July 2014 newsletter

IN THI S I SSU E :

Church Announcements ...........................................page 2 Church-wide Calendar ................................................page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross ..........................................page 4 Summer Activities........................................................page 5 Highlights from Honduras ............................................page 6 Music Ministry .........................................................page 9 Adult Discipleship ......................................................page 10 Student Ministry .....................................................page 11 Senior Saints Ministry .............................................page 12 Children’s Ministry ...................................................page 15 Preschool Ministry....................................................page 16 FBC School -The Lion’s Roar .......................................page 17 Special Announcements...........................................page 18 From Troy’s Heart ...................................................page 19

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 8 - November 3, 2014 This Class will be meeting on Monday’s @ 6:30pm, Sycamore House www.daveramsey.com/fpu/ locations/org/4819/class/255482 Facilitated by Dave & Kacy Kuespert

CHURCH STAFF

Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org

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Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Lindee Knowles, Graphic Design / Media lknowles@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Fritz, School Administrator nfritz@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org

CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR JULY:

June 28 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 6 July 6 July 11-13 July 12 July 14 July 14 July 23 July 23 July 27 July 30

Mission Arlington - 5th & 6th Grade - July 4 Personnel Meeting at 6pm in Sycamore House Garage Family Picnic on the 33 Acres - 6:30pm Joy Class at 2pm Sycamore House Church office closed for holiday Student Life Camp - July 12 Deacons Meeting 2pm in room 111 Music Minister candidate coming in view-of-a-call Choir practice -10am, Praise Team practice - 2pm Finance Committee Meeting at 6:30pm Kid’s Kamp at Camp Tejas - July 18 Coffee with the Pastor at 6pm in the Gym Drive-In Movie at 8pm - FBC Sanctuary Parking Lot Business Meeting at 5pm in the Gym Family Pool Party - 7pm - Blue Bell Aquatic Center

Aug 3 Aug 5 Aug 5 Aug 6-7 Aug 15 Aug 16 Aug 18 Aug 18 Aug 20 Aug 24

Deacons Meeting 2pm in room 111 Joy Class at 2pm Sycamore House Personnel Committee 6pm - Sycamore Garage 2:4 The Mission - overnight at Klubhouse & Gym Small Group Clelbration 6:30pm - Gym Small Group Leader Training - 8:30am in the Gym Financial Peace Class Info 6:30pm, Sycamore House Finance Committee Meeting at 6:30pm Back 2 Skool Partee - Kid’s Klub - 5:30pm Promotion Sunday (Movin’ On Up - 1st grade, 12:00pm - Gym)

AUGUST:

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.

First Baptist Church Contact Info: Phone: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834 email: info@fbc-brenham.org LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH & SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs

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FROM PASTOR ROSS

I am excited to announce that the Music Minister Search Committee and I have unanimously agreed to extend an invitation to a candidate to come in-view-of-a-call as our next music minister. We believe God has led us to this candidate, and the good news is that the candidate and his family agree! The candidate and his family will be here the weekend of July 11-13. I believe you will be blessed in getting to know this man and his family. I also believe he will lead our worship services and the entirety of our music ministry well if he becomes our next music minister. The candidate has a passion and appreciation for corporate worship in its varied musical styles. In addition, he has a sound philosophy for how God can use the music ministry of the church. Here is some important information you need to know: July 11-13 Schedule: • Friday Night, July 11: 6:30 pm in the Gym: light meal and Q-and-A with the candidate. Childcare will be provided.

• Saturday, July 12: 10:00 am: Choir practice with the candidate in the Sanctuary 2:00 pm: Praise team practice with the candidate in the Sanctuary • Sunday Morning, July 13: There will be a special called business meeting at the end of each morning service on July 13. All members present who are at least 16 years old will be given the opportunity to do a ballot vote. Approval requires a 2/3 majority vote of the members present on July 13.

• The name and information about the candidate will be mailed to church members on Monday, July 7. The information will also be available in the church office starting Monday, July 7. We need to wait until the week of July 7 in order to protect the confidentiality of the candidate in his present church. The deacons will receive information about the candidate in the deacon’s meeting on July 6 at 2:00 pm.

• If he is approved, his first Sunday with us will be August 17.

• As we prepare, the most important thing we can do is pray: for our church, the candidate and his family, and the church he will potentially be leaving.

Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor.

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-Ross

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS THIS SUMMER

JU LY

July 2: Church Family Picnic at the New Property • • • •

Bring drinks, chairs, blankets and games or balls if you like.

Hamburgers and hotdogs will be grilled by our deacons.

Sunday School Classes will be bringing assigned food items.

Time and Location: 6:30 pm at our new 33 acre property across from Tractor Supply on Market St. • No choir practice.

• All ages are invited!

July 9

• 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Choir practice and adult Bible studies.

• No potluck dinner and no children or youth ministries.

July 16

• 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Choir practice and adult Bible studies.

• No potluck dinner and no children or youth ministries.

July 23: Family Movie Night

• 6:00: Choir practice.

• 6:30: Coffee with the Pastor to go over questions about the July 27th business meeting.

• 7:00: Potluck dinner in the Gym. Please bring a main course, side, or dessert to share with the group.

• 8:00: Movie in the Sanctuary parking lot.

• What to bring? Bring a chair!

• All ages are invited!

July 30: Church Family Pool Party

• 6:00: Choir practice.

• Time and location: 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center (outside pool only).

• Church will provide desserts.

• Please wear appropriate swimming attire.

• All ages are invited!

For more information on these events, please call the church office: 979-836-2807 or visit our website: www.fbc-brenham.org or find us on Facebook!

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM HONDURAS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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PHOTOS FROM THIS SUMMER

GIRLS GRILLIN COMPETITION!

WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY

CHOIR & PRAISE TEAM REHEARSALS

PLEASE CHECK OUR WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES PAGE FOR SPECIAL REHEARSAL DATES & TIMES THIS SUMMER! WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A PART OF OUR PRAISE & MEDIA TEAM FOR THE 11:00 SERVICE? Volunteers are needed to help with sound, computer presentation, and video. Please contact Ross Shelton if you are interested.

If you are a singer or musician interested in participating on the praise team, please contact Chad Marrs.

MUSIC MINISTER CANDIDATE COMING IN-VIEW-OF-A-CALL

THE WEEKEND OF JULY 11-13 Please be in prayer for this candidate and our congregation as we take this step in the process of finding our next Music Minister.

More information will be sent out by mail on Monday, July 7th.

JOIN US SUNDAYS

8:30 am - Traditional Service 9:45 am - Bible Study 11:00 am - Contemporary Service

TUNE IN YOUR RADIO Listen to our service every Sunday @ 10:00am on KWHI AM 1280

TURN ON YOUR TV

Watch the Traditional Service every Sunday @ 8:30am - Cable Channel 9 9

ADULT MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES

At BFBC we offer fifteen different Sunday Morning Bible Studies for YOU! Each Sunday @ 9:45am, you will find people eager to meet you and engage you in friendly discussions of faith and life from the Bible.

Marriage Builders - Family Ties (young couples/families) Agape (various ages) Virtuous Women (Ladies - various ages) Life Applications (various ages) Family Life Class (various ages) Choices (various ages) CSI: Brenham (Open to All) College Class (young adults)

Adult 1 (Sr. Adults) •Joy (Ladies) •Friendship (Ladies) •Scripture Searchers (Men) Adult 2 (Sr. Adults - all ages) •Hope Class (Ladies all ages) •Covenant Keepers Adult 3 ( 60’s) Adult 4 (50’s & 60’s) Adult 5 (50’s)

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY & HOME TEAM LEADER TRAINING Saturday, August 16 9:00am-12:00pm in the Gym All small group leaders in all ministry areas from Preschool to Adult will meet for inspiration and training as we begin a new year of Sunday Bible Study and Home Teams.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN JULY 2nd 9th

16th

23rd

30th

Church Family Picnic at the New Property – 6:30pm Adult Bible Study - Pastor’s Class, rm. 112 & Heroes of the Faith, rm. 111-6:30 Adult Bible Study-Pastor’s Class, room 112 & Heroes of the Faith, room 111-6:30 Coffee w/the Pastor @ 6:30pm, Potluck Meal @ 7:00pm, Parking Lot Movie @ 8:00 Church Family Pool Party @ Blue Bell Aquatic Center – 7:00pm

Marriage Tune Up 2 Conference w/Jeff & Debbie McElroy – Friday, January 30-February 1, 2015 – If you would like to help serve on one of the following teams, contact Troy Sikes @ 979-836-2807 - Publicity, Registration, Hospitality, Greeters, Food Service & Prayer. We will have our first coordinating team meeting in September.

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STUDENT MINISTRY

We had an amazing time in Honduras last week! Out of the 8 trips I’ve taken to Honduras this was the BEST! I witnessed many of our students and adults doing something that they have never done before in the name of Jesus. Over the course of the week in Honduras the Holy Spirit kept bringing to mind the word “perseverance”. With each trip I’ve taken to Honduras I’ve met many new people, but I also get to see some of the same people from year to year. They recognize me and I recognize them. It is amazing to walk up the mountain and into villages and know people there.

Three years ago one of my students shared the gospel with an older man in the village. Though his wrinkled and weathered face was friendly, his heart was hardened to the gospel. He simply could not break free of his works-based religion even though he understood he needed a Savior. Last year I saw him again and it was the same story as one of our students shared the gospel once again. When I saw him again this year (for the 3rd time), it was obvious he had been ill for some time…living by himself. Carter Schwartz was on my team that day as we approached his house. I had told our students what had happened the past two years. When we arrived the man was running a fever and Carter offered him some Tylenol and water. The man gulped the water, obviously dehydrated.

Carter began to share the gospel with him and he was listening intently. Carter asked him if he would like to ask Jesus to be the Lord of his life he said yes. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion at seeing this miracle before me. This was such a beautiful example of how meeting a physical need, showing compassion and never giving up hope can allow us to be a part of God’s work. God’s timing is perfect…. I look forward to maybe taking you next year!

In Him, - Bro. Chad

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Student Life Camp - July 6-12 Please be in prayer for our students as we leave for Student Life camp in Colorado. Pray that their lives would be changed for the kingdom and come back to Brenham with an impacting power.

We are still in need of a couple of camp scholarships. If you feel led to help this ministry there are several ways to help. A full scholarship is $509.

A half scholarship would be $254.50. A quarter scholarship would be $127.25.

Any amount will be prayed over and applied where there is the greatest need.

We are looking for someone who has a desire to teach 11th & 12th grade Sunday School class. Please contact Chad Marrs if interested

Church family thank you for all your prayers as we were in Honduras, You played an important role in our trip.

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SENIOR SAINTS NEWS

One Nation Under God! CELEBRATE OUR JULY BIRTHDAYS! Margaret Cothern LuAn Yarnold Wanda Cartwright Loretta Davis Sandra Kay Winkelman L.J. Grauke Swepson Armour Flo Blevins Carolyn Robertson

7/1 7/1 7/2 7/5 7/5 7/7 7/8 7/11 7/12

Virginia Porter Kathy Markward Laurece Maresh David Ruley Kathy Standley Aleta Thistlethwaite Jim Turner Linda Upchurch Sandy Batt

7/13 7/14 7/18 7/19 7/19 7/22 7/23 7/26 7/28

SR. ADULT VBS - THANK YOUS!

Sending out a big thank you to everyone who helped us pull off our 2nd Sr. Adult VBS! With people like Martha Haydon, Chad Marrs, Sara Byman, Kelly Sikes, Merlene Schumacher and Cindy & Gary Mason, the week couldn’t help but go smoothly. Also, a huge thanks to the Family Life, Agape, Family Ties, Life Applications and Choices Sunday Bible Studies for providing delicious food each day. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for next year!!

Attention Senior Saints! We are forming a team to help plan, organize and implement ministry activities for Sr. Saints in 2014-15. If you are interested in serving, please contact Troy Sikes @ 979-836-2807.

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Friends,

As I sit down to write this morning I am thinking of the upcoming holiday we celebrate in America every July 4, our independence. I along with many Americans are saddened at the path our countries leaders are taking our country. As I was thinking about this it took me back to when I was a kid and attended vacation Bible school every summer for two whole weeks.

It was like concentrated Sunday School and we learned a lot of Bible during that two weeks. As I was back there in my memories, I began to think about the pledges we said every morning in the chapel time. Let me refresh them for you.

Pledge to the Christian Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands, one brotherhood uniting all Christians in service and love.” This was written in 1908 by Methodist Minister Lynn Harold Hough.

Pledge to the Holy Bible: “I pledge to the Bible, God’s Holy word, and will take it as a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path, and hide its words in my heart that I may not sin against God.” This was written by Charles Overton.

This brought me to this scripture found in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15.

“If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

What a promise that is, and isn’t it about time we begin to take some responsibility in our country’s status and do something to turn it back around to God. Even if you are unable to get out and about as you once could, you can call on God from wherever you are and pray for our country and our leaders as well. Sometimes we put limits on what God can do, but that is not what the Bible teaches. I teach preschoolers in Sunday School, and this month we are learning that God’s Word (the Holy Bible) is better than Gold and a treasure to keep in our hearts our whole life. Sometimes I think as seniors we forget that, but it is the same for all no matter your age.

My prayer for us is that we take a more active part in praying for our church and its leaders, our families, our country and its leaders, our military who guarantee us the freedom to worship as we please. Celebrate independence in a great way this year!

Blessings, Reba Pair 13

IMAGES FROM VBS 2014!

Thank you to all who helped make VBS a success!

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY BFBC Kids Klub Monthly Virtue: Friendship Treating others the way you want to be treated.

Good morning everyone. I just flew in from Honduras, and boy, are my arms tired (rimshot). Seriously though, Honduras was a phenomenal experience again. Thank you to my church family for allowing me to go for a second year. I know that I went to serve and run VBS, but I believe I received more than I gave.

In preparation I began running again. I wanted to start running after spring break, but, like any well-intended plan, 12 weeks quickly dwindled to one. I guess things got too busy. Nicole goes to college, works two part time jobs, and four kids means four different schedules. With the summer approaching, running found its way to the bottom of my priority list.

With one week until the trip, I buckled down and ran each day. I’m glad that I did.

It got my legs loosened up for the hiking that we would encounter sharing the gospel in the mountains. However, it did not prepare my lungs for the thinner air. Maybe if I started sooner, it would have made a better difference.

Funny thing, I met people who felt the same way, but not physically - spiritually.

My testimony includes my decision to follow Christ when I was eight. I met people who made their decision to follow less than eight years ago. Although they were happy they decided to follow Jesus, they mentioned they wished they had done so earlier. Still, they loved Jesus and were living for Him. I met others who knew they needed Christ in their life, but were holding out. They said that they weren’t ready. I pleaded with them to not hesitate any longer.

Why wait to have the joy of a relationship with Christ? Maybe life is too busy - kid’s schedules, school, work, house repairs or keeping the lawn mowed. Now, I’m addressing us here in the states. What is keeping us from living a life that follows Christ?

You might know Him as Savior, but the pressures and busyness of life are keeping you from following His will. Maybe you’re not ready to start a relationship. Let me tell you, your life will be the best when you are in a right relationship with Christ – no matter what pressures are pressing in on you. So, why wait? Start running with Jesus today. It’s a lot easier than trying to run up a mountain.

-Bro. Alex

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES • The OuterMission for InnerMission: June28-July 5th, 5th & 6th graders will go to Mission Arlington for a week of missions.

• Camp Tejas: iServe.2014 “Lovin Like Jesus”, July 14-18, Kid’s Camp for 3rd-6th grade students, Sign-up and fundraising is in full swing.

• 2:4 The Mission: August 6-7, 1pm-1pm, 24 hours of mission fun, games and projects for 1st & 2nd graders.

Contact Alex Morrison for more info - amorrison@fbc-brenham.org

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNINGS IN JULY

Basic Truth: God Made Me. God Loves Me. Jesus Wants to Be My Friend Forever.

Key Question: What is better than gold?

Bottom Line: The Bible is better than gold!

Memory Verse: “Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 NCV

AHO Y Everyone!

Well we have been having a great time on our pirate adventure. And, we are not quite ready to dock just yet. We are still sailing around searching for all those amazing treasures, learning that the Bible is better than gold. So far we have learned that God’s teachings are worth more than thousands of pieces of gold or silver (Psalm 119:72).

We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). God loves me all the time. No matter what I do (Jeremiah 31:3). That we are a part of God’s family (Hebrews 10:25). We not only have been given a family like parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, but we have also been given a larger family through our church. Sometimes we don’t stop to think about all the people at our church who love us. And, let’s not forget that we are commanded to love one another as God loves us (John 13: 34-35). Arrr, these are some AMAZING treasures so far, but what else can we find. I cannot wait to go hunting with you for more treasures. See you soon!

Captain - Stacey Strickland A HUGE thank you to those who helped out with VBS in our Preschool area. We had a great time and you all made it so much more fun!

And thanks to Nancy Fritz and Leslie Tolopka for allowing me to bring VBS to the preschoolers of EEC. We had such a great time together, singing, learning about God and crafts. Thank you also to two great preschool teachers (Cathy Veirus and Liz Nesloney) that helped me out all week with their 15-18 kiddos. Those kids are awesome!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Linda Upchurch - 07/26 & Brittany Rawls - 07/08

MOTHER’S DAY OUT

We are registering for the fall semester. Enrollment packets can be picked up at the church office or on our website: www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/mothers-day-out/mdo-enrollment/ .

- Kristie Mendoza, MDO Director

FBC SCHOOL & EEC

Thank you so much to all the generous donations that have been coming in for our scholarship program. Several families benefit from your help. Thank you for blessing others as God continues to bless you and FBCS!

It’s hard to believe that school has already been out for a month. We are planning for the 2014-2015 school year, and we would love to have your child be a part of our team! Call us at the school office if you are interested in being a part of our FBCS family next school year. Our summer school office hours are 8:00-1:00 Monday through Friday; our phone number is 836-6411.

- Nancy

SUMMER EEC PROGRAM!

Our EEC is busy as bees as we are having fun, fun, fun in the summertime.

We still have room for your child (ages 2 through sixth grade) if you would like to get in on the fun!

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: • • •

Linda Schumacher and Glinda Blank in the loss of their Mom June Smith.

Director of Missions of our Firm Association, Charles Cole, in the loss of his sister and her husband.

Raquel Brown and family in the loss of her stepfather.

Church Thank Yous: Jerry McLennnan

Your outpouring of love and cards during Mikes “bout” always made him smile and your prayers gave him strength and encouragement. Your hugs and comments on Sundays gave him additional determination to show his trust in the one in control in the bad times as well as the good times. Then there was your overwhelming tribute to him at the memorial service. Our 9 yr. old granddaughter observed your friendships when she told her mother “Gigi & Popup have a lot of friends.”

She was so right. You have not quit praying for me, you still send me cards of encouragement; you still include me for lunch & activities in your homes. You are such a blessing to me and there will never be enough words to thank you all. I will always cherish each of you and the friendship I share with you. We talk about a church family well, you are the best family anyone could ask for and I am proud to have been a part of and hope to continue to be a part of your lives. Thank you so much for being you and showing me and Mike how much you care for us and others!

Sandy & Owen Batt

Thank you Church Family for the beautiful plant you sent in memory of my mother.

Your calls, cards, prayers and e-mails were all a comfort to us during our loss. We are grateful for each of you in our lives.

New FBC Members: George and Mary Helen McDaniel

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Judy Malone

FROM TROY’S HEART

I am reading a book about Sandy Koufax. My friend Rudy Dillard let me borrow it. By the way, Rudy played for the Dodgers in their farm system!!

Sandy Koufax was a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers. However, when he broke into the majors he didn’t have pin-point control. He was “wild” and walked more batters than he struck out. After a few years without a lot of success, he was so frustrated he threw away his glove and shoes at the end of the season.

During the off-season, because he couldn’t stand the idea of failing, he rededicated himself to the art of pitching and came back to try again. Early in the spring season, a catcher who rarely played, gave Sandy some advice during a game in which he walked the first three batters of the game. “Take something off of the ball and let’em hit it. Nobody’s going to swing the way you are throwing now.” Koufax ended up striking out the next three batters.

What made the difference in Koufax pitching? He trusted his teammates to help him in the process of winning. He realized he didn’t have to win the game by himself. Once he relaxed, he pitched better.

Trust is one key to healthy relationships. Trusting those around you in your home, on a team, at work or at church is vital in moving toward goals, experiencing emotional stability, having meaningful conversations, or enjoying your spiritual life. Without trust in a relationship, you are left with fear, doubt and dysfunction.

As a church, we are a team! God placed each one of us on the team as He desired (I Cor. 12:18) No one person can win our community to faith in Jesus. Let’s work together, back one another up and trust God and each other to use our spiritual gifts to make a difference in the lives of people. That is how winning is done!

I love you, Troy

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P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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