News for God’s people at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church

December 2008

Christmas Blessings and Peace

to Us All

Pastor Patrick’s Pen ……………………………………………… ... Page 3

Deaconess Claire’s Note…………………………………………… Page 5
Advent and Christmas Schedule . .....… ……………………………. Page 7
LWML ……….…………………………………………………… Page 8
TAG/Joy Circle ……… ...………………………………………… Page 9
Gift of a “Green Christmas”. . . ……………………………………. Page 10
Youth News………… ..…………………………………………… Page 11
“Know Your Leadership”………………………………………….. Page 14
Stewardship………………………………………………………….Page 15
Christian Stewardship ……………………………………………...Page 16
Catechism Connection/Book of Concord …………………….. .... Page 17
Financial Update …………………………………………………. . Page 18
Anniversaries …………………………………………………….. . Page 18
Birthdays. .………………………………………………………… Page 19
 FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR

Members are invited to sign up to place flowers on our altar

for special occasions: in memory or honor of a loved one or
a special event. Please sign up on the flower chart located
in the Sunshine Hall and see posted guidelines for flowers.

PEACE WITH CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

1412 West Swallow Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: (970) 226-4721
Fax: (970) 204-1570
Email:pwchrist@pwchrist-fc.org
On the web:www.pwchrist-fc.org
Prayer Chain: 229-1459
Pastor: Ralph Patrick
Deaconess: Claire Rueffer
Ministers: All Members
Preschool Director/Teacher: Cathy Toomey
Editor: Marcy Petago
Youth Coordinator: Marilyn Lasich
Prayer Chain Coordinator: Cheryl Harsen

Radio Broadcast: KCOL (600 AM), at 9:00 AM Sundays

Church Elders:
Paul Rubel, Head Elder…... ……………………………………..………….….472-9250
Ray Kaiser, Worship Elder…………………………………….….…………....223-0987
Dan Krueckeberg, Staff Elder…………………………………….….…….… 482-9545
Dale Heermann, Elder…………………………………………………………..226-1403
Michael Rohlfs, Elder………………………...…………….….…….…………482-2663
Tom Lasich, Elder……………………………..…………...…………...………568-3701

Church Council:
President, Ryan Behm
Vice President, Chad Hamilton
Secretary, Ernestine Munsey
Treasurer, Larry Siegfried
Education Chairman, Eric Petago
Evangelism Chairman, Rhonda Kaiser
Fellowship Co-Chairman, Kerri Fagan/Linda Siegfried
Youth Ministry Chairman, Connie Jesser
Missions & Ministry Chairman, Jerry Buchleiter
Head Trustee, Fred Kropp
Hands in Harmony Chairman, Sharon Wiesner
Preschool Chairman, Kim Molzer

Next month’s articles are due Sunday, December 21!

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Pastor Patrick’s Pen

“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by
the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary . . . ” The Second Article of
The Apostles Creed

Dear Children of God,

By celebrating Christmas, Christians are confessing! We may not

think of it like this, but it’s true! We are confessing this second arti-
cle of the Apostle’s Creed. Specifically the twelve words in English
that speak of Jesus’ incarnation, and of His two natures.

It was necessary for the first Christians to clearly confess Jesus’ hu-
manity as well as His divinity. From the very inception of the Chris-
tian faith there were those opponents who doubted the doctrine of the
conception by the Holy Spirit and questioned the truth that God had
truly taken on human flesh. This is why both the Apostles and the
Nicene Creed make the incarnation of Jesus such a central part of the
Christian Confession.

By saying that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Christians

confess that Jesus is truly God. Not like God or similar to God or
related to God or “godly” in His moral and ethical behavior, but in
His very essence the One true God! This message is clearly re-
vealed in the Scriptures. For example, Jesus is called “Immanuel”
which means “God with us.” In John 14 Philip asks to see the Father.
Jesus responds “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” After
the resurrection Thomas confesses that Jesus is “my Lord and my
God.” And in Acts 2 Peter makes it clear that this Jesus who was
crucified is both “Lord and God”. It was necessary for Jesus to be
God, for as we learn in the catechism only God can fully and finally
atone for the sins of the world.

Continued on page 4

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 Continued from page 3

By saying that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, Christians con-
fess that Jesus is truly man. The thought that God would become a
man was truly scandalous, not only among the Jews, but among
the Greeks as well. But again, the witness given in the Scriptures
is clear. For example in John 1:18 we are told that “No one has
seen God at any time, but the only begotten God who is in the
bosom of the Father has made Him known.” And in Hebrews
4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympa-
thize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in every
way that we are yet is without sin.”
It was necessary for Jesus to be true man, as we learn in the cate-
chism, for only a man can stand in the place of other man and suf-
fer the punishment that is due all men.

This is what we confess not only at Christmas time, but in fact

throughout the year. Isn’t that a WONDERFUL thought? That by
confessing the incarnation of Christ in the Creeds, we are in fact
celebrating Christmas throughout the year!

This Christmas we will again experience the joy, the wonder, the
marvel and the miracle that The Word became flesh and dwelt
among us. We will confess this amazing heavenly truth in the
hymns we sing, the Word that is proclaimed and heard, and the
sacrament that is received. But how will we confess and proclaim
this to others? Our gracious God has given us the privilege of car-
rying this Good News to a world that is badly in need. As the
Word became flesh and came among us, may we also, through the
working of the Holy Spirit, carry this Word as we come in contact
with others, be they family, friends, neighbors or strangers.

A blessed Christmas,

Pastor

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Dear Servants of God,

If you recall, last month I wrote you a note about diaconal ministry
explaining the image of telling the story. My letters for the next
few months will be along the same lines: What is diaconal
(servant) ministry? And what is a Deaconess anyway? In a Theol-
ogy of Diaconal Ministry course, we learned a few images to de-
scribe servant ministry. These include: Washing Feet, Tending
the Door, Waiting Tables, Bearing the Light, and Telling the
Story. Each month, I hope you’ll allow me the opportunity to re-
flect on one of these images and how they apply to the sorts of
ministry entrusted to Deaconesses and the whole people of God.

Bearing the Light

L: Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

C: The light no darkness can over come.

These are the first words within Evening Prayer, within the service
of light (LSB 243). As the days grow shorter and shorter and the
nights colder and colder, these words from the Gospel of John
bring the hearers and those who proclaim them comfort.

When I was a little girl, my family took a trip to Mammoth Cave.

It was damp, deep, but the paths were well lit and no bats bothered
us. When we got to one of the deepest parts of the cave, my sister
and I sat next to one another on a bench and the lights were turned

Continued on page 6

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 Continued from page 5

out. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face let alone the
comforting form of my big sister who always looked out for me. I
wasn’t usually afraid of the dark, but this dark was different and I
shivered. Then a tiny match was lit. Just one match and I could
see everything. The darkness was illuminated

For deaconesses, bearing the light (the Light) means bringing Je-
sus into the deepest, darkest places and sometimes in was as unas-
suming as a match. A deaconess sister of mine is doing AIDS
education in Papua New Guinea as part of her missionary work.
She works directly with people of all ages listening, teaching, and
loving them though their struggles. She works on her knees.

Sometimes, bearing the light means standing on tiptoes, reaching

up and advocating, being a prophetic voice. A deaconess sister of
mine works on Capitol Hill. There she brings the light of Christ to
the people of our nation and other nations by working for justice.
Though she’s small and only one, because Christ dwells within
her, she can shine bright.

In this season of Advent, we are reminded of the most odd and

most beautiful birth of light. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, born
in a humble stable that this true God and true Man might be pre-
sent with his people in every way. As Christians, “little christs”,
we are called to bear the light. Fed by the Word of God in Wor-
ship, we are empowered to follow the Light out of the sanctuary
and into the World. This is a season of preparation and thus a
good time to think about and pray about those places God is pre-
paring us to Bear the Light.

May the light of the Christ make your darkness bright,

Deaconess
Claire Rueffer

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 Advent and
Christmas Services

Wednesday, December 3 4:30pm & 7:15pm

(Non-Communion)
Wednesday, December 10 4:30pm & 7:15pm
(Non-Communion)
Children’s Christmas Program
Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30pm

Wednesday, December 24 4:00pm (Non-Communion)

7:00pm (Non-Communion)
10:00pm (Communion)
Thursday, December 25 9:00am (Communion)
Wednesday, December 31 7:00pm (Non-Communion)

******************************************************

Altar Guild – If you are interested in serving on the Altar

Guild, please let me know. Marilyn 391-4946

Poinsettia Plants for Christmas Day - Poin-

settia plants are available to purchase to help
beautify the chancel on Christmas Day. Cost $
9.00 each. Make checks payable to PWC, list
poinsettia in the memo line and give to Lu Buchholz. Please
sign-up on the bulletin in the narthex. Red and white are
available. If you’d like your plant to go to a shut–in or nursing
home resident, please indicate that on the sign-up sheet in
the narthex. You may pick up your plant after Christmas Day
service.
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 continued from page

LUTHERAN WOMEN
IN MISSION

Mite Box Reminder: The LWML Mite Box for World Missions
will be in the narthex the first Sunday of the month for your
convenience. Thank you for your donations!
Holiday Cards: The Holidays are fast approaching, so don’t
forget to check out the LWML cards available for purchase
in the Sunshine Hall! In addition to holiday cards, we also
have all types of other special occasion cards—individual
and boxed--for sale (Birthday, Thank You, Anniversary, All
Occasion, etc.). There are napkins and gift wrap for
purchase, too. So, stop by the Sunshine Hall today!
LWML Regular Meeting: The next meeting will be our
annual Christmas party, at the home of Norma Thaemert,
on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00p. Please bring cookies
to share, your dime stocking/mites and a friend. We will
meet at the church to carpool to Norma’s home. Come
enjoy a festive holiday tradition of fun, food and fellowship!
We hope to see you all there! Watch the Greensheet for
additional details.
LWML Executive Board Hiatus: There will be no Executive
Board meeting in December.

THANK YOU to ALL who participated in the

LWML Craft Fair and Luncheon! Your generous
donations of time, creativity, and FOOD made this
year’s event enjoyable AND profitable. Net sales
topped $5,000 with an additional $650 coming from Thrivent.

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 TAG
TUESDAY AFTERNOON GROUP
All Older Adults are welcome to attend the various activities
and Bible studies of this Older Adult Ministry Group. Our
meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
Come and enjoy the fellowship.

Tuesday, December 2nd at Noon

The meal will be catered so there isn’t a need for anyone to do
any cooking during this busy time of the year. Please sign up
for the meal so there will be enough for everyone. Bible
study will follow at 1:00pm led by Pastor Caspersen.

Tuesday, December 16th at 1:00pm

It’s a Christmas Party! Let’s have a fun day and play some of
your favorite games. Bring some cookies or snacks to share
plus your games.

JOY CIRCLE
Our annual Christmas meeting will be
Thursday, December 4th at 1:00pm at
Cheryl Harsen’s home. We will have a
short business meeting and program.
Cheryl will provide treats and Marge
Westhoff will have devotions. All women
are welcome to come and join us!

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 The gift of a “Green Christmas”
for local families in need

This is our 5th year of partnering with local Lutheran

Congregations to provide families in need with Christ-
mas Trees and Decorations. This need is dependent on
the generous donations and support of our church mem-
bers. As our service continues to grow, so is our need for
new and used decorations, artificial trees or cash dona-
tions to buy supplies. If you have extra Christmas items
that you can donate or would like to purchase lights and
decorations, please drop them off to the Church office by
Friday, December 12.

Here is an idea of the local impact this project has on

families in need. Last year we cut and delivered 93
Christmas trees and decorations to those who otherwise
would not have had a decorated tree. This really is an
outreach ministry for area Lutheran churches. Along
with the delivery of the trees and decorations, we will be
handing out a schedule of Christmas services for all the
churches that contribute to this ministry.

If you or your family would like to help cut and/or de-

liver Christmas trees and decorations to the families,
please call Ryan Behm at 222-
222-5678.

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 YOUTH NEWS

PWC Vocalists and Musicians - We are in need of musicians and

vocalists to participate in our services all year to enhance the service
and give you the opportunity to glorify the Lord with your gifts!

Please see the list in the kitchen hall, sign-up where you would be able
to take part. Contact Deaconess Claire or Marilyn if you have any
questions. We do have some music available if you are not sure what
piece you would like to do.

Operation Christmas Child – Thanks to the generosity of the members

of PWC we have collected 58 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas
Child. These will be given to needy children throughout the US and
the world. Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with these
children!

Senior High Christmas Party - Sunday, Dec. 7th 4:30 pm- 7:00 pm.
Corrie Kaiser and her parents are hosting the party at their home.
Senior High Youth and their parents are invited. Please sign-up to
attend and bring a food item. We will have a gift exchange ($5 limit,
please). Hope to see you there!

MORE YOUTH NEWS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE….

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 Christmas Caroling – Join us on Friday, Dec. 12 at 5:30pm. BRING
your dinner! We will be caroling with the College Group - visiting
shut-ins and other members of the congregation. It should be a great
time – sign up so we can plan rides!

Confirmation Age Christmas Party - Friday, Dec. 12 – immediately

following the Christmas caroling, we will have a party. Please sign-up
to bring a snack and let us know if you plan to be there. Please bring
a gift ($5 limit, please) for the gift exchange. Hope to see you there!

Senior High youth – Please plan to stay after the caroling to watch a
movie and pack the Christmas bags for the Children’s Christmas
Program. Bring a snack to share!

Scrip Fundraiser - The holiday shopping season is upon us. Please

consider purchasing gift cards from the Youth as part of your
Christmas giving. There are cards available from many of the area
retailers such as Kohl’s, Macy's, Sears, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath and
Beyond, Bath and Body Works, Toys R Us and many more. There
are cards for restaurants (drive thru to fine dining), specialty stores
(Amazon, iTunes, Cabela's, Barne's and Noble, Border's, Build-a-
Bear, Starbucks, etc.), entertainment (Blockbuster, Cinemark, f.y.e.,
etc.) and travel (gas and hotels) available for purchase also. Please
check-out the lists for full details. You receive the full value of the
card - the retailer gives us a percentage as a fundraiser. We have
many cards for immediate purchase and you may order any available
card and receive it the following Sunday. Stop by the Youth Table
and see what is available. Thank you for supporting the Youth!

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Dear Youth and Parents

Christmas is fast approaching and as I write this the sun is shining and
it feels more like spring than fall. The Advent season has begun and we are
preparing for Christmas Day. It is a busy month with parties, concerts, final
exams, projects, baking, shopping and many other seasonal activities. We
need to make time to prepare for the birth of Jesus and not let all the
activity take the importance of His birth out of December. Take time this
month to read Matthew 1:1 – 2:1, Luke 1:1 – 2:40, John 1:1-18 although
these are the familiar texts for the season you will find the message and
joy of Jesus’ Birth in them.

This month the youth have Christmas Parties and Caroling planned
for the early part of the month. The Children’s Christmas Service is
December 17th and the youth are helping with pre-service activities and
during the service. We continue to have Sunday morning Bible Class and
FED night Bible Study. Please plan to be a part of the activities when you
can and remember that your friends are always welcome to join us! Check
the bulletin board for sign-ups and more information on upcoming events.

I would like to know when you have upcoming events such as

plays, concerts, recitals, games or other important events or if you have
any prayer request or other needs, I would be very glad to be able to help
in whatever way I can. Each day I am thankful to be a part of the youth
group and keep all of you in my prayers. Please email me at
marilynyouth@pwchrist-fc.org or call 568-3701 or 391-4946.

May you and your family have a blessed Advent and Christmas and
join in singing “Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

Marilyn

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 KNOW YOUR LEADERSHIP

I was born a child of God in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Harry and Sue

Krueckeberg on March 26, 1963. In my 45 years, I have lived in Penn-
sylvania, Delaware, Indiana, Colorado, Germany, and Colorado again. I
was baptized and raised in the Lutheran Church. My Grandfather
Krueckeberg baptized me on April 15, 1963. I was confirmed on May
22, 1977. My formidable years were spent in Terre Haute, IN from age
5 to 15. I moved here to Fort Collins in the summer of 1978 with my
parents. Our family joined PWC that fall.

One of the first people I met in Colorado was Tracy Foster, here at the
church. We have been friends ever since. I also met my wife Sarah here
at the church. We began dating in March of 1980 and were married here
on March 12, 1983 just days before I left for Germany, as I was in the
US Army at the time. Sarah soon followed me to Germany in May. We
lived outside of Wiesbaden and near Idar Oberstein. We have always
referred to this as our extended honeymoon. We have two children,
Molly and Kyle. Both have been baptized, attended preschool, and have
been confirmed here at PWC.

Many of you know that I have, or have had, many family members in
this church – of course my dad Harry, my late mom Sue, Paul and Kay
Rubel are my in-laws, Chuck and Jana Black are my bother-in-law and
sister-in-law, along with their children Nick and Becca. Sarah’s brother
Pete, Marie Rubel is my Grandmother-in-law, and the late Laura Witt
also a Grandmother-in-law. This is what makes PWC so special to me.

I have served in several capacities within the church – Vice President,

President, and a previous stint as Spiritual Growth Elder, and trustee. I
am currently the Staff Elder.

I thank God for my talents, and encourage everyone to use the talents
they have been given by our gracious God to serve the church in what-
ever capacity you can.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Dan Krueckeberg

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 STEWARDSHIP
Courtesy of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Nine Methods of Giving: Outright Monetary Gift

Bequest in Will or Trust
Investment Gift
Life Insurance Beneficiary
Life Insurance Contract
Charitable Gift Annuity
IRAs and Qualified Plans
Charitable Remainder Trust
Zero Estate Tax Plan
Giving through a zero estate tax plan combines giving
gifts to charity with gifts of life insurance. Using this
plan, a donor typically transfers an asset to a charitable
remainder trust (CRT), which provides an income to the
donor. The donor than acquires a life insurance contract
on his or her life with a death benefit equal to the value
of the asset given to the CRT. The life insurance policy
is placed in a separate irrevocable life insurance trust.
The donor than uses the income from the CRT to make
gifts to the insurance trust as needed so that the trustee
of the insurance trust can pay the annual insurance pre-
miums. This arrangement allows the donor to benefit
the charity while maintaining the amount of assets that
will pass to his or her family.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates

and employees cannot provide legal, tax or accounting advice or
services. Work with your team of professionals, including your
Thrivent Financial representative, your attorney and tax profes-
sional to determine and implement the appropriate option.

For further information or for assistance in establishing a gift,

contact Ryan M. Behm, Financial Representative, 266-1700

15
 Christian Stewardship

Whether we realize it or not Christmas is a time

when we are very active as “stewards” of God’s gifts.
We celebrate the gift that God has given us in Christ
Jesus. Jesus was presented to the world by the Fa-
ther in order that He might give us the gifts of for-
giveness and eternal life. These gifts are delivered to
us by the Holy Spirit. For most of us this first oc-
curred as children when we are baptized. We spend
our lives enjoying these precious gifts that God has
given. And following His example we Christians
share His gifts with others. Yes, we purchase pre-
sents for the people that we love. But that is not the
primary way that we give gifts. We return a thank-
offering to Him—like the Wise men did. We cook for
our families and clothe them and provide for their
daily needs. We share His love and Word of encour-
agement with others. We pray with and for others.
We visit the sick and perhaps sing with them. There
are many, many ways that we practice Christian
stewardship at Christmas, be it with our time, our
talents or our treasures. May the Holy Spirit con-
tinue to lead and guide as we do so.

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 Catechism Connection

The following is based on Article II of the Apostles Creed.

What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s Incarnation?

How do you know that Jesus is true God?

How do you know that Jesus is true man?

Why was it necessary for Jesus to be true man?

Why was it necessary for Jesus to be true God?

What do you therefore confess about Jesus Christ, the God-man?

Reading from the Book of Concord

We continue our series on the study of the Augsburg Confes-
sion. If you are in need of a Book of Concord, you can go
online to the Concordia Publishing House Website and order
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, or speak with Marcy in
the church office.
Read The Large Catechism Second Article and answer the
following questions:

1. What does it mean to become “Lord”?

2. Why do we need a Lord?
3. What does the word “Lord” mean?
4. How has Jesus delivered us?
5. Why did Jesus take on human flesh and blood and die on
the cross?
6. The entire Gospel that is preached is based on what point?

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 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO………

Gene and Julie Frank December 7, 1969

Dennis and Susan Vanatta December 11, 1999
Mel and Karen Carlson December 14, 1990
Lance and Jennifer Alonzo December 14, 2002
Doug and Martha Scheiwe December 16, 1972
Reuben & Rosalee Blumenshine December 16, 1956
Stony and Jan Achziger December 18, 1965
Bill and Fran Watson December 19, 1948
Ed and Connie Jurischk December 19, 1970
Marvin and June Grueber December 21, 1952
Roger and Donna Richman December 27, 1965
Ron and Norma Thaemert December 27, 1964
Marcus and Jennifer Mueller December 28, 1991

We apologize if we missed your anniversary. Please notify the

church office to update.

Financial Update
As of October 2008

2008 budget: $431,263.00

Year-to-date total PWC income: $291,360.99

Year-to-date total PWC expenses: $320,269.81

Net Income: $-28,908.82

Needed weekly to meet budget: $8,290.24

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HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY
TO………….

Patsy Cribbs 1st

Bernice Nansel 3rd
Christopher Derby 4th
Corrin Derby 4th
Scott French 4th
Lori Carillo 5th
Kim Molzer 5th
Marcy Petago 5th
Char Carlson 6th
Jaxon Boehnke 7th
Sharon Wiesner 8th
Randy Bernhardt 10th
Lewanda Fields 10th
Kaden Bauder 11th
Paul Carlson 12th
Melissa Mueller 12th
Chance Lacey 13th
Gail Neben 13th
Ann Caspersen 18th
Tanla Maiorka 18th
Anthony Johannsen 19th
Trevor Kropp 23rd
Josh Daugherty 25th
Madeline Johannsen 26th
Larissa Parke 26th
Jennifer Saboy 27th
Robin Hamilton 28th
Sarah Krueckeberg 28th
Wayne Leininger 31st

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Permit #355
Fort Collins, Colorado
80521
PEACE WITH CHRIST LUTHERAN
CHURCH
1412 West Swallow Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526

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