GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing HYMN 514 O Word of God Incarnate
CONFESSION
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Kneeling or seated
Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.
Standing GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
KYRIE
Mark Helsel, cantor
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
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Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
HYMN OF PRAISE
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PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
O Lord God, tireless guardian of your people, you are always ready to hear our cries. Teach us to rely day and night on your care. Inspire us to seek your enduring justice for all this suffering world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
Please use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests.
WORD
God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached. Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
THE FIRST READING Genesis 32:22 31 Gayle Morgan, lector
Returning to the home he had fled many years before after stealing his brother’s birthright and his father’s blessing, Jacob wrestles all night long with a divine adversary who ultimately blesses him and changes his name to “Israel,” a name that means “he wrestles with God.”
The same night [Jacob] got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he
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blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 121 Refrain:
I lift up my eyes | to the hills; from where is my | help to come?
My help comes | from the LORD, the maker of heav- | en and earth. The LORD will not let your | foot be moved nor will the one who watches over you | fall asleep. Behold, the keep- | er of Israel will neither slum- | ber nor sleep; Refrain
the LORD watches | over you; the LORD is your shade at | your right hand; the sun will not strike | you by day, nor the | moon by night.
The LORD will preserve you | from all evil and will | keep your life. The LORD will watch over your going out and your | coming in, from this time forth for- | evermore. Refrain
THE SECOND READING
2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
The writer of this letter continues his instruction of Timothy, his younger colleague in ministry, by emphasizing the importance of faithful teaching despite opposition.
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But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 18:1-8
Jesus tells a parable of an unjust judge who is worn down by a widow’s pleas. Jesus is calling God’s people to cry out for justice and deliverance. For if an unethical judge will ultimately grant the plea of a persistent widow, how much more will God respond to those who call.
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
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Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Jonathan Trapp
the Complicated Questions
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Seated SERMON Pastor
Standing HYMN Ask
Used by permission www.onelicense.netA725004
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Seated
WELCOME and INSTALLATION of ALEXA SHOEMAKER BROOKS
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
In gratitude and humility, let us join together in prayer on behalf of all of God’s creation.
For all the baptized, that they become skilled in compassion and grace and equipped to share the good news with all. Grant your followers persistence in proclamation and prayer. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
For air and sky, clouds and sun, that they provide rain to parched land and relief to flooded ground. Renew and restore our polluted atmosphere and empower us to be worthy stewards of creation. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
For judges, juries, and all who work in the judicial system, that they desire wisdom, seek truth, rule with fairness, and have the courage to do what is right. Eliminate oppression and injustice in our criminal justice system. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
For all who are lonely, especially those who have newly arrived in an unfamiliar city or country, political prisoners without recourse to justice, hospital patients without visitors, and any who are ill or grief-stricken. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
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For those in our congregation and community engaged in advocacy work (local ministries may be named), that with the persistence of the widow, they lift their voices in seeking justice on behalf of others. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
For those who have taught us faith and now rest in your heavenly peace (especially), that we remember and give thanks for these saints who shared the gospel through word and deed. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
With grateful hearts we commend our spoken and silent prayers to you, O God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you.
Please let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church.
THANKSGIVING
Seated MISSION MOMENT: STEWARDSHIP TEMPLE TALK Richard Spady
GATHERING OF GIFTS
Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer.
ANTHEM O Shall I Raise My Eyes from King David Arthur Honegger The Redeemer Choir
O shall I raise my eyes unto the mountains, from whence shall come my help? The Lord shall guide thy steps going and coming, from henceforth, evermore. He shall not suffer thy foot to be moved, for he is on high, watching and waiting. The Lord who is thy keeper neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
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OFFERING PRAYER
Gracious God, in your great love you richly provide for our needs. Make of these gifts a banquet of blessing, and make us ready to share with all in need; through Jesus Christ, who sets a table for all. | Amen
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Honor and glory be to you, Lord God of all the ages; we give you thanks for the joy of your creation, and praise for your liberating love.
Searching and yearning God, you enter the wilderness and sweep the dark corners of our world because you hate nothing that you have made and long to draw us back to your heart. In Christ Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners, to welcome them, and to eat with them. You spread a table in our sight and invite us to join you in glory.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Now send down your Holy Spirit, that your people who have strayed like lost sheep may dwell in the paths of righteousness and that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
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Find those who are lost; reach any who have strayed; pursue all who seem determined to wander further and further from your fold.
Heal your earth; where the fruitful land is waste and void, where the mountains are quaking, and the birds of the air have fled, bring hope, transformation, and deliverance.
Redeem your creation in the power of your Spirit and draw all things through the free gift of your Son into the glory of your presence, now and forever. | Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ invites you to this table. Come, taste and see. Seated
All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link
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14 HYMN 748 O God in Heaven Used by permission www.onelicense.netA725004 HYMN 775 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | God of the abundant table, you have refreshed our hearts in this meal with bread for the journey. Give us your grace on the road that we might serve our neighbors with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
God, who gives life to all things and frees us from despair, bless you with truth and peace. And may the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, guide you always in faith, hope, and love. | Amen.
HYMN 769 If You but Trust in God to Guide You
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SENDING
Go in peace, with Christ beside you. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Fugue in G Major, BWV 577
From sundaysandseasons.com.
J.S. Bach (1685 1750)
© 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God in in loving memory of Albert A. Liabastre by his family.
The Sims Atrium flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of our son, Wells’ 2nd birthday by Brian and Whitney Ludvigsen.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for October 9: In person: 161, Livestream: 160, Facebook: 22
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Master Planning Update
Thank you for making the Visioning and Programming phase of our Master Planning process a success! Through over 700 congregation-wide participant hours, we shared our ideas to envision a future for Redeemer that is welcoming, active, and rooted in our mission to be the hands and feet of Christ in our Midtown community and beyond. This time does not even include the dedicated Management Team hours outside of the Visioning Sessions in preparation of the meetings, interfacing with the consultants and Midtown neighbors. Our conversations converged around common themes that will transform our campus into a place that will inspire and empower us to achieve our vision and move Redeemer forward into the next century. Our consultants are hard at work compiling data and dreams before we move into the next phase of our process-Concept & Master Planning. We look forward to sharing the results with you soon!
The Council Nominating Committee would like to thank those of you who submitted names for consideration and to those of you who expressed an interest in serving Redeemer. This year’s Council nominees are: John Thomas, Alisa Norvelle, Don Noland, Leith Fitch, Ann Ridenour, Bob Gibeling, Doug Dumont, Jeff Guthrie, Shelia Brock, and Brian Ludvigsen.
16 Used by permission www.onelicense.netA725004
Copyright
reserved.
Calling all Pets! Animal Blessing at Rejoicing Spirits Worship
Today at 3:30, we will meet on the Redeemer green to worship together and bless the animals that enrich our lives. All types of pets are welcome (with leash or appropriate container please). If your pet cannot attend in person, feel free to bring a photo or other object to represent them, which we will bless in their place. Either way, you will go home with a certificate honoring your pet. Invite a friend and join us!
Monster Mash Candy Drive
We are gearing up for Halloween fun again this year! You can help us provide this safe and fun Halloween event for children and their families by donating candy and party favors from now to October 19th. Please choose only from the Amazon list at this link, which will be shipped directly to the church. See Deacon Mary with questions.
YOUTH
Middle School Youth Mission Trip and High School Youth Mission Trip
The votes are in! Our Middle School Youth will head to Bayou La Batre in Summer 2023, and our High School Youth will head to Puerto Rico in Summer 2023.
Mark your calendars-Middle School Parents Gathering on Sunday, October 16 from 10:00 AM10:45 AM in the library.
Our Middle School Youth will gather for our Middle School Youth Group on Sunday, October 16 after 11 AM worship. We will head to Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes Park in Atlanta.
Our High School Youth will gather for our High School Youth Group on Sunday, October 23 after 11 AM worship. We will head to Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze for some fellowship time. Please RSVP to Hillary by Friday, October 21 for planning purposes.
Mark your calendars! Our Kringles Fundraiser starts Sunday, November 6.
YOUNG ADULTS
Young Adult Small Group
Our fall series continues with the book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, led by group member Robert Boyd. We meet from 10-10:45 in Katy’s Corner (corner of the upstairs hallway near the front elevator with comfy chairs). Reading in advance is not required. Join any week!
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Monster Mash and Pipe Screams
Mark your calendar for Friday, October 28 from 5:45-8 pm for some Halloween fun! We will start with carnival games outside (weather permitting), head into Sims atrium for dinner, then the sanctuary for the Pipe Screams concert. After the concert, we will go back outside for music, popcorn, party games and of course, CANDY! Costumes are encouraged for all ages but not required. Dinner is free, though donations are optional. RSVP is not required. Bring a friend!
First Grade Faith Stepping Stone
On October 23 and 30 and November 13, the First grade class will meet to learn about the Lord’s Prayer in room 207. We’ll also discuss what prayer is, why and how we pray, and how prayer helps us grow in faith. There will be a blessing on November 13 at the late service (tentatively).
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MUSIC
“PipeScreams” Concert - Friday, October 28 at 7:00 pm. All ages are invited to this free familyfriendly concert of spooky music performed by organists Kira Garvie and Sarah Hawbecker. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. The organ console will be out, and you will see and hear the organ differently than on a Sunday morning. Whether you’ve attended a hundred organ concerts, or this is your first one, it will be a howling good time!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
New Member Class continues | 10-10:45 am
People interested in joining Redeemer will begin a 5 week series of new member classes in which we will get to know one another, Redeemer, and the Lutheran faith. If you are interested in participating in class, please register here.
Sign up for Keystone Time Together Tuesday, October 25th at 12-2pm
Join us for an uplifting 30-minute worship service with communion in the sanctuary followed by lunch and fellowship. Lunch will be provided as a free will offering. Please RSVP at this link TODAY so we can make sure there is enough food for everyone.
JOIN THE REDEEMER TEAM WALK TO RAISE SUICIDE AWARENESS
Sunday, November 6th at 2 pm, Piedmont Meadow. The Atlanta Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a powerful event for the community to come together and support survivors of suicide and people who have lost loved ones through suicide. Dogs on a leash and kids/strollers are welcomed. Food trucks will be there too! Register here or sign up in the Sims atrium at the welcome desk.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Biblical Stewardship | October 16 | 10:00 AM -10:45 AM | Conference Room
Pr. Jonathan leads a study of what Biblical Stewardship looks like for us now using resources from Augsburg Fortress.
Keystone: Toni Morrison's Civil War Matriarch Baby Suggs | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Rudisill/Zoom
Please join Dr. Jay Lutz as he presents a series of three classes, sponsored by Redeemer’s Keystone 65+ Ministry, open to all in our congregation on October 23rd, and November 6th at 10 AM in Rudisill Hall, discussing Toni Morrison’s book, Beloved.
COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT
Lutheran Towers 50th Anniversary!
Lutheran Towers Sunday is November 14th and we’re celebrating their 50th anniversary for the entire month of November.
You can help our Lutheran Towers neighbors by donating much needed items in boxes provided outside Redeemer’s library. Check out the wish list below or go to https://www.lutherantowers.org/resident-wishlist/:
Blankets
Dish soap Canes
Grabbing tools
Shopping carts
Personal hygiene items
Non-skid slipper
Gift cards for Kroger, Publix & Trader Joes
Laundry Detergent
Bed clothes
TP/paper towels
Trash bags
Dishes
Pots & pans
Reading glasses
Swiffer dusters
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Sunday, October 16, 2022
Event Time Location Worship
Confirmation Large Group
High School SS Sing and Play
Be Still and Journey
Biblical Stewardship
Middle School Parents
Mindfulness Class New Members Class YA Small Group
Confirmation Small Groups Coffee with Pastor MS Youth Group Memorial Service for Al Liabastre
Rejoicing Spirits & Pet Blessing
Monday, October 17
9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
In person/ Livestream
Rudisill Hall
Youth Lounge
Fireside Room Room 119 Conference Room Library Room 121 Reception/Zoom
Katie’s Corner
Various Rooms Sims Atrium Off Site Sanctuary
Redeemer Green/Zoom
Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
7:30 AM 9:30 AM
Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, October 18 Morning Bible Study Reads and Reels
Pr Jonathan book study Council Mtg
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Zoom
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Wednesday, October 19
Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night dinner
Faithful Hands Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Worship Redeemer Ringers Choir rehearsal
Thursday, October 20
Lectionary Study Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group
4:00 PM 5:00 PM
4:45 PM – 6:15 PM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM
5:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM -7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 119
Rudisill Hall Room 204 Room 203 Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Hall
Zoom Zoom Zoom
19 Calendar for October 16 – October 22, 2022 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Georgia
The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor, ext. 201
The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner
for Community Engagement, ext. 203
The Rev. Jonathan Trapp Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
The Rev. Jenny McLellan Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224
STAFF
Bob Boyd
Kofi Broadnax
Alexa Brooks
Seth Brown
Michael Clarke
Robin Durdin
Kate Elkins
Kira Garvie
David Hansen
Sarah Hawbecker
Deacon Mary Houck
Jennifer Isaacson
Hillary Nelson
Stacey Williams
Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232
Administrator, ext. 210
Receptionist, ext. 200
Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218
LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org
Office Administration Director, ext. 204
Preschool Director, ext. 252
Organ Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org
Adult Choral Director, ext. 236
Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206
Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227
Financial Information Director, ext. 237
Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org
Head of Security
20 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta,
30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
Pastor
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