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Construyendo una comunidad amorosa En Colorado

Escrito por Samara Fay – secretaria, NECW

La Diocesis de Colorado es una serie de comunidades, algunas diversas, otras homogéneas. La Diocesis tiene muchas iniciativas dirigidas a una membresía amorosa e inclusiva. Muchas áreas rurales son predominantemente blancas, por ende, la mayoría de los ministerios de inclusión están localizados en el área metropolitana de Denver y sus suburbios.

El ministerio del Jubileo en Colorado es parte de una red a nivel nacional que sirve a inmigrantes, indios nativos americanos, niños y otras poblaciones vulnerables de acuerdo con las directrices de “Mateo 25:35” de alimentar al hambriento, dar de beber al sediento, dar albergue al extranjero, vestir al desnudo, atender al enfermo y al reo. Ellos también viven de acuerdo con la directriz en “Mica 6:8” de hacer justiciar, amar la misericordia y andar sin mancha frente a Dios.

En Denver, uno de los programas, es el centro De San Francisco, un refugio vespertino que alberga y provee servicios a los “sin Hogar”, tanto a hombres como a mujeres. Para los refugiados de Sudan, la iglesia de los Miembros sudaneses se reúne los domingos por la tarde en la capilla de la catedral de San John. Las personas son suministradas de apoyo, habilidades como aprender a hablar inglés, como llevar un presupuesto, y como manear una computadora. Hay muchos programas de alimentación provistos tanto por Iglesias locales, como por ministerios de cárceles. A millas de distancia, en las montañas de la ciudad de Breckenridge, en la Iglesia de San Juan el Bautista, se provee ayuda y asistencia a los Jóvenes indocumentados (DACA), quienes fueron traídos a los Estados de Unidos de América de una manera ilegal y que ahora enfrentan ser deportados de este país al que llaman su hogar.

Hay varios ministerios Multiculturales que tienen por meta, de acuerdo con la información diocesana, el crear una Sociedad y participación con las comunidades africanas, Indios Nativos Americanos, asiáticos, Árabes, y Latinos. Estas sociedades se forman con la anuencia del sínodo “Rocky Mountain” del ELCA. La diócesis le da trabajo a un Sacerdote Latino y misionero para la iglesia Episcopal Iglesia en Colorado. Las Iglesias, en al menos tres ciudades, otorgan servicios en español: Denver, Thornton y la ciudad minera de Leadville.

El grupo de enfoque llamado “Race”, formado por la diócesis en el año 2021, ayuda a las Iglesias que buscan convertirse en comunidades amorosas donde se eliminan la opresión.

Finalmente, El Obispo Kym Lucas explícitamente da un apoyo absoluto a la comunidad LGTBAIA en Colorado. ¿Acaso hay muchas letras nuevas en el acrónimo? Significan Lesbianos, afeminados, bisexuales, transgéneros, intersexuales, asexuales.

2021-11-01T17:24:54+00:00November 1st, 2021|

Building a Beloved Community in Colorado

by Samara Fay – Secretary, NECW

colorado-fall-colorsThe Diocese of Colorado is a patchwork of communities, some diverse, some homogeneous. The diocese has many efforts aimed at loving, inclusive membership among all people. Many small, rural communities are mostly white, so the majority of the ministries of inclusion are in the large metropolitan area of Denver and its suburbs.

The Jubilee Ministry in Colorado is part of a nationwide network that serves immigrants, Native Americans, children and other vulnerable populations according to the admonition in Matthew 25:35 to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit the imprisoned. They strive after the vision in Micah 6:8 to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before your god.

In Denver one of the programs is the St. Francis Center, a daytime shelter that provides services for homeless men and women. For Sudanese refugees, the Sudanese Community Church meets on Sunday afternoons in a chapel in St. John’s Cathedral. The people are given relocation support, parenting skills training, English as a second language, budget management and computer training. There are many feeding programs provided by local churches, as well as prison ministries. Miles away, in the mountain resort town of Breckenridge, St. John the Baptist Church provides assistance to local DACA recipients, young people brought here illegally as children who now face possible deportation from the country they regard as home.

There are various multicultural ministries that have as their goal, according to diocesan information, to create full partnership and participation with African, Native American, Asian, Arab and Latino descent communities. This is done in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA. The diocese employs a Latino priest as the Latino/Hispanic missioner for the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Churches in at least three cities provide services in Spanish: Denver, Thornton and the old mining town of Leadville.

The Race Task Force, formed by the diocese in 2017, helps churches seeking to become Beloved Communities and eliminate racial injustice and oppression.
Finally, Bishop Kym Lucas explicitly gives solid support and acceptance to LGBTQIA people in Colorado. Are there too many new letters in that acronym? It means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual.

2021-11-01T16:41:56+00:00November 1st, 2021|

Todos Son Bienvenidos En Nueva York Central

Escrito por Jennifer Kenna Representante de la Provincia 2, NECW

All Welcome Central NY“Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, ¡todos son bienvenidos!” Cantando, yo marche por primera vez, al lado de Episcopales y luteranos, en la Marcha del orgullo Gay llevada a cabo en Syracuse, Nueva York, el 16 de junio de 2018. Marchando sobre el área renovada de la ciudad, donde rebosaban pancartas del orgullo Gay, globos hacienda alusión a lo mismo, sombreros, y paraguas que fueron abundantemente visibles, y a la vez usados por los asistentes y el clero de diversas orientaciones sexuales, de ambas denominaciones. El Reverendo Peter Williams, rector de la iglesia de la Gracia y El Espíritu Santo en Cortland, New York, una congregación episcopal y luterana, fue el gran representante de la marcha del Orgullo Gay del 20218. Una gran Multitud de personas llenaban las calles que caminamos.

“En la Iglesia Episcopal celebramos a los líderes y miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ.” Dijo Canon John Crosswaite, quien estuvo entre los presentes durante la marcha. “Esto se trata de compartir el amor de Dios y reconocer el amor en todas las relaciones.”

La tradición continua el 22 de junio de 2019, cuando los hermanos episcopales y luteranos viajaron desde todos los sectores de la parte central de Nueva York para unirse a la marcha por amor, igualdad e inclusión – por el apoyo, el reconocimiento, y el honor. Jóvenes cristianos marcharon y participaron de la misma forma, muchos de ellos llevando pancartas que diseñaron en el momento. Una en particular decía: “El amor no tiene límites” en diversos lenguajes. La Reverendo Norma Malfatti, Pastora Luterana, (y en aquel momento) directora de las Misiones en el Sínodo de la Ciudad de Nueva York de la Iglesia Luterana de América, se puso una franela que decía: “La Pastora da abrazos gratis” las cuales fueron inicialmente regaladas y alegremente aceptadas mientras caminábamos las rutas de dicha Marcha.

Debido a la Pandemia del Coronavirus (COVID-19), la marcha del año 2020 fue cancelada, y este pasado mes de junio de 2021, de manera tentativa, la Diócesis central de Nueva York ofreció un servicio de plegarias con intenciones especiales, realizada en la Iglesia de la Trinidad, en Watertown, Nueva York, y su rector. La Reverendo Molly Payne-Harden, y nuestro Obispo, el Reverendo Dede Duncan-Probe, quien lidero el momento de Adoración. Se llevo a cabo un miércoles, 16 de junio, a la misma vez que se realizó la apertura del fin de semana del Orgullo Gay en Watertown, Nueva York, una innovación recientemente añadida. Fue una celebración bien importante para compartir el amor de Dios con todos nuestros amigos, familiares, y miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ+. La transmisión en Facebook y Zoom, ofrecieron la oportunidad de una participación en oración por todos y para todos los asistentes.

Es un regalo inconmensurable el ser parte de estas celebraciones de diversidad y el amor de Dios aquí en la parte Central-Norte de Nueva York. Para los participantes, ya sea aquellos que participaron en persona o los que asistieron virtualmente, la evidencia fue clara: En la Diócesis Episcopal de Nueva York Central, todos son bienvenidos.

2021-11-01T16:35:15+00:00November 1st, 2021|

All Are Welcome in Central New York

by Jennifer Kenna – Province 2 Representative, NECW

All Welcome Central NY“One, two, three, four, all are welcome at our door!” Chanting and cheering, I marched for the first time along with Episcopalians and Lutherans in the CNY Pride annual parade held in Syracuse, New York on June 16, 2018. Parading through the newly revitalized Inner Harbor area of the city, rainbow banners and balloon arches, umbrellas, hats, and clergy stoles were abundantly visible, carried and worn by participating clergy and laypeople, of all sexual orientations, from both denominations. The Rev. Peter Williams, rector of Grace and Holy Spirit Church in Cortland, New York, an Episcopal/Lutheran congregation, was the grand marshal of the 2018 Pride Parade. A large crowd lined the streets we walked.

“In the Episcopal Church we celebrate our LGBTQ leaders, members and neighbors,” said Canon John Crosswaite, who was among those marching. “This is about sharing God’s love and recognizing God’s love in all our relationships.”

The tradition continued on June 22, 2019, when Episcopalian and Lutheran brothers and sisters traveled from all over the Central New York area to once again join the march for love, equality and inclusion – for support and recognition and honor. Young Christians marched and participated as well, many carrying signs that they created right in that space. One in particular said “Love has no Limits” in multiple languages. The Rev. Norma Malfatti, Lutheran pastor, and (at that time) director for Evangelical Mission at the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, wore a shirt offering “free pastor hugs,” which were generously given out and repeatedly and joyfully accepted as we walked the parade route.

In 2020 the COVID pandemic canceled the parade, and this past June 2021, with conditions still in the questionable stage, the Diocese of Central New York offered a service of prayer with special intention, hosted by Trinity Church, Watertown, New York, and their rector, The Rev. Molly Payne-Harden, and joined by our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dede Duncan-Probe, who led the worship. It was held on Wednesday, June 16, in conjunction with the beginning of the Watertown, New York, PRIDE weekend, a fairly recent innovation. It was a prayerful and grand celebration to share God’s love with all of our LBGTQ+ friends and family. Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live, it offered an opportunity for prayerful participation by any and all who chose to attend.

What a gift it has been to be part of these celebrations of diversity and God’s love here in the north-central part of New York State. For the participants AND those sitting on the sidelines or joining in online, the evidence is clear: In the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, all ARE welcome.

2021-11-01T16:24:46+00:00November 1st, 2021|

Article Request: Food Pantries and Meal Programs – Communique spring 2022

Feeding the hungry is a daily task and the ECW has been involved in food support programs for over a century. This issue of the Communique is dedicated to all the food pantries, community kitchens, and meal programs overseen or staffed by ECW members.

We wish to celebrate the long hours of dedicated work and community giving your ministry provides to families in need. To do this, we are looking for articles that speak about how your food program operates, difficulties you face in starting and maintaining the program, the blessings that have bloomed for your program, as well as those who are served by your food program.

As you gather your notes for the article, consider what information the next generation or the Episcopal Church across the state would want to receive as a roadmap to opening their own food program. This is a chance for you to teach and show other women around the country all about your program, and how much it is needed and respected within the community.

Be a teacher and share your wisdom so that others may emulate your charitable giving.

Pictures speak as loud as word so feel free to include several images of your members at work as well as your facility.

Contact the editor for question or submissions editor@ecwnational.org

Article Specifications:

  • 500 to 2000 words
  • Times New Roman 12 pt.
  • Word document
  • ECW will edit the final version of the article and translate into Spanish.
  • Approved articles will appear in the print version of the Communique and online.
2021-11-01T15:59:13+00:00November 1st, 2021|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-30-21

Summary

Daily Hampshire Gazette – Guest columnist The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas: Fasting and climate change – We fasted to break through the paralysis of disengagement and despair…

Murray Ledger & Times – Angels Attic contributions to HOPE Calloway, Need Line total more than $284K since 2018 – “The Angels Clinic is still trying to take care of people who have fallen through the cracks who meet our guidelines…”

Times Herald-Record – Historic Newburgh church celebrates ‘homecoming’ of new priest – After enduring the entire pandemic thus far without a priest, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh is welcoming back one of its own to lead the congregation…
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Guest columnist The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas: Fasting and climate change

Daily Hampshire Gazette – Northampton, MA

On Oct. 21, people concerned about the climate and social justice crisis rallied at Northampton City Hall to support five young activists in the Sunrise Movement who began a hunger strike that day in front of the White House. Sunrisers are pushing Democrats to pass legislation that matches the urgency and scale of the climate emergency. People supporting their demands for an ambitious climate agenda were invited to carry out a 24-hour fast. […]

Angels Attic contributions to HOPE Calloway, Need Line total more than $284K since 2018

Murray Ledger & Times – Murray, KY

About three years into changing its mission from primarily supporting the Angels Community Clinic, the Angels Attic Thrift Shop has provided a combined $284,000 to HOPE Calloway and Murray-Calloway County Need Line. […]

Historic Newburgh church celebrates ‘homecoming’ of new priest

Newburg – NY

After enduring the entire pandemic thus far without a priest, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh is welcoming back one of its own to lead the congregation.

On Oct. 4, the Rev. Mary Barber, 54, began her first job as a priest at the church that she has been affiliated with for 20 years, and where she and her wife, Alleyne Fraser, raised their two children. […]

Other News

139th Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of North Carolina
OnLine Friday, November 5, 2001 7-9pm.
Social Justice: We Are All Better Off… When We are All Better Off
Speaker: The Rt. Rev. Ann E. Hodges- Copple, Bishop Suffragan, of the Diocese of NC
Free Online registration and more information at www.ecw-nc.org

Nominations needed for National Board – Triennial Meeting July 2022

The ECW Nominating Committee invites you, an Episcopal woman, to submit names of possible nominees to the committee for election at the 2022 Triennial Meeting of the Women of the Church.  Job descriptions and qualifications can be found on the ECW website under the Resources section. We are seeking names for President, First Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Social Justice member.  Please send resume’, letter of endorsement, picture to Nominating Committee Chair, Marge Burke, 47 Merrill Road, Weare, NH 03281, or mmburke2@comcast.net  no later than November 15, 2021. Information about job duties and qualification requirements can be found on the NECW website.

Grant applications open for Episcopal Church Constable Fund, Roanridge Trust

Applications are open for two grant opportunities offered annually by The Episcopal Church—Constable Fund grants, which focus on religious education, and Roanridge Trust grants, which support leadership development in small towns and rural communities.

The application deadline for both is Dec. 12.

2021-10-28T15:21:42+00:00October 30th, 2021|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-23-21

Summary

13 News CBS – Manna Meal gives back to those in need – We’re averaging almost 14,000 meals a month right now,” said Amy Wolfe, Executive Director of Manna Meal…

Episcopal Diocese of TexasSt. George’s School, Austin, Celebrates Arrival of New Building – Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan joined staff, faculty, parents, and children…

The Denver Gazette – South Sudanese refugees find home, and church, in Syracuse – The Diangdit Episcopal Chapel congregation is made up of refugees from South Sudan who pray in their native language, Dinka. Many of the congregants of Diangdit Chapel have been in East Syracuse for more than two decades. The first to arrive in the area were part of the Lost Boys of Sudan

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ECW Group News

The Diocese of Central Florida will hold its Annual Meeting on Sat Oct 23rd at 10 am via zoom. The meeting ID is 832 521 9172 . The passcode is 222473.

We invite you to here Rebecca Taylor present her Antiphons she authored for Advent. Dee Collier will perform the “Woman at the Well ” and we will jazzercise with Jesus. https://zoom.us/join
The ECW from St. David’s Church, Cambria Heights, New York (Diocese of Long Island-Province ll) organized a team to plan an evening of fun, via Zoom, inviting the ladies’ groups from the 9 churches in the Jamaica Deanery. “Being at home for so long, we missed the social gatherings at the yearly deanery services held every Wednesday night during Lent. We even pass each other while shopping, unrecognized by the masks. COVID-19 was not going to stop us. ” After two months of planning, on Saturday, September 18, 2021 we welcomed 29 ladies who came together to reconnect.

We opened with prayer and the National ECW Song. Throughout the evening we learned so much about each other during a fun ice breaker. We tentatively listened to a presentation of the past 150 years of ECW, presented by Barbara Taylor, Historian for the Diocesan ECW and then Rev. Pauline Samuel (Rector – St. John’s Church, Springfield Gardens) who presented her views for the future of ECW.

We played frame games brain teasers, and a few games of Bingo. Our young ladies who have been attending our ECW meetings over the past four years, performed a wonderful liturgical dance to the music of Kirk Franklin’s “He reigns/Awesome God”. It was an evening of fun and relaxation, giving God thanks for his many blessings through this surging pandemic.

Submitted by, Vernese Smith
ECW Co-President
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Cambria Heights, NY 11411

Book: “A Low Country Advent” By Janice Neal Meyer

“A Low Country Advent” is a guided daily devotional through Advent, the twenty four days leading to Christmas, encouraging individuals, small groups, faith or other family, community settings to reflect, meditate, pray and journal.

“ A Low Country Advent” will stir within you a new and renewed anticipation toward a renewed experience of life and God’s love for all.

Available at online retailers, Amazon.com, and bookstores. To arrange for signed copies, faith community , Book Club and/or other workshops/events contact Janice at Janicemeyer72@gmail.com

News Stories

Manna Meal gives back to those in need

13 News CBS – Charleston, WV

The pandemic caused job loss, and for some, tough times got even tougher. Due to higher unemployment rates in West Virginia, many people struggle to feed themselves and their families.

“This year we’re on track to serve even more. We’re averaging almost 14,000 meals a month right now,” said Amy Wolfe, Executive Director of Manna Meal.

A recent drop in chilly weather sends more people seeking help. […]

St. George’s School, Austin, Celebrates Arrival of New Building

Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan joined staff, faculty, parents, and children on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, to dedicate and bless the arrival of new building at St. George’s School, Austin. […]

South Sudanese refugees find home, and church, in Syracuse

The Denver Gazette – East Syracuse, NY

On the corner of East Avenue and West Yates Street in East Syracuse, New York, sits Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The quaint building, with its bright white exterior and cherry red doors, is the home to not one, but two distinct congregations. The first, a modest parish of 25 Americans, meets early on Sunday morning, and the other, a group of South Sudanese refugees, in the midafternoon.

Diangdit Episcopal Chapel has been worshipping out of Emmanuel Church for three years. The congregation is made up of refugees from South Sudan who pray in their native language, Dinka. Their success has been fostered by the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York and a local interfaith resettlement agency that found them a place to hold services and supported their integration into the community. […]

2022-09-28T18:01:06+00:00October 23rd, 2021|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-16-21

Summary

Observer Reporter – Blessing Box offers food for households in need – Neighbors are welcome to “take what you need” or “leave what you can” to help others…

Fox 11 News – Waupaca church raises more than $6,300 for refugees – “We know we have been blessed with so much here in Wisconsin,” said Rev. Julia Hendrix, rector of St. Mark’s, in a news release.

Episcopal News Service – Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner elected bishop of Nevada – The Rev. Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner was elected as the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. Gardner will be consecrated bishop on March 5, 2022 in Las Vegas…

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Blessing Box offers food for households in need

Observer Reporter – Canonsburg, PA

When Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard, it was bare.

Canonsburg residents in a pinch no longer have to face an empty pantry. They can find some relief in a new Blessing Box at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 139 North Jefferson Avenue, Canonsburg.

The Blessing Box offers nonperishable dry goods for households in need of short-term, immediate food relief.

The Blessing Box has been stocked with cereal, pasta, sauce, ramen noodles and other goods by members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. […]

Waupaca church raises more than $6,300 for refugees

Fox 11 News – Waupaca, WI

A Waupaca church is providing Afghan and Haitian refugees with financial assistance.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church says it raised more than $6,300 for those in need.

“We know we have been blessed with so much here in Wisconsin,” said Rev. Julia Hendrix, rector of St. Mark’s, in a news release. “We believe that whenever someone is in need, as Christians, we have a duty to make sure that they are cared for.” […]

Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner elected bishop of Nevada

Episcopal News Service – Nevada

The Rev. Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner was elected as the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada on Oct. 8, 2021.

Gardner was selected from a slate of four candidates after a discernment process spanning almost two years. Beginning with a list of interested applicants, a diocesan search committee reviewed and selected the candidates to put before the church. The balloting process required a 50-percent-plus-one vote occurring simultaneously from the two voting bodies. The voting members are lay delegates from each parish in the state and voting clergy. Gardner was selected on the fourth ballot. […]

2021-10-15T13:50:06+00:00October 16th, 2021|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-09-21

Summary

Episcopal News ServiceQ&A: The Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas on living into the climate crisis with resilience – “There’s plenty to preach about, and I’m hoping that folks will feel encouraged…”

USA9 CBS – Teacher turns to dance to engage with special needs students – Jackie Zamora created ‘ZamDance’ as a way to broaden abilities for those with developmental challenges…

The Post and CourierNew SC Episcopal bishop’s vision for church centers on justice, racial reconciliation – Inside Episcopal Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley’s office hangs a large, framed portrait of Nelson Mandela, the South African revolutionary who fought against apartheid. The portrait also includes a quote from Mandela: “Never, never and never again

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Q&A: The Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas on living into the climate crisis with resilience

Episcopal News Service – Diocese of Western Massachusetts

The Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas is looking ahead to COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which begins Oct. 31 in Glasgow, Scotland. “This is a moment when we have a chance to make our voices heard, to make it clear that Americans care deeply about the climate crisis and want solutions,” she recently told Episcopal News Service. “We have this very rare window of opportunity to push for real climate solutions that are just. There’s plenty to preach about, and I’m hoping that folks will feel encouraged.” […]

Teacher turns to dance to engage with special needs students

USA9 CBS – Bethesda, MD

There’s a special energy in one of the rooms at St. James Episcopal Church in Potomac, Maryland. This space is one of several used by Jacqueline “Jackie” Zamora where she leads a group in “ZamDance”, a dance class she created to assist children and adults with developmental differences.

“It’s a program called ‘Celebrate Ability’. I come every Friday to teach the class,” said Zamora.

There are scant few group options for those with special needs to gather for physical activity. The pandemic has only increased the difficulty. […]

New SC Episcopal bishop’s vision for church centers on justice, racial reconciliation

The Post and Courier – Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina

Inside Episcopal Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley’s office hangs a large, framed portrait of Nelson Mandela, the South African revolutionary who fought against apartheid.

The portrait also includes a quote from Mandela: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.”

The picture, a gift to Woodliff-Stanley from years back, embodies what she believes should be the core focus of the diocese: promoting justice and racial reconciliation in a state where many African American Episcopal congregations are still working to overcome legacies of discrimination. […]

2021-10-08T14:09:34+00:00October 9th, 2021|
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