Parent & Candidate Handbook
Class of 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
*Please Note: This booklet has double-sided pages
Confirmation: The Journey - What is It?.............................................................................Page 2 Confirmation – Schedule & Important Information..............................................................Page 3-4 Covenants of Baptism and Confirmation............................................................................Pages 5-8 Confirmation Covenants: Candidates, Parents, & Leaders…….............................................Page 8 Parent/Candidate Covenant Form…………………………………………………………………Page 9 House Leaders and Mentors……………………..................................................................Page 10 Attendance/Missed Class……………………………………………………………………..…Page 11 Confirmation………….........................................................................................................Page 11 Family Worship………… ………………………………………………………………………..Page 11 Google Classroom…………………………………………….................................................Page 11 Parent Volunteer Opportunities……………………………...................................................Page 11 Registration Forms…………………….................................................................................Page 11 Retreat…………………………………………………………………………………..…………Page 11 Meals……………………………………...............................................................................Page 12 Snow / Emergency Closing................................................................................................Page 12 Special Needs Youth.................................................................................... ....................Page 12 Worship Leader Project……………………….................................................................... Page 12 Youth Sunday……………………………………………………………………………...…….Page 12 Medical Issues ……………………………………………………………..……………………Page 13 Guidelines for Illness……………………............................................................................Page 13 Expectations for Behavior and Discipline……..………………………………………………Page 14 Contact Information…………………………………….........................................................Page 12
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WHAT IS CONFIRMATION: THE JOURNEY? Confirmation: The Journey is a 10-month faith journey for 8th grade and older students. Throughout The Journey, candidates and adult leaders spend time learning, sharing, serving, and having fun while growing in faith, knowledge, and discipleship together. This formation program consists of a Fall Retreat, a Spring Discipleship Weekend, 9 class sessions including 3 field trips, 4 mission experiences & Confirmation Rehearsal. The Worship Leader Project and engaging mission opportunites enrich this ever-deppening faith journey. At the end of the spring semester, candidates will have the opportunity to affirm their faith and the vows their parents & godparents made for them at baptism. If a candidate has not yet been baptized, they are invited to do so at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 11 at 7pm. A Note to Our Candidates: It is our prayer that you will grow in your understanding of God’s Word of and God’s gifts to all people: unconditional love, amazing grace and forgiveness. Through our sharing, prayer, study, and fellowship, you will discover the incredible gifts that God has given you and that God will bless you, lead you, and strengthen you to use those gifts. We pray that your actions, thoughts, and words will glorify God, and will reflect God’s love, and a blessing to all people. May God bless you and your family in this most wonderful part of your faith journey! CONFIRMATION CURRICULUM: We will be using “My Faith, My Life” Confirmation Curriculum, written by Jenifer Gamber and published by Church Publishing. This curriculum is rich with information and enrichment resources. To learn more, visit their website at: www.myfaithmylife.org.
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CONFIRMATION: THE JOURNEY SCHEDULE & IMPORTANT INFORMATION September 28-29, 2019 *RETREAT* TIME: 3:00 pm – 11:00 am LOCATION: Parish House October 13, 2019 TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: Hutchinson Room MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 1: Baptism and Confirmation: Beginnings October 27, 2019 *MENTOR SUNDAY & HARVEST FEST* TIME: 11:00am-2:00 pm LOCATION: Barn & Paddock November 10, 2019 TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: Hutchinson Room MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 2: The Bible: Stories about Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow November 24, 2019 TIME: 10:00am-1:00pm LOCATION: The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (6361 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151) MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 3: Knowing Our History December 8, 2019 *MENTOR SUNDAY & BE AN ANGEL PARTY* TIME: 11:00 am-2:00 pm LOCATION: MacColl Auditorium December 22, 2019 TIME: 12:30-2:00pm LOCATION: Hutchinson Room MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 4: Faith: What Do We Believe?
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January 5, 2020 TIME: 12:30-2:00pm LOCATION: Hutchinson Room MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 5: Worship: Responding to God’s Blessing
January 19, 2020 *MENTOR SUNDAY & PAC-A-THON + COA COOKING* TIME: 11:00am-2:00pm LOCATION: MacColl Auditorium February 7-9, 2020 *Happening - FOR HIGH SCHOOL CANDIDATES ONLY* TIME: TBD LOCATION: Claggett Center, Maryland February 23, 2020 TIME: 11:00am-2:00 pm LOCATION: St. Mark’s Church (1625 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 6: Sacraments: Signs of Grace March 8, 2020 TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: Haas Hall & Labyrinth MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 7: Spirituality: Created for Prayer March 22, 2020 TIME: 10:00am-2:00pm LOCATION: Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (23 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104) MFML CHAPTER: Ch. 8: Navigating the Church: From Local to Worldwide Church April 4, 2020 *PALM CROSS PROJECT* TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: MacColl Auditorium April 24-26, 2020 *New Beginnings - FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CANDIDATES ONLY* TIME: TBD LOCATION: Claggett Center, Maryland
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May 3, 2020 TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: Hutchinson Room MFML CHAPTER: The Mission of God: What’s Your Ministry? May 17, 2020 *MENTOR SUNDAY & REHEARSAL* TIME: 12:30-2:00 pm LOCATION: Haas Hall, Church May 31, 2020 *BREAKFAST WITH THE BISHOP AND CONFIRMATION DAY!* TIME: 9:00-11:30 am LOCATION: MacColl Auditorium
What is Happening? Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers, for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. The Happening program is meant to be one of the instruments within the Anglican Tradition of renewing the Christian church in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the church may more readily respond to its call to spread the Kingdom of God throughout the world. It seeks to achieve this purpose by bringing young persons and adults to a fuller personal knowledge and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to a deeper level of commitment and apostleship. The cost for the weekend is $95.
What is New Beginnings? A weekend retreat for youth aged twelve to fifteen designed to address spiritual and social needs in this age group. It was developed in the Diocese of Central Florida in the late 1980s. The aim is for those who attend to discover new things about themselves, their relationships, God, and the church. The weekend is designed to provide an atmosphere of openness where participants can ask questions and have the freedom to explore answers without fear of judgment. Another focus of New Beginnings is to provide some experiential training for adults who work with youth. A team of adults and teens plan and run the weekend. There are two adults who are called "Lead Adults," and at least one priest who is called the "Spiritual Director." Music and games are a very important part of the weekend. It is now in use in some other denominations. The cost for the weekend is $75.
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The Beginning of your Faith Journey: The Day you were baptized! GOD’S COVENANT WITH YOU � These are the VOWS that were made to God for you by your parents and sponsors at the time of Your Baptism: (taken from the Book of Common Prayer) Celebrant: The Candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be presented. Parents and Godparents: I present (name) to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Celebrant: Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life? Parents and Godparents: I will, with God's help. Celebrant: Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ? Parents and Godparents: I will, with God's help. Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children
Question Answer
Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? I renounce them.
Question Answer
Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? I renounce them.
Question Answer
Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I renounce them.
Question Answer
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do.
Question Answer
Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do.
Question Answer
Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
I do.
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After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? People
We will.
The Celebrant then says these or similar words
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant. The Baptismal Covenant Celebrant People
Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant People
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant People
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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.
Celebrant
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God's help.
People Celebrant People
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and , whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant People
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant People
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God's help.
People
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THE VOWS YOU WILL MAKE WHEN YOU AFFIRM YOUR BAPTISM (CONFIRMATION): Bishop: The Candidate(s) will now be presented. Presenters:
I present these persons for Confirmation.
The Bishop asks the candidates: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil. Candidate
I do.
Bishop: Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidate:
I do, and with God's grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.
After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? People
We will.
The Celebrant then says these or similar words
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant. The Baptismal Covenant Celebrant People
Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant People
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant People
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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.
Celebrant
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God's help.
People
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Celebrant People
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant People
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant People
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God's help.
Celebrant
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God's help.
People
CONFIRMATION: THE JOURNEY - FAITH COVENANTS As Leaders and Candidates we will: ❖ Make it our priority to attend Confirmation sessions. ❖ Be responsible to call if we are going to be absent ❖ Be prompt. ❖ Be well prepared, through prayer, study, and reflection. ❖ Be reliable. ❖ Be good listeners. ❖ Be flexible. ❖ Be trustworthy. ❖ Attend Worship and Educational opportunities regularly. ❖ Spend time in daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. ❖ Respect boundaries. ❖ We will respect issues of confidentiality in all instances except those which might affect the safety of the individual or others. We ask God to help and guide us. As Parents we will: ❖ Make it our priority for our child to attend Confirmation sessions ❖ Be prompt ❖ Be responsible to call if our child will be absent ❖ Review curriculum from missed class time with our child ❖ Discuss questions on required worksheet for missed classes with our child ❖ Assist our child with homework and Worship Notes ❖ Share our gifts and time serving as a parent volunteer ❖ Be reliable. ❖ Be good listeners. ❖ Be flexible. ❖ Be trustworthy. ❖ Attend Worship and Educational opportunities regularly. ❖ Spend time in daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. ❖ Respect boundaries. ❖ We will respect issues of confidentiality in all instances except those which might affect the safety of the individual or others. We ask God to help and guide us 9
CONFIRMATION COVENANT FOR PARENTS AND candidates * Each family will be given a copy of this Covenant to read, prayerfully consider, and sign. Please Print: __________________________________ AND _____________________________ Parent(s)’ Names Candidate’s Name We have been called by God to be a family. In Baptism, parents promise before God, to raise you in the Christian faith and life. This process of preparation for the child to affirm their own faith in Jesus Christ and membership in God’s Church is a very important milestone on the road of life-long Discipleship. St. Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh invites you to partner with our priests, adult leaders, to lend your strong support to The Journey by dedicating time each week to: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Continue fulfilling your promises in baptism Worship together as a family weekly Have candidate attend Sunday School on a regular basis Support candidate’s participation in worship as an acolyte, usher, chorister, or reader Review and discuss homework from missed classes. Be certain candidate completes and turns in handout regarding missed curriculum. ❖ Volunteer as a parent to be involved in one key area of service, help host Breakfast with the Bishop, and support the Confirmation program ❖ Call Erika Bower when a candidate must miss a class or any other Confirmation activity ❖ Pray for each other daily May God richly bless as you embark on The Journey. I promise to fulfill this covenant to the best of my ability. ______________________________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Signature(s) AND _______________________________________________________________ Candidate’s Signature
_____________________________ Date
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WHAT KIND OF PERSON IS A HOUSE LEADER AND/OR MENTOR? A House Leader and/or Mentor is a Christ centered adult who has exhibited their commitment as a Christian in the ways they share their God given gifts and blessings with others seeking to glorify God and to be a blessing to all people. They are an individual who is a joyful reflection of God’s love, a graceful and grace-filled example of God’s grace and forgiveness, and someone who really cares about YOU! WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A HOUSE LEADER? Your House Leader will: ❖ Pray for you each day ❖ Listen to your ideas, needs, and concerns ❖ Help to guide you in your faith journey ❖ Be an example to you of an individual who is deeply committed to God, to God’s people, and to YOU. ❖ Lead you in discussions about what you have studied that session and in the weeks before On occasion, House Leaders will have special projects to work on with you, individually and/or together such as: ❖ Service Projects ❖ House Fellowship events ❖ Sharing an opening or closing prayer for our sessions ❖ Serving in Worship in particular, serving at Sunday and Special worship services, such as Youth Sunday. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR? Your Mentor will: ❖ Pray for you each day ❖ Work together with you to find regular times when you can meet and get to know each other. ❖ Listen to your ideas, needs, and concerns ❖ Help to guide you in your faith journey ❖ Be an example to you of an individual who is deeply committed to God, to God’s people, and to YOU. ❖ Want to know YOU, where you are in your journey of faith and in all the regular Stuff of your life ❖ Be a person to go to when you have questions or need clarification. ❖ Attend Mentor Sundays & present you for Confirmation
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Attendance/ Missed Class: We encourage you to bring your candidate to each session as their commitment to this program is essential. Much is to be gleaned from group learning and sharing. Should the candidate be absent, please review with them the missed curriculum and complete any work that is required. Please bring the completed make-up assignment to class the next time you attend. Only 4 absences will be excused for the program year. Any candidates that miss 5 or more classes will need to meet with a member of the clergy to discern the next steps. *Curriculum for missed class will be available on Google Classroom. Confirmation: Each year, we celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to each of us and our candidates who have fulfilled the expectations of class attendance, Worship Leadership Project and participation have the opportunity to affirm for themselves the vows that were made for them at the time of their baptism. Confirmation is celebrated at the 10:00am Worship Service in the Church on May 31, 2020. The parents of the candidates host “Breakfast with the Bishopâ€? at 9:00am before the service. Family Worship: As Christians, worship is a most important part of our lives. We pray that you and your family experience the joy of worshipping together. Many families enjoy worshiping together at either the 10:00 am or 10:30 am services. Interwoven with all the things we learn, share, and do, we emphasize worship as a part of our daily lives and a part of our church life together. Google Classroom: Individual handouts with instructions with passwords for each student will be distributed in the welcome packet Confirmands will receive after registration. This online program enables us to communicate and share with each other. Class agendas, presentations, and links to YouTube and other video clips are included for each week. We might throw in some extra fun stuff just to see if you’re paying attention đ&#x;˜Š Parent Volunteer Opportunities: As you join and support your children on this journey of faith, we ask that you make a commitment to serve as a volunteer in at least one of the many volunteer opportunities we have for parents. A Parent Volunteer Sign Up link will be distributed to all parents. Thank you for prayerfully considering where you can best share your God-given gifts, time, and love with our youth and others! Registration Forms: To help us provide a safe and nurturing place for your children, we require all students to have completed Registration Forms before coming to class. Registration Forms are mailed to all prospective students whose families are members of our family of faith in mid-August of each year. They can also be found in the Narthex of the Main Church Entrance, and on our website: www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org/youth. These Registration Forms require a parent signature and will be kept in a locked place to ensure your privacy. Retreat: One of the highlights of our Confirmation: The Journey is our fall retreat. A weekend Retreat takes place in the Fall of each year. This Retreat features study, exploration, and fun! During the retreat, students will get to know each other and discuss what they hope to gain from the program.
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Meals: Each session, meals will be provided. Meals during on campus days are donated, set up, and cleaned up by parents who will be placed on a Meal Team Schedule by a parent Volunteer Meal Coordinator. Thank you for helping with meal time - a special treat each week and an opportunity for youth and adults to relax and socialize. Meals during off campus sessions will be held at a local restaurant. Snow/Emergency Closing: In cases of inclement weather that require us to cancel Confirmation, we will use email and social media to leave families a message that class has been cancelled. Should you have any questions about class being cancelled, please call Erika at the office at (215)233-3970x128. You may also call Erika on her cell phone: (469)274-3488. Special Needs Youth: We welcome youth with special needs and ask that their parents call Erika Bower, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry, to schedule a time when we can meet with them before their child attends class, so we can plan together how to best help their child become a happy and involved member of the class. Erika can be reached by email, phone or text. Worship Leader Project: As part of their Confirmation experience, candidates are expected to join the Worship Leaders team for the program year. The options to serve are acolyte, reader, or usher. Candidates that are already participating in the Chorister program will be exempt from this project with the understanding that they must have 80% attendance. Youth Sunday: Each year our youth have the opportunity to share their gifts by serving in worship. Youth, 6th through 12th grades, lead 10:00 am worship service on Youth Sunday, April 19, 2020. All youth should arrive no later than 9:30am. Preparation and rehearsal times will be added to the schedule when the date in confirmed. Generally, Youth Sunday is held on the Sunday following Easter. All confirmation students are required to participate in Youth Sunday as a preacher, acolyte, usher, greeter, or reader. MEDICAL ISSUES Allergies: Parents of children who have allergies to food, insects, or other allergens are asked to share that information on their child’s Confirmation Registration Form. The information provided will be confidentially shared with the appropriate adults. Medications: If your child is taking a medication you feel we should be aware of, please share that information on your child’s Registration Form. The information provided will be confidentially shared with the appropriate adults.
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GUIDELINES FOR ILLNESS - CONFIRMATION CLASS and WORSHIP LEADER PROJECT ATTENDANCE: The health of your family is important to us! These Guidelines for Attendance have been implemented as a way of helping all who join us in Confirmation stay healthy. Thank you for reading them and following them! Please use these guidelines when you are trying to decide whether your candidate should attend Confirmation if he/she is feeling ill. We ask that teachers and other volunteers use these same guidelines for themselves - as we want to share God’s Word and love in Confirmation - but not the kinds of viruses, infections that are easily transmitted to others! Please do not send your candidate to Confirmation if he/she has a cold with symptoms of green or yellow mucus discharge which indicate that your child might have a contagious infection. Please note the following guidelines for specific illnesses when considering whether to send your child to Confirmation class or Worship Leader Project: • • • • • • • them.
Fever: Fever free for 24 hours Diarrhea/Vomiting: Free of onset for 24 hours Conjunctivitis, ringworm, strep throat, impetigo: 24 hours after treatment begins Measles: 6 days after onset of rash. Mumps: 9 days after onset of swelling Chicken Pox: 6 days after onset of rash or after all lesions are crusted Headlice: Please notify Erika if your child has head lice, as soon as you have detected
Thank you for following these guidelines! We pray that they will help us provide a healthy environment where your children can learn about and experience the Good News of God’s love.
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EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE: As brothers and sisters in Christ, we strive to treat each other with love, grace, kindness, and respect. We pray that our children and youth experience the love and grace of our Lord in all our ministries at St.Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh. We pray they will share love, grace, kindness and respect with others. Much time is spent together sharing how Jesus wants us to live and to behave - as He so graciously did in His time on earth. Our priests and leaders prayerfully strive to be loving examples of Christ - like behavior. Discipline will be handled with love and respect for the candidate. Gentle reminders and in some cases separation from the group may be implemented. Candidates who require separation from the group will have an opportunity to settle and to talk about how we are called to behave with a leader. Behaviors that do not respond to these methods will be discussed with the candidate’s parent. Parents are always welcome to discuss these and any other issues with our priests, our leaders, or our Children & Youth Minister. CONTACT INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW: We are always happy to speak with you! Please feel free to call! Church Office: 215-233-3970 Rev. Paul Briggs, Interim Rector: (W) 215-233-3970 x 120 E-Mail: pbriggs@stthomaswhitemarsh.org (C) 860-384-9193 Erika Bower, Children & Youth Minister: (W) 215-233-3970 x 128 E-Mail: ebower@stthomaswhitemarsh.org (C) 469-274-3488 *text to be added to GroupMe Youth Chat* Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @stwyouth Website: www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org *PLEASE NOTE* As soon as we have received all our Registration Forms, we will print and distribute a complete listing of all students and leaders. This listing will include names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
Space for Notes and Personal Reminders: ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ (updated June 2019)
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