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My dear friends,
What if I told you that there was a place that you could go once a week or more to enjoy conversation with like-minded people, hear beautiful music, and let yourself be led through a deep meditation or to hear a fun, exciting speaker or two?
What if I told you that experience would not only likely lead to lifelong friendships, provide a brave and loving space for you and your child(ren), but that it’s all free? |
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You’d wonder how such a thing could possibly run without funds.
If such a place existed, a place that offered small groups, opportunities for meaningful social justice work, religious education for all ages, educated and capable staff, and even a snack and some coffee, you would be astonished to learn that all of this can happen based on donations alone.
And this is the wonder and beauty of our beloved community here at UUCV. We are in the midst of pledging season and I want to thank you for your financial support of UUCV. Not just this year but throughout the years. Your financial gift ensures that this place that you love can keep offering all of the things that you love and can also continue to grow.
We are an independently funded church and we do not receive financial support from the larger denomination. That means that when you look around on a Sunday morning, you are seeing the faces of the people who support this growing beloved community along with you.
We don’t want you to miss out on the fun we are having during this pledge campaign! Have you been to a Sunday service at UUCV lately? I’m going to guess that you have, because we are seeing attendance numbers that haven’t been this high since June 2021! Keep reading through this newsletter to learn about all of the exciting ways to get involved and stay connected with your favorite little Unitarian Universalist church that CAN!
And as always, I invite you to contact me at minister@uucv.net just to chat about anything at all. I look forward to connecting with you in person, online, or via phone!
With so much love, Rev. Meg |
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The Worship theme for
April is Honorable Harvest |
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April 2 – “Loving Kindness” Many of us are aware of the Buddhist concept of Metta, or Lovingkindness, but what does it mean to turn this practice toward ourselves? This Sunday we gather to bolster one another along on our paths toward mindful self-compassion. Rev. Meg Mathieson leads the service with worship associate Lynn Sodora.
April 9 – “Your Compassionate Voice” There are words that you have longed to hear for as long as you can remember. Words of kindness that you didn't hear when you needed them. This week, join us as we explore and discover our compassionate voice. Rev. Meg Mathieson preaches with worship associate Ian Harris.
April 16 - "Living Deeply/Planning our Future" Join us this morning as we celebrate our community and our faith! As Unitarian Universalists, we have unique and diverse values by which we live our lives. We gather this morning to delve into what those values are, to name them and recognize their importance among us as a community as well as individually. Rev. Meg Mathieson preaches with worship associate Bev Motich.
April 23 – “When the Music Fades” When the music fades, all is stripped away, and we simply come.....When all is stripped away, can we still find and use our voice? Rev. Chris Kapp preaches with worship associate Heather Fox.
April 30 – “Dance to the Music” A world with no music is unimaginable. Join us as we celebrate the many ways music enriches our lives. Rev. Chris Kapp preaches with worship associate Zach Woodward.
Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685 |
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Breathe by Joyce Carol Oates
April 23 – Bev Motich
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion.
The selection for April 23rd is
Breathe by Joyce Carol Oates, "...part intimately detailed love story, part horror story rooted in real life, BREATHE is an exploration of hauntedness rooted in the domesticity of marital love, as well as our determination both to be faithful to the beloved and to survive the trauma of loss." (Goodreads.com) If you've ever wanted to get involved, we'd love to have you join us! Please email Book Group Coordinator Riley Johnson to learn more: riles1806@gmail.com.
Please email Book Group Coordinator Riley Johnson to learn more:
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April 15th - Tend
We all burn with the fire of purpose, but sometimes our flames grow dim and we may fear they’ve gone out completely. Come connect with what it means to tend your heart, and to be rekindled
Join Riley Johnson on Saturday, March 18 at 3:00 in the Social Hall. For more details, read the December newsletter on our website www.uucv.org or contact Riley riles1806@gmail.com
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Mark your calendars:
- Movie Matinee Join us in the dining room at noon on April 1 for a showing of "Back to the Future" Bring a bag chair....bean bags are available for youngsters. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.
- Sit and Stay Awhile Mini Pot-Luck on Sunday, April 2 following worship bring a finger food to share in the Social Hall.
- Cumberland Singers on Saturday, April 15 at 7:00 PM enjoy this free concert in our Sanctuary
- April 16 - Pledges DUE and stay for the Birthday Bash.
- Family Happy Hour All are welcome to gather at Desperate Times (1201 Carlisle Springs Road, Carlisle) at 5:30 pm.
- OWLover - Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22
- OWL Sunday, April 23 in the Yuuth Room 3p - 8p
- OWL Sunday, April 30 in the Yuuth Room 3p - 8p
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News from the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee
Two members of the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee are planning a monitoring visit to Mozambique from September 2-14, 2023, provided the damage from Cyclone Freddy has been repaired. We’ll visit the students, parents, teachers, and housemothers in Molumbo and Namarroi. We hope to tour one or more of the post-secondary schools where we support aspiring teachers and other professionals. And we’ll spend lots of time with Titos Macie, our Project Consultant, and Sonia Assane Sauale, our Project Officer.
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We are looking for additional UUCV members who might be interested in joining the trip. Volunteers should be in excellent health and prepared to “rough it.” Financial assistance is available. Please contact Dianne Dusman or Susan Rimby, if you are interested. |
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April Social Justice Opportunities |
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Programs under the umbrella of the Social Justice Committee include the monthly CARES dinner, Change for the World (CFTW), the Mozambique Bursary project and the UUCV Antiracism Initiative. Another component this year has been assisting an Afghan family as they transition to America from war-torn Afghanistan. Other events we regularly participate in include Project Share’s Farm Stand, the annual Pride Festival in Harrisburg, National Public Lands Day, and United Way’s One Day of Caring. We anchor our efforts around UUCV’s mission to transform lives and care for the world. Thank you to all who serve on the committee and for outside support we receive from many others in the congregation.
The next Social Justice meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, April 19 in the board room. All are welcome to join our meetings. |
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Change for the World -
2nd Quarter April - June
The CFTW for the 2nd quarter (Apr-Jun) will be Meals on Wheels, which is a community based nutrition program, dedicated to addressing senior adult hunger, and isolation. Volunteers deliver nutritious meals, provide friendly visits, and safety checks, which help seniors sustain a healthy and independent lifestyle.
They can stay longer in their own homes, knowing that they are not alone - that someone cares. |
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8th Principle Actions
“
Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
www.8thprincipleuu.org
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8th Notes Invitation
Hopefully by now during a Sunday service you have experienced an 8th Note, an educational action advancing our commitment to the 8th Principle’s call to dismantle racism and other oppressions. The Anti-Racism Initiative would like to invite members of the congregation to join in this action. Would you consider preparing and presenting an 8th Note? If so, and for more details and information, please contact Wendy Gebb at mailto:wendywinter@comcast.net
IMPORTANT! proposed revision to the 7 principles and 6 sources
The UUA Article II Study Commission submitted their proposed revision of the 7 Principles and 6 Sources to the UUA Board for their consideration at the Board meeting held on January 20 and 21, 2023. The proposed revision of Article II was approved by the UUA Board and will be an agenda item for General Assembly in 2023 and 2024. It must pass in two consecutive General Assembly meetings in order to become the new Article II and replace the existing Principles and Sources. As was mentioned in UUCV’s December 2022 and January 2023 newsletters, this proposed revision is a significant change to the format and wording of the Principles and Sources as we now know them. The complete report of the Article II Study Commission and the proposed revision can be found at www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission
Learning Opportunities
Beginning on April 17, 2023, YWCA USA is sponsoring a 4 week Racial Justice Challenge “allowing participants to connect with one another, discover how racial and social injustice impact our community, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.” Each week will have a topic and you will be prompted each day to engage with a learning activity (read an article, listen to a podcast, etc). For more information and to register to participate go to YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
Traveling While Black is a 20 minute long cinematic virtual reality experience that immerses viewers in the long history of restriction of movement for Black Americans and the creation of safe spaces in our communities. The Luhrs Center at Shippensburg University will be hosting this event April 10-May 8, 2023. The exhibit is free but due to a limited number of virtual reality headsets, reservations for specific time slots are required. For more information or to reserve a time please visit https://luhrscenter.com/event/traveling-while-black-vr-exhibit/ or contact the Box Office at info@luhrscenter.com or 717-477-SHOW
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Join UU Justice PA in advocating to raise the Minimum Wage!
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People deserve a living wage! Sign this petition to #
FightforPayInPA.
Since 2009, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been $7.25. Gov. Shapiro’s budget is based on a $15 minimum wage but a living wage in PA is actually $16.41 according to the Living Wage Calculator. We need to pressure our PA legislators to act!
How can you help? Sign this petition. This simple action supports the work of UUJusticePA, in collaboration with #FightforPayinPA, gathering signatures across the state. The signers’ names will be separated according to legislator and the resulting petitions will be hand-delivered to each individual legislator to show them the number of their constituents who support increasing the minimum wage to $15. “
Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.” ~James Baldwin. Please, take a moment to sign this petition. (and then share it).
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CARES MEAL
The April Community CARES Carlisle Dinner will be delivered on
SUNDAY, APRIL 23. The menu is a home cooked meatloaf & sides meal. We need the following food donations. Money donations for parts of the meal will be accepted also.
Email Pam pam@uucv.net to donate or send checks to UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 marked CARES in the memo line:
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MEATLOAF - 3 Large loaves which can serve 10-12 persons each are needed. These can be any combination of ground meat, ham loaf, or vegetarian.
SIDES - Macaroni & Cheese -1 needed
Potato Casseroles - 2 needed
Sweet Potato Casseroles- 2 needed
Frozen Peas or Green Beans - 4 Large Bags needed
Rolls & Butter - 6 Dozen Rolls & 2 lbs of Butter needed
FRESH FRUIT - 4 Bags of Apples or Oranges needed
DESSERT - 3 Dozen Cupcakes needed
BEVERAGES - Coffee- 2 or 3 Large cans, Creamer,
Iced Tea - 2 gallons
***Community CARES Carlisle is serving meals to 45-50 persons each day. This includes outreach staff taking any leftover meals to persons living in cars or tents in the area.
We are trying to provide a sufficient amount of food for one meal each month to feed this number of people, thanks to your kind Donations of food items & cash donations. Your donations are one way our congregation can reach out to local folks in need. This is one monthly part of UUCV making a difference in our community. THANK YOU!
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Greetings all! Spring is here and we have some fun activities planned for this month. There are two "Triple A" (All-Ages Activities) for the children and youth this month due to the Easter Holiday. |
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The kids will be working together on some cool projects. The Middles will be holding a Food Drive this month (more info to come) and we are all looking forward to the big UUCV Birthday Party on April 16th! We are offering the RE families another opportunity to connect with the return of our monthly Family Happy Hour at Desperate Times Brewery in Carlisle on Wednesday, April 19th, 6-8 pm. May we continue to connect with one another in fun and loving ways. In faith and service,
Lynn Sodora
Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for April: |
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April 2 - Multigenerational Service: Rev. Meg has planned a fun and engaging Multi-gen for all with a focus on mindfulness. Everyone will gather in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am for service. There are no RE classes on this Sunday except for OWL. The OWL Students will head downstairs for class after the Moment for All Ages. For those who might need a little more stimulation during the service, there are busy bags, quiet toys and activity pages related to the service located on the racks in the Annex.
April 9 - Easter Sunday - : After the Moment for All Ages, the children and youth will head downstairs to the Dining Hall for an All-Ages activity. There will be learning activities, arts & crafts and Easter treats. Please sign-out young children by 11:45 am.
April 16 & April 23: The OWL class graduates will be recognized during the Moment for All Ages. After that, the children and youth will head downstairs to their regular RE classes:
Children (ages 5-8) will be in the Spirit Play room to work with the Spirit Play curriculum.
Children (ages 9-12) considered Middles and will be working with the Tapestry of Faith curriculum in the Boardroom with PrimaJoy Ramalingam.
Youth (Grades 9-12) will meet in the Yuuth Room.
April 30: After the MFAA, children will head downstairs to the Dining Hall for an All-Ages Activity celebrating the upcoming Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Kristen Markley will be leading the session. Please sign-out young children by 11:45 am.
NURSERY CARE (ages 0-4) every Sunday: Parents can sign in their babies and toddlers before Service and retrieve them by 11:45 am.
**Please sign your Nursery, Spirit Play, and Middles Children out of their classrooms by 11:45.** This gives parents the opportunity to socialize before pickup, while respecting the Volunteer Teachers' time as well.
Thank you to all our March volunteers! Primajoy Ramalingam, Max Donnelly, Melissa Mattson, Rev. Chris Kapp, Ryanne Mack, Mrs. Candice Holsinger, Courtney Wiley, Jen Hricak, Dirk Wiley, Kristen Markley, Lynn Michels, Rebecca Fratantuono and Kim Stone. Thank you so much for your time and energy! Members of the Congregation are encouraged to volunteer with the Children's RE Program! Please email Lynn Sodora DLFD at re@uucv.net to check in about submitting clearances. |
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Adult RE Discussion Group – Class Schedule – Spring 2023
These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv
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April 2: Growing Up UU
When I grew up as a UU kid, I ran into questions from other children that I was not prepared to answer. Some were not too difficult to deal with: “I’m excited for my confirmation—when is yours?”
Others were much harder: “Why don’t your parents love you and want you to go to Heaven?”
Let’s chat about ways to support our UU kids when they encounter awkward conversations or situations. Discussion leader: Jennifer Hricak.
April 16: Sufi Farm of Peace
The Farm of Peace, located approximately two hours from Boiling Springs in Fulton County, is a 250-acre Community Supported Agriculture farm run by a group of Sufis. In addition to subscriptions to food products, the farm offers numerous spiritually oriented programs throughout the year on its sprawling campus which consists of old farm buildings and newer modern construction. We will discuss the nature of the programs the Farm has to offer and what one may expect to find on a typical trip to the Farm. Discussion leader: Brian McPherson.
May 7: Yoga Nidra
Discussion leader: Courtney Wiley.
May 21: The Culture and Religion of Appalachia circa early 20th century
I will explain and discuss a culture that wasn’t that far away from us. When the Shenandoah and Smokey Mountain National Parks were established, the people of Appalachia were displaced and most of their culture went by the wayside. We will learn how they worshipped. How births and deaths were dealt with. Additionally, I will explain how one made a living in the mountains that stretched from Virginia to Georgia. Discussion leader: Cathy Dewalt |
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Ready for a party? Bring your favorite dish to share (no desserts please...we will take care of that) and come enjoy friendship with your past and present (and hopefully some future) UUCVers. There will be Event sign-ups, a bounce house, games, dancing, karaoke, 50/50 drawing and raffles. Join us on Sunday, April 16. Worship starts at 10:30 am and the party begins following worship...start in the dining room for the pot luck and then move upstairs for the fun!
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Birthday Bash Sign-Ups
Want to get a sneak peak at the events, services and food that will be available to sign up and/or bid on?
Make your list of what you're interested in...there's something for everyone!!! |
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UUCV Office Closed
The office will be closed starting Wednesday, April 19 and will re-open on Friday, April 28. Rev. Meg and DLFD Lynn Sodora will be working their normally scheduled hours. Reach them at 717/249-8944. |
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Sit and Stay Awhile
On Sunday, April 2 join us in the social hall for a mini pot-luck. No utensils will be provided...bring a finger food to share, BYOB and Sit and Stay Awhile! |
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Are you interested in becoming a member of UUCV....or just want to learn more about UUCV?
Rev. Meg will be holding a one-day class on Saturday, May 20 from 9a - 3p in the Board Room. Lunch will be provided.
If you are interested, please contact Pam pam@uucv.net to sign up.
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UUCV’s 25th Anniversary:
Pledging to Honor the Past
As of Friday 3/24, we now have pledge commitments from 40 households, totaling over $105,000! However, this is only 42% of the pledge goal we need to reach this year.
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We know that some of you just haven’t gotten around to it yet, so please, dig out those pledge forms and mail them to UUCV, or place them in our weekly offering basket at church. You can also pledge online at https://uucv.org/get-involved/financial-commitment-form/
We will begin contacting people we haven’t heard from later this week, so please get your pledge in now!
You don’t have to be a member to show your appreciation and support for this liberal religious community in Central PA. With your help and generosity, we can look to the future and another twenty-five years of growth at UUCV!
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Coming to UUCV - Cumberland Singers Melody Harmony Community
Mark your calendars...Saturday, April 15 at 7:00 PM.
"The Cumberland Singers is an auditioned community choir of treble voices striving to create a sense of community through the performance of choral music, including both secular and non-secular music, familiar favorites, and thought-provoking pieces.
Our goal is to bring joy to the community and each other through learning and performing high-quality choral music. Our welcoming group of women rehearses weekly under professional artistic direction, singing a diverse repertoire of music. We explore contemporary themes to enrich understanding and shared experiences at our seasonal, live concert series."
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UUCV Movie Matinee
All are welcome to attend a special showing of “Back to the Future.”
Join us in our Dining Room on Saturday, April 1 at noon. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.
Bring a bag chair….we do have bean bags for the youngsters.
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SHARE and LIKE us on Facebook... |
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UUCV Fundraising Opportunities
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Visit the Grocery Card Table!!
Q. What monster plays the most April Fool's joke?
A. Prankenstein.
Q. When do gorillas fall from the sky?
A. During Ape-til showers!
Q. What makes April jump so high?
A. It's spring!
More groans on the way.
Better buy cards so we'll stop.
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UUCV Yard Sale - May 4, 5, 6
As you start your spring cleaning, box up your clean, working items and get them ready to donate for our May yard sale. No shoes, clothing or electronics please. |
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You can drop off your items on Sunday, April 23 and Sunday, April 30. We will have tables marked for you to place your items on when you drop them off. Other drop off dates are Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18 between 8:30 - 1:30 and Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2 between 8:30 - 1:30. If you are not able to drop off during these times, please email Cindy Good to agree on a time to meet at the church to deliver your items. cyagood4@gmail.com
If you have larger items, contact Pam pam@uucv.net to see about posting the item on Facebook for the church. |
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UUCV Mugs for Sale
Purchase a mug and help cut down on coffee cup purchases, raise money for UUCV.
Don't drink coffee? Put a cup on your desk as work with candy or pens/pencils and help raise awareness about UUCV.
Mugs are $15.00 each or 2 for $20.00.
If you missed our sales in March, contact Pam in the office to purchase a mug pam@uucv.net |
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UUCV RE fundraiser:
The UUCV children and youth created a collage in celebration of Women's History Month which we have turned into beautiful note cards! The folded note cards are 4 ¼ x 5 ½ and are blank on the inside. Sold in packs of 10 cards (with envelopes) for $20.00. Please contact Lynn Sodora re@uucv.net to purchase a set. |
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UUCV is partnering with RaiseRight for Gift card fundraising, the #1 fundraiser for nonprofit organizations across the U.S. for more than 25 years. Earn simply by buying gift cards to use for everyday purchases, instead of cash or credit cards.
With RaiseRight, nonprofits and other community-based organizations earn money simply by shopping for their favorite brands—turning daily or weekly purchases into the opportunities that matter for their favorite organizations.
How to Get Started:
Visit http://uucv.info/raiseright to Sign Up from your computer
Set up your banking or credit card preference.
You can then shop anytime by visiting https://www.raiseright.com/brands and see the daily bonuses and specials which will earn more money for UUCV. Check the % for each card to see what your donation will be to UUCV….with a very minimal fee to you.
How to Pay:
When you are done selecting your cards, check out at your shopping cart. You can pay by your own Credit Card (getting points on your card) or LINK to your bank account
How you Receive your Cards:
- You can choose ecards (which will show up in your wallet on your APP or in your wallet on the main website http://www.raiseright/shop
- You can choose to receive the actual card be sent to your home address
- DO NOT select your card to be sent to the Coordinator….any cards sent to the coordinator will be cancelled and your sale will be VOID
Contact Pam pam@uucv.net if you need help in getting set up or if you have questions about this program.
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