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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
February 19, 2013 |
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Greetings!
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Assembly Registration Now Underway
Registration Deadline for Assembly and for Hotel is April 3
Registering for the Assembly is a two-step process. One must register for the assembly as a voting member, visitor, exhibitor, or Saturday-only attendee.
Then, those who desire a hotel room make separate hotel room reservations.
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Download leaf templates and make bark strips to submit bark and leaves to the Office of the Bishop by March 25. Information and instructions to add to our assembly "Family Tree." - Submit items for display in a 25th Anniversary celebration booth at the Assembly. Items may be sent or delivered to the Office of the Bishop by March 25, and they will be returned after the assembly. Perhaps you created a banner in 1988, or created a special stained glass window (submit a photo!). Share something from your congregation 25 years ago.
- Submit any resolutions by March 15. More info.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Second Sunday in Lent
God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promised everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year C
Korra Looschen to be Installed as AIM April 7 in Greeley, Colorado
 Korra Looschen (pictured with her husband and son) has accepted the call to ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greeley as the new Director for Children, Youth and Household Ministries . The Service of Installation will take place at Our Savior's located at 1800 21st Avenue (80631) on Sunday, April 7 at the 8:15 and 10:40 a.m. worship services. Pastor Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Deepening Discipleship in the Office of the Bishop, will preach and Pastor John Knutson will preside. The color of the day is white and there will be a reception with light refreshments served after the service.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Border Conference
to remember in prayers on 2/24:
St. Timothy El Paso, TX
Michael Hamilton
Trinity Las Cruces, NM
Bruce Freeman (interim)
Trinity Hobbs, NM
Kirsten Sauey Hofmann
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 Sky Ranch Evening of Songs, Stories and Laughter Benefit Concert  Make plans to attend a concert to benefit Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp on Friday, February 22, 2013, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature Michael Tomlinson. This benefit concert will take place at the First Lutheran Church Friendship Center, located at 3rd Avenue and Terry Street in Longmont, CO (80504). Tickets are $15 or $17 at the door and are available via www.firstluth.org or the First Lutheran Church office (303-776-2704).
 Year of Jubilee 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, celebrating 50 years of Ministry with Altitude. Visit www.skyranchcolorado.org and check out the "50th Anniversary" tab for the latest information. Gala Celebration: Tuxes and Tevas Register now for the initial event of the 50th year. Take time to complete the questionnaire and share your favorite memories. Your input will help shape the evening. Go to www.skyranchcolorado.org for updates. Tell your friends. 50th Anniversary Calendar of Events - March 1 Alumni Gathering in Fort Collins
- March 2 Gala in Loveland
- March 3 Worship and Annual Meeting at Zion in Loveland
- June 28-30 Alumni weekend with Pastor Ralph Yernberg & Joel Abenth
- June 30 - July 5 Family Camp with Pastor Kim Gonia
- July 5 -7 Alumni weekend with Pastor Ron Letnes
- July 26 -28 Alumni weekend with Pastor Bob Kuehner
- September 13-15 All Camp Reunion
- October 13 Rendezvous in Longmont
Please download and share the bulletin with friends, family and in your congregations |
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2013 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY
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Assembly is May 2-4 in Loveland, CO
The 2013 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will feature our year-long theme: Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit. Taking place May 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO,
Please note important information for your planning:
- The assembly will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, with OPENING WORSHIP (which will enable some attendees not to have to miss an entire day of work or school)
- Friday, May 3, will focus on much of the "business" of the assembly
- Friday evening, May 3, will be a celebration of the ELCA's 25th Anniversary
- Saturday, May 4, will be an extravaganza of opportunities for excursions, workshops, conversations, and projects, with concluding worship. We will welcome additional participants to attend the Saturday opportunities!
The day on May 4 will conclude at around 3:00 p.m. following closing Eucharist at 2:00 p.m.
Registration information
- Registration deadline is April 3
- Hotel reservation deadline is April 3
- Voting member registration is $300 per voting member.
- Visitor with meals is $240. Visitor without meals is $125.
- Exhibitor with meals is $165. Exhibitor without meals is $50.
- Guests attending only the Saturday Celebration only are $25.
- Hotel is $109 per room for a single or double room. For triples or quads the rate is $139 for the room. Note that all Embassy Suites rooms are two-room suites with beds in the bedroom and a sofa-bed in the front room.
- Travel equalization funds will be available for those who must travel far distances.
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| PRE-ASSEMBLY ARTWORK COLLABORATION |
Hey Congregations!
We need LEAVES
and BARK for our assembly Family Tree!
LInk for instructions for submitting leaves and bark
For this year's Synod Assembly we are calling upon the creative efforts of all synod participants and their congregations to help create pieces of a large scale interactive tree that reflects our collective stories as people rooted in God's grace and what this means in regards to how we bear fruit in our lives and communities.
Click on the links above for instructions and templates.
Please mail in your leaves and bark pieces or take them to the Rocky Mountain Synod Office by March 25 to ensure time to assemble the bark and leaf pieces onto the large tree.
The final product will be on display in the assembly hall during the Synod Assembly. If you have questions about how to approach this project, feel free to call or email Tara Smith 970-218-2311 or tara.highlandsyouth@gmail.com
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ELCA WELLNESS CHALLENGE
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Leaders with Portico Health Benefits: Take the Health Assessment Now!
We want to reach our 65% participation goal EARLY! So take the assessment now (and have your spouse/partner do it also!). Those who do so prior to Feb 28 can enter to win a drawing for $100 off assembly registration (submit spouse/partner names also so this list is complete!). Links for the assessment and contest: http://www.rmselca.org/wellness
p.s. It only takes a few minutes, and you'll be happy to have it "out of the way" during the month of March Holy week preparations and liturgies!
OUR THANKS TO THESE WHO HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR NAMES SO FAR HAVING TAKEN THE ASSESSMENT
(We do not have access to an official list!):
Debra Abbott
Michael Bastian
Geoffrey Beebe
Scott Beebe
Matthew Bolz-Weber
Julie Britsch
Jeff Carlson
Michelle de Beauchamp
Daniel Dent Jr
Nathan Doerr
Beth Ann Doerring
James Drury
Brenda Frelsi
Tracy Hinkel
Patricia Holman
Jane Jebsen
Chad Kohlmeyer
Alena Lamirato
Jeffrey Louden
Jason McSpadden
Rob Moss
Kent Mueller
David Nichols
Dave Palma-Ruwe
Mark Patzke
Michael Rime
David Risendal
Robert Schmidt
Dean Smith
Garrett Struessel
Richard Thompson
If you've completed the assessment and your name isn't on the list, submit it here: I've Taken It!
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
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Urban Servant Corps 2013-2014 Year
Urban Servant Corps is seeking OUTSTANDING full time volunteers for the 2013-2014 year of service! USC is a one-year, full-time Lutheran volunteer program in Denver, CO. Volunteers commit to living in community with one another, while serving at various local non-profit organizations.
USC positions are in programs that provide immediate and direct service, as well as programs that advocate for lasting solutions and long-term social change. Urban Servant Corps volunteers commit to the tenets of intentional community, service, simplicity, and spirituality. Volunteers must be 21 years of age to apply -- there is no upper age limit!
Who can you tell about this great opportunity? Perhaps you should consider it yourself!! Visit the USC website or email Krista for more information.
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ELCA LUTHERAN MEN in MISSION
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One Year To Live Retreat Event
The next Lutheran Men in Mission One Year to Live Retreat will begin on Friday, April 5, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. and will run until Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the YMCA Camp Santa Maria in Grant, Colorado.
For information, contact Herb Hergott by email or phone (303)588-2856. The brochure with the registration form is available at: http://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/events/oytl.html
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BORDER SERVANT CORPS NEWS and EVENTS
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Border Servant Corps Missional Gathering
 Breakout Sessions
- Thinking outside of the box: non-traditional models of faith formation - Jon Hundt (Peace, El Paso)
- What am i going to be when i grow up?: faith formation in the latter years - Pastor Ron Brooker (Our Savior, Alamogordo)
- Deepening your roots: contemplative practices Pastor Geri Cunningham (St. Peter, Carlsbad)
- Oh, the places you'll go!: young adult leadership for middle and high schoolers and the Border Servant Corps
Plus!
From the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, Pastor Sarah Moening (Synod Minister for Deepened Discipleship) will be present.
Get Involved with the Border Servant Corps Border Immersions:
Border Servant Corps hosts groups interested in first-hand cultural immersions focused on education about border issues. This program is designed for undergraduate missions, alternative spring break programs, seminarians, and church and youth groups. Honoring 15 Years of Service to the U.S./M�xico Border: Consider donating $15 per month to BSC. This donation can be made easy through JustGive.org, which provides options for one-time or automatic, monthly giving. Visit http://www.borderservant.com/, select the big, red "Make a Donation" button on the right-hand side, and "Donate Now."
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WARTBURG CONFERENCE ON MINISTRY
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"Considering Your Call" - Conference on Ministry
We invite you to the beautiful campus of Wartburg Seminary from March 9 - 11, 2013 to explore your call to ministry and enter into our community. The Conference on Ministry is an opportunity to connect with others in the discernment process, visit with students, faculty and staff, and experience Wartburg's campus life.
For more information, please call 1-800-225-5987 and ask for Campus Visits or email Sandy Nickol.
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Need Choir Robes?
Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Greenwood Village, Co has twenty-seven choir robes and one director's robe to donate to a congregation in need of them. The robes have the side wrap with small collar and are off white (wheat colored) and rope cinctures are available at no cost. If you are interested, contact Lynn Sherpe at Saint Peter by email or by phone (303-770-9300).
 TWO February 15 Deadlines for Congregations...
Partnership "Intent
If you haven't submitted your congregation's Partnership "Intent" of how you hope to provide financial support, please do so now.
Annual Parochial Report
Submit your congregation's Annual Parochial Report even if you missed the February 15 deadline. Link to forms.
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RMS JOB OPENING
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 Seeking Director of Congregational Music for Centennial Lutheran Church
Centennial Lutheran Church in Englewood, CO is searching for a Director of Congregational Music. The selected individual will function as a leader of congregational music within the context of worship. Duties will also include preparation of an anthem twice a month, choral pieces for Feast days, and preparation of a children's program for Christmas. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm and innovation who can encourage congregational participation in unconventional ways. Applicants will also be responsible for the selection and upkeep of various musical supplies and equipment. Most importantly, perhaps, is a willingness to experiment with various approaches to congregational singing.
This is a part time 12-month/year, paid position. For more information please contact Rev. Justin Nickel by email or call the church office at 303-798-1424.
 Youth and Family Ministry Coach Needed
Youth and Family Ministry Coach who will be a primary leader within the life of faith connections and development at FAITH. Specifically, the YF Coach will lead teams responsible for developing FAITH's youth ministries and their visions for ministry done in a missional way which serves our mission of Changing live through the Power of Jesus so that they can go and serve as the hands, feet and voice of Jesus in the world. Additionally, the YF Coach will help create a missional ministry designed to equip/empower parents and other adults in kids' lives to bring faith development and connections into families and homes empowering families together to live out the mission of FAITH in their worlds. Find more information about responsibilities and qualifications.
For more information or to apply, please contact Pastor Jane Jebsen by email or phone (303-279-5379).
These and other job openings can be found on the
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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving
God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Jim Gonia
- Colorado Council of Churches, Denver, CO.
- St. Mark Lutheran Church, Roswell, NM.
- Installation of Kirsten Sauey Hoffmann, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hobbs, NM.
- Morning Event with members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hobbs, NM.
- Preach for and Celebrate with Dinner the 50th Anniversary of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Carlsbad, NM.
- Assembly Worship Team meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Communications at Glory of God Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge.
- Assembly & Communications tasks.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Preach and Preside at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
- Well of Hope Higher Education Webex meeting, Denver, CO.
- Parish Nurse Board Webex meeting, Denver, CO.
- Campus Ministry Winter Staff Gathering for Regions 1 and 2, Carefree, AZ.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Front Range Christian Education Network meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Middle School Youth Gathering Appreciation Dinner, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the Call Committee of Grace Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO.
- Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of Peace in Christ Episcopal Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, CO.
- Speaking at a Special Service regarding Child Abuse, St. John's Lutheran Church, Thornton, CO.
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Meeting with the worshipping community of Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM.
- Assisting with Worship at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Speaking at the Adult Forum, Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
- Skype with CIVJ Volunteers, Denver, CO.
- Colorado Council of Churches Justice Task Force meeting, Denver, CO.
- Theology Pub with Iliff School of Theology Lutheran Students, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Health Care for All Steering Committee meeting, Albuquerque, NM.
- Speaking at the Adult Forum at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Embassy Suites Hotel
Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
eNewsletter of the ELCA
Tanzania: An inspiring global mission story
Barbara Robertson is helping fight the spread of HIV and AIDS through education and testing. To read this and more stories from ELCA missionaries, download the winter Hand in Hand Newsletter or bulletin inserts.
Senegal: Support needed for new missionaries
The Rev. Chad and Natalie Rimmer, together with their sons, have begun life as missionaries serving with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal in West Africa. Chad works with theological education, leadership development and interfaith Christian/Muslim relations. Make a gift to support their ministry or go further by creating a covenant relationship, which includes prayer and mutual communication. Email or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
ELCA Malaria Campaign: 1 congregation, 2 weeks, 1 dirndl, $1,175
Some members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Glenside, Pa., were creative in their effort to raise $25,000 to curb malaria in Africa. Learn more.
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant faiths to discuss veneration of saints
Consider participating in the Strasbourg 47th International Ecumenical Seminar, "Saints without Borders: Ecumenical Reflections on the Great Cloud of Witnesses," hosted by the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, July 3-10. Information, including the registration form, is available at www.ELCA.org/ecumenical.
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Elim Lutheran Church Honors
Dave Thomas and Troop 54
 Sunday, February 10, 2013, was Scout Sunday at Elim Lutheran Church in Ogden, Utah. The service began with a flag ceremony conducted by the Scouts of Elim's Fred Lund BSA Troop 54, followed by the recitation of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
 Troop 54 Chairperson David Thomas received the prestigious Lutheran Lamb Award during the service. Thomas was issued the award by Programs for Religious Activates with Youth of St. Louis, MO., after being nominated by  Pastor DanaLee Simon of Elim and the Mountain View District Executive Michael Jenkins. This is only the second time that the Lamb has been awarded in Utah.
Thomas was awarded the Lamb for his 46 years in Scouting. He has been a committee member and chairperson, a merit badge counselor, a camp counselor, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and a member of the District Roundtable staff.
All photos were taken by Gloria Wurst of Elim.
Events
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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 Let's Tour Germany ... in August 2013
It is a 13-day tour from August 12 through the 24. The details of the tour, places of interest, and prices are set. Some of the cities and places participants will visit are:
- Frankfurt
- Eisenach (Luther site)
- Wittenberg (Luther site)
- Berlin
- Dresden
- Nuremberg
- Munich
- Neuschwanstein (castle)
- A short cruise on the Rhine is also included.
For more information about itinerary, pricing and details of the trip, please contact Pastor Michael Bastian by email or phone at 505-896-2543.
 Gerald Leeseberg & Sigmund Cornelius Join Lutheran Social Services Board Gerald (Jerry) Leeseberg of Flower Mound, TX and Sigmund (Sig) Cornelius of Katy, TX have been elected to the Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSS) Board of Directors. LSS of the South serves El Paso, TX, part of the Rocky Mountain Synod.  LSS provides foster care and adoption services through the agency's 15 offices throughout Texas, and operates two children's residential treatment centers, one emergency refugee children's shelter, five senior living communities, Trinity Charter Schools on two campuses, emergency assistance in the Lubbock area, and help and support for hurricane and disaster victims. Leeseberg spent 40 years in management in various business environments including Federal, retail, banking, oil, and computer consulting. He has been a foster parent himself, and adopted two teens from Louisiana foster care. Leeseberg volunteers as a school mentor and in several capacities for LSS's children's ministries. He is also a program board member of the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Cornelius retired in 2010 as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from ConocoPhillips after serving over 30 years with the company in a variety of assignments. He currently serves on five corporate boards, two nonprofit boards, and does part-time consulting work in the natural gas industry. Selection for the LSS Board is based on demonstrated interest, expertise, and involvement in serving LSS through its social ministries, and carrying out its mission of providing help, healing, and hope to those in need, regardless of religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender, or age.
photo from left to right: Leeseberg, Senske and Cornelius
Events
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 Upcoming Music Events at Saint Paul
The Lamentations of Jeremiah This Denver Early Music Consort production features the settings of The Lamentations of Jeremiah and other Lenten choral works by Thomas Tallis and Robert White. This producton is set to take place on Sunday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. Ticket information can be found at www.denverearlymusic.org . Organ Recital featuring Joel Bejot This performance by Mr. Bejot will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2013 and will include organ music of Bach, Franck and others. A Freewill Offering will be accepted. See area parking map and all the scheduled events through July 1, 2013.
 THEOPROBE - Mind/Body/Spirit Experience! A cordial welcome is extended to you to join the THEOPROBE (sometimes known as skioprobe!) experience this year at Beaver Lodge in Winter Park, CO for 6 day from Saturday, February 23 through Friday, March 1, 2013. Pastors and their families and congregation members come from all over the country. Each morning and evening (leaving the day free for skiing!), two professors will lead theological lectures and dialogue focusing on the Lukan cycle. (A certificate of participation is issued to present, if needed, for continuing education.) During the day, there are many local winter activities, as well as time to meet with the professors or small groups or catch up on rest or reading. Following a trip to the hot tubs, a great dinner and lecture, we close each evening with worship and fellowship. The cost is $540 (double occupancy), which includes room, breakfast, dinner and lectures. (Lift tickets are not included, however good discounts are available.)
Contact Frank Carau by email or phone (970-635-2306) or Pastor Ed Smith (Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO) by email or phone (970-481-6868) for more details or to register.
 Metro East Women's Cluster Spring Gathering
"We remember." Hebrews 13:3
 The spring gathering of the Metro East Women's Cluster of the Rocky Mountain Synod will be on Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at All Saints Lutheran Church, located at 15625 East Iliff Avenue in Aurora (80013). We hope you can join us for brunch and a morning focused on New Beginnings Church and our part in ministry to our sisters in Christ in the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. Pastor Emily Cardin from New Beginnings will share this ministry with us.
Please register with your church group before March 9th and have one person from your church e-mail registrations to waggoners2_3@msn.com. You may also call the church at 303-752-4083 for more information. The registration fee is $5.00 per person - payable at the door. If able, please bring new or used all occasion or holiday greeting cards as part of your offering. There will be a free will offering to assist New Beginnings ministry. All women are invited! Childcare will be provided. We look forward to having you join us for a morning of inspiration, special music and fellowship!
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