february 2015 messenger

8/9/2019 February 2015 Messenger

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FEBRUARY 2015Volume 29.2

St. JohnsUnited Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faithcentered in Jesus Christ, seeking

guidance and direction through theHoly Spirit, and demonstrating

Gods love to all people in words

and deeds.

An Open and AffirmingCongregation

503 Stuart CircleRichmond, Virginia 23220Telephone: 804.358.9291

Email:[email protected]

Web Site:stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly 2013 St Johns UCC

Dear Members and Friends of St. Johns,

Wow! What a full two weeks these first weeks have been. There have been a lot of things togive thanks for during this time. The primary thing I would observe is the wonderful way youcome together to make significant things happen. First among these of course was theservice for Dallas Henderson. People were on hand to hand out bulletins, operate thesound, open doors, and generally make people feel welcome. I want to thank Ginna for yourleadership in the service. I also want to say how much Pam and I appreciated your warmwelcome. People went out of their way to greet both of us and it turns out we have moreconnections with you than either of us realized.

During these weeks I have also had a chance to attend council, several committee meet-ings, and some ad hoc meetings (the parents meeting). I have also had time to talk with anumber of your personally.

My overall impression is that St. Johns has the resources, faith, talents, and commitment tomove forward. You are not, what I would call a troubled church or a sick church. But I dothink there are some challenges ahead. First among these is a sense that some peoplehave that they live on the margins of the life and ministry of St. Johns. These feelings arenot confined to anyone group; new members and longer standing members; youngmembers and mature members have all expressed this feeling of being disconnected.

The good news is that they very much want to give their talents and abilities to ministry inChrists name. The question is, howcan we intentionally and systemati-cally create channels that can help

them move toward the center of ourlife together?

I think this is a critical challenge. Butyou should know it is not unusual.Churches that become busy have atendency to let communication goand not realize that they may beexcluding some people from offeringtheir gifts of leadership andparticipation. This robs the churchof needed talent and the people of

a sense that they matter.

I believe St. Johns has the spiritand the talent to creatively addressthis issue. In the meantime, Ill seeyou in church!

Serving Christ and Christs people, Roger Nicholson, Interim


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2 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2015

Congregations Around RichmondInvolved ToAssure Shelter

The largest provider of homeless services in the Metro Richmond area.

HOW ST. JOHNS PLANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MINISTRY...WE WILL BE HOSTING CARITAS AS AN INTAKE CENTER FEBRUARY 14 THRU APRIL 17, 2015

10 Things You May Not Know About CARITAS:1. CARITAS is the only shelter in Central Virginia that accepts families with fathers.

2. Every willing guest of CARITAS is assigned a case worker who individually works through the legal, mental,medical, or financial obstacles standing between that guest and self-sufficiency.

3. CARITAS is the only shelter in Central Virginia that accepts families with adolescent males.

4. 65% of individuals completing the intensive recovery program at The Healing Place will remain sober at least 1year after completion of the program.

5. All children are enrolled in school within 24 hours of entering the CARITAS Shelter.6. 78% of clients completing the 5 week CARITAS Works program will find employment within 3 months.

7. All guests of CARITAS in case management are required to save 75% of their income earned into an escrowaccount, which they will use to secure permanent housing.

8. The CARITAS Furniture Bank is used by over 90 charitable organizations to provide furnishings for refugees,victims of natural disasters or violence, veterans, and those finally able to secure permanent housing.

9. The Healing Place shelters each guest for less than $20 a night. The CARITAS Shelter costs only $26 a night. Anight of jail costs $46. A night of prison $85.

10. Last year, 184 congregations and 18,560 volunteers gave over 100,000 hours of their time to provide 38,631nights of shelter to over 1,000 guests through the CARITAS Shelter.The Healing Place provided 72,518nights of shelter, an average of 198 per night.

INTAKE CENTEROur congregation has agreed to be anNTAKE CENTER for CARITAS February4th through April 17, 2015. CARITASuests will be gathering in our Fellowship Hallvery evening from approximately 5:30-7pm.

How You Can Help

Sign up on the sheets in the Parlor toolunteer to be present on some of thesevenings (we need volunteers Wednesdayhru Sunday during the entire time period. You

will be welcoming our guests, providing anyare that they may need, offering coffee ornacks, etc.)

We need at least two volunteers per night.TRAINING SESSIONS will be February 1 and

ebruary 8 in the kitchen after church. Wencourage all volunteers to attend oneraining session.

DONATE SUPPLIESIf you cannot volunteer you may want to con-sider donating supplies for this ministry.

How You Can Help

Bring any of the following items to the Fellow-ship Hall (clearly marked CARITAS):

8 ounce cups Creamora

napkins coffee (individual packets) toilet paper Cookies & snacks hot chocolate mix lemonade mix

LOVE GIFT FOR CARITAOur first day to welcome our CARITASguests (40 women) will be ValentinesDay! To show hospitality to them, we share our hearts with a love gift.

How You Can Help

Sunday February 1 and 8 come to theParlor and decorate gift bags with thestickers and other supplied items befoduring, of after worship. Please returnyour decorated bag to the basket in thParlor. We will fill them with goodiesand give them out to our guests.

Donate Clothing

We have also learned that many of the wen in this program are actively searching

jobs and need appropriate professional cing for interviews and jobs. Donate NICEclothing and shoes so that can be worn fo

interviews. We can use clothing and shoin all sizes especially in plus sizes.
http://caritasva.org/shelter_new_programandservices_casemanagement.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/works.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter_new_programandservices_casemanagement.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/furniture.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/furniture.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter_new_programandservices_casemanagement.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/works.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/healingplace.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter.htmlhttp://caritasva.org/shelter_new_programandservices_casemanagement.html


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3The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2015

February 16

February 23

March 2

March 9

March 16

March 23

March 30

Information about the location of gatherings will be

communicated through the Sunday bulletin and

weekly e-blasts.

Our Nursery Needs You!We are seeking volunteers to help care for ouryoungest members in the nursery during the worshiphour. You would be working as a helper along-sideour nursery staff person, Kristen Lennox. This is away that YOU can support our St. Johns families andan opportunity to get to know some amazing children.They will put a smile on your face! Please speak toJulia so she can sign you up!

Note:Background Checks will be made on all

volunteers.

7:008:30 p.m.

Partnering with FamiliesOn January 25th,the pastoral staffand chairs ofChristianFormation metwith severalparents ofchildren andyouth in responseto concerns theparents had

raised with the Church Council. The goal of the meeting was toexplore ways in which St. Johns can live out its core valueswith regard to nurturing and supporting families in thecongregation. Participants identified issues that need attention,as well as aspects of congregational life that already help fami-lies worship, learn and serve together.

Church leaders will continue to work with families to assessand implement new ways of being church together.

Mark your calendars now and plan to

attend this years sh Wednesday service

on February 18 at 7:00 pm.

This service initiates the season of Lent a

season of introspection prayer and

preparation for Holy Week and Easter.

This year will be a simple somber service

in keeping with the season. There will be

time for those who wish to come forward

for the imposition of ashes.


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Exploringthe Way of

the CrossLent, the seasonof preparation forEaster, beginsFebruary 18 with

Ash Wednesday. This year, St. Johns will observe theseason of Lent with weekly reflections and spiritualpractices that invite us to explore various stations (ormoments) in Jesus journey to the cross. Materials forfollowing in the way of the cross through personal orfamily study at home will be coupled with the opportunityto gather weekly with others to discuss the biblical story ofJesus passion and our own life journeys.

The first two gatherings will be Mondays, February 16 and23, 7-8:30 p.m. Our stations for these two weeks will beJesus condemned to death and Jesus takes up thecross. Information about the location of gatherings will becommunicated through the Sunday bulletin and weeklye-blasts.

Go Down, Moses!For the month of February, children in Faith Place and in

our Toddler, Primary, and Jr. Youth classes will befollowing the adventures of Moses and the Israelites asthey break free fromslavery in Egyptand make their waythrough the RedSea and into thedesert as theytravel to thepromised land.

Along the route, thechildren will learn

about how the Jews celebrate Passover and think aboutthe meaning of the Ten Commandments for today. Theywill dance with Miriam and wonder about life in a newland with God as their guide instead of Pharaoh.

A Whale of a Tale for AdultsHave you ever been conflicted about how to live a good life?Or felt like someone was asking you to do something impos-sible? Poor old Jonah knows all about such dilemmas. As aprophet, he wasnt very enthusiastic and his rebelliousresponse to being asked to preach in Nineveh resulted in athree day vacation in thebelly of a whale. Notexactly a role model forcontemporary Christiansor is he? Jonahs plan todisobey God by runningaway brings him right backto where he started...only a little messier!

Will Jonah ever learn?

Will we?

The Sunday morning adult class will be asking what Jonahsstory means for us today and just how we talk about thatcrazy story about the whale. The class meets from 9:45-10:45 a.m. each Sunday in B2.

Confirmation ClassThe confirmands continue their study of Christian beliefs and

practices with an in-depth look at Jesus. They will be explor-ing questions such as Did Jesus know he was God? and IfJesus was God why did he have to die? The class meetsSundays, February 8thand 22ndat 12:30 p.m. in the PastorsStudy.

Keeping Our Children & Youth SafeOne of St. Johns core values is to invite all intothe life and ministry of the church. To do thiswell, we need to take steps to ensure that we areproviding a safe environmentwithin which our children and

youth worship, learn, and serve.One step in our safe church planis to run criminal recordsbackground checks on allpersons who work with childrenand youth, in accordance withUCC policies and procedures. Julia is currently distributingapplication and consent forms for the background checks. Ifyou have not already received a form this year and work inany capacity with the congregations children or youth,please see Julia to get a copy.


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It is our hope that you regularly participate in the

adult offerings of Christian Formation (Sunday morninadult classes, Wednesday night groups, special studie

etc.) that St. Johns provides.

If you dont...Help us to understand the deterrents that you,

personally, face in time, place and commitmentsin your daily lives.

What would motivate you to participate / attend?

What challenges keep you from attending Adult Groups? Is nighttime driving a deterrent? Activity around the dinner hour a challenge? If we have classes/sessions around the dinner hour, would a meal make this more

desirable? Would it be easier to meet at a home rather than the church building? Can schedules of 2 or 3 sessions focusing on one topic in a set time period be a more

achievable commitment?

Is childcare or other family obligation a deterrent?

Other specific needs or concerns you have that would make participation possible?

What Adult Group topics interest you?

Knowledge and information of the historic Christian faith journey Exploring spiritual practices for our daily lives Foundational studies in the Bible text Basic Bible knowledge

Many people at St. Johns UCC have expressed to Bryan an interest in exploring adult formation/ education. Julia and I are happy to de-

velop studies and curriculum to meet your passions, needs, and interests. The greater challenge we face is forming a venue to do so in away that fits YOUR schedules and specific needs.

Rather than check some boxes on a survey of yes and no, please feel free to call me or Julia and set up a time to talk about what worksfor your participation and what your needs are to participate in Adult Formation at St. Johns UCC.

You can email Bryan at [email protected] call Bryan at (804) 317-1941. We could schedule a time to talk, in person, byphone, or just send some ideas and concerns to Bryan via email. Or tap me on the shoulder at fellowship any Sunday and let me know.

Julia and I look forward to structuring an adult formation that nourishes the spirit and fits the needs of your lives.

Peace be with you, Bryan Anderegg, chair, Christian Formation

Removing roadblocks...

to
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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..from the PresidentWelcome into February 2015. The year has begun with muchenthusiasm waiting for the arrival of our new interim Pastor, the Rev.Roger Nicholson. Roger joined us on Monday, January 12thand hisfirst meeting was that evening with Council. A good meeting was had

and all members welcomed him with renewed hope and compassionfor St. Johns.

Thank you to those who attended our meet and greet breakfast onJanuary 18th. A great time was had by all and we welcomed Rogerand his lovely wife Pam into our fellowship. Roger preached his firstsermon later in the morning and fellowship hour gave those whoattended church another time to have conversation with Roger.

The Church Council has completed the first draft of the re-writtenConstitution and Bylaws and will be meeting on Saturday, January31stin a working session to prepare the documents to be presented toyou, the congregation, later this winter.

The Council has also planned an all-church Leadership Meeting onMarch 20-21stand would like all committee members to join us as wealk about the future of St. Johns as we enter into the covenant with a

new Pastor sometime in the spring or summer. Please put the date onyour calendar.

Out intake for Caritas will start on February 14 and run thru April 17th.Signup sheets are in the parlor and we ask everyone to take a turnor two on anyWed. - Sun. evening. Our neighbor church, FirstEnglish Lutheran will be taking the duty on Monday and Tuesday.There will be training sessions on Feb. 1 & 8 after church in thekitchen.

Lent will start on Wed. Feb. 18thwith an Ash Wednesday service

planned in the evening. There will be special Lenten opportunitiesduring this period.

Many thanks to our Search Committee who have worked tirelesslyand with much compassion toward bringing us a candidate sometimehis year. They reported to us that they are currently in the process of

meeting and listening to several candidates. We know that this jobhas not been easy, but do express our sincere appreciation for themany hours spent.

We would like to thank Julia for her dedication and many hours thatshe encountered dealing with church issues, pastoral concerns andcontinuing on the task of her own responsibilities during the period

after Toms departure and Rogers arrival. Her dedication to all of uswas certainly above and beyond!

f you have any concerns or wishes, please feel free to call me at anyime. My cell is 804-502-1005.

Betsy BighinattiCouncil President

Church Council Meeting - February 9The next Church Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February9 at 7:00 pm.

The Search Committee hasnow completed a process ofinterviewing candidates forSenior Pastor at St. Johns bytelephone and Skype telecon-

ference. From this group, wehave selected threecandidates who we areparticularly interested in, andhave invited them to come toRichmond for face to face discussions, and to deliver sermons neutral pulpit locations. These interviews will take placebeginning January 23-25 and for the following two weekends.The next step is for the Search Committee to select the candidathat we feel is right for St. Johns. We cannot guarantee that itwill be one of these three, but we certainly expect it to be. Byearly March, we hope to be able to recommend to you the

candidate to call as our next Senior Pastor. At that time, thecandidate will deliver a trial sermon at St. Johns and you, thecongregation, will vote to determine if a call will be given.

The following repairs/projects have beenaccomplished under the guidance of

Facilities:

Roof Leak repairs are completed and in the process of walrepair and paint. We have completed the repairs and paintin the music room, nursery and balcony.

A new toilet was replaced in one of the mens rooms.

A new door closure was installed at the back door.

The front door was repaired.

The railings going down to the fellowship hall were reinforcand repaired.

Dominion Power performed an energy audit, replaced lightbulbs to energy savings, and repaired duct work. This workwas done at no cost as part of a Dominion Energy Savings

offering to customers.

The following projects are pending:

New lights on altar still need to be addressed

Repair brick wall and lawn.

Repair the rose window .

Repair bathroom floor (need quotes).

Facility instruction Manual preparations are in progress.

Richard BighinattiFacilities Chair


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FEBRUARY Lectionary Readings

2014 Budget

Budget YTD

Actual YTD

Income

Pledge Payments* $127,000

$127,000

$113,690

Cash Offerings

$22,000

$22,000

$16,164

Other Income (Endowment Contributions

$122,850

$122,850

$131,172

Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income

$271,850

$271,850

$261,026

Expens-es

Personnel 166,549 166,549 159,188

Committees

22,191 22,191 22,134

Operations/Maintenance

122,190 122,190 105,937Local Benevolenc-es 7,300 7,300 5,572Other 9,600 9,600 9,600

Total Expenses

327,830 327,830 302,431

Income/Expenses Total

(55,980)

(55,980)

(41,405)

surplus (deficit)

NOTE:

1. Income includes $85,000 annual contribution from Endowment Fund ($7083/month)

2. Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund

3. 2014 Pledge Budget is $126,000. 56 pledges for $118,000 were pledged.

St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of 12-31-14

Fourth Sunday after EpiphanyFebruary 1, 2015

Deut. 18:15-20

Psalm 111

1 Cor. 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28

Fifth Sunday after EpiphanyFebruary 8, 2015

Isaiah 40:21-31

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

1 Cor. 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39

TransfiguartionFebruary 15, 2015

2 Kings 2:1-12

Psalm 50:1-6

2 Cor. 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9

First Sunday in Lent

February 22, 2015

Genesis 9:8-17

Psalm 25:1-10

1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=278http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=278http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277


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This month:The Wedding of Michelle Perry to Caleb Boyer

Saturday, February 28 at 4:00 pm

Rehearsal on Friday, February 27 at 5:30 pm

275 guests

Later this year:May 2: Moran/Quearry wedding

Oct. 2: Patterson/Fain wedding

Oct. 9: Crockett/Berman wedding

Oct. 23: Haley/Whalen wedding

Boy Scout Troop 700

and

Martha Rick Cook

Cordially invite you to attend

an Eagle Scout Court of Honor

for

James Cook

Sunday, February 15, 2015, 2:30 PM

St. Johns UCC

503 Stuart Circle, Richmond, VA 23220

Reception and Graduation Celebration

immediately following

Please RSVP to (804)227 3466

by February 10, 2015

St. Johns

Snowy Weather

Should we get winter weather

and are forced to cancel worship,please watch for our listing

on channel 12 TV,

Or

call the churchs main phone number at(804)358-9291

and listen to the recording,

or

check your email for an e-blast

St. Johns

April 17 - 19, 2015

Kiptopeke State Park

Cape Charles, VA

$60 per personSee Cheryl Goode for more information.

There will be a Womens Retreat planningmeeting on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:00 pm

at the church.Please try to attend.

WeddingMinistry


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February 1 February 8 February 15 February 25

ElisabethBurnette

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion orperson or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the

bulletin board in the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at743-7528 or [email protected]

$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.

WelcomeTeam

Leader

SoundSystem

Acolytes LayReaders

Fellowship

HostsNurseryHelpers

Tellers Facilities Altar Gui

Feb.1

Lynn Snyder Dan Mascher Cammie,Eddie Allen

Karen-MarieYust

JeanetteSalley

Bighinattifamily

TBA Mark SouzaBetsy

Bighinatti

Erin BurnetteGeogianne

StinnettJohanna Gilbe

Feb.8

Bill Watson MarkAtkinson

Savannah &Ashley Quick

Sal AnselmoLaura Siff

Lynda MerryDorothy Cook

Abby WardChris Ward

Jeff JacobsIola Miller

Bill Watson Cheryl GoodArthur Dewe

Feb.15

Bill Watson MarkAtkinson

Savannah &Ashley Quick

BryanAnderegg

Kathy Freise

Johanna andKristinaGilbert

Laura Totty Jeff JacobsIola Miller

Bill Watson Sonny DarneDorothy Coo

Feb.

22

Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook

BarbaraPlymaleSteve

Plymale

Mascherfamily

TBA Jeff MichelDeniseMartin

Bud Higgins Charlotte QuiBryan Andere

Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Altar Guild Coordinator: Sonny Darnell 743-7528

Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contayour team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in

you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!


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February Birthdays

4 Noah Mascher5 Sean Barbour7 Griffin Allen10 Kristina Gilbert10 Helen Voelcker Barrett11 Dan Trent17 Helena DeLigt17 Brody Davis

18 Linda Stiegler21 Bryan Totty24 Bud Higgins25 Shirley Townsend26 Cheryl Goode27 Bettie Staton

2015

19:45 am Faith Formation

10 am Choir rehearsal

11 am Worship/Communion

12:30 pm CARITAS training

2 3

10:00 am Staff Meeting

11:30 am NA Meeting

6:00 pm WomensRetreat Meeting

4

5 pm Card Ministry

511:30 am NA Meeting

5:30pm Worship/Music

7 pm Choir Rehearsal

6

OfficeClosed

7

89:45 am Faith Formation

10 am Choir rehearsal

11 am Worship

12:30 pm CARITAS training12:30 pm Confirmation

9

7:00 pm ChurchCouncil

10


11:30 am NA Meeting

11

5 pm Card Ministry

1211:30 am NA Meeting

6:00 pm SJP


13

Office

Closed

148:30 am Indian Orthodox

CARITAS

159:00 am Breakfast

9:45 am Faith Formation10 am Choir rehearsal

11 am Worship2:30 pm Cook Eagle Ceremony

CARITAS

167:00 pm

CARITAS

17.


11:30 am NA Meeting

CARITAS

18

7:00 pm

19

11:30 am NA Meeting


CARITAS

20

Office

Closed

CARITAS

21

1:00 pm SJP

CARITAS

22

9:45 am Faith Formation10 am Choir rehearsal

11 am Worship

12:30 pm Confirmation

CARITAS

237:00 pm

CARITAS

24


11:30 am NA Meeting

CARITAS

25

5 pm Card Ministry

CARITAS

26

11:30 am NA Meeting


CARITAS

27

Office

ClosedCARITAS

28

CARITAS

25

CARITAS

267:00 pm

CARITAS

27


11:30 am NA Meeting

CARITAS

28

5 pm Card Ministry

CARITAS

29

11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehears

CARITAS

30OfficeClosed

CARITAS

31

CARITAS

february 2015 messenger

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