May 2015 newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE : Church Announcements ...............................................page 2 Church-wide Calendar .................................................page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross .............................................page 4 Music Ministry .............................................................page 5 Adult Discipleship ........................................................page 6 Encore Ministry ............................................................page 8 Youth Ministry ..............................................................page 10 Children’s Ministry .......................................................page 11 Preschool Ministry........................................................page 12 FBC School ..................................................................page 13 Special Announcements...............................................page 14 From Troy’s Heart ........................................................page 15

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS LORD’S SUPPER - May 10th at 8:30am and 11:00am worship services.

STUDENT CAMP MEETING - Wednesday, May 13th.

7:30 - 8:30pm @ Student Center.

NANCY’S FRITZ RETIREMENT PARTY AND LOVE OFFERING Saturday, May 16th 2:00 - 4:00pm in our church gym. A special presentation begins at 2:15pm. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Ross.

INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION MUSIC FESTIVAL - Sunday, May 17 at Calvary Baptist Church, Brenham 5:30pm.

GRADUATE SUNDAY - Sunday, May 24th, 8:30am & 11:00am services. Breakfast in gym @ 9:45am.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT FALL ENROLLMENT - Packets are available online, in the church office and the Stone House on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Enrollment fee of $100 secures your spot. Spread the word!

Mark Your Calendars Now! ENCORE VBS - (ADULTS 55+) Jun 29th - Jul 1st 9:00am - 12:30pm

CHURCH STAFF

Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@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 2

Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech elewis@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 MAY: May 3 Church Council Meeting Rm 111 4pm May 5 Piece Makers Student Center 9am May 9 Grin with Grace Sycamore House 9:30am -12:15pm May 10 Parent Commitment Dedication 8:30am & 11:00am

Deacons Meeting 2:00 - 3:00pm May 12 Security Committee Meeting Pahl House 6pm May 16 Reception Nancy Fritz Gym 2 - 4pm May 17 Honduras Mission Info Meeting Student Center 3pm May 18 Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm May 21 Encore Luncheon 11am Pahl House May 24 Graduate Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am

Graduate Sunday Breakfast in the Gym 9:45am May 25 Church Office Closed May 27 Coffee with the Pastor Rm 112 6pm May 27 FlipFloppin’ Out Of Skool Party

1st-6th Grade 5:30 - 7:30pm May 31 Business Meeting Gym 5pm JUNE: Jun 7 Deacons Meeting June 2:00 - 3:00pm Jun 9-16 Honduras Mission 2015 Jun 22-25 VBS - BFBC All in the main building 5:30pm

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

First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834 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

May will represent an important time in the life of our First Baptist Church School. On May 3rd at the end of both morning worship services, we will be voting on Nancy Jahns as the Acting School Administrator for the 2015-2016 school year! I am excited that Nancy Jahns has opened herself to God’s leading. If she is approved by the church, I know she will do an excellent job. An information sheet about Nancy Jahns and a Q-and-A about why we are recommending an acting school administrator are available on the tables at the church entrances. If you would like these sheets emailed or mailed to you, please contact the church office. Please be in prayer for Nancy Jahns, our school, and our church during this exciting and important time.

On May 16th from 2:00-4:00pm in the Gym, we will be having Nancy Fritz’s retirement party. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 31 years of service Nancy Fritz gave to our school and church. While the party will be comeand-go, we will be doing a special presentation at 2:15. One of the ways we are thanking Nancy Fritz is by giving her a love offering and writing her a note. If you would like to make the love offering through the church, please make the check out to FBC and write “Nancy Fritz Retirement” in the memo. Any cash offerings should also note this on the envelope. There will also be a table at the party to place your note and love offering. Personally, I want to thank Nancy Fritz for her years of service. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve with her. I will miss serving with her, but I also know that God has wonderful things in store for her as she moves forward in the next season of life. Thank you Nancy!

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WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY It seems as though the month of May is always completely saturated with events! I’m not sure who penned the lyrics about leisurely “strolling the park” in May, but I would assume he/she was not from Washington County, Texas! There is plenty going on in the music ministry as well, and lots of ways you can be involved.

Bonnie and I would appreciate your prayers as we go to lead music for the revival services at First Baptist Church of Memphis, TX on May 3rd - 6th. Thank you to those of you who are stepping up to lead out in our absence!

You will definitely want to make plans to join us for the Independence Association Music Festival on May 17, 2015 @ 5:30PM! It will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, here in Brenham. Our Worship Choir will be sharing a couple songs.

Numerous other church choirs, ensembles, and soloists will sing as well, and the evening will culminate with finger foods and fellowship. It’s going to be a great event!

Charles Covin

WORSHIP JOHN 4:23-24

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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.

Agape (various ages) Rm 213 Virtuous Women (Ladies - various ages) Pahl Living Rm Life Applications (various ages) Rm 110 Family Life Class (various ages) Rm 214 Choices (various ages) Rm 103 CSI: Brenham (Open to All) Rm 205 Adult 1 (Sr. Adults) Rm 112 Joy (Ladies) Rm 112

Friendship (Ladies) Rm 104 Scripture Searchers (Men) Rm 111 Adult 2 (Sr. Adults - all ages) Syc Liv Rm Hope Class (Ladies all ages) Syc Gar Covenant Keepers (Senior Married Couples) Syc Liv Rm Adult 3 ( 60’s) Pahl Garage Adult 4 (50’s & 60’s) Rm 105 Adult 5 (50’s) Stone House

CSI Class - Rick Warren’s Making the Most of What God Gives Me. Starting May, 17th Rm 205 9:45am.

FBC Women’s Ministry Event - Grin with Grace, new material from Kathy Willis, a former church member, taught and filmed here Saturday, May 9th, 9:30am12:15pm, Sycamore House. $25 includes a book, refreshments, teaching and a spot in the dvd recording! Sign up by contacting Kathy at 956-642-6319 or kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com RSVP required to reserve a spot, pay at the door.

SEWING GROUP PIECE MAKERS If you have fabric that you no longer need please consider donating it to FBC’s new Piece Makers quilting group. Piece Makers is currently focusing on baby quilts and a Texas themed quilt for the Honduras Mission Trip. Please bring fabric to the church office. Monetary donations are also accepted for fabric, batting and other quilting necessities. Need more information?

Call Sara Byman at 979 830-8555.

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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS! Schroeders - Study: Marriage, 620 Country Place West, 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 5pm Koenig/Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) Study: Walking by Faith - 402 Magnolia, 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 6pm. Will finish with Walking by Faith May 4th. Then will break for the summer.

Bishop/Doebler - Study: Intro to the Bible 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Yeakleys - (Excellent Way Bible Study Group)- Study: The Acts of The Apostle, 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 5pm

Weekl y Bi ble St udi es & Fel low sh i p Men’s Study/Prayer Breakfast: Wednesdays @ 6:00am, Sycamore House Potluck Meal - Wednesdays @ 5:30pm in the Gym Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer: “A Journey Through the Minor Prophets.”

Wednesdays, Rm 112 6:30pm What a Great Story, A Study of the Parables of Jesus. Rm 111 6:30pm Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10am-11am – Sycamore House Garage College Small Group: Mondays, 6pm-7:30pm, Sycamore House Rm. 201

LAD IE S BIBLE STU D I E S • Wednesday 6:30pm class ”Fight Back with Joy” Sycamore House.

• Wednesday 9:00am class “Fight Back with Joy”.

9:00am Sycamore House upstairs.

(Childcare available for Moms!)

LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS Meeting on Thursdays, from 9:30am - 11:30am, in the Sycamore House.

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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING! Our Encore Ministry is comprised of Adults 55 yrs of age and above who know God has more for each of them to accomplish for His kingdom.

Therefore, our Encore adults are growing in faith, community, ministry, missions and their love for others.

GREAT STUFF Encore Luncheon Each month 40-50 Encore adults (55+) gather in the Pahl House for wonderful food and warm friendship. If you want to meet some new friends, our next luncheon will be Thursday, May 21 at 11:00am in the Pahl House. Please watch the weekly worship bulletin for more details about our May plans.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Encore VBS - June 29-July 1, 9:00am-12:30pm, Gym. Guy Cagle leading singing and Bible Study. Mission crafts and lunch each day.

Cost: $0, nothing, zero, nada.

CELEBRATE OUR APRIL BIRTHDAYS!

Rosie Harris

5/2 Carol Holmes 5/3 Wallace Atkinson 5/6 Roxie Cowan 5/6 Lillie Mae Villman 5/9 Harold Yarnold 5/10 Gregg Appel 5/11 Nancy Low 5/11 Shirley Giese 5/13 Elaine Hobgood 5/14 8

David Bufkin 5/16 Michael Little 5/19 LeAnn Bennett 5/22 David May 5/23 Edward Draus 5/25 Louise Draus 5/26 Marlene Fairlie 5/26 Allyne Machat 5/29 Patsy Hermann 5/31

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying springtime finally as I am. I love the wildflowers this time of year; they make great views for my photography hobby. As many of you know I do like to take lots of photos on my travels. I love to go back and remember the good times we had with each folder of pictures. It makes me think about my interior thoughts and actions. Like the wildflowers we can put on a good show for a while, but God knows what is on the inside of our heart and mind. Just think of your heart as the root of your flower and what do you see? Do you see hate, or do you see love, kindness, and joy? Like a plant we need to keep our heart fertilized with the word of God to continue to grow in His goodness and grace. Let’s go out into our community and share our garden of God’s goodness and love. As a reminder we can be prayer warriors for all of our groups who will be going out this summer on mission trips near and far.

Let me say Happy Mother’s day to all of our mothers out there. You have been given the most important job you will ever have, enjoy every minute of it. Thanks to all of our senior adult mothers who are now enjoying grandchildren, what a blessing it is to share God with another generation.

Blessings, Reba Pair

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her saying” “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”

Proverbs 31:28, 29 (NASB)

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH Faith - Makes all things possible.

Hope - Makes all things bright.

Love - Makes all things easy.

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STUDENT MINISTRY The month of May is always a little sad and contains a whole lot of excitement. It is the time of year that we celebrate our graduating seniors from our Student ministry. It is always exciting to see students grow up in church and see how the Lord uses them in all kinds of ministries. But for me, it is sad to see our leadership go as well. May 24, 2015 we will be honoring Brenham’s First Baptist Church Graduating Seniors in both services. I hope you will be there to celebrate this important day with them as we present them and pray over them.

We are just one month away from our team of 30 people flying to Honduras to share the love of Christ in so many ways. This will be our third year going and once again, we are in need of our pray warriors to start lifting us up in prayer. Here are a few things you can be praying for: • Pray that the Honduran people’s hearts would be open to receive the Gospel.

• Pray for our team that will be making the trip that God would speak for us and move in our lives.

• Pray for our travel by air and bus.

• Pray for our health while serving.

What a joy it is to be serving at a church that has a heart for the nations and people that say …Here Am I… Send Me O Lord.

In Him, Bro. Chad SAVE THE DATE

Honduras Meeting - May 17, 2015 3pm @ Student Center.

Graduate Sunday - May 24, 2015 Graduating Seniors 8:30am & 11am Service.

Student Camp Meeting - May 13, 2015 7:30-8:30pm @ Student Center

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “If you gotta start somewhere why not here?

If you gotta start sometime why not now?”

-TobyMac, City on Our Knees The other day I was listening to a mix on my phone and the song City on Our Knees by TobyMac began to play. It is a thought provoking song with a mellow tempo and smooth beat. The lyrics draw images of life here and the New Jerusalem. The song depicts a picture of the inhabitants on their knees (obviously before the holy God). Great Song.

Until the other day, I imagined the people of that city on their knees. To be certain, I believe the song is pleading for more people to come to faith in Christ in case “tonight …last(s) forever.” However, something new came to my mind the other day. When the song drew the image of people on their knees, I thought about our pastor’s call to be a church of prayer. I thought about the prayer meeting last Sunday. I also thought about D-Now when our teenagers, bowed before God at the altar. Then it hit me. “If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?” One day we will all be on our knees before Holy God. If that is something that we will be doing one day anyway, why not start now? Why not start here? I’m not certain if this is exactly what TobyMac meant when he wrote the song, but nonetheless, let’s offer a concert of prayer before our Father. Everyday let us join in unison of heart to pray in worship, for the hurting around us who need Him, for the persecuted around the world...

CONTINUE READING AT www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children WEEKLY BOTTOM LINE 1. Being truthful helps you stay out of trouble.

2. When you are not truthful, you can hurt the people you care about.

3. When you are not truthful, you lose trust.

4. When you lie to help yourself, you hurt yourself instead.

5. Being truthful with God keeps you close to Him. MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE “Keep me from cheating and telling lies. Be kind and teach me your law.” (Psalm 119:29)

SAVE THE DATE! FlipFloppin’ - An End of Skool Party (1st-6th): May 27th, 5:30pm-7:30pm FAMILY VBS @ FBC (K-6th) - June 21st-25th, evenings Camp Tejas Parent Meeting - June 26th, 6-6:30pm, Kids Klub KlubHouse (above the kitchen-use gym entrance).

Camp Tejas (3rd-6th) - July 13th-17th 2:4 The Mission (1st-2nd)- July 22nd-23rd

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNINGS IN MAY BASIC TRUTH: KEY QUESTION: BOTTOM LINE: MEMORY VERSE:

GOD MADE ME. WHO CAN HELP OTHERS? I CAN HELP OTHERS. “BE KIND AND LOVING TO EACH OTHER.” EPHESIANS 4:32 NCV

We have great things happening in our church! We have young families visiting here and of course, with our new families come amazing and adorable little ones! Therefore, I have been updating some things in our nursery. Unfortunately, I have used up the budgeted room resources for this year.

Since, I would like to make a few more updates to the 18 month to 3 years old classroom, I am asking you to pray over this ministry. If the Lord leads you to help in this area I could make a few improvements in some fun and exciting ways with your donations of cash or Walmart gift cards.

When our little ones are comfortable and having a great time their parents are not as stressed about whether their kiddos are enjoying themselves.

Thank you, IT’s BACK! The Happy Helper Club is back here in Waumba Land. At a young age, children start saying, “I help,” and it is our responsibility to teach them how to help. God wants them to help others, to think of others before themselves, so let’s make sure they know how to do it!

This month we’ll hear how Ruth helped Naomi by staying with her when she could have returned to her hometown. Then, Boaz helped them both by making sure they had enough to eat and were cared for. We can help others by being with them in a time of crisis and making sure they have what they need.

Our little ones will learn about Nehemiah and how he led an entire city to rebuild their wall. We can help others by leading them to accomplish a task.

Then they’ll experience the story of the woman who built a room for Elisha so that he had somewhere to rest when he was in town. We can help others by providing them hospitality.

Finally, we will hear how Aaron and his friends helped Moses by physically holding up his arms to help the army win an important battle. We can help others by physically helping them do something as well as standing by them during a hard time.

The kiddos will finish out the month with a Happy Helper Club party. I cannot wait. This is going to be fun!

Stacey Happy Birthdays!

Carol Holmes 5/03 Libby Shelton 5/05

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Parent/Child Dedication on May 10th

FBC SCHOOL & EEC MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 P. E. Field Day - Jackson St. Park Maifest Holiday/Noon Dismissal EEC Open 5 1st Grade - Meet the Pen Pals 6 Pre-K Memory Verse Rehearsal -10:00 8 Pre-K Memory Verse Program -10:45 1-6 Grade - BBK Musical -1:00 11 PALs Meeting @ Noon 14 2nd Grade - Minute Maid Park Pre-K Silver Wings - 8:45-11:30 15 6th Grade - Camp Tejas - 8:00-3:30 18 Kindergarten Graduation - 6:00 19 6th Grade Breakfast - 7:15 6th Grade Graduation - 6:00 20 End of Year Extravaganza 21 Last Day of School 11:30 Dismissal - Preschool Noon Dismissal - Elementary Report Cards 22 Staff Development - EEC Closed 25 Memorial Day Holiday - EEC Closed 26 Summer EEC Begins

Congratulations Kindergarten Graduates Quincy Adams Taylor Bosse Tristen Casada Adam Clayton Naomi Espinoza Joseph Gonzales Josiah Johston Marley Lonsert Kylie Mulanax Kolten Pierce Silas Rosenbaum Cade Schroeder Kyle Sims Jennifer Vasquez Grace Wight

Jeremy Bedrich Joe Carlile Bleu Cienega Carlos Delgado Kelton Galle Rowan Jackson Samantha Lamm Emma McLendon Katelyn Phan Cyal Riggins Carson Sanders Libby Shelton Daniel Stefka Charlie White Izzy Young

Sixth Grade Graduates Joel Batchman Madison Coskey Ethan Kuhn Juan Martinez Matthew Morrison Marcelo Pinal Braden Roehling Matthew Taing Amanda Thompson

Abby Clayton Quan Jones Jayden Ladewig Riley Moehlmann Lindsey Moye Kirsten Riley Clay Schroeder Tom Sengphet

MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA May’s Monthly Bible verse for MDO is: Jesus’s love is everywhere! “The Lord is good to all”. Psalms 145:9 Color: Yellow, Shape: Diamond, Letters: K, Z, Number: 10 (Ten) Focus: kites, goodbye (zip a Dee Doo dah) MDO’s last day of school is Thursday, May 14 at noon. We have had a wonderful school year and have been blessed throughout the year with 30 amazing children!

Fall Enrollment is going on now if you know of somebody that is going to be in need of childcare one or two days a week beginning in September! Tours of the school are also available! Give us a call at 979-836-1533 or go online at fbc–Brenham.org for more information.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: Sherry Lacy and family in the loss of her brother Jarrel.

Larry Lonero and family in the loss of his mom Margaret Lonero.

Barbara Loesch and family in the loss of her mom Dell Williams.

Church Thank Yous: Dodie McAoo & family Thank you for the flowers that we received in memory of Wayne. Thank you for your sympathy. During the time of sorrow we learn how much family & friends really care for us. Thank you so much for all the prayers that were lifted up for Wayne and myself.

Sallie Moody Dear Church Family, The beautiful plant came this afternoon. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It really means more to me then I can express. Thanks for all the prayers that I really, really needed and appreciate so very much.

Your kindness is the greatest.

Thanks also for all the cards.

I love you all, Sallie Sherry Lacy Dear Church Family, Thank you for the beautiful peace lily set as a reminder of your thoughts & prayers with the love of my brother. We are so blessed to have such a loving church family here at Brenham First Baptist especially our Adult 4 class and our Home Team.

May the Lord bless you all.

Sherry Lacy

Births: Joe and Chelsea Merkley are the proud parents of Ava Grace born April 9th. She weighed 10lbs 4oz and was 21 inches long.

Kellie and Dylan Current are the proud parents of Madalyn Grace born April 17th.

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FROM TROY’S HEART I am sure you have heard the saying, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

The truth of that statement has played out hundreds of times in our lives.

From families to schools to teams to businesses to governments and even to churches, leadership is key to success. However, another undervalued role in any of the aforementioned is “followship” (not sure this is a word?). I would define followship as the “buy in” to trust and humbly follow a leader.

A friend of mine sent me a video last fall about leadership and followship. In the short clip taken at an outdoor concert, a lone man is dancing wildly. Soon another man comes beside him and mimics the dancer’s erratic herkey jerky moves. The second dancer begins to call to his friends to join the movement.

Within minutes, the scene is transformed from one dancer to hundreds!!

The narrator of the video teaches an incredible truth when he says, “The first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader. If the leader is the flint, the first follower is the spark.” Every leader must have a follower and every movement is propelled by followers. When Jesus came to earth, many people called Him a nut, but He chose, taught, led and loved followers, we call them disciples. Those men didn’t always understand everything and they messed up frequently.

However, when they were yielded to Holy Spirit, the spark ignited a fire that changed the world. Acts 17:6 (Holman) described Jesus’ followers this way, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” The Jesus movement has turned the world upside down!

I believe the Lord’s question for me and you is, “Have we humbly yielded our daily decisions to dance with Jesus?”

Dance on!!

I love you, Troy

Good leaders were once good followers

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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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