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The June Messenger Issue #492
May 29, 2009
THE Messiah MESSENGER From the pastor Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Pentecost Sunday has come and gone, but the sense of celebration, joy and good cheer is still upon us as we reflect upon the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ and the power given to us by the Holy Spirit. We celebrated. We sang. We praised God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the privilege of sharing Jesus with others and the promise of God’s presence with us always. Now it is time for us to trust God’s promises and share the Good News with others—and God will do the rest. Jesus promises when we live in him, he will live in us and through us. He promises we will do even greater things then he when we do them in his name. And Jesus promises never to leave us forsaken or orphaned, for his Holy Spirit is with us. So, we can trust that we have the necessary tools to do these tasks. We have the power. We have the resources. We have Christ’s love and promise. We need only to take advantage of the many opportunities God provides for us to share Jesus with others. Often in summer, we choose to slow down a bit – to relax, vacation, picnic, partake in summer sports, walk in nature, bike, beach, sail, dig in the garden, or just sit outside and enjoy the sounds, sun, breezes while reading a good book or the newspaper and sipping a lemonade. All this is important to do to take care of ourselves and to enjoy time with others. Yet, there is still much to do. There are many opportunities to serve, to be involved, to relax while enjoying oneself with other committed Christians and to celebrate. And in so doing, we will be re-created and recreate at the same time. See you in Church, and around the neighborhood, being the Church! Pastor Munker Noteworthy News TWO WEDDINGS LAST MONTH! Congratulations are to be extended to the Kaufman family and the Herak family, both of whom had weddings in May! Kirsten Kaufman, who was baptized (1982) and confirmed (1996) at Messiah, was wed here on May 2, 2009 to Bill Boyce. Proud parents David and Connie looked on, and Pastor Munker presided. Jennifer Herak, who was also baptized (1984) and confirmed (1998) here, was wed at Messiah on May 23, 2009 to Vince Manzella. Les and Nancy Herak, and Grandma Joyce Johnsen joined the large family gathering where Pastor Munker also presided. Both Jennifer and Kirsten are also graduates of Messiah’s Child Care, so they have literally grown up at Messiah, and now embark on a new adventure starting families of their own. Congratulations to these two families, and to the new brides and their husbands! God bless them in their lives together!
IN MEMORIUM – EUNICE ECKERT Messiah member Eunice Eckert passed Thursday, May14th, and the funeral service was held here at Messiah on Tuesday, May 19th. Children Darrell and Desiree grew up here at Messiah, and were present at the funeral. Please keep them, and husband Roger in your prayers as they mourn their loss. Eunice has been a member here for many, many years. She and son Darrell attended regularly, and she often served as greeter in the narthex, welcoming friends and visitors alike to worship.
MEETING WITH PARK RIDGE ELCA CHURCHES As per the motion approved at the February Annual Meeting, Messiah invited leaders of St. Lukes and Redeemer Lutheran Churches in Park Ridge to a meeting on May 18th. There were 4-5 members from each church and the meeting was facilitated by Reverend Carol Breimeier, Associate to the Bishop. Floyd Yager, David Swanson, Nancy Boomer, Pastor Munker and Carol Hrodey represented Messiah. It was a productive meeting in the fact that we just met each other and learned more about each congregation. We found that we have a lot in common, although we each have different size congregations, etc. There seems to be future potential for collaboration and support, which we will explore at a future follow-up meeting. Possibilities include, but aren’t limited to, collaboration between groups like congregation presidents and youth groups; joint community outreach projects and congregation contact people to support events at each congregation. Upcoming events (Always check with church office before you schedule an event – there is a room assignment calendar maintained by the Office Administrator.) PARK RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, June 7th, 8 AM to 2 PM Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, Cumberland and Granville As a community we try to help one another in many ways. Healthy people can give blood every eight weeks. Our PR Community Blood Drives are scheduled six times a year, eight or nine weeks apart. Many churches allow us to use their facilities, to save lives, and we all appreciate their cooperation. Giving blood takes about an hour. You need to be reasonably healthy and bring two pieces of identification. It is helpful to schedule your donation - please phone 847-803-7943 so we can schedule the most convenient time for you. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, June 14th at 11:30 AM
Please join us for our 2nd Congregational Meeting of 2009 on Sunday, June 14th following the worship service in the sanctuary. There will be important property issues to discuss as well as various updates about life at Messiah!! Please make an effort to attend this meeting! REMINDERS! Men’s Breakfast Saturday, June 13th at 9:00 AM at Jimmy’s Restaurant, 1440 Rand Road in Des Plaines. Friendship Day Friendship Day will be Thurs. June 25th starting at 9AM. If you plan to stay for lunch, bring a sandwich or whatever you like, dessert will be furnished. Please feel free to come for an hour or more, or for whatever time you can give. We need help to continue this very important mission work. You will feel rewarded for your effort. You may also work at home, making quilt tops, baby sweaters, receiving blankets and baby wash clothes. Just see Eva Thoren. Thanks and GOD BLESS. Executive Committee Meeting June 9th at 7:00 PM
COMING IN JULY… July Fourth Festivities! Vacation Bible School! Property report ONGOING WORK AROUND MESSIAH Work continues to progress on our building to complete necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance. We've even been able to start performing some preventative maintenance! A brainstorming meeting was held with several members to address pending projects - both those that are current priorities (such as the bell tower and the parking lot) as well as planning for future projects so that we can create an environment that is safe, accessible, energy efficient, and inviting for worship, Christian education, fellowship and community outreach. We will have updates, along with recommendations to present at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 14th - please plan to attend!!
Call committee update The Call Committee has been hard at work the past several weeks conducting interviews, attending services to hear candidates preach, and holding several meetings to discuss our priorities and review our findings. We are very close to recommending a candidate for consideration. If all goes well we should be able to do so by mid June. We would like to thank the congregation for all their prayers and support during this process; please continue as we try to finalize this important decision.
Synod Happenings PRAYER SERVICE FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST June 15, 2009 On Monday, June 15, 2009, at 7:30 p.m., a Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main St., Barrington, IL 60010. This service is held on the 15th of each month as part of an ecumenical effort in the U.S. and the world to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. It includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers. For more information, call 847-381-0243. All are welcome to be present for what promises to be a uniquely inspiring evening of prayer, music, and dialogue. This Month in Worship WORSHIP SCHEDULE AND READINGS All Worship Services are at 10:15 AM unless otherwise noted.
June 7 – Holy Trinity Sunday Isaiah 6:1–8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12–17; John 3:1–17 June 14 – Fifth Sunday of Easter Ezekiel 17:22–24; Psalm 92:1–4, 12–15; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10;14–17; Mark 4:26–34 June 21 – Sixth Sunday of Easter Job 38:1–11; Psalm 107:1–3, 23–32; 2 Corinthians 6:1–13; Mark 4:35–41 June 28 – Ascension Sunday Lamentations 3:22–33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7–15; Mark 5:21–43
TEACHER AND GRADUATE RECOGNITION Sunday, June 7th
On this Sunday we will recognize our Sunday School, Child Care, and any other teachers in our congregation, as well as anyone graduating from Kindergarten, Middle School, High School, and/or college. This is a chance for us to say “well done!” and “thank you!” to the teachers and students in our midst.
THIS MONTH … AFTER WORSHIP!
We’re looking for someone to coordinate people to bring treats throughout the summer for our coffee hour following service! This means getting a couple people for each Sunday to bring some type of baked goods and fruit. Many people are willing to bring treats but we just need someone to coordinate it to be sure we’re covered each week. We can either have one person coordinate the whole summer or 3 people who each take a month to coordinate! Please contact David Swanson if you’re willing to coordinate for this time of fellowship!
WORSHIP HELPERS June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am 10:15am Acolytes Andrew F Thomas Y Nick L Melissa H Communion Assistants John F Floyd Y Rich L Julie H Readers Neil H Dottie B Teresa L Tate J Worship Assistants Vikki H Diane B Cindy N John F Projection Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H Ushers Floyd Y Dave S Rich L Connie K Floyd Y Dave S Rich L Connie K Floyd Y Dave S Rich L Connie K Floyd Y Dave S Rich L Connie K Greeters Jackie S Jackie S Jackie S Jackie S Bread & Wine Presenters The Allemeiers * The Raymonds The Holzers Bread Providers The Penumakas The Wibergs The Raymonds Susan B Counters Dave H, Paul H Dave H, Paul H Dave H, Paul H Dave H, Paul H
FLOWERS AND BULLETINS The sign-ups for flowers and bulletins are in the narthex by the hall to the Educational Wing. Flowers are $30, and the Bulletins are $10. Envelopes are provided next to the sign-up calendar, or you may simply write “Flowers” or “Bulletin” on your regular envelope in the Other box. PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO PAY FOR YOUR FLOWERS OR BULLETINS! Note to all those purchasing flowers: Your flowers are yours to take home! If you wish to donate them to one of our shut-ins, please be sure to let the Altar Guild know. June 7 – Flowers are given in honor of Brad Kovach’s 38th birthday. Bulletins are given by John and Sue Fox in honor of Peter’s baptism anniversary. June 14 – Flowers are given in honor of Pat Kovach’s 39th birthday. Bulletins are given in honor of Nancy Boomer’s birthday from Nick and Chris Boomer. June 21 – Flowers and bulletins are given in honor of Michael Yager’s 7th birthday. June 28 – Flowers are given from Dan and Kevin Kovach in honor of Grandma Mary Jane’s birthday. Bulletins are given by Worknesh (mom) Deressa in honor of Samson and Chuchu’s wedding anniversary. Calendar(There is a larger version on the back of the Child Care Insert.) messages Fundraising For Our Building: Here are some ongoing ways everyone can help support the efforts to update our building: • Manna cards – purchase Manna cards to use for your regular shopping, as well as for gifts. The church receives a percentage and it doesn’t cost you anything additional to what you’d already spend! • Good Search – make Good Search your default search engine, name Messiah Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, IL as your charity and Messiah receives money every time you do a search – it costs you nothing! (see Messiah website for specific instructions) • Good Shopping – before making purchases online – go to Good Shopping, be sure that Messiah is listed as your charity and find your store on their list. By going through Good Shopping, Messiah receives a percentage of every purchase! It costs you nothing other than what you spend on online shopping! (see Messiah website for specific instructions) • Recycling – remember to recycle your paper in our big green and yellow recycling bin in the parking lot. The more paper we add, the more money Messiah gets – PLUS – we are helping our environment. And tell your neighbors and friends!! Again – there is no cost to you – just bring the paper when you come to church and deposit in the big bin!! • Consider gifts to our Memorial and Honorarium Fund! Besides making gifts just when someone dies – consider gifts when people are still living to celebrate something special in their lives!! Donate money in honor of a birthday, anniversary, graduation, Father’s Day, a new baby, wedding – whatever special event there is to celebrate!! Acknowledgments will be sent to the honoree just as it is done for a memorial! • Support special fundraising events when they are scheduled. No money has to be spent – you can help by working at the event in order to support it!! • Continue your regular offerings, but consider special gifts for property reserve fund or when special projects are identified!
Christmas Already? We are still looking for folks who want to craft the ornaments for our Christmas trees … speak with Linda Raymond if you are interested in doing this over the summer.
Substitute Help Needed The church secretary is on vacation August 3-7, and DESPERATELY needs someone to fill in for that week. Please call the office if you can do it…this is a PAID substitute position. Thanks!
Manna Order Dates Manna orders for June are due on June 7th (the first Sunday, not the second one) in order to allow for Father’s Day and graduation gifts! We will return to the regular Manna order dates in July (2nd Sunday).
Messiah Ministries EASTER GREETINGS FROM REV. PHIL KNUTSON In February this year I visited central Mozambique together with Rev. Benyam Kassahun (ELCA Global Mission Area Program Director) and several members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL Mozambique, with a population of over 19 million people, has a growing economy but faces many challenges. The country is still struggling to overcome the long legacy of Portuguese colonialism and a destructive civil war fueled by the former apartheid government in neighboring South Africa. The Lutheran church in Mozambique has a unique beginning closely tied to the Lutheran church in Tanzania and the refugee and relief work of the Lutheran World Federation. There are about 6000 members in the IELM (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mozambique) served by 3 ordained pastors, 5 deacons and 2 evangelists. The ELCA Global Mission unit works with the IELM in close cooperation with the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA) and the Joint Mission Board (JMB) of the IELM which met for its annual meeting in the port city of Beira from February 24-27, 2009. The composition of the Joint Mission Board is a good example of north-south and south-south global accompaniment in God’s mission. The members of the JMB consist of the host church in Mozambique, the IELM and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (MissionEineWelt), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Global Mission), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brazil, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and the Ev. Lutheran Church in Tanzania. One day we visited a project of the IELM called Renasce Esperança (“rebirth of hope”) in the town of Chimoio. A house with outbuildings serves some 100 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) who live in the community. Assisted by 12 volunteers the center operates a pre-school and functions as a drop-in center for school-going children. Older children are taught gardening and sewing skills. There are plans to start carpentry classes. A small workshop has been built and wooden planks purchased and stored while funds are being raised to hire a carpentry teacher and to buy equipment. A local nurse offers her services to the project after-hours and on weekends. We were also introduced to a group of 9 ministers from local churches of various denominations. The ecumenical group meets regularly at the center for ongoing training regarding HIV & AIDS strategies. During our visit the director of the project took delivery of a new 4X4 pick-up truck donated with the support of ELCA World Hunger funds for the health ministry programs of the IELM. Mozambique faces many obstacles from the past and present but the people and church are full of hope and determination. It is a great challenge and privilege for us as the ELCA to work and learn together with other partners in God’s mission as companions of the IELM. Messiah Ministries (continued) Thank you for your ongoing support through the ELCA’s Missionary Sponsorship Program and your participation in God’s mission locally and globally. Yours faithfully, Philip Knutson, ELCA Global Mission Regional Program Assistant - Southern Africa, Cape Town
ANGELS IN THE NARTHEX In June, the Friendship bucket entitled Angels in the Narthex will be in the Narthex under the stained glass windows. You have been very generous in the past and we hope that will continue. Please do not feel any gift is too small … or too large. All of the items for the HEALTH KITS must be new. The layettes may be GENTLEY USED ITEMS. Most people having the garage sales are very understanding when you say it is for Lutheran World Relief. We have an MBA in shopping so your money is spent very wisely. There are two nice ELCA wicker baskets, one by the bell tower entrance, and one outside the church office. Items may be put in either basket. A list of the layette items is available. Ingathering is the 4th Thursday in September, the 24th. We assemble the health kits and the layettes then. We need several men to help that day and some ladies also. It is usually done by noon...Please think about it. We assume the trailer will again be in our parking lot, but that info is not available yet. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.
MAINE TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY EMERGENCY WISH LIST The Township has sent out an appeal for certain items to stock the food pantry. As always, we must remember that summer is a tough time for the needy, especially children who do not benefit from a school lunch program during these months. A list of requested foods is posted by the “Donation Station” in the narthex, which is also where you can leave the non-perishable items (by the coat racks next to the bell tower doors). And don’t forget non-food items, like toilet paper, cleaning products, shampoo, bath soap, and feminine hygiene products – these are always in short supply. Additonal food requests include Packaged Foods (Jello, rice, pasta, crackers, cookies, biscuit mix), “Quick ‘n Easy” side dishes (Tuna, Chicken, or Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni, mac and cheese, Dinty Moore Beef Stew), jar foods (spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and/or jelly), any canned vegetables, fruit or pasta, and breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, pancacke mix, juice, tea, coffee). All you can do is much appreciated by both the Township, and by those that receive the goods. Thanks! Youth Corner As we head into the summer we hope to plan an event or two for the Youth Group. I know the summer is busy, but perhaps we can find something to do to get together, have some fun, and model Christ's love in the community. If you have any ideas of things you might want to do, please let me know. I have heard a rumor that there may be an outing to a baseball game this summer. I do know for certain that AGAPE (Dave Scherer) who performed Christian rap at FUMC in January will be back in the area on June 11th! For those of you who attended, it will be a great chance to see him again, for those who missed him it will be a second chance for you! The concert is free on June 11th at 6pm at Edison Park United Methodist Church on Oliphant. Look for flyers around the church. The concert is FREE.....All ages are invited. Also, this summer we are planning to have VBS for the children. This is a great chance for you to volunteer to help. The younger kids love having the Youth around to look up to. I hope you can find time in your summer to come and be a role model for some of the children in the community. VBS is July 27th though August 1st. Usually it is just in the morning, so you still will have your afternoon free!! ~ Floyd Yager VBS - Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything! July 27-31, 9 AM to noon
Calling all heroes – Bible Adventure Awaits! Ahoy, all ye who love Christ and his children! Welcome to The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything VBS, where rock-solid Bible learning rides the high seas of adventure through breathtaking Bible stories, lively worship, action-packed games, amazing science experiences that reinforce Bible truth, and memory-making crafts kids will treasure for years to come! Online registration for VBS has begun - click on the link on our homepage at www.messiahparkridge.org and sign up!
As always, volunteers are needed to make this a successful program. Please contact Julie Holzer to schedule your time to help out! Milestones BIRTHDAYS Matthew Seggeling, 6/1 Christine Ruterschmidt, 6/2 Lorraine Elder, 6/3 Vikki Hanson, 6/3 David Tjhio, 6/5 Edward Corkill, 6/6 Susan Bromstad, 6/7 Katharine Scheck, 6/7 Jimmy Olson, 6/9 Maryanna Valenta, 6/9 Claudine Ward, 6/12 Nancy Boomer, 6/13 Susan Kopij, 6/13 Linda Raymond, 6/13 Pat Kovach, 6/14 Avery Valenta, 6/16 Natalie Norberg, 6/17 David Divita, 6/19 Kyle Cramer, 6/22 Barbara Loverme, 6/22 Mary Jane Kovach, 6/23 Michael Yager, 6/24 Floyd Yager, 6/26 Sara Christiansen, 6/28 Jake Saul, 6/29 Jessica Saul, 6/29 LuAnne Jelonek, 6/30 ANNIVERSARIES Neil and Laura Hauser – 6/6/1995, 14 years Samed and Lauri Hamden – 6/9/2007, 2 years David and Donna Hanson – 6/12/1965, 44 years Mark and Anne Wiberg – 6/18/1960, 49 years
Messiah Leadership IN 2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Carol Hrodey (262) 652-3187 Vice President: Vikki Hanson (847) 823-2117 Secretary: Nancy Boomer (847) 678-3048 Treasurer: Brad Kovach (847) 297-4883 Financial Sec.: David Hanson (847) 296-6796
EXTENDED LEADERSHIP TEAM CCC Director: Karen Black CCC Board: Donna Berzins Property Coordinator: Patti Daniels
Stewardship: Floyd Yager Evangelism: David Swanson WELCA: Eva Thoren Brotherhood: Rich Seggeling Christian Education: Kristin Yager Confirmation/HS: Floyd Yager Adult Forum: Rich Levy, David Swanson Choir: Pat Daniels Music: Tom Daniels, Sue Fox Altar Guild: Linda Raymond Memorial Report as of May 20, 2009 All gifts to the Memorial Fund are automatically acknowledged to the giver by a personal note, which includes a confirmation of the amount. Unless otherwise designated, all gifts go into the Property Reserve Fund. Addresses and envelope numbers on memorial cards or checks are much appreciated. The purpose of this report is to confirm that gifts are received and properly allocated. If you don’t see your gift listed here after 2 months, please contact Karen Black.
IN MEMORY OF DOLORES BROEZELL Given by: Darlene Flanigan for Property Reserve
IN MEMORY OF PASTOR JOE HULTERSTRUM Given by: Eva Thoren, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Koepke, Rev. David Olson, George Hrodey, Leo Ziesmer, Lee & Margaret Lubke, Lindberg & Tracy Ekola, Barbara Murley for Property Reserve
Messiah Movies STAR TREK In theaters now The greatest adventure of all time begins with Star Trek, the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. In the midst of an incredible journey full of optimism, intrigue, comedy, and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. I admit it openly – I am a Trek fan (Trekker, not Trekkie, as we like to be called). I was seriously hooked in college by The Next Generation (was the finale of season 3 the most exciting thing you have ever seen on TV or WHAT!?) and came to appreciate the style, wit, and visionary writing that marked the original series as I got older. So I admit to being a little skeptical when I saw they were making this movie. THEN I saw that Zachary Quinto (creepy Sylar from NBC’s Heroes) was playing a young Spock, I had to go see it. I am so glad I went … I would not have missed this movie for the world! I thought it was the perfect blend of action, humor, drama, character development, and just flat out eye-candy, and I loved every minute of it. Despite the PG-13 rating, I took Jess, who just turned 6. I trusted what I knew to be Star Trek’s creator Gene Roddenberry’s basic “cleanliness” to prevail, and I wasn’t disappointed. The action was intense in places, but never became graphic, “blood-and-guts” violence. And except for a brief “make out” scene (that lasted about 15 seconds – Jess covered her eyes) and one VERY well-placed swear word, there was nothing objectionable to the family viewer. The actors playing the younger versions of their famous counterparts were dead-on across the board. I highly recommend this movie – go quickly, and see it on the big screen before it goes away! Prayer Requests Please include the following individuals and families in your prayers this month:
Viv and Bill Beyer Val Bowman Lois Bunt Evelyn Burval Ardene Ejnik Pearl Fox Rev. Gaylen Gilberston Chris Jacobsen Ruth Jeppeson Larry and Arlene Johnson Kennet Mary Jane Kovach Richard Levy Nancy Maher Lois Oset Helen Paul Sumdara Rao Aidan Ray Mary Reter Chuck Steigerwald Linda (Rodin) Ufkes
We also want to remember in our prayers our military personnel: Jason Hood, Jason Koesler, Tim David, Lars Johnsen, Kevin Ward, and Patrick and Claudine Ward.
Directory Changes Please let the office know if you are moving! Thanks!
Alice Hulterstrum c/o Harbor House – House #1 760 McHenry Road Wheeling, IL 60090
Arlene Johnson St. Matthew’s Center for Health 1601 N. Western Park Ridge, IL 60068
Please use discretion when contacting either of these ladies. Both are easily confused and may not understand your correspondence. Thank you. The Messiah Messenger In this issue… From the Pastor Two Weddings Last Month Eunice Eckert Meeting of Park Ridge ELCA Churches Congregational Meeting This Month’s Readings Teacher and Grad Recognition This Month – AFTER Worship! Fundraising Opportunities From Our South African Missionary Angels in the Narthex Food Pantry Wish List Youth Events Coming Up VBS Theme Chosen Movie: Star Trek
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 1605 Vernon Avenue Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Church Staff Pastor Cynthia Munker, Interim Pastor Jennifer Schneider, Office Administrator Karen Black, Child Care Center Director John Handzel, Property Maintenance Worknesh Deressa, Custodian Tom Daniels, Director of Music Sue Fox, Organist Helen Levy, Bookkeeper

1605 Vernon Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
p 847.823.6984 f 847.823.6996
PastorLynne@messiahparkridge.org
Office@messiahparkridge.org
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