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The November Messenger #593
The November Messenger #593
Dec 1, 2017
The Messiah MESSENGER
FROM THE PASTOR REFORMATION WITHOUT END Dear Sisters and Brothers in the faith, The Reformation Lives On! Perhaps you thought the Reformation was on Oct. 31? And, now we are in November?!? Yes, we do celebrate Reformation Sunday the final Sunday of October. Not surprisingly, the 500th commemoration of the day that Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses is garnering much attention this year. However, the Reformation did not end with Martin Luther, Katharina Von Bora Luther, Philip Melanchthon, John Calvin and the Reformers. Every generation has had reformers, both in the church and in secular society. A very partial list includes: St. Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jane Addams, Pope Paul VI, Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Hybels, Bishop Mark Hanson, Pope Francis and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. So what is the definition of reformation? According to Merriam-Webster, it is “a process of improving an institution or practice.” Those whom participate in such activities are known as “reformers.” Reformers have dreams, visions about how the church might be faithful to the good news of Jesus. In worship on Reformation Sunday, all in attendance were invited to share their dreams for the congregation and the church. These are being collected and will form the foundation for our visioning process in which our community will prayerfully explore and discern God’s will for the future Messiah Lutheran Church. This month, we begin the prayerful process with scripture, bible study, discussion and prayer that will define the characteristics of Messiah’s future leaders and ministries. As participants in the body of Christ, the church, God has called each of us to be ministers and work in community with one another. We are each called to do God’s will and as people of the Cross, we are each called to constantly look for ways to improve this world. It is good to remember this quote from Martin Luther.
"This life, therefore, is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest, but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified."
Yes, the Reformation Lives On, and it begins with each of us, guided by Christ.
In Christ, Pastor Lynne
MESSIAH MINISTRY: Miss Karen Week “Miss Karen! Miss Karen!” Those words have echoed in the halls of Messiah Child Care Center (CCC) for 40 years. It was in 1977 that Karen (Trestrail Clark) Black taught her first preschool class and became co-director of Messiah’s CCC. Two years later, she became sole director and the rest is history. Miss Karen said she knew when she was young that she wanted to be a teacher. “I always loved going to school and shopping for school supplies. In first grade, I would play ‘school’ at home with my younger sister.” A Chicago native, Miss Karen’s parents, Harry and Sue Trestrail, moved the family to Park Ridge in the early 1960s and became members at Messiah soon after. Karen was confirmed at Messiah in 1964. She graduated with a degree in education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After teaching for five years in the Minneapolis area, Miss Karen returned and joined the staff at the CCC. Today, she lives in Park Ridge with her husband, Bob. They have three children, Kelly, Jeff and Tim and five grandchildren, Grace Madelyn, Tyler, Jack, Olivia and James. And Miss Karen is still on duty 40 years later, as the director of the CCC, shaping the school’s direction and caring for generations of young minds, some the children of her former students. Messiah’s CCC has grown and flourished under Miss Karen’s leadership, even while child care at other churches has waned. Under her direction, a kindergarten class was added in 1979. Later, other additions included a child-centered playground, dance programs, summer programs, parent-tot programs, music programs and Younger 3s classes, and many annual family activities. “I have always loved my job at Messiah,” Miss Karen says, adding that her philosophy is: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.” Miss Karen says that patience, a positive attitude and her ability to enjoy each day are key for her work at the CCC. She gives a lion’s share of the credit to the “dedicated staff that I work with,” women and men who have worked together over the years. That staff, plus the church, the generous, supportive families and the “amazing, trusting, curious, loving children,” have made “all my days at Messiah a pleasure.” And so, the week of Nov. 6-10 will be “Miss Karen Week” at the CCC! She will also be honored by the church at the worship service on Sunday, Nov. 19. (Details of the celebrations are being kept secret from Miss Karen.) We extend a big thank you to Miss Karen, for her lifetime of caring for and sharing the message of God’s love with the Child Care Center’s children!!
A CELEBRATION OF GIFTS Time, Talent + Treasure forms have been emailed and mailed out. We are keeping the same format that we used last year, so it should look familiar! Plenty of extra hard copies will available in the Welcome Center if you prefer to simply pick up a form at church. Our Celebration of Gifts will be accepted two Sundays, Nov. 12 and 19, so bring your completed form to church to be celebrated during the offertory. Also, please note that EVERY confirmed member in each household should fill out this form. We encourage all individuals, especially recently confirmed youth, to take time and consider how their gifts can support and grow the ministry of this church. This is much more than just a financial pledge. This is how we apply ourselves to becoming good stewards of our faith, our finances, and our church family. Also, as many of you have asked about taking the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, we have a new link. Please let Steve Yager know after you complete the SGI so she can followup with your results. http://conta.cc/2lqh4Dg
OUR MISSIONARY: REV. KNUTSON LETTER Dear Friends in Christ: From Oct. 20 to 22, I attended the commemoration events of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Durban hosted by Bishop PP Buthelezi and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa …
To read Rev. Philip Knutson’s complete letter, please visit http://www.messiahparkridge.org/rev_phil_knutson.html
Thank you for your participation in God’s mission locally and globally and your prayers and support through the ELCA Global Church Missionary Sponsorship program.
Yours faithfully, Philip Knutson Rev. Dr. ELCA Global Mission Regional Representative – Southern Africa Johannesburg https://southernafricanconnections.wordpress.com/
MESSIAH MINISTRY REMINDERS FOR NOVEMBER Quilts & Kits – Save the dates!! Quilt assembly is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 10, following worship in the Friendship Place. On Nov. 12 we’ll also make “presents” for the NICU (see page 6) and on Dec. 10 we’ll also have the 2nd part of Prayerful Process. Remember – no sewing experience necessary! And we have Band-Aids! Join us for snacks and good fellowship. For information, contact Carol Hrodey at cjhrodey@sbcglobal.net or 847-828-7819. – Trudi Handzel & Carol Hrodey ________________________________________ Brotherhood Breakfast – Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. All men at Messiah are invited! We meet at Jimmy’s, 1440 Rand Road, Des Plaines. Good conversation and food. This month’s focus will be on the Prayerful Process. ________________________________________ MESSIAH BOOK CLUB Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Place We will discuss the book, "A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life" by James Bowen. Book Club is open to anyone who enjoys reading. All are welcome.
PRAYERFUL PROCESS As the church year comes to an end, we gather to look ahead to the upcoming year of ministry at Messiah. This is also the time for members of the Messiah faith community to meet for the upcoming “prayerful process” sessions. In these gatherings, we join in prayerful discernment for the future leadership of Messiah. We will pray, read Scriptures, share our vision of what God and the Holy Spirit are up to here at Messiah Lutheran Church. We listen to each other's experiences and prayerfully discern an outcome that offers “the capacity for a shared meaning element or keen intellectual vision” (Webster’s Dictionary definition of “discernment”). This year the sessions will occur during the ministry gatherings of Gloria Dei Choir, Brotherhood, Quilts & Kits, Assistance Ministry, Youth Group, and Child Care Center. The (tentative) upcoming dates for the first session of PP are: • Assistance + CCC Staff (held on Oct. 30) • Book Club, Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:15 p.m., Friendship Place • Brotherhood, Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m., Jimmy's • CHAT Room, Sunday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m., Friendship Place • Gloria Dei Choir (held Oct. 24) • Quilts & Kits (held Oct. 29) The second session will be in early December. Please contact Pastor Lynne with any questions.
‘PRESENTS’ FOR NICU We’ve been asked to make special “presents” for the NICU at Advocate Lutheran General and Oak Lawn! These “presents” are a combination of felt and ribbon, made to look like a present that are placed on a newborn in the NICU, since the baby is a gift from God! Please join us on Sunday, Nov. 12, after service in the Friendship Place as Julie Holzer leads us in creating these special presents! We’ll assemble quilts afterwards. Contact Carol Hrodey if you have any questions. EC CORNER Highlights from the Oct. 16 meeting: • Prayerful Process meetings • Property update - concrete/black top project underway • Fundraising – Harvest Fest, Pumpkin Patch in conjunction with CCC open house • CCC Update • Update of mailing list • Budget, Constitution Revision • Stewardship/contributions, property, pastoral care, Christian ed, assistance ministry, staff updates
September Attendance Wk1=28, Wk2=40, Wk3=36, Wk4=31 *89 unique individuals attended worship between 1 and 4 times in September.
September Giving (Gen. Fund) Wk1=$3,080, Wk2=$1,105, Wk3=$1,780, Wk4=$739
ASSISTANCE MINISTRY Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. continue to be busy with our Assistance Ministry. Each week, we provide 15-20 guests with a warm meal and conversation with other guests and volunteers. Many also take a sandwich and fruit or chips to go as well. Thanks to all who provide meals, fruit, veggies, water, meats for sandwiches, etc. We greatly appreciate food donations. Mark them “Assistance Ministry,” and let us know so we can plan out our meals. With the cold weather, warm socks, boots, sweatshirts, jackets, gloves, stocking caps, etc. are needed. Keep in mind that most of our guests are male and large, XL sizes. We also continue to give a $10 Jewel card to individuals once a month. Often, though, we have more guests than cards. Thanks to generous members of Messiah we have been able to supplement our budgeted amount and assist more guests. If you can help, mark your envelope for Assistance Ministry. Anyone interested in sharing hospitality on Mondays, please stop by. You'll find lots of friendly smiles! -- Connie Kaufman
THIS MONTH IN WORSHIP
Date Worship Focus CHAT Room Sunday School Confirmation Nov. 5 All Saints Sunday 1st Lesson: Micah 3:5-12 Psalm: Psalm 43 2nd Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 Discussing Passing on the Faith Ten Comm.: Respect for Life Reformation Nov. 12 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 1st Lesson: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm: Psalm 70 2nd Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 Age with Dignity Ten Comm.: Respect for Community
Nov. 19 24th Sunday After Pentecost 1st Lesson: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm: Psalm 90:1-12 2nd Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 Thrivent Planning for Future Review/Discussions
Nov. 26 Christ the King 1st Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16,20-24 Psalm: Psalm 95:1-7a 2nd Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23 Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 No CHAT No Class (Thanksgiving Week)
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY AND NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCES
When you come to church on Nov. 5, be sure to stop and write the names of loved ones who have passed on into the Remembrance Book that will be in the Welcome Center as you enter. This book will be available every Sunday throughout November, and we will read the names each week during the Prayers of the People of those who have been added to the book.
WORSHIP NOTES ‘WORSHIP’ IS A VERB A lot of people have gym memberships these days. In fact, a lot of people with gym memberships drive past that mecca of exercise and fitness every day, vowing to make time to go and work out, because, after all, exercise has a lot of benefits, right? You exercise while you’re there, and “exercise” is a verb. Just as you would go to the gym to “exercise,” you come to church to worship. “Worship” is a verb, and also like exercise, with worship what you get out of it depends on what you put into it. In order to get the most out of worship you have to actively participate in it. Worship is not a spectator sport! Let’s take a look at some of the things we do during worship: pray, sing, confess our sins, receive forgiveness, read responsively, pass the peace, give our tithes and offerings, receive communion, listen to the sermon, and take God’s word into the world in thought and deed. Worship is a world full of verbs! Without actively participating in worship, how are you going to benefit from all these great “exercises”? So jump in have fun, God isn’t looking for perfection as we worship he’s looking for participation!! One of my uncles was a Baptist minister in South Carolina, and they have a saying down there: ”You can’t sing ‘Standing on the Promises’ if you’re sitting on the premises.” Shalom! Roger Turek
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY SCHOOL IS BACK Sunday School has taken a vacation recently, but now it’s back! Aly Allemeier has started things up by contacting parents of children ages 4-10 to generate ideas and get things going. Sunday School will be held once a month, and parents are encouraged to attend with their child to encourage their faith formation and to build faith relationships with other families. So far the new Sunday School has met in September and October. In November, the group will meet on Sunday, the 5th from 9 to 10 a.m. in the library in the Education Wing. For more information or to help, contact Aly Allemeier at alybyrd76@hotmail.com
CHAT ROOM CHAT Room is a time for confirmed members to discuss topics of interest on Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Friendship Place. November topics include: 11-5: Prayerful Process session 11-12: Pastor Lynne will guide us through “Mother Teresa’s Five Wishes to Age with Dignity” which offers ways for us all to plan ahead 11-19: Mark Lachmann from Thrivent will provide a presentation on planning for the future 11-26: No CHAT Room If you have any questions or suggestions for future CHAT Room topics, contact David Swanson or Steve Yager ___________________________________________________________________ CROP WALK THANKS We had a great day for the Crop Walk on Sunday, Oct. 16. Special thanks to all our walkers, volunteers, and sponsors for their dedication to this very special cause, and many thanks to everyone who supported the Walk, either by walking, praying or pledging. Our Messiah team raised over $6,300 to offset hunger in our community.
Walkers included David Swanson, Dave Hanson, and Mary Jo Marchetta. Trudi Handzel and Larry Ryczek were unable to walk but raised money.
PUBLIC CHURCH POP-UP EVENT Join Evanston area congregations for drinks, appetizers, and networking at a Public Church Pop-Up Event, co-sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Evanston. Rev. Erik Christensen of LSTC and Rev. Keith Fry of Immanuel Lutheran will speak. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 616 Lake St, Evanston. Free admission. RSVP if possible to Sharayah Robinson at srobinson@lstc.edu.
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Acolytes Michaelene M Kyle H Evelyn A Millie D & Michaelene M Communion Assistants Mary Jo M Laura H Aly A Mayra D & Mary Jo M Readers Nick L Debbie S Sam F Julia F Worship Assistants Vikki H Cindy N Diane B Erik G Projection Jim H Jim H Jim H Jim H Ushers TBD TBD TBD Steve Y Altar Guild Diane B Cindy N Sue K Marilynn D Counter Paul H Paul H Paul 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 $40, 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.
Sunday Flowers are given … Bulletins are given … Nov. 5 Available. In honor of my great grandson Landen’s first birthday, from Marilynn Duckett. Nov. 12 Available Available Nov. 19 Brad & Pat Kovach’s Available. Wedding anniversary, from Dan & Kevin Nov. 26 By Donna Hanson, Available. in memory of parents Rev. & Mrs. Harold E. Larsen.
Time Change – Saturday, Nov. 5 Don’t forget to “FALL BACK” on Saturday night, or you will be an hour early for Chat Room, Confirmation, Sunday School and church on Nov. 5!
UPCOMING EVENTS \CHRISTMAS CHARITIES We are doing LSSI’s Gifts for Kids again this year Nov. 26 to Dec. 10. Gift tags will be available in the narthex. Pick a tag, purchase a present, and bring it wrapped to church by Sunday, Dec. 10, to be sent to LSSI in time for their Christmas Party. Contact Moni Ryczek with questions at 847-692-6972. We’ll also have our Giving Tree to collect socks, winter gloves and hats for Night Ministry as well as our friends from Assistance Ministry. The tree will be in the Friendship Place on Dec. 2. ________________________________________ IT’S A CELEBRATION!! Please join us in honoring Karen Black for 40 years of leadership at Messiah’s Child Care Center on the Sunday, Nov. 19, worship service (10:15) followed by a reception in the Friendship Place. __________________________________ SYNOD YOUTH LOCK-IN Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11. Go to http://bit.ly/2xYYoyU or contact Katie Wilcoxon at kwilcoxon@oursaviours.org __________________________________ HANGING OF THE GREENS & CAROLING Save the date for this festive event! Saturday, Dec. 2!! COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE TUESDAY, NOV. 21, AT 7 P.M. ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
All are invited to attend the annual Park Ridge Ministerial Association’s Community Thanksgiving Service, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 306 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Light refreshments will follow in Grauer Lounge. Community Choir will meet at 6 p.m. for rehearsal. This service of thanks brings our community together. This is truly a faith-filled experience for all! For additional information, please contact the parish office at parishadmin@stmaryspr.org, or call 847-823-4126.
MILESTONES
BIRTHDAYS Richard Nugnis, 11/5 Tessa Taylor, 11/6 Lynne Morrow, 11/7 Lisa Paulus, 11/7 Alexis Chervinko, 11/11Mary Jo Marchetta, 11/17 Carolyn Clauser, 11/19 Kirsten Boyce, 11/23 Dorothy Burger, 11/23 Arden Sasak, 11/25 Donna Hanson, 11/25 Betty Stinnett, 11/25 Charles Tarochione, 11/26
ANNIVERSARIES Scott and Alyson Allemeier, 11/7/03 - 14 years Brad and Pat Kovach, 11/24/80 – 37 years If you do not see your birthday or anniversary here, that means the church office does not have it in the system. Please let us know if we don’t have your “celebration information!”
CHURCH LEADERSHIP STAFF Pastor: Rev. Lynne Morrow Music Ministry Coordinator: Roger Turek Child Care Center Director: Karen Black Office Manager: Rodney Richey Bookkeeper: Daniel Kovach Property Coordinator: David Hanson
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Larry Ryczek Vice President: Trygve Jensen Secretary: Aly Allemeier Treasurer: Rhonda Cady Financial Sec.: Paul Holzer
CCC BOARD Chair: Tim Saul, Erik Grove Secretary: Kathy Malyszko, Sue Kopij Treasurer: Pat Kovach
CONGREGATIONAL DEACONS Floyd Yager and Jennie Read Robles EXTENDED LEADERSHIP TEAM Assistance Ministry: Connie Kaufman Altar Guild: Sue Kopij, Cindy Norberg Brotherhood: Rich Seggeling CHAT Room: David Swanson, Steve Yager Cross+Gen: Julie Luck Jensen Confirmation/Youth: Pat Kovach Memorials: Carol Hrodey Women’s Svc. Group: Trudi Handzel, Carol Hrodey Spiritual Gifts Coor.: Steve Yager Worship Assistants: David Swanson Worship Readers: Rich Levy Ushers: Larry Ryczek John 17 Fellowship: David Swanson Steve Yager Prayer Cards: Jackie Steigerwald Sign Ministry: Staff
MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS as of October 29, 2017 (All gifts to the Memorial & Honorarium Fund are automatically acknowledged to the giver and donee or family by a personal note. Unless otherwise designated, all gifts go into the General 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. If you don’t see your gift listed here after two months, please contact Carol Hrodey at cjhrodey@sbcglobal.net.)
• In memory of Neil Hauser: Kilburg Family, Deb & Tom Mech, Mike & Cathy Haley, Floyd & Kristin Yager, Anonymous PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Please include the following individuals and families in your prayers this month: Tom Daniels, Donna Hanson, the Wiberg family, the Hauser Family, the family and friends of Pastor Megan Jones, the family of Jean Johnson, the family of Vern Frost, Ginger Borys (healing), Robert Saul, the family of Jeff Koszczuk, TTeri and Bill Muenster, the Froderman family, John Francis, Gilbert Garcia (Jeanette's dad), Aly Allemeier (surgery), Dorothy Nagel, Ted Gradt, Judy Jones, Carolyn Morrow, Doris Hay, Nancy Wendt, Ping, Vikki Hanson, Bob Morrow, Michael Baumeister and family, Myra Lusiak, Terry, Ruth, Judith, Betty & Ray Hoyle, Szul family, Lukasz Stechnij, Al Nugnis (recovering from knee surgery), Baby Grace Horton, Jackie Saul, Tom & Berni, Chris, Debby Brown, Beth Perfetti, Diane, Lorraine, Margot, David Swanson, Chuck Powers, Tom Daniels, Piper, Mr. Young, Millie Anderson and family, Nicholas Levy, the Levy family, Auntie Helmke, Nina Lippert, Teri and Bill Muenster, Joe, Mike Kivel, Nancy Maltec (Rhonda Cady’s mom), Tyler, Zander, Chad Adams and Family, Griffin family, Dottie Burger, Terry DeSchepper, Dan S., Helmke Fields, Brad Kovach, John, Linda Ostrand, Carol Hrodey, Jeanne Dumerer, Laura Soto, Ruth Perzentka, Tom Jason, Irene Luck, Bob and Justine Bisgard, Barb Loverme, Jeane Reeve, Eva Thoren, Julie Higgins, Maria Raica, Arlene Baranowski, George Krell, those living with cancer, those living with mental illness, Norb Wenson, Cathie Glesener, Diane Brendza, Ron Nytko, Robin Horton, Fran, Chris, Julia Ramsland, Sean White, Jackie Powers, Mary Cvetan, Bill Schuman, Charlie Kizer, Gary Hamilton, Ruth, Sandi, Tom, Tony, Mary, Peg, David, Don, JT, Mary-Jean, Jim, Ed, Nancy, Scott, Mary, Jimmy, Dan, Barb. ________________________________________ * We understand that some prayer requests are short term for specific events, while others find ongoing prayers to be powerful. Those requesting prayers for other purposes such as emotional, grief, financial, employment, general or unknown are: Don and Mary Jane Kovach, Dorothy Nagel, Anne Wiberg, John Francis, Rochele K., Don and Mary Jane, Anne Evans, Bill Zuhme, Debbie Dietrich, Salena Jason, the Jefferson family, Sarah Nugnis, Kevin Kovach, Terry K., Fred D., the family and friends of Jim Leeney, the Krell family, the families and staff of Child Care Center, Julie, Paul, Bonilla Family, Mike Wokisin, Haley Lippert, Eastaven Bargas, Meaghan, EB, Griffin family, Worknesh Deressa, Joann Wood, Penumaka family, Larry Dumerer, Jeane Reeve, Lippert family, Fox family, Victoria Candiotti, Richard Levy, George Krell, Provenzano family, Behl family, Schiaone family, Swenson family, Kraiger family, family of Jan Ehans, Megan, Fran, Lorenzo, those who are unemployed or underemployed, those living with addiction, those whom are hungry, alone or homeless, our assistance guests, and all of those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. ________________________________________ We want to remember in our prayers military and first responder personnel (those known to us and those serving who are not known to us): Brandon Ajyek, Tim David, Tyler Daye, Bobby Hanson, Tom Hanson, Andreas Johnsen, Jason Koesler, Sam Krawitz, Joey Rosequist, Claudine Ward, Officer Matt McGannon. We also want to remember in prayer our college students: Art DeSchepper, Tommy Hanson, Melissa Holzer, Kevin Kovach, Paul Song, Brynn Wildenauer, Phil Holzer, Rachel Daye.
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