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SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
No eConnection next week
Since the staff will be attending the 2014 Theological Conference next week, there will not be an edition of eConnection.
Download and reproduce the October Landscape newsletter
 The issue sent to each congregation had a few dates that have been corrected in the download (the year was wrong for the assembly!). Take a look at the new, refreshed fonts and layout! Then include in your Sunday bulletin or newsletter, or include a link to the downloadable version.
Download now.
Hear James Alison September 26 & 27
at the new RMS Lutheran Center
 James Alison is our 2014 keynote guest at our fall Theological Conference in Colorado Springs, and we are offering the opportunity for everyone to hear him at a special event at the new RMS Lutheran Center. These "Conversations with James Alison" will take place Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 27 at 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO, 80221.
Friday, September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
"Where are we now, and where are we going?"
Thinking through Christianity and the LGBT emergence
Saturday, September 27, 9 - 11 a.m.
Jesus the Forgiving Victim
Presenting a new course of introduction to the Christian faith for adults (forgivingvictim.com)
event poster with details
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WOMEN'S CONVENTION
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REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 20
RMS Women's Organization Biennial Convention is October 10-12
 The event will take place at The DoubleTree Hotel, 3203 Quebec St., Denver, CO, on Friday, October 10, through Sunday morning, October 12. The registration deadline has been extended to September 20, but registrants must make their hotel reservations directly with the DoubleTree Hotel by September 9 to receive the convention rate. Registration forms and instructions, the Nomination form for board positions and the Stephanie Bowes Scholarship Application form may be obtained from the July issue of the newsletter "Views from the Rockies." Go to the RMS website to print the forms.
We ask your help in getting the word to as many women as possible so we will have a successful Convention.
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OUR LIFE TOGETHER
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Register now for Sept/Oct Missional Gatherings in RMS Conferences
The focus of the 2014 Missional Gatherings will be on "Lutheran Spirituality" with special breakout sessions on networking with other congregational councils and networking with your local community. All rostered leaders, council members, outreach and evangelism committees, and congregation members are invited. Youth and young adult participation are encouraged.
Bishop Gonia and other representatives of Synod Council and the Office of the Bishop look forward to meeting with you for a time to be church together.
REGISTER NOW FOR SEPT & OCT GATHERINGS
please register at least five days prior to each gathering
Saturday, September 20
Metro West (Mountain), Zion Lutheran Church in Montrose, CO
Sunday, September 28, 2:30 pm
Metro East, All Saints Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO
Saturday, October 11
Wyoming, Faith in Lander, WY
Sunday, October 19, 2:00 pm (refreshments at 1:30 pm)
Boulder/Broomfield, Bethlehem in Longmont, CO
Saturday, October 25, 11:30 am
Utah, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, UT
REGISTRATION NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR NOV & DEC:
Saturday, November 1, 10 am
Metro West (Metro), Advent, Westminster, CO Sunday, November 2, 3 pm
North Colorado, Faith Lutheran Church in Eaton, CO Saturday, November 8, 2 pm
North New Mexico, St. Timothy in Alburquerque Sunday, November 9, 3 pm
Southeast Colorado, First Lutheran in CO Springs Saturday, November 15, 10 am
Border, Trinity in Las Cruces, NM Saturday, December 6, 9 am
Metro South, Christ the King in Denver, CO |
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PRAYERS
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Installation of Rachel S. Larson is September 21 in Laramie
You are cordially invited to celebrate with Trinity Lutheran Church, Laramie, WY, as they install Rachel S. Larson as their pastorat 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 21. Bishop James Gonia of the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod will preside. Prelude music begins at 3:10 p.m.
Clergy and other leaders are invited to process. Please arrive by 3:00 p.m. to prepare for worship. The liturgical color of the day is green. Reception follows at the church.
Installation of Sonja Sandquist is September 21 in Littleton
You are cordially invited to celebrate with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church as they install Sonja Sandquist as their associate pastor at the morning services in Littleton at 8, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. The color of the day is green, and clergy and other rostered leaders are invited to participate.
LaVonne Johnson-Holt Ordination is September 27 at Epiphany, Denver
All are invited to attend the Service of Ordination for LaVonne Johnson-Holt on Saturday, September 27, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 790 South Corona Street, Denver Colorado. Holy Eucharist and Rite of Ordination is at 2 pm with a reception following in the fellowship hall. LaVonne will be serving as Pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Roswell, New Mexico. Rostered Leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.
Sunday September 21
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North Colorado Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. Many congregations print the listing in the Sunday bulletin and/or monthly newsletter. The prayer list for upcoming months is available. Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
9/21
Faith Golden, CO
Jane Jebsen
Holy Shepherd Lakewood, CO
Richard Thompson, Michael Tekrony
Holy Trinity Littleton, CO
David Palma-Ruwe, Margot Wright, Sonja Sandquist
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Centennial, CO
Jeanne Madsen (Interim)
Lutheran Church of the Master
Lakewood, CO
Robert Moss, Brigette Weier
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2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
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Start the registration process now for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering.
 You can now begin inputting registration information for the July 15-19, 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in advance of the October 15 registration opening, when openings fill up quickly. This mean you are invited to ask the youth in your congregation to make a commitment to work to travel to Detroit to worship with 30,000 plus people of God, to be God's hands and feet in the world, and to develop memories and relationships that transform lives!
Traveling together in buses may be helpful, sharing church vans can save costs, and sharing ideas can bring insight for this Gathering to be a great blessing for your youth and supporting adults.
So here is what you can do in getting ready:
(1) The ELCA has a website: http://www.elca.org/YouthGathering
(2) The Rocky Mountain Synod has a Facebook page: ELCA Youth Gathering Bound RMS
(3) The Synod has two coordinators: Carolyn Gage kyuyu@comcast.net and Nicole Ferry at pastornicole@bethluth.com .
(4) You may twitter at www.twitter.com/elcagathering or @elcagathering
(5) You can also get a playlist for the Gathering at www.YouTube.com/elca
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World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel is September 21-17
"Let my people go" (Exodus 9:1) is the theme of this year's prayers for peace in Israel/Palestine. In response to the request of church leaders and laity in Palestine, focus is being given to the critical issue of political prisoners incarcerated in Israeli jails. For the Week, the World Council of Churches has just published a new dossier entitled, "Palestinian Prisoners: A Question of Conscience," focusing on the issue of prisoners held by the Israeli occupation forces, authored by human rights' and prisoners' organizations in Palestine and Israel. The dossier is a remarkable collection of statistics, analysis, and personal stories that should serve as a valuable resource for advocacy.
Additional online resources:
Advent Resources available
supporting ministries in Bethlehem
Bright Stars of Bethlehem supports the ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. In partnership with Creative Communications, Inc., Bright Stars of Bethlehem is offering the Bright Stars of Bethlehem Advent Devotional and Congregational Resources for Advent 2014.
The congregational resource kit hosts a wide array of tools that highlight the relationship between U.S. Christians and our sisters and brothers in Bethlehem and the Holy Land. By using the discount code "STARS" when you order, a portion of the sales will be received back to Bright Stars of Bethlehem! Check out the wide array of resources available and order now by clicking here or calling 800.325.9414
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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
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One Year to Live Men's Retreat
October 10-12
Lutheran Men in Mission invite you to a retreat October 10-12 at the YMCA Camp Santa Maria in Grant, Colorado. Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp. This 45-hour experience is not for the faint of heart! Download the brochure.
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MEN's MINISTRY REUNION
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One Year to Live Reunion
Saturday, October 18, 2014
1:00 pm t0 4:00 pm
at The Lutheran Center
7375 Samuel Drive
Denver, CO 80221
We invite all One Year to Live Retreat Alumni and their families to join us for a reunion. We will check-in, catch up, follow the reunion protocol that Lyman Coleman wrote for the current version of the One Year to Live, celebrate what God is doing in our lives, and reconnect. We will have soft drinks, water, and snacks. We intend to conclude with some ice cream.
Brothers, join us please! Email Jim Monkman to let him know you plan to attend or call him at 817-346-0943 or 303-642-1026.
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RMS WORLD HUNGER NETWORK
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Spirituality, Ethics,
Friday evening, November 7
and Saturday, November 8
The RMS Lutheran Center -
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver
Register for Friday, for Saturday, or for both
 Join us as we explore the spirituality and ethics of hunger, the effect of climate change on hunger and ways to provide relief in this country and around the world. Dr. Samuel Thomas, Associate Professor of Religion at California Lutheran University, Dr. Ryan Cumming, Director of Hunger Education for ELCA World Hunger, and Rev. Nelson Bock, Professor and Co-Director of Wartburg West, will be our guides as we learn more about hunger, its causes, and what we can do about it. Registration will open in September so check the e-Connection and register early!
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THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE 2014
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Fall Leadership Retreat 2014:
Our Life Together
 September 22-25Marriott Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO
Leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod are invited to gather together for a time of learning, rest, and renewal as we look at
"Our Life Together." The event begins late afternoon on Monday, September 22 and concludes before noon on Thursday, September 25.
Registration
The hotel is sold out, so late registrants must sign up to be a commuter and stay in a different neighboring hotel.
Link to Online Registration
1st Ever RMS Talent/No-Talent Show
Following worship on Wednesday night, we will gather for the first ever RMS Talent/No-Talent show. Anything goes! A piano, microphone, and screen will be available. Email Erin Power with any questions.
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TO THE POINT
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Office of the Bishop Eucharist
is Second Wednesday
We invite you to join us the second Wednesday of each month for a staff/community Eucharist Service at 11:30am at the Office of the Bishop. Email Erin Power if you are interested in leading worship! Our next worship will be September 10.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod. More information
Choir Director (Part Time)
Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church
Dillon, CO
Director of Christian Education � Children and Youth Focus (Part Time)
Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church
Dillon, CO
Organist/Accompanist (Part Time)
Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church
Dillon, CO
Communication and Administrative Assistant
Highlands Lutheran Church Denver CO
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- Mountain West Missional Gathering, Montrose, CO
- Installation of Sonja Sandquist, Holy Trinity, Littleton, CO
- Installation of Rachel Larson, Trinity, Laramie, CO
- Theological Conference
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Board of Directors
- Companion Synod Committee
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- Metro West Mountain Conference Missional Gathering
- Theological Conference
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- Preach at Augustana
- Theological Conference
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- Lutheran Center administration
- Theological Conference
Erin Power
- Theological Conference and Journey of Renewal Planning
- Ministry Review planning
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- Theological Conference
- Legislative Health and Human Services Committee
- Interfaith Hunger Coalition
- Medicaid Coalition
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Bishop's Office All-Day Staff Meeting
- CSU Campus Ministry
- People's Climate March
- Theological Conference
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
ELCA advocates for unaccompanied children entering U.S
An estimated 80,000 unaccompanied children will seek safety in the United States this year. The ELCA and its partners "are pursuing both the short-term efforts at achieving safety and relevant social services for these children of God, as well as long-term systemic solutions to stem the flow of children cast adrift," said the Rev. Stephen Bouman, executive director, ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission. More information.
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QUICK LINKS
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SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
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| CALENDAR |
website calendar 2014
SEPTEMBER 22-25
2014 Theological Conference
Marriott Hotel
Colorado Springs, Colorado
NOVEMBER 21-23
2014 Senior High Youth Gathering
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
2015
JANUARY 16-18
2015 Middle School
Youth Gathering
Elegante Hotel & Conference Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MAY 1-3
2015 Synod Assembly
Sheraton Hotel
Salt Lake City, Utah
SEPTEMBER 21-24
2015 Theological Conference
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
NOVEMBER 20-22
2015 Senior High Youth Gathering
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Camino de Vida is moving to its own church home
Camino de Vida Hispanic/Latino Ministry, a joint-venture between the ELCA and PCUSA, is finally moving into its own church home. The inaugural service will be Global Communion Sunday, October 5, at 3:00 pm. Please join with your congregation. In the meantime, there is much to do in the process of renovation. If you would like to join us for God's Work, Our Handsthis Saturday or any Saturday before October 5, please contact Pastor Carmen Miranda at 505-249-1987 Donations are also extremely helpful as we will install, among other things, new swamp coolers, a portable classroom, flooring and an industrial kitchen.
The St. Olaf Band to perform in Albuquerque October 14
The St. Olaf Band, dubbed "one of America's preeminent bands" by The New Yorker, will perform in Albuquerque, NM, Monument, CO, and Denver on October 14, 15, and 16 as part of its 2014 national tour. You can find More information or by calling 800-363-5487. The St. Olaf Band's national tour program, "Mostly British," will center around music from the United Kingdom.
Save the Date!
LAM-NM 2014 Advocacy Conference
Saturday, November 8
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Albuquerque
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COLORADO
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The Church for the World
1350 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80203
Please RSVP by October 16th to Diana Flahive, CHUMCM at flahive@flahive.us
Capitol Hill United Ministries (CHUM) invites clergy, congregational leaders, faith-based agencies, and all who are interested in growing the relevancy of the church in our world to a powerful presentation and discussion by Wartburg College Theologian, Jennifer M. McBride. Jenny will lead a discussion on the following critical issues: What does it mean for the church to be a witness in the public arena? What is a
theology of public witness? How can we create an atmosphere where the
church is a vehicle of concrete redemption? Lunch will be provided � a free-will offering will be asked.
The Grace Race Registration Deadline is Approaching:
Help Rainbow Trail raise $10,000 for world hunger
 RAINBOW TRAIL is hosting its 8th Annual Grace Race to benefit world hunger on Saturday, October 4, 2014, with a 4 pm start. All proceeds and donations will be given to ELCA World Hunger. This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan's Lake in Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 before September 26 and $35 after that date. The September 26 deadline is approaching quickly.
You can register for the race after that date and even on the day of the race; however we can't guarantee you'll get one of the cool long sleeve tech shirts from the race after September 26! You don't have to be a runner to make a difference.
Last year parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types joined in. Encourage the members of your congregation to participate. Come join us for a great afternoon in the park for a great cause. You can register on-line! Learn more and register. Bring your friends and family or your whole youth group. They are hoping for 300 participants. Help RTLC raise $10,000 for ELCA World Hunger!
Risen Lord Moves to New Home in Conifer, CO
Saturday, September 27, 11am-3pm
25797 Conifer Road, Conifer CO
The congregation of Risen Lord invites you to help celebrate their move to the Aspen Park Village Shopping Center. They have relocated to a commercial storefront,in the midst of the marketplace--where the people are! They are calling their open house the "Pay It Forward Picnic & Gratitude Gala." They will be lifting up six local service organizations (including New Beginnings Church) and presenting them each with a gift. Visit www.risenlord285.org for more information.
"Blessed Are The Teachers!"
Hosted by the Colorado Council of Churches
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
South Broadway Christian Church
23 Lincoln Street
Denver, CO 80203
Please join us for our next assembly where we will celebrate our educators: Sunday School teachers and superintendents, as well as public school and private school teachers from preschool to higher education! The first hour will feature a worship service, and then immediately afterwards, we will have the following breakout sessions:
How to Grow a Sunday School
Spiritual Care and Renewal for Teachers
How Churches Can Support Our Schools
Please RSVP by Friday, September 26th. Questions? Contact Adrian Miller. This event is free and open to the public. Please spread the word . . . to get as many teachers there as possible!
The St. Olaf Band to perform in Colorado October 15 and 16
The St. Olaf Band, dubbed "one of America's preeminent bands" by The New Yorker, will perform in Albuquerque, NM, Monument, CO, and Denver on October 14, 15, and 16 as part of its 2014 national tour. You can find More information or by calling 800-363-5487. The St. Olaf Band's national tour program, "Mostly British," will center around music from the United Kingdom
Lutheran College Fairs September 28 & 29
Two college fairs are scheduled in Colorado.
Denver, Colorado - Sunday, September 28
More information
Bethany Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 6:15 p.m.
College Fair: 6:45 p.m.
Ft. Collins, Colorado - Monday, September 29
More information
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 6:45 p.m.
College Fair: 7:30 p.m.
All events will include a financial aid seminar and hors d'oeuvre reception. No RSVP necessary.
New Beginnings Prison Ministry Fundraiser Celebrates 16 years of Ministry on October 10
A Celebration Fundraiser dinner for New Beginnings Prison Ministry will take place on
October 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and children 12 and under are free. It will take place at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 Alameda, Denver, CO. RSVP to Kathy Melies 303-831-7023 or oslc915@juno.com. For Silent Auction donations and inquiries please contact Heiko Meyer at heikomeyer01@gmail.com
Peace By Piece Symposium: Fort Collins November 7-9
On November 7-9, Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins will celebrate its first annual learning event for our Northern Colorado community focusing on issues of peace and justice: the Peace by Piece Symposium.
The Peace by Piece Symposium will begin on Friday, November 7, with an evening reception and opening remarks by our keynote speaker, Evan Hodkins, M,A, M. Div. and director of the school of Alchemy. On Saturday, November 8, the event will focus on primary discussions/information and will include special guest speakers, testimonials, and panel discussions. Additional Information about the Symposium.
A Taste of Campus Ministry Beer Tasting & Friend-raiser!
Friday, September 19, 7pm
Niwot Market (7980 Niwot Rd, Longmont, CO)
You're invited to Lutheran Campus Ministry at CU-Boulder's first annual friend-raiser! We'll have six tastings from local, craft breweries with food pairings by Chef Justin of Niwot Market. In between the beer, you'll get a taste of campus ministry at CU-Boulder. We'll also have a selection of local craft ginger and root beers. While we hope to raise some funds for LCM-CU, we also want to bring together all the different people who make our ministry together on campus possible; alumni, friends, and local congregations. Everyone's invited!
The cost is just $25 and gets you a commemorative tasting glass. You can purchase tickets online with PayPal through the Facebook event page
or by emailing Pastor Zach Parris. We look forward to seeing you there!
South Metro Conference forms networking group
A new networking group is forming in the South Metro Conference. Everyone-laity, professionals, community leaders, clergy (of all denominations), neighbors and friends interested in building relationships and networking with our neighbors to help serve our community-is welcome. An informational meeting, WITH DINNER,will be September 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Lakewood. The council of Resurrection is graciously providing dinner so please RSVP to Resurrection, 303-922-0596 by September 22.
Marriage Encounter weekend is October 10-12
Enjoy a weekend of discovery together with Marriage Encounter! The next Weekend will be offered October 10 - 12, 2014, in Denver, CO. Apply now or contact
Bud & Cindy Amack or 303-796-9119 for more information. Weekends fill fast and pre-registration is required. Registrations must be received by September 17.
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Rocky Mountain Synod
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744
Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Thursday for the issue the following Tuesday. Event announcements are included for about two weeks. Please submit your announcement at the time it should appear, ready to copy and paste into the newsletter, with a link to your website for more information.
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