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Upcoming
Bishop's
Events
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3/24
Acolyte Festival
3/25
St. James
Oklahoma City
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To register or for more inforamtion please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site below:
April 16 - 19
The Hope of Our Calling
Oklahoma City, OK
www.nwcu.org
April 17
Mind, Body, and Spirit in the Second Half of Life
St. Augustines of Canterbury
April 20-22
Clergy Spouse Retreat
St. Crispin's
April 26-29
Co-Ed English Speaking Cursillo
St. Crispin's
May 18 - 19
Vital, Healthy, and Growing Congregations
St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC
June 1- 2
Vital, Healthy, and Growing Congregations
St. John's, Tulsa
June 16
Diocesan Christian Formation Training Event
Celebremos la Fiesta
Let us Celebrate the Feast!
9:30 - 3
Santa Maria Virgen Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City
September 27-30
Co-Ed Spanish Speaking Cursillo
St. Crispin's
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The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
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Companion Diocese Uruguay

Holy God, source of healing and of peace, bless with your grace the companion dioceses of Oklahoma and Uruguay. Through our partnership one with another may we grow in mutual affection and communion, seek a more profound experience of truth, build up the Church in unity and give glory to Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
New Web site:
http://uruguay.anglican.org/
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The Next Issue of this Newsletter will be on Friday,
March 30, 2012. |
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We Are Epiok.org
March 23, 2012
Issue 12 |
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News, Events, and Offerings |
Holy Monday Gathering Renewal of Clergy Ordination Vows and Blessing of the Oils
The service of liturgy for the Blessing of Oils, Renewal of Ordination Vows, and Holy Eucharist will be on Holy Monday, April 2, 2012, at St. Paul's Cathedral, 10:30 a.m. This event is open to all people of the diocese, and you are invited to be a part of this ancient service.
In the course of Christian history oils blessed for the purpose have come to be used in many ways for the setting apart of people and things for a special place in the life of the Church, for Bishops and priests at their ordination, and for churches and altars at their consecration. During the service two oils will be blessed - the oil of Chrism, and oil for the anointing of the sick and those close to death. The oils will then be distributed to the attending clergy to take back to use in their parishes.
Clergy must register and can do so online at www.epiok.org by clicking on the "Calendar/Events" tab, then, "Event Registration" and scroll down to Holy Monday Gathering and click "register now." You can also call or email the Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, Diane Ellsworth via phone at 405-232-4820 or by email at dellsworth@epiok.org. Only the altar party needs to vest. The deadline for registration is March 26. |
Reception for Charlene Fabian
Dear Friends,
A reception to honor Charlene Fabian's service to the Diocese will be held on Thursday March, 29th from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Diocesan Center in Oklahoma City.
Charlene Fabian is resigning her position as Director of Stewardship and Planned Giving with the Diocese of Oklahoma to accept another position. Her last day will be April 5th.
I invite you to stop by and join us in thanking Charlene for all her great work.
Blessings,
+ Bishop Ed |
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Safeguarding God's Children Training
Safeguarding God's Children training will be offered at St. Michael's in Norman on Sunday, April 15 from 1 - 4 p.m. To register, contact Laura Blazek [laurablazek@sbcglobal.net] |
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St. Mary's Edmond Choral Evensong
The Chancel Choir at St. Mary's, Edmond is hosting Choral Evensong on Sunday, March 25th. The Adult Choir from First Christian Church in Moore will be joining them. The service begins at 5 p.m. and you are cordially invited to attend. |
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Keeping Your Space Safe
How safe and secure is your church? Many times it takes an incident to make us stop and re-think our situation but churchsafety.com has compiled simple tips for preventing crime on church property that's worth reading. Go to: http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/churchsafety/archives/03-15-2012.html. |
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Musica Sacra - Choral Evensong at Church of the Resurrection
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection located at 13112 N Rockwell Ave., OKC invites you to its
Musica Sacra - Choral Evensong
Sunday, March 25th at 5:00 PM
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Holland Hall Upper School Community Service Committee Raises funds for BARHD

Members of the Holland Hall Upper School Community Service Committee present a check for $1,300.00 to Jo Ann Parsons, Orphan Program Coordinator with BARHD (Bushenyi Alliance for Rural Health and Development). This is the seventh year that students in the Upper School have collected money to support the efforts of BARHD. The donation will provide eduction, room and board for three Uganda orphans. This year there was a competition to see which class could raise the most money. The seniors won. Pictured are: Jo Ann Parson with Upper school students Lauren, Kristen and Jenny. |
Enthusiastic Math Students Celebrate National Pi Day at St. Mary's School
Fourth Grader is name Pi Queen during school "pi off"
Grace Trigler, a fourth grade student at St. Mary's Episcopal School, stood confident in front of the microphone during morning opening and recited 119 numbers of the infinite number, Pi.

Left to right: Melissa Turner, 6th grade; Grace Trigler, 4th grade; Ria Kalra, 1st grade; Madelyn Onan, 1st grade
She began, "Pi = 3.1415926535..., and later said, "I memorized the numbers in sections, starting with a short section, repeating it over and over, then adding another section."
Sixth grade student, Melissa Turner, also recited close to 100 numbers.
"I have a good memory," Turner laughed, "except when it comes to knowing where my phone charger is!"
The Greek letter Π is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi has been calculated to over 1 trillion digits past the decimal, and is an irrational and transcendental number meaning it will continue infinitely without repeating.
Math enthusiasts around the world celebrate Pi Day on March 14th each year. This date was chosen as Pi Day because of the number and date coincides with 3.14 (pi=3.14). At St. Mary's School, sixth grade teacher and math division director, Laurel McLoughlin, celebrated the number all week as students from first through sixth grade demonstrated Pi with hoops, circles, ropes, and even cream pies.
McLoughlin said "the importance of Pi Day is to celebrate math! It is a time to associate fun challenges and generate excitement around a subject that many people think is hard or boring." She went on to say that as a teacher, she finds it easier to teach students no matter what their ability, if they have a positive attitude toward the subject they are learning.
McLoughlin added, "While Pi Day activities are full of exploration and fun, they also raise awareness about a very important number commonly used in upper math classes. Students who know about Pi will be more knowledgeable and confident when arriving to math class, as well. This in turn allows the teacher to engage his/her students in higher learning processes through application of something they already know."
For math lovers, it is only 362 days, 6 hours and 12 seconds until Pi Day, 2013! |
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Diocesan Episcopalians "Thunder Up"

Even though the Thunder lost on Friday night, the group of Episcopalians at the game cheered their hardest to help encourage the players. A thanks to all of you who purchased tickets. It was a wonderful event.

Even with a birds eye view, you were able to see. |
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Mission Camp 2012
From March 19 - 23, a group of youth and adults from the Diocese will be a part of Mission Camp 2012 serving the people of Joplin, Missouri. Participants will be staying at Joplin House, which is run through the non-profit organization Project 195. This is the 7th year of Mission Camp, which is open to high school students, grades 9 - 12.
Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they travel, work, and build not only community in their group but in the community of Joplin as well!
Emma Hutchinson, Miranda Eaton- Richardson, Darcy Walker, Lillie Bucher, Caity Miller, Katie Gallion, Adam Lawhorn, John Tygret, Kevin Rysted, Jennifer Burris, Sarah Brewer, Tim Sean Youmans, Milo Allen, and John Putnam. |
Vital, Healthy, and Growing Congregations
Applying the Five Keys
A Workshop for Clergy and Lay Leaders of the Diocese of Oklahoma
Lead by The Very Reverend Kevin Martin
Author, Speaker and Dean of St. Matthew's Cathedral, Dallas
At a time when many Episcopal Churches are in decline, is it possible to create vital, healthy and growing congregations? Yes it is, and Dean Kevin Martin will be with us to help our congregational leaders improve insight and skills in leading congregations for the New Millennium. Dean Martin has taught church leaders and consulted with congregations for over 15 years, and he is the author of two books and numerous articles on leadership and congregational development. Participants will learn:
* Why doing church the way we have always done it does not work today.
* How the culture is changing and demanding new missionary efforts from our congregations.
* What you can do as a leader to help your congregation respond to the challenges of a Post-denominational and Post-modern world.
Drawing applications from his book 5 Keys for Church Leaders, Dean Martin will give practical information on steps all leaders can take in becoming more effective leaders for today's Church.
Location of Workshops
The two day work shop will be offered both in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
May 18-19, St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, OKC
Friday, May 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Clergy and Program Staff
Saturday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Vestry and Lay Leaders
June 1-2, St. John's, Tulsa
Friday, June 1st , 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Clergy and Program Staff
Saturday, June 2nd, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Vestry and Lay Leaders
Registration information
To register, please visit the diocesan website www.epiok.org and click on the "events tab" and scroll down to "Healthy and Growing Congregations" and click "register now."
You can also email the Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, Diane Ellsworth at dellsworth@epiok.org. Questions, call Diane at 405-232-4820 or 800-584-0823. |
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"The Hope of Our Calling"
The National Workshop on Christian Unity will be held in Oklahoma City April 16 - 19. This event will offer seminars and presentations on critical ecumenical issues, meetings of denominational networks, a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II, a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and ecumenical worship services. Bishop Ed will be a part of this event serving as a joint celebrant in accordance with the interim agreement between the Methodist and Episcopal churches on Tuesday, the 17th, at St. Paul's Cathedral, OKC. For more information, go to: www.nwcu.org. |
SOUL Conference - Youth
Thursday, July 5, 2012 - Sunday, July 8, 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
The SOUL Conference is an annual event that provides a protective place for Youth and Young Adults of African Descent from across the church to meet and grow together in relationship with one another and with Christ. Activities include: Worship and Bible Study, Leadership Skills Development, Advocacy Training, Fellowship, and an experience of General Convention.
Application deadline: April 9
Gary Williams
(800) 334-7626 ext 6055 |
New Hope Sunday - May 6
May 6 will be New Hope Sunday for the Diocese of Oklahoma. New Hope began as a ministry of the Diocese in 1992, providing a summer camp experience for children who had a parent in prison. Today, New Hope, as a non-profit corporation, continues to provide services to Oklahoma children with incarcerated parents, and while those services have expanded, summer camps remain a primary focus. For the last 20 years, New Hope's success has been closely tied to the support we have received from Episcopal churches and individuals, who have donated money and time generously.
The New Hope residential camp for children aged 8-11 will again be located at St. Crispin's, July 22-27. Two other residential camps for children aged 12-13 and 14-15 will be located at a camp facility near Guthrie, June 10-15 and July 8-13. Day camps for children in the Tulsa area will be held June 18-22 and June 24-29. New Hope, with your help, will serve about 200 children this summer from around the state. Your support of New Hope is much appreciated.
If you would like to coordinate New Hope Sunday for your church, contact Judy Gann, judy@newhopeoklahoma.org or 918-361-3903. To donate, please visit New Hope's web site. http://www.newhopeoklahoma.org. To volunteer, contact Phillip Bowman for a volunteer application by e-mailing phillip@newhopeoklahoma.org. If you know children in your area who qualify for one of New Hope's camps please contact Lindsay Fry-Geier, Lindsay@newhopeoklahoma.org for applications.
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We are pleased to announce the launch of the Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy (E.Y.L.A.) for the Diocese of Oklahoma. This program is open to youth grades 6 - 10. It will provide opportunities to learn to be a leader not only in your congregation, diocese and beyond but these skills will apply to school and other organizations. Go to:
http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/e-y-l-a-launches-2012-13-program.html and download a brochure!
EpiscoPosse - Tulsa
A city wide youth group for Episcopalians and their friends 6th-12th grade. This group meets weekly for worship, formation, service, and fun from 4-6pm!
March 25th Lenten Program@ Christ Church
The Youth Commission and members will be a part of the Christian Formation training event on June 16 at Santa Maria, OKC. The three workshops include: Small group facilitation, The Abundant Life Project from ERD (Episcopal Resource and Development), and Camp Crafts (making friendship bracelets and God's eyes/lanyards.) If you would like to be a part of this training event, please contact the dioceses.
MIQRA - Save the date. Next January 19-21, as we offer our first MIQRA. What is MIQRA? It is an event to youth and adults who want to participate in reading the Bible from beginning to end! That's right - three days of non-stop Bible reading - but wait! There's more! There will be games, movies, activities, quite time, and much more going on at the same time! This will be held at St. Mary's Church, Edmond.
NEXT YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING - May 5. Would you like to join us? We will begin at noon at the Diocesan Offices. Hope to see you here. |
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Kanuga Christian Formation Conference
Faith Stories: A Life In the Spirit is the theme for this year's Christian Formation Conference June 11- 15 with an optional networking day on June 10 at Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville NC.Kanuga has been one of the premiere locations for Christian Formation conferences and this year promises to live up to that title. Keynoter: Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, nationally acclaimed children's book author.
If you are ineterested in attending, Kanuga offers financial assistance and so does the dioceses. Contact Sabrina Evans for further information. |
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Christian Formation Listserve
Last year, we opened a listserve to help support our congregations. This is a wonderful tool that lets us get out information and questions to those who work in the field of Christian Formation. If you are not a part of this group, join today. It doesn't cost you anything. Log on at: |
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Opportunities for Students and Young Adults
Year Long Opportunities
All Saints Project, Atlanta
If you know of anyone graduating from college or are a recent graduate this Spring that would be interested in a year-long social justice internship, please explore our All Saints' Project in Atlanta for the next year. We're looking for passionate young people who are looking to grow in their faith by serving their community. Please contact us through the website if you have any question and we're truly looking forward to hearing from those interested. We'll accept applications through April 15th.
Campus Ministry Intern in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas for 2012-2013 School Year
Young adults interested in opportunities to further vocational discernment while exercising gifts for ministry are encouraged to consider serving one or two years in-residence as a campus ministry intern for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas . Applications are being accepted now for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Episcopal Service Corps
The Episcopal Service Corps is a federation of young adult service programs across the United States. Encompassing twenty diverse programs, ESC combines service to a community, leadership development, intentional living in Christian community and growth in your own life of prayer and faith. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
A Christian Ministry in the National Parks
For those who love the outdoors and are looking for a perspective-altering experience, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks offers an opportunity for renewal and exploration. You'll be assigned to one of our national treasures where you'll see many sides of the park, from Sunday campground worship, hiking and interacting with visitors to the backside service industry that keeps the park running. Applications are already being accepted. Reconciliation Interns at Coventry Cathedral, UK
Spend 3-12 months exploring Reconciliation as a core element of the Christian Mission at this 1,000 year-old cathedral in the Church of England. From liturgical life to tourism to study, the program promises to provide an experience like no other, devleoping skills as well as perspective relevant to the work of reconciliation in our world. Read more about Coventry Cathedral here:
RECONCLIATION INTERNS Application & Information Summer Opportunities
College Work Week
Diocese of Lexington's Appalachian Outreach Ministry
May 13-19, 2012
College students: the Diocese of Lexington's Appalachian outreach ministry, St. Timothy's, is hosting a College Work Week from May 13-19, 2012. All college students from any college and university are welcome! For more info, see here:
Resident Summer Staff Member at Camp Stevens in Julian, CA This position is a great summer adventure and your chance to make a real difference in the life of a child and your community. Qualified applicants will be emerging leaders who have a strong desire to positively contribute to the whole summer camp operation. This operation includes socially conscious camp programs, physical property maintenance and intentional community living. The staff members are expected to be excellent role models for campers and counselors, fostering an appreciation for group development while having fun in the great outdoors. Summer camp staff will live and work on site from early June through mid August. Deadline: April 1, 2012
Camp Staff and Volunteers at Camp Marshall in Montana for Summer 2012
Camp Marshall is open to applications for summer employment and volunteer opportunities for the summer of 2012. This link http://episcopalcampmt.org/will take you to our camp's web site, and on-line applications. The web-page is still "new" so keep looking to the site as new information is added. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions. David Campbell, Camp/Christian Formation Director, Episcopal Diocese of Montana.
Resident Summer Staff Member at Galilee in on the shores of Lake Tahoe from June 4-August 4, 2012
If you have an appetite for adventure and want to make a difference in children's lives, Galilee could be the place for you! Galilee is an Episcopal camp that offers a meaningful and adventurous program for kids ages 7 to 17. As a resident staff person at Galilee, you will take the lead in building a welcoming community where campers and counselors alike can flourish. The camp is located right on the shore of Lake Tahoe, one of the most breathtaking sites of natural beauty in the country. As a resident staff person at Galilee, you will:
* Lead overnight backpacking trips, including cooking and camping as a group
* Take groups rock climbing on a challenging natural crag
* Explore Lake Tahoe on kayaking adventures
* Work with other young adults in a shared leadership model
* Mentor high school - aged counselors and help them develop as leaders
* Sing, dance and lead improvisational theater
* Reflect on and evaluate the program and your own experiences
* Live in an inclusive Christian community and share in the creation of creative worship
Resident Staff must be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school. A year of college or work experience is preferred. As a resident staff person at Galilee, you will be an essential part of the summer program. You will have opportunities to contribute to the goals and themes of each session in addition to facilitating the day-to-day experiences of the groups. You will also attend a staff training, be a part of our counselor training program, and act as a role model for campers and counselors throughout the summer. Lifeguard certification is required. Galilee provides free lifeguard training June 4-9. If already a certified lifeguard, you may arrive on June 11 to begin staff training. The summer camp season runs through August 4. Compensation: $250 per week for 8 weeks plus full room and the best (mostly local and organic!) food around. For more information please visit A Christian Ministry in the National Parks
For those who love the outdoors and are looking for a perspective-altering experience, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks offers an opportunity for renewal and exploration. You'll be assigned to one of our national treasures where you'll see many sides of the park, from Sunday campground worship, hiking and interacting with visitors to the backside service industry that keeps the park running. Applications are already being accepted. Volunteer in Community June 18 - July 13, 2012 If you are a single woman between the ages of 20 and 50, our Volunteer in Community program welcomes you to explore a shared way of life with the Benedictine Women of Madison. You'll live at the monastery, and experience the rhythm of work, prayer, study and leisure in this ecumenical Benedictine community. http://benedictinewomen.org/monastic-life/volunteer-in-community/ |
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Retired Clergy and Spouses Events
The Retired Clergy and Spouses event is scheduled for April 16-17, 2012, and we're going wired! The program theme is "Protecting yourself on the Internet." Mr. Greg Harper who is an IT Specialist @ Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville will be the guest speaker. Greg has many years in this industry, and well versed in modern technology usage. A part of the presentation will include a "power point" presentation of the history of communication technology beginning with the Victrola to present-day "gadgets".
As booking procedures have changed at St. Crispin's, please contact Bob or Georgia NO LATER THAN March 16 so they can give information to camp with regards to meals and room needs.
All information regarding this event has been sent in a recent letter. However, if you have any questions, contact Bob or Georgia at (918)335-0929 or gatageorge@aol.com or frb426@aol.com.
The other dates below reflect the next Retired Clergy and Spouses retreats at St. Crispin's!
October 8-9, 2012
April 15-16, 2013
October 7-8, 2013 |
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Second Half of Life

Mind, Body, and Spirit for the 2nd Half of Life Registration on line! The Diocese and the Senior Ministries Committee are pleased to offer our first program for all ages! Go to: http://www.epiok.org/ministries/older-adults.html for registration form.
The event will be April 17, from 9 - 2, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 14700 North May Avenue, OK. Workshops offered:
Graceful Transitions - Bruce McIntyre, Church Life Minister, Quail Springs Church of Christ.
A Healthy Start: Breakfast/Brunch for 1 or 2 - Becky Varner, Nutritionist for Buy for Le$$
Better Balance with Tai Chi - Robert (Sam) Lackey, PhD,
Your Right to Decide: Oklahoma's Advance Directive and Other Health Care Planning Tools - Catheryn Koss, JD, Executive Director Senior Law Resource Center
Be Still and Know - Sabrina Evans, Director of Christian Formation, Diocese of Oklahoma
Using Medications Safely - A Key Ingredient to Your Health - Mark A. Stratton, Pharm.D. BCPS, CGP, FASHP, Director, Institute for Geriatric Pharmacy, OU College of Pharmacy.
Lunch will be catered by Nunu's Mediterranean Cafe and Market.
Lunch speakers are: Sharon Presley, Triad Coordinator, Oklahoma City Police Department and Donna Reed, Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, Consumer Representative, Don't Call Registry, discussing How Not To Get Scammed.
Cost is $10 and registrations forms are on the diocesan web site. |
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Christian Formation Resources |
New Resource
The Gospel According to U2 - Three main chapters: Belief, Communion, and Social Justice and a list of listening files make this a great resource for looking into the theology of the band's music.
U2 The Stories behind Every U2 Song |
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Resources for Lent to Easter
The Thoughtful Christian has materials that will help move your congregation from Lent to Easter:
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Resources for Those who Work With Youth
Looking for resources for youth, especially for Sunday mornings? Here's a start:
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Closing Prayer

God of the seasons, thank you for the many signs of spring - gentle rains, warmer weather, first buds from trees and flower, and birds singing. May You guide us into a season of new life and promise as we welcome the joys of spring. In Your loving and precious name, Amen.
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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