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Dear First Pres Family, As we come to June summer is finally here. We can look forward to warm days, long evenings and all that comes with summer. And as we move into another month, we continue our GO Series. This series has provided an incredible opportunity to consider the ways God is calling us to GO and be a part of His mission in Colorado Springs and throughout the world. Through the different GO project opportunities, I have had a chance to see some of the ways that First Pres ministers to this community. As we move into the final few weeks of this series, I encourage you to visit www.first-pres.org/go and get involved with one of our GO project opportunities. You’ll be glad you did! As we come to another June, it is hard not to reflect on the Waldo Canyon Fire. Though the fire is over, the work of helping those affected by the destructive blaze continues. First Pres has played an integral role in the response to the fire and the recovery, from the first days following the fire through the ongoing rebuilding efforts. In this issue we have a story on the anniversary of the fire and the ongoing efforts being made to help those still affected by the blaze. I hope you will continue to keep that group lifted up in your prayers. Finally, this is a month of transition for First Pres. Last month we welcomed a new Worship Leader, Justin Anderson. This month we say goodbye to the 5 p.m. service. Though I know some in our congregation felt deeply passionate about that worship experience, it felt like the time had come to say goodbye to that service as we look toward other worship opportunities. I’m so happy that this month, and continuing throughout the summer, we will be offering a new worship experience on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. We’re calling this service “The Oasis,” and our hope is that it is a mid-week refuge for the First Pres family and those who work and live downtown. This 30-minute contemplative service will feature communion and a time of meditation and worship during the workday. I hope that you will come and worship with us beginning on Thursday, June 6.
In Christ,
Graham Baird Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs
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JUNE 2013 contents The Stop in Our Go! . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Eunice McGarrahan Encountering God Through Music . . . . 6 One Year Later many still caught in fire's glow . . . . . 8 Matthew Fox
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The Gift of Godliness . . . . . . . . . . 12 Adam Holz Dive into Summer . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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Contributing Writers: Matthew Fox, Adam Holz, Eunice McGarrahan Contributing Editors: Matthew Fox, Alison Murray Graphic Design: Beryl Glass Proofreading Team: Mary Bauman, Christine Dellacroce, Betty Haney, Daisy Jackson, Marty Kelley, Karen Kunstle, Linda Pung All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, © 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. First Pres Magazine June 2013, Volume Five, © First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, CO. Published by First Presbyterian Church, a non-profit organization. To contact First Pres Magazine: 719-884-6175 or 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1392 or magazine@first-pres.org. Printed in the U.S.A. Cover photo: Courtesy of The Gazette
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Eunice McGarrahan By EuniceBy McGarrahan As part of The Year We Are to Worship at First Pres, Eunice McGarrahan is offering a six-part series on ideas from Mark Labberton’s “The Dangerous Act of Worship.” This is part four of the series, which began in the March issue. “Work, work, work from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Martin Luther said that, and we can really understand the “work, work, work from early to late” part, but it’s his solution to busy schedule that Byhis Eunice McGarrahan makes us feel like we’ve hit a speed bump. Some time in prayer — sure, but did he really say three hours in prayer? How in the world would anything get done? I think it’s safe to say that Martin Luther did get a few things done — a Reformation, a Bible translation into German, smuggling his wife-to-be out of a convent in a fish barrel. The activity of his life was grounded in the still, quiet time with God. In these last few months, we’ve been thinking about worship using Mark Labberton’s The Dangerous Act of Worship as a guide. Mark’s book is basically a commentary on the first four of the Ten Commandments. Jesus summed them up as The Greatest Commandment when He said, “You shall worship the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” That means that our worship is not limited to the devotional activities of our days and the Sunday services we
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attend. The rhythm of our worship includes going from the sanctuary into the world. That can be exhausting. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. So, how do we go into the world without burning out? There’s no complicated magic formula. It’s Sabbath — just stop! “Stop” is actually what Sabbath means. Stop what you’re doing and spend time resting in God, resting with God. Sabbath is so important that it is in the Ten Commandments. Sabbath reminds us that there must be a stop in our go. We reflected a bit on Sabbath in the first article in this series, but it is important enough to take an additional look. Two reasons are given for the observance of Sabbath. In Exodus 20, we are told that Sabbath reminds us that even God rested. It is clear from the Genesis accounts of creation that God rested in order to be with his creation. During that time, the relationship between Adam and Eve was meant to deepen. Sabbath was the way in which humanity is meant to come to trust the steadfast love of the Lord. Sabbath allows us to hear the clear voice of God so that what we do is what He wants us to do. Our energy isn’t sapped by the loud, compelling agendas of others, including our own. In Deuteronomy 5 the second reason for Sabbath is to remind us that unless God rescues us, we will be in bondage to all sorts of forces that keep us in a constant state of worry and urgency. In keeping a Sabbath rest we come to know and lean on the character of God. We learn that we can trust Him with our
lives. When we rest this way then our rest is, counter-intuitively, productive. Our lives will bear the fruit the world is hungry for because we “abide in the vine.” Jacques Ellul, the French sociologist and theologian, once said that the frenzy of our lives is a measure of our alienation from God. Frenzy is not to be confused with full calendars, but rather the manner in which we live with those calendars. Frenzy produces the inability to focus on what is at hand because you are always thinking about the next thing. Without Sabbath rest we begin trusting ourselves more than God. Sabbath allows us to think about God and with God, and to become in tune with His purposes for our lives. Remember, the same Jesus who taught us that Greatest Commandment is also the One who invites us: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message) Your Sabbath may not be a day or even three hours, but where is a space in your week when you could just stop and unplug from the frenzy of the world and learn those unforced rhythms of grace? When and where in your going will you stop?
Without Sabbath rest, we begin trusting ourselves more than God.
Eunice McGarrahan is the lead Parish Associate for First Pres. She will be taking the lead on The Oasis, which begins Thursday, June 6, at 12:15 p.m.
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On Sunday, May 12, First Pres welcomed a new contemporary worship leader, Justin Anderson. Justin grew up in Minnesota and spent his younger years playing sports, performing in theater and making music. He has had a great interest in learning since he was younger and he loves to read. He said there’s nothing he enjoys more than a good book. Prior to coming to First Pres, Justin served as a worship leader for Woodmen Valley Chapel. Justin and his wife, Holly, have joined the First Pres family. Justin and Holly will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary this month. First Pres Magazine sat down with Justin to find out more about what drew him to being a worship leader, what inspires him and what he hopes to bring to First Pres. FP Magazine: How would you describe your musical style and your inspiration? Justin Anderson: Eclectic! I love all styles of music from metal to R&B. I think I’m primarily a singer/songwriter type, so that’s what people pick up the most from me. But I am inspired by various musical styles. FP Magazine: What drew you to being a worship leader? JA: Growing up I had a genuine love for Jesus and a love for music that translated directly to leading worship. I have always had a love for people and a desire to see them know God, so in high school I naturally tried to lead worship whenever and wherever I could. Now I’m in my 30s and a lot has changed about my faith, but I think the motivation remains the same — to help people encounter God in some meaningful way through music. FP Magazine: What do you enjoy most about leading worship on Sundays? JA: I enjoy the purity and power of singing together, in relationship with friends and family, about the God we are all seeking.
Something special happens when we make music together as believers and as friends. Sometimes you show up and sing and it’s solely about the important communal aspect of proclaiming what you believe about God. Other times you show up and sing and feel as though the Transcendent and Immanent God is immediately real and accessible. Then sometimes you show up and sing and feel tremendous doubt about God. All of these moments are important aspects of worship in the believer’s life, and it’s important that we undergo these moments in community with others. I love the broad range of thoughts and feelings and significant moments that music evokes in people. I have encountered God in all of these seasons of my life through music, and it’s why I’m so passionate about it. FP Magazine: What are you excited about in joining First Pres and serving as Worship Leader here? JA: I am very excited to get to know people and be of service to people at First Pres. I am always excited to hear people’s stories, and I love getting to share life with others. I’m a pretty raw dog, so I hope people feel free to be raw and real with my wife and me. Both Holly and I hope that we can lift people up here, as well as be lifted up by people. We need that! We have a very deep and genuine sense of excitement about being on mission together here in downtown Colorado Springs.
Come meet Justin and Holly as he leads worship in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. and in the Sanctuary at 11:10 a.m. each Sunday.
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By Matthew Fox
many still caught in the fire’s glow
ONE YEAR LATER
n June 23, 2012, reports of a fire off Highway 24 were the spark of the biggest fire and biggest disaster in Colorado history. By the time it was contained, the Waldo Canyon Fire consumed 346 homes and more than 18,000 acres. The fire was a disaster that affected everyone in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. It put a black mark on the summer as the fire raged until it was declared contained on July 10, 2012 — seventeen days after it began. As we approach the first anniversary of the fire, life has continued but reminders of the fire remain. Every time it rains those who live near the Waldo Canyon burn scar are warned of potential flooding. Vigils continue where the fire raged and took homes, and the landscape has been changed — for years to come. For most, the fire is a memory. It is in the past. But for those who were the greatest victims of the fire — those who lost homes, mementos and pieces of their lives — the Waldo Canyon Fire lingers each day.
ONE YEAR LATER
The Work Continues In the wake of the fire First Pres was quick to respond to neighbors in need. Donations poured in for the victims,
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Pat and Ed Anderson
volunteers reported to the sites to help sift through the ashes and prayer warriors fervently prayed for God’s healing hand. Though the immediate focus of the long work of recovery has shifted, First Pres still plays an active role in helping those who lost homes to get back on track. And though it’s been nearly a year since the blaze, many who lost everything are still waiting to rebuild their lives and homes. Michelle Swanson, associate for local missions, continues to work with the recovery effort through the Long Term Recovery Group. Though recovery has been slow going, First Pres has provided a home for the Long Term Recovery Group since it began. That group decides how to distribute funds to
those who have unmet needs. Michelle works as part of that group, and First Pres provides office space, phones and computers to the Long Term Recovery Group. Some wonder why all the funds collected for Waldo Canyon Fire victims haven’t been dispersed in the year since the fire. Michelle notes that the Long Term Recovery Group is maintaining funds — and will for another year — because the full scope of needs isn’t yet apparent. “We still have 50 to 60 families who haven’t settled with the insurance company,” she said. “The insurance companies have up to two years to settle with the victims, and we anticipate that this group will have some of the biggest needs. So we’re holding on to some of the money until these families have settled.” Until the victims have settled their claims, the Long Term Recovery Group continues to serve as case managers for those who are trying to put their lives back together. Though it has been a tough process, the sense of community that has emerged through all this has been a blessing. “One of the beautiful things that’s come out of this is the way this community has come together, loved each other, cared for each other and blessed each other,” Michelle said. “There has been a sense that we take care of each other.” On Wednesday, June 26, there will be a community celebration at Mountain Shadows Park at 7 p.m. One Couple’s Story On Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Pat Anderson went out to trim some scrub oak in her yard. The air was thick with smoke, but she couldn’t see any flames. It was then that something happened — a cadre of butterflies swarmed toward and around her.
Driveway leadin g to location of Anderson’s
former home
Pat has always seen butterflies as one of the ways God speaks to her, and their appearance that morning was no different. Pat felt God was urging her to drop everything and go take a video of her home, so that’s what she did. She went in, armed with her cell phone, and began to take video footage of the inside of her home in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. By the time she got to the patio door she saw the flames crest the mountain and she knew why God had spoken to her. She quickly woke her husband, Ed, from his nap. They found their cat, packed as many belongings as they could into their truck and drove away from their house for the last time. The Andersons’ home was one of 346 claimed by the Waldo Canyon Fire. In the days immediately following their evacuation, while a friend put them up at a hotel in Cripple Creek, Ed and Pat clung to hope their home was still standing. Someone with a camera claimed to have seen their house, and calls to the home line went through to voice mail. That gave them hope the house was still standing. “We had some hope, but it turned out to be a false hope,” Ed said.
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e. nderson’s hom remains of A e th gh u ro ft th Volunteers si
Five days later, while attending a community meeting, Ed and Pat learned their home had been destroyed. A few days after that they returned to the site where their home had stood. There amidst it all were the gardening tools that Pat left behind when she felt God’s urging nearly two weeks earlier. As difficult as it is to lose a home, that is just part of a long journey for Ed and Pat that began nine months earlier — in September 2011. It was a Sunday afternoon when Pat went out to work in her yard. While she was out, she missed a step, fell and broke her left leg. Alone and outside, Pat called for help and a neighbor responded. He was able to get Ed’s attention indoors, and they went to the hospital. Pat learned she had broken her tibia and fibula. Despite the pain of that situation Pat said she felt the Spirit of the Lord comforting her and caring for her. That’s something she and Ed have continued to feel through all that has come since. Following their evacuation during the Waldo Canyon Fire and learning their house was among those lost Ed, Pat and their cat found temporary refuge in a friend’s condo. Soon after friends from First Pres — Jim and Kang Lee Brown — had space open in a rental home, which is where the Andersons moved. A little over a month after the fire, in August 2012, Pat went to a doctor’s 10 | www.first-pres.org 6/13
appointment that revealed some concerns. After additional tests Pat discovered she had early stage breast cancer. She underwent surgery and treatment in November and has since been given a clean bill of health. For some the prospect of health issues, a fire and the loss of a home would be enough to dampen their spirits. But through all the trials of the past two years the Andersons have felt their faith strengthened by the Lord. You really have to be thankful for the blessings of the Lord, for His goodness,” Ed said. “When everything is gone you look up; you look for His help because you have nothing else.” The experience has been made better, too, by the way the community, their friends and their First Pres family have surrounded them with love. The Andersons noted how grateful they’ve been for the gifts, meals and support they’ve received in the year following the fire. They noted that friends from First Pres, members of their Sunday School class, Becomers, and others have continued to reach out to them. Their biggest takeaway from the experience has been the way the Lord has provided for them. “He has taken care of us,” Ed said. “He has really walked beside us through this whole time,” Pat added. “The Lord has been great through all this. We are so much stronger now, and we’ll be able to minister to people in a new way.” The Andersons are still in the rental property, but they have plans for a new home and are hoping to begin laying the foundation this month. Matthew Fox is the Manager of Communications for First Pres.
Of Thee I Sing Wednesday, July 3 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary ★ Tickets - $5.00
An evening of celebration through: • patriotic favorites • praise and worship •s pecial music in remembrance of the Waldo Canyon Fire • r ecognition of military members, local firefighters and first responders
Tickets on sale June 10 at the Congregational Support Des
Tickets available at Congregational Support. For more information, call the Music Department at 719-884-6113. 6/13 | www.first-pres.org | 11
By Adam Holz
What do you think of when you hear the word godly? If I’m being honest, I have to admit that I’m attracted to this word and simultaneously intimidated by it. Godliness, after all, simply means reflecting the heart of the God we love, a God who is full of grace and truth. In a nutshell, it means becoming like God. That’s a quality all of us who long to follow Jesus want in increasing measure in our lives. At the same time, when I look at the flaws in my own heart, the goal of growing in this virtue can
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be elusive at best and downright discouraging at worst. I can easily find myself relating to the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7:21: “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” The distance between this desire to grow in godliness and the difficulty of actually moving toward it can feel pretty discouraging. So it’s helpful at this point to consider what Scripture has to say about our responsibility, as well as the role our heavenly Father plays, when it comes to growing in godliness.
On one hand, Scripture is concrete when it comes to our part in this growth process. Peter put it this way in his second epistle: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3-8) Peter teaches that God’s “divine power” is at work within us, and that as we experience God’s character through His glory, goodness and promises, it has a transformative influence upon our lives. But it’s not a passive process. Our responsibility: “Make every effort,” Peter exhorts, to grow in a list of character qualities he then defines. As followers of Christ our response is to strive continually toward goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, mutual affection, love and, yes, godliness. That striving, however, isn’t an attempt to establish righteousness or to earn God’s approval. Rather, our motivation to pursue God is based upon what He has already done for us. Peter mentions Scripture’s “very great and precious promises” about who God is and what He intends to do in us. And these promises remind us of God’s role in the process of our growth. In our struggle against sin and temptation, for instance, sometimes we fall. We stand in need of forgiveness and redemption. That’s
odliness, after all, simply means reflecting the heart of the God we love, a God who is full of grace and truth. where Paul picks up at the beginning of Romans 8, for instance, with his beloved promise about our deliverance from the wretched guilt of sin: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Our striving, our job to “make every effort,” is absolutely undergirded and empowered by the promises of God, that He has called and forgiven us, that He is at work to conform us to the likeness of His Son. Our task? Simply to keep coming back to the cross, appropriating the grace freely offered there, and to refuse the temptation to give up in the “wretched” moments in which it seems sin has won. As we do that and keep doing that, something happens to us: We become more and more like the God we serve. Not because we have finally rooted out every trace of sin from our hearts by dint of our own effort. But because God, in His limitless mercy, has conformed our character to His over the course of a lifetime. In the end, then, godliness isn’t a goal to be achieved, but a gift to be received as we diligently lay hold of His very great and precious promises. Adam Holz works as a writer and media reviewer for the Focus on the Family media Website www.pluggedin.com.
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Dive nto Summer at First Pres As school comes to a close and the temperatures heat up summer is upon us. At First Pres that means a host of activities, services and special events for the whole family. Take a look at what Summer has to offer at First Pres. Ascent Camps: To register for camps, visit www.first-pres.org/camps •U pward Bound, for students in third through sixth grades, June 2 to 7. Cost is $350 per camper. Upward Bound overnight camp is an incredible experience where campers can learn new skills, meet new friends, grow in their faith and spend time with positive and caring role models. Upward Bound is a great environment for campers away from home for the first time as well as seasoned campers who are back for another great week. • Summit Camp, for students in fifth through eighth grades, June 9 to 14. Cost is $350 per camper. Summit Overnight Camp provides community for campers where they are accepted and supported so they can concentrate on an incredible week of fun, friends and faith. The goal is to encourage and equip campers to make good choices and live out their faith so they can experience the full life that Jesus offers them. Summit also provides a great introduction to the Christian faith for all campers and provides positive role models who are always available to meet each camper’s individual needs. •U pbeat Music Camp, for students in third through eighth grade, June 24 to 28. Cost is $100 per camper. Upbeat is the perfect camp for kids who love to sing and act. Campers get an introductory experience working with 14 | www.first-pres.org 6/13
costumes, scenery and staging while focusing most of their efforts on choreography, singing and acting. The camp concludes with a performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28. •V acation Bible School, for kids age 4 through fourth grade, July 8 to 12. Cost is $10 per child. VBS takes place at a number of locations throughout Colorado Springs. For more information, call the Children’s Ministries Department at 884-6127.
Summer Music and Art Camps. For more information on any of the camps, or to register, visit www.first-pres.org/camps or call Marty Kelley at 719-884-6113 or e-mail mkelley@first-pres.org. •P iano Camp, July 8 to 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This camp focuses on musicians with the potential and aspiration to lead and assist in worship. This camp selects, by audition, 24 students between the ages of 12 years through college-age to participate in this special experience. The cost is $60. To audition, call Carol Jilling at 719-598-2689 or e-mail cajilling@ comcast.net.
•H andbell Camp, for third through 12th Grade, July 8 to 12, 9 a.m. to noon. The participants will be divided into groups according to ability. Instruction groups, directed by Jan Weiser, will meet at First Pres in the Adult Choir room and the Youth Choir room. Activities include bell ringing techniques and concert preparation. Snacks are provided. The cost for this entire week is only $15. For more information, call 719-884-6113 or e-mail jweiser@firstpres.org. •F ine Arts Workshop, for ages 12 and up, July 15 to 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Fine Arts Workshop is offered to 16 participants who are 12 years old and up and are interested in advancing their skills in drawing and painting. The camp will culminate with the students’ art exhibited in conjunction with the Orchestra Camp concert on the evening of Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. The cost of this camp is $80. All supplies as well as a daily snack are included. For information, call 719-8846113 or e-mail Marlene Kort at allkorts@aol.com. •O rchestra Camp, for middle school to college-age students, July 15 to 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This camp is for intermediate and advanced instrumentalists, middle school through collegeage. The camp will feature more than 100 musicians divided into three orchestras based on ability. The camp will conclude with a concert performance on Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. in the First Pres sanctuary and another concert on Sunday, July 21 at 6 p.m. at Village Seven Presbyterian Church. The cost of this camp, including a daily snack, is $80. Please bring your own lunch to this camp. For more information, call 719-884-6113 or e-mail Marty Kelley at mkelley@first-pres.org.
Special Events and Services: • A Father-Son rafting and camping trip will take place June 21to 23. Additionally, the Men’s Golf Classic will return at a date yet to be determined this summer. For more information on Men’s Ministries, call Ina Meyer at 719-884-6119 or e-mail men@firstpres.org. •F irst Pres Art Exhibition. The Plaza Gallery presents the First Pres Art Exhibition from Friday, May 3 to Monday, July 15. •A Compassion sponsor letter writing party will take place on Sunday, June 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Weber Street Center. Join other sponsors in writing. All supplies are provided, and we will take your photo to send. Bring your sponsor and child numbers. •“ Of Thee I Sing,” a patriotic tribute concert, will take place on Wednesday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the First Pres Sanctuary. Tickets will be available at Congregational Support, 884-6144. For more information, call the Music Department at 719-884-6113. •F eed My Starving Children MobilPack event will take place August 16 and 17. This is a great family event, as children 5 and over can participate with their parents or grandparents. Volunteers pack food for a two-hour shift and are asked to donate the cost of the food they pack. You can sign up at www.fmsc.org/mobilepack/ events#Colorado. All meals go to children in need around the world. 6/13 | www.first-pres.org | 15
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