Cheryl Mayer (879-3088 or cherylmayer1@gmail.com).
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Lessons and Carols Trip Cancelled
Tickets Still Available
The bus trip to Sewanee to hear Lessons and Carols on December 5th has been cancelled. However, individual tickets for the 5:00 or 8:00 service on Sunday night are available to interested persons. Please call Steve DeGweck (802-6203) if you're interested.
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Paul Alexander Concert/Workshop
Brings "Hope for the Holidays!"
Saturday, November 14, 9:00 to noon
Trinity United Methodist Church
If you feel as though the "Happy" has gone out of your "Happy Holidays" forever, revive your hope as Paul Alexander, nationally-known performing artist and grief psychotherapist presents, A Gentle Christmas: Facing the Holidays Following a Loss.
This inspiring free concert/workshop is co-sponsored by Community Grief Support Service and Ridout's Funeral Service. We invite all who grieve the death of a loved one to experience the powerful healing that music offers, as Paul integrates his Twelve Ways to Cope During the Holidays with inspirational and beautiful holiday songs. Drawing on his talents as a psychotherapist, nationally-known presenter and singer/songwriter, Paul weaves his workshop/concert program with practical wisdom, advice, music and knowledge gained from his years of experience in working with the bereaved.
Read more about Paul and hear his beautiful ballad, "Light a Candle" at www.griefsong.com.
"Hope for the Holidays" will be held Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 to 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. A light breakfast buffet will be served from 9-9:30 a.m.
Whether you have recently lost a loved one or continue to grieve a prior loss, we invite you and your family to join us. There is no charge. This concert/workshop is provided as a community service. A light buffet breakfast is provided. Register now by calling 870-8667 - seating is limited and will go fast.
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Coats And Jackets
For Grace/Woodlawn
Once again, we will collect coats and jackets for the families who use Grace/Woodlawn food pantry. Beginning November 1, please bring any used (clean and in good condition) coats and jackets to the closet in Graham Hall. As you enter Graham Hall from the Commons, the closet is located on the left side of the entrance. Please hang the adult coats, and place the children's coats in the marked box. All sizes of coats will be appreciated, both children's and adults.
Thank you!
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Candlelight Service of
Remembrance and Holy Eucharist
Thursday, November 5, 7:00 pm
Saint Luke's will offer a Candlelight Service of Holy Eucharist and Remembrance in the chapel. This service, led by the Rev. Steve DeGweck, is especially intended as a ministry to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, and is open to member and non-member alike. The lessons, prayers, and homily will focus on the experience of loss and will lift up our hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. The liturgy will be taken from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
During the service, those desiring will be able to light a candle in memory of their loved one and as a testimony of our faith in Jesus as the Light of the World and our comforter in sorrow. Candles will be provided. No reservations are needed. For more information, call Father Steve (802-6203).
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Time To Make Soup!
The ECW Annual Signature Soup Sale is Monday, December 7. All women (and men!) of the parish are invited to make soup. Containers and labels are in Claypool Commons. Please fill at least four containers with soup, label them, and bring them to the church kitchen freezer before December 7. For questions or more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (871-1109 or msheffield@charter.net) or Susan Silverstein (970-0042).
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A Spirituality & Recovery Retreat
God is in Charge
October 30 - November 1
The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Department of Recovery Ministries is sponsoring a retreat at Camp McDowell the weekend of October 30. The focus of the retreat is "God is in Charge" and Malachy McCool, an ordained Catholic priest, is the retreat leader. For more information, contact Sarah Sartain (715-2060, ext 314 or ssartain@dioala.org) or pick up a brochure and registration form in Claypool Commons.
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Norwood Elementary School
Needs Musical Instruments
About fifty students from Norwood Elementary want to join the band but have no instruments. If you have any used musical instruments in good condition that you would be willing to donate, please contact Betsy Smith (322-7056). A tax donation slip will be provided.
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2010 Claypool Lecture Series Presents
Ron Hall and Denver Moore
Authors of Same Kind of Different as Me! Friday, January 22, 2010
6:00 pm - The Wright Center, Samford University
Purchase your tickets on Sunday mornings in the courtyard or during the week by contacting Barbara Vandergriff (bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com or 802-6207).
To learn more about the authors, read their book about the unlikely story about the unlikeliest of friends! You may also visit www.samekindofdifferentasme.com
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Food Collection for
Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM)
The holiday season is approaching, and Greater Birmingham Ministries will be trying to respond to the needs of many families on limited or no incomes. Those needs always exceed the resources GBM has available, but you can help by bringing in non-perishable food items for the shopping cart that will be located in the lower level of the church the first two weeks of November. Plan to buy some extra items for the cart each time you go food shopping. You will be making life easier for some folks who need a little help. Many thanks!
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FAITH
Christmas Tree Sale!
Taking orders NOW
through November 15th!!
Pricing:
7-8 ft Frazier Fir $80 ($55 tax deductible)
8-9 ft. Frazier Fir $100 ($70 tax deductible)
9-10 ft. Frazier Fir $125 ($85 tax deductible)
25 ft. Fir/Pine Garland $25 ($15 tax deductible)
36 in. Fir/Pine Wreath $45 ($23 tax deductible)
Home Delivery - $35
Pick-up December 2 and December 5
at Saint Luke's Church
For more information or to place an order:
Lella Carl - 951-5151
Hunter Keller - 568-2563
All proceeds benefit PreSchool Partners, a preschool for at risk children and their parents.
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Once again, we need of medical equipment for our loaner closet. This has become a ministry for our own parish as well as a community outreach for our most needy citizens. There has been great support for this project. At the current time we are low on the following items: Wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower benches and canes with the pronged feet (quad cane).These items can be dropped by the church during regular Monday through Friday hours. Due to safety reasons we do not except equipment with fabric that requires sanitizing or electrical equipment other than wheelchairs. Contact Carol Pearce with any questions - 205-802-6209.
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Please Save
Leftover Roll Pans
The ECW is making Advent wreaths and needs your disposable round roll pans. Please place them in the box behind the receptionist's desk. We want roll pans only; pie tins do not work. Thank you!
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News from the Atrium
Well, we are off to a great start in the Atrium. On Sundays the Level I Atrium is a very busy place! You will see children singing at the Altar, praying at the Prayer Corner and working with practical life works. We tell the children that all of the work in the Atrium is prayer to God. As I watch the children work and contemplate the goodness of Jesus I see their joy in knowing the Good Shepherd.
Before beginning the work of the Catechesis, I would often hear people say, "Teaching Sunday school is just not my gift." When I would call to recruit teachers I would invariably hear some variation of that statement. Possibly what they were trying to say is, spiritually I get absolutely nothing from this experience. In hindsight, I see what they meant. To feed children information about the Bible, but not get to the heart, the essentiality of the message, I believe leaves us all spiritually bankrupt. The catechesis has not only changed how I personally view the Church and my faith, it has made me so eager to join with these children and wonder about the mysteries of our faith.
While doing the parable of the Good Shepherd with a four-year-old boy in our Day School this year, I had a very moving experience that I think about daily.
After reading the entire scripture (John John 10:2-5;11;14;-16), we wondered together about this particular verse, "I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father: I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice." I asked him, "I wonder why all of the sheep were not with Jesus." He said, I don't think they knew that he was so good."
I was immediately struck by the profound nature of that statement. He summed up the Great Commission in that one simple sentence. To let all of creation know just how good Jesus is! Aren't we to show His goodness in the way we interact with our families, our neighbors, and strangers. Jesus goes on to say in this parable that one day there will be one flock and one shepherd. But until that time, we must let everyone know just how good He is. Thank you my four-year-old friend for reminding me of just how good Jesus is. Blessings, Ashley Monachelli Would you like to see the Atrium and see lessons that are presented to the children? If so I am inviting anyone is interested to join me in the Atrium on Saturday, November 14, at 9:00 am to tour the Atrium, see a lesson, and ask questions. Please RSVP to amonachelli@saint-lukes.com or call 802-6211). ________________________________________
Trunk or Treat
This Wednesday, October 28, 6:00 pm
Mark your calendars for the Trunk or Treat in the back parking lot on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 pm. This is a fun and safe way to allow children to "trick or treat" in a closed in and supervised area. If you are interested in hosting a space and opening up your trunk to children, please call TaraKy or Cheryl (871.3453).
Third-Grade Sunday School Costume Drive
We will hold a costume drive for Preschool Partners starting Sunday, November 1. There will be a collection tub outside Mrs. Emily's office.
Sixth-Grade Seekers Upcoming Fellowship Activities:
Boys will head to the BSC football game on Saturday October 31. Meet in the Saint Luke's parking lot at 11:15 am. We will be back at the church by 3:00 pm. There is no charge for the game but bring money for food and snacks!
Girls will go bowling on Sunday, October 25. Meet at Vestavia Bowl at 12:30, and we'll bowl until 2:00 pm. Bring $10.00 for bowling and extra money for lunch/snack and games. Don't forget your socks! Plan to pick up promptly at 2:00 at the bowling alley. RSVP to Heather Brock at hbrock132@charter.net or 871-8215. Rotation Canned Food Drive
The first, second, fourth, and fifth graders will be collecting canned food items now until Wednesday, November 18th to benefit Bridge Ministries through the holidays. The bins are outside Mrs. Emily's office (220). Please feel free to bring by your cans and place them in one of the grade's buckets any time! Some suggestions of items to be donated are canned meat and fish, dried beans and peas, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, powdered or canned milk, oatmeal, rice and pasta.
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Youth Announcements!
Wednesday, October 28
Meet at the Lighthouse at 5:30 pm. We will decorate and get ready for Trunk or Treat and order Pizza for dinner! Come in your costumes!
Sunday, November 1
EYC will be heading to the Youth Department Birmingham District Day at Oak Mountain (2:00-5:00 pm). If you would like to ride with us in the vans meet at the church around 1:30 pm and we will load up and head out! We will return to the church around 5:15 pm. If you cannot stay the whole time and want to meet us out at Oak Mountain that is okay, too! Please bring $3 for entrance to Oak Mountain.
A little look ahead to the month of November...
Happening 55 is November 6 - 8 in Florence. Even though we have lots of youth attending we will still have Sunday school and EYC. EYC will be at the church from 6:00-7:30 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm.
Sunday, November 15 is Tri-Wizard Capture the Flag from 6:30-8:00 pm at Crestline Fields. We will be joined by Saint Mary's, All Saints, and Saint Stephen's.
Mark your calendars for the EYC LOCK-IN November 20 - 21! More details to come!
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Adult Sunday School
9:15 to 10:15 am
Inquirers' Class
Begins this Sunday, November 1!
Are you interested in being confirmed or received as an Episcopalian?
Taught by the Rev. Richmond Webster.
See meeting dates below:
Sundays, November 1 & 8, 9:30 am to 10:15 am; Tilson Room
Wednesdays, November 4 and 11, 6:30 pm; Room 232
Sunday, November 15,
Instructed Eucharist and Dinner 6:00 pm. Claypool Commons
Confirmation Sunday is December 6.
To register, contact Jeanna Speegle (802-6218 or jspeegle@saint-lukes.com).
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Newcomers Class
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Studying Our Sunday Scriptures
Room 225, The Rev. Stephen DeGweck
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Faithful Parents Raising Faithful Children, II,
Room 232, Barbara Johnson, PhD. and the Rev. Christopher Girata.
November 1 - PARENTING STRATEGIES: How to become a more effective parent (Focus: Parents of Pre-Teen Students)
November 8 - DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES THAT WORK
November 15 - DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD'S EMOTIONAL HEALTH
November 22 - SOLUTIONS TO SIBLING CONFLICT
November 29 - TEEN YEARS - LIVING WITH PARADOX
December 6 - TEEN YEARS - CONTINUED
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People on a Journey, Meeting Jesus in Prayer, Guests share their stories of experiencing Jesus' presence in prayer. Room 212.
November 1, Joe Howell, Ph.D. , Dreams and Prayer
A renowned psychologist speaks on this mysterious communication between God and humanity.
November 8, Janis Cole, Praying with Others;
Stories of Perseverance and God's Faithfulness
November 15, Rob Waudby, Fasting and Centering Prayer;
Profound Blessing from Uncommon Prayer
November 22, Tina Darnall, Writing Prayer
Can Reveal the Truth about You and God
November 29 The Rev. Rebecca DeBow, Finding a Place to Pray
December 6, Vicki Gaston, Intercessory Prayer at Advent House
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Living the Questions
Founders Room, The Rev. Mark LaGory, Victor Darley-Usmar, Chris Heckemeyer,
and Sandra Watson
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Trunk or Treat!
Mark your calendars for the Day School's 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 pm in the back parking lot, following dinner at 5:30pm in Graham Hall. This is a fun and safe way to allow children to "trick or treat" in a closed in and supervised area. If you are interested in hosting a space and opening up your trunk to children, please call TaraKy or Cheryl (871.3453).
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Subscribe to our NEW Podcast!!
You can now subscribe to the Saint Luke's podcast! Enjoy listening to sermons and teachings from the clergy of Saint Luke's, updated every week. Search for "Saint Luke's" in iTunes, or click here to follow step-by-step instructions.
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New Email Address?
So you won't miss any of the Saint Luke's digital newsletters, be sure to let Nancy Cain in the office know if your email address changes. Contact her at (ncain@saint-lukes.com or 802-6200).
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