July 1, 2018

TODAY:  We are blessed today to have two members joining our Good Shepherd family.  Lizzie Grace Richards is joining through Baptism/Adult Confirmation in our 8:00 a.m. worship.  Lizzie graduated from Normal Community and will be attending Heartland Community College in the fall.  She lives at 3112 Eagle Creek Drive in Bloomington.  Her phone# is (309) 445-1444 and her email is: lizzie.richards1@yahoo.com.  Michael T. Renken is joining through Adult Confirmation in our 10:30 a.m. worship.  Michael is single and the son of Herb Renken.  Michael lives at 16 Sherman Ct. in Atlanta.  His phone is (217) 671-1527.  Please take a moment to welcome them to our congregation.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS:  Today Mr. Karson Lueck will be conducting the class on the topic of: “The Bible In America”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 8:3 – “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will.”  St. Paul lifts up an example of faithful Christian generosity in the Epistle lesson today.  Read those words again this week and ponder them.  How is the Lord calling you to increase your generosity toward His work?

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15^th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S GROUP OUTING:  The Group Outing for the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 29^th.  Details are available on the table in the narthex.  Please contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com if you did not previously buy tickets and would like to go.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES is in need of a new member.  If you are interested please speak with Mo Dale (309)830-6552 or Bob Love (309) 846-6417.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Sufficiency” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 12:9.  In a world of pain and violence, people ask, “Why doesn’t God do something?”  Pastor Ken Klaus answers, “He Has.” The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 24, 2018

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15^th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S GROUP OUTING:  The Group Outing for the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 29^th.  Details are available on the table in the narthex.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES is in need of a new member.  If you are interested please speak with Mo Dale (309) 830-6552 or Bob Love (309) 846-6417.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS:  This morning the Adult Bible Class will be watching a video and discussing the missions of our Central Illinois District.  Next Sunday, July 1^st, Mr. Karson Lueck will be conducting the class on the topic of: “The Bible In America”.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 4:40 – “He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?’ ”  Faith means trust. If we trust the Lord, what do we have to be afraid of?  Isn’t it fear that holds us back in our stewardship?  Isn’t it fear that stops us from following the Lord’s Word to give generously toward His work in the Church?  Well … “Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith?”  The Lord has proved His trustworthiness by His cross.  You can trust Him.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Truly the Worship of God” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 10:34-48.  When you get out of your religious comfort zone and meet people who don’t know Jesus, you have opportunity to grow in faith and witness. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 17, 2018

Happy Father’s Day!

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 4:34 – “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to His own disciples He explained everything.”  How blessed we are to be His disciples! The Lord has indeed explained everything to us.  He has told us all things plainly.  Why then are we ever so foolish as to disobey His clear Word?  Our fight against sin in the power of the Holy Spirit is truly a struggle.  Therefore let us receive the Lord’s help in His Word and Sacraments – and let us fight the good fight of faith and grow up into His image.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the JULY NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15^th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service (start time not yet set).  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S GROUP OUTING:  The Group Outing for the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game rained out last Sunday has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 29^th.  Details will follow as they become available.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Don’t You Care?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4:38-41.  After seeing one of the Savior’s miracles the disciples asked, “Who is this Guy?”  After Pentecost, they knew Who Jesus was and why He had come.  Even so, the world keeps coming up with wrong answers when they ask, “Just Who is this Guy? The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 10, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 3:35 – “Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”  Doing the will of God starts with trusting in His Son Jesus Christ.  Once we have faith in Him and have been reborn as new creatures through Holy Baptism, we strive to grow in this faith and in a life that agrees with our faith.  Growing in generosity, in kindness, and in love across our callings in the home, in church, and in society is growing into the family of God: for all who do His will are His brothers, and sisters, and mothers.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY:  Good Shepherd’s Group Outing to the Normal CornBelters game is TODAY, June 10^th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES is this coming Friday, June 15^th at 6:30 p.m.  The movie will be: “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME”.  From the New York Times bestseller comes an inspirational true story that “embraces the beauty of the human spirit.”  Successful art dealer Ron Hall (Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear) and his wife Debbie (Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger) seemingly have the perfect life.  But when their faith and family are tested, an unlikely bond with a homeless drifter(Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou) leads them on a remarkable journey that forges an everlasting friendship.  “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME” shows how a simple act of kindness can change everything.  Join us for a great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship on Friday, June 15^th at 6:30pm.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The weekend of July 14^th and 15^th this summer will be a big weekend at Good Shepherd.  On Saturday the 14^th, Good Shepherd is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A breakfast will be served in the canteen after your donation.  Then on Sunday the 15^th, the Lord’s Day begins with a congregational breakfast in the basement (start time not yet set).  We will have one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  Bible Class and Sunday School will follow back inside.  We give the gift of life as the Lord has given us life!  

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Tell Me a Story!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4:26-34.  Jesus loves to tell us stories.  His stories about the normal things of life, Jesus teaches us about the reign of God in our lives.  This Father’s Day, what makes for a godly father, or mother or Christian?  The willingness to tell our stories.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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June 3, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  The chief treasure we have is our faith – our connection to Jesus and all the blessings He bestows upon us: forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, new desires to follow Him, spiritual growth into His image, etc.  St. Paul says we have these treasures in jars of clay – that is, of ourselves we are still weak, stumbling, and powerless.  The treasure is not us, but what the Lord has graciously given us.  We are vessels for His blessings.  But a treasure horded is a treasure wasted.  How is the Lord calling you to share these and all the treasures He has given you?

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you. 

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game NEXT SUNDAY, June 10^th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be on Friday, June 15^th  at 6:30 p.m.  The movie will be: “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME”.  From the New York Times bestseller comes an inspirational true story that “embraces the beauty of the human spirit.”  Successful art dealer Ron Hall (Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear) and his wife Debbie (Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger) seemingly have the perfect life.  But when their faith and family are tested, an unlikely bond with a homeless drifter(Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou) leads them on a remarkable journey that forges an everlasting friendship.  “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME” shows how a simple act of kindness can change everything.  Join us for a great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship on Friday, June 15^th at 6:30pm.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The weekend of July 14^th and 15^th this summer will be a big weekend at Good Shepherd.  On Saturday the 14^th, Good Shepherd is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A breakfast will be served in the canteen after your donation.  Then on Sunday the 15^th, the Lord’s Day begins with a congregational breakfast in the basement (start time not yet set).  We will have one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  Bible Class and Sunday School will follow back inside.  We give the gift of life as the Lord has given us life!  

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Light Momentary Affliction?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:17—5:1.  Paul had his problems.  You’ve never met anyone who didn’t.  And yet, St. Paul called his problems “light” and “momentary”.  Next Sunday’s message deals with the question, “What does Paul know that we don’t?  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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