DAVIDSONVILLE February 20 20 Volume 25, Issue 1

LAMPLIGHTER

In This Issue Page 1 - 2 Pastor’s Message PASTOR'S MESSAGE 2 Sermon Series Ah - Ha! 3 Church Council Week after week, participants in the Who Are We study are 4 175th Gala and experiencing Ah-Ha moments as we suddenly realize why we Volunteers Needed do the things we do. We are learning the Wesleyan language 5 Welcome New Members, that describes our Christian principles and practices. Torin Jacobs Baptism, For example, Christian Discipleship is defined as the way and BWC Scholarships that we walk with Christ in the world. For , this 6 UMW Lecture Series and walk is a matter of heart and life. It is about what we believe Music Director Needed 7 - 8 Message from Bishop (our relationship with Christ) and how we act on our beliefs LaTrelle Easterling (the things we do). As we grow in discipleship, we mature in 9 Connie’s Corner and both our spiritual formation (what we believe) and in our Faces of DUMC Christian formation (how we live). 10 In Memoriam: Marilyn The teaching of Jesus can be summarized in two great Fate, Jean Grimes, and commandments: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all John Hayes of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your 11 Lights of Kindness, mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the Prayer Requests and second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Pancake Supper On these two commandments hang all the laws and the 12 Birthdays, prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40) This teaching is the basis for Anniversaries, two of our church’s principles of discipleship: what we must Important Dates do to open ourselves to God’s grace, and what we must do to

share God’s grace with the world. In our tradition, these principles have often been described as works of piety and . In the United Methodist Church, the basics of Christian living are condensed into the General Rule of Discipleship: to witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Our Purpose: Spirit. Acts of Compassion are part of what John Wesley called Knowing, Loving, works of mercy. They are the simple things we do out of and Serving God kindness to our neighbor. Food drives, clothing drives, Thanksgiving baskets, donating school supplies, making and Others in cards for our troops, sending cards and visiting the sick are acts of compassion. It is about looking around, seeing the Unity needs of our neighbors, and doing something about it.

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Acts of Justice address the underlying issues that cause our neighbors to have needs. Why do local children need our help with food and school supplies? Why is there an increase of mental health issues among teenagers? Why does our area of Anne Arundel County struggle so greatly with opioid addiction? How can we join with our neighbors to rectify the root causes of such issues? Acts of Worship are the things we do publicly to experience God’s grace. Church services of all sorts, sharing communion, praying together, baptism, pet blessings, and receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday are examples or acts of worship. Acts of Devotion include all of our private spiritual disciplines that bring us face to face with God, such as praying privately, reading the Bible, meditation, , journaling, and inward examination. Worship and devotion are the public and private aspects of the works of piety. The United Methodist Church uses the Jerusalem cross (the five-fold cross) to capture our discipleship in one image.

You can see the private and public dimensions and the internal/spiritual and external/demonstrative dimensions of our faith. The symbolism of the Jerusalem cross includes: the five wounds of Christ - the nail wounds on his hands and feet and the lance wound in his side, Christ and the four evangelists, or Christ and the four quarters of the world. It is a meaningful image of our discipleship.

Walking in the world with Christ is not easy even though Christ is with us and making our walk possible through his grace. We do not walk alone. Christ is with us, and we walk intentionally with other disciples. Our church is a nurturing place for people of all ages to grow in our faith. It is a family of God’s people that holds us accountable and gives us the support we need to grow so that we can walk boldly and share God’s love ferociously! Our Who Are We group not only appreciated the Ah-Ha! of understanding the UMC principles of discipleship through mercy and piety, but also we realized that our DUMC vision statement embodies these principles. Our purpose as a congregation is to help all to know, love and serve God and others in unity.

May your discipleship journey be blessed with many Ah-Has, Pastor Wendy

The events of Christ’s Passion, which take place during the last week of Jesus’ life, often don’t receive enough time in our worship and study. These stories are important to our faith journey and our identity as followers of Jesus. Yet, we often move too quickly from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with little time to take in the dramatic, meaningful story of that last week. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, we will “freeze- frame” moments in Holy Week so we might risk putting ourselves in the picture, thereby “Entering the Passion of Jesus.” How might taking a closer look at the ancient story Sermon Series: open us to deeper conviction for our role in its ongoing Risky Business - message? (Inspired by Amy-Jill Levine’s book - Entering the Risking It All For The Passion of Jesus) Gospel

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The last Council met in January, and the next meeting is scheduled for 17 February at 7:00 p.m. The congregation is welcome to attend Council meetings.

 At the January Council meeting in an effort to grow together, members shared interactively with another member their thoughts about the community and DUMC. Members of the Council will be reaching out to members of the congregation in the same way.  Pastor Wendy, by authority of the District Superintendent, convened a during the Council meeting to recommend Jackie Weavill as a candidate for Ordination to the District. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) presented Jackie Weavill to the Charge Conference, and she received unanimous approval.  The Council approved the following people to join the Council: o Barbara Colacicco and Florence Ingram as co-chairs for Social Needs and Outreach o Steve Tidwell to SPRC  The church is financially sound, and if you would like a copy of the 2020 operating budget or a recap of 2019 finances, you may ask Lee Matousek, Finance Chair, or Paula Tidwell, Treasurer.  SPRC provided an update regarding the ongoing search for a Director of Worship and Music. Pat Brodsky is chairing the search committee for SPRC. You are invited to share your thoughts with Pat or a member of the SPRC.  The CrossRoads Child Development Center continues to operate well, under budget and at near capacity. They continue to work on a plan to provide shade for a portion of the playground.  Planning for the mission trip to Tangier Island continues. The trip will be 23 – 26 April. https://www.tangierisland-va.com/  The Trustees provide a regular project status report, and here are some of those items: o Large holly trees in front on either side of the DUMC sign were removed, and the beautiful front of the church is now much more visible from the road. o Parking lot sealing and striping completion needs to wait for warmer weather o CCDC playground shade project still in consideration o Restroom air hand dryers in process o TV monitor to be added at the back of the Fellowship Hall o Flat roof - leaks being addressed  The Council reviews the church calendar regularly in an effort to keep updated and to avoid conflicts with dates. The calendar on www.DUMC.net is the official church calendar maintained by the office.  Some upcoming events at-a-glance: o 7 – 9 February -- Youth ROCK Retreat in Ocean City o 8 March -- Daylight Savings Time Begins o 9 April -- Holy Thursday – soup and sandwiches followed by communion service o 10 April -- Good Friday o 12 April -- Easter o 16 May -- Strawberry Festival

The Council will continue to offer Council Notes updates and welcomes input from the congregation. Please let us know if there is additional information that you would like to see included in future Council Notes. In His Peace and Service,

Steve Leonard Council Chair 3

175th Gala Committee

As we start our 176th year, The 175th Gala Committee thanks all of the participants and attendees who joined us for the gala at the Byzantium Event Center. It was a blessed, moving, fun, and memorable evening. It was possible through the dedicated efforts of the Gala Committee, starting last January: Tim Hopkins – In addition to chairing the History Committee and all the amazing things they did for the 175th Anniversary, Tim and his committee provided wonderful displays for the gala. Tim personally built the displays. Pastor Jackie – Jackie did all the design work for the logo, invitations, tickets and other media, including the power points, media, and sound at the gala. Lisa Niemann – Lisa managed all of the guests and VIP invitations and created the beautiful backdrop for the photo booth. Pat Brodsky – Pat created (and donated) all of the memorable individual table favors that carried out the theme of the celebration – “Remember, Rejoice, Reach Out.” Christy Potts – Christy created all of the amazing flower arrangements for the gala and coordinated their placement. Dave Schwenker – Dave was an all-around utility man for the committee and gala. Paula Tidwell and Kristy Moseley – Paula and Kristy kept us straight on finances, budgeting and acquisitions. SPECIAL THANKS – Adam Schmitt for surprising everyone with a beautifully detailed model of the first church building and individual crosses with stands for each attendee. Steve Leonard for emceeing and making it a fun evening. The Trio (Pam Matousek, Mei Cobb, Dixie Doyle) for very beautiful harmonic melodies. Bev King, Cade Clurman, Pastor Wendy for sharing personally about Remembering, Rejoicing and Reaching Out.

God Bless, Steve Tidwell

Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference Volunteers Sought

The Baltimore-Washington Conference will serve as the host conference of the 2020 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, 13 – 17 July 2020, at the Delta Hotel in Hunt Valley. People in this area are being asked to volunteer. Some of the servant opportunities include greeting, welcoming (at the airports/train stations, and light rail), pages, tellers and runners, and much more. The Rev. Patricia Allen of St. Paul's UMC in Kensington is chairperson of volunteer coordination. Contact her at [email protected] and provide your name, best email contact, your region or district, and how you are willing to serve.

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Welcome New Members

Jessie, her daughter Evelyn, and her mom Jan Rolko have felt very welcomed by the DUMC congregation. Jan and Louis Rolko moved to Edgewater to be closer to Jessie and Evelyn. They are refinishing a home on the Mayo Peninsula. Catherine Phipps is also fairly new to Davidsonville. Her neighbors, Liz Morrissey and Liz Hopkins, introduced her to DUMC. Jessie, Jan, and Catherine became members in December. Welcome to the DUMC family!

Torin Jacobs Baptism

Torin Henry Jacobs was born on 29 October to mother, Katie Hollamon and father, Dustin Jacobs. Torin is the first grandchild to Erin and Vassie Hollamon, and Heather and Danny Jacobs. He has three amazing aunts: Hannah, Rebecca and Destiny, and three awesome uncles: Vassie, Charles and Daniel. His loving great grandparents are Carol Hollamon, Art and Annabelle King, and Dennis and Sandy Jacobs. Torin was baptized on Christmas Eve.

BWC Scholarship Application Process Now Open

The BWC awards scholarships for qualified students currently attending college, as well as high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall of 2020. The application process closes 5 March. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete the full online application which includes uploading their current transcripts. In addition, the student must provide contact information for their pastor and one additional church reference. The pastor and reference will be contacted and asked to submit information on the student's participation in the local church. The entire process will be completed online. Learn more and apply by going to the BWCUMC.org website, click on Administration, then click on "Local Church Resources" in the drop down menu, and finally click on scholarships.

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United Methodist Women Winter Lecture Series

2 February -- Redge Mahaffey -- God, Science, Faith, Numbers, and Me

29 March -- Beverly Eanes -- Laughter, Faith, and Health

19 April -- Tim Hopkins -- The Story of Captain Thomas Watkins, Davidsonville Civil War soldier

Please join us on 2 February at 1 p.m. as UMW begins its exciting speaker series for 2020. Our first speaker is Redge Mahaffey who has a PhD from the University of Maryland in plasma physics. To learn more about Redge, join us for his presentation on God, Science, Faith, Numbers, and Me. A discussion that will surely set your mind asking questions like: what is science really about; why most scientists believe in God and more. Light refreshments will be served beforehand. Come and bring a friend or two.

Please join us on March 29 as we present our second speaker in our 2020 series. If you would like to learn how laughter and faith works together for good health, then plan to attend. Dr. Beverly Eanes will bring us a program that will be part education and part interactive (spirited fun will be enjoyed by all). Among Dr. Eanes’ many accomplishments, she served in the field of holistic health as a nurse-midwife, educator and counselor for 50 years and was the Director of Clinical Education in the Pastoral Counseling Department of Loyola College for 13 years. Her presentation Laughter, Faith, and Health will surely be a one you will want to hear. Enjoy fellowship and light refreshments with us.

Our third speaker will be Tim Hopkins on 19 April. You will enjoy the story of Captain Thomas Watkins, a Davidsonville Civil War soldier as told to us by Tim. This is an intriguing story you really will not want to miss. In Tim’s most memorable style, he will share highlights of Davidsonville and Captain Watkins. You will be on the edge of your seat. Bring some friends and come out to hear Tim. Enjoy friendship and snacks before the presentation.

Submitted by Pat Brodsky, Lecture Chair

Worship and Music Director Needed

We are very grateful to Drew Parrish who stepped in so quickly as a temporary music director. He has helped make worship meaningful each Sunday. Now that the Christmas season has passed, we are following through on our plan to search for a permanent director. Interviews and auditions should begin soon. The job description can be found on our website.

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January 10, 2020

Beloved,

We. Are. One.

That was the title of the sermon I preached during my Installation in 2016 at First Hyattsville United Methodist Church. The Spirit led me to preach from Ephesians and emphasize our unity after listening to conversations throughout the conference. Further, as far back as I can remember, my hearing, understanding, and praxis of the Gospel message has centered upon our oneness in Jesus Christ.

While it may seem contradictory, the new Protocol on Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, now before the denomination, is the best and strongest way we can move forward honoring the Gospel and our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Crafted in a spirit of mutual respect, it lifts us out of the quagmire we've been stuck in for decades and sets us all, with integrity, on a path that brings honor and glory to God. Ecclesiastes teaches us a hard truth - that there is a time for every matter under the sun. The time for moving forward in new and separate expressions of is before us.

As a member of the 16-member mediation team, which included conservatives, moderates, progressives, and bishops, I strongly urge you to read The Protocol with a discerning eye, putting aside preconceived inclinations to be feelings of defensiveness. If that is done, I believe you will discover the Holy Spirit is at work among us.

I was deeply honored to participate in the creation of The Protocol. I came to the process after it had already begun. During the November meeting of the Council of Bishops, I became aware of meetings that were taking place comprised of a broad constituency of committed , clergy, and episcopal leaders. After some in-depth conversation among the Council, it was decided that another female voice was needed at the table and I was asked if I would be willing to serve. I reluctantly agreed. I was reluctant because I have made it known that I was not willing to be a part of any group whose chief purpose was to dissolve the denomination or coerce persons to leave.

When I sat at table and saw the diversity represented there, I was heartened. Although not every single aspect of the denomination was present, it was a broad constituency representing very different theological viewpoints. I also immediately came to understand that they shared a consensus that remaining together was no longer a viable option. Therefore, each participant offered ideas and elements that were important to their caucuses and constituencies, and negotiated from that standpoint. While the conversation was intense, everyone made efforts to be considerate of the varying interests, needs, and the goal of separating with dignity. The Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation is not perfect, just as no piece of legislation is perfect. But it does represent a viable foundation for developing legislation that will allow for an amicable separation with dignity.

As the Baltimore-Washington Conference, I invite us to read the entire Protocol and the accompanying documents with an open mind. Read it without imputing onto its authors any ill-intent or ignoble motive. Read it with the aftermath of the Special Session of General Conference in mind. Read it with the pain and harm that has been caused by our inability to live within contextual and theological freedom. Read it with an eye toward

7 an opportunity to pour ourselves into mission and ministry without fear of LGBTQIA+ charges, trials, or exclusion.

As a result of The Protocol and my belief in the possibilities it holds, I will not be processing any charges pursuant to the new paragraphs of the Book of Discipline, which went into effect on January 1, 2020. There was unanimous consent among the mediation team, including the traditionalist voices at the table, that new rounds of charges and trials would not be helpful at this juncture. Rather, all such charges will be held in abeyance until after the General Conference.

It seems providential to me that the churches of the BWC are in the midst of the conference-wide study, "Who Are We: A Journey From Head to Heart," which was designed to help us reflect upon our theological and scriptural grounding, our Wesleyan heritage, and our life together as the BWC. This study positions us perfectly to determine whether we want to remain within the post-separation United Methodist Church with the restrictive language about homosexuality removed, or go with the post-separation expression of Methodism that will retain those restrictions. Are we a conference grounded in liberation and inclusion, or restrictive practices? I pray that we see ourselves as the former. I believe our 236 years of bold mission and ministry, and our Christ-centered inclusion of all people, indicate that we are.

It has been shared with me by several conservative pastors and lay people in the BWC that they do not desire to align themselves with restrictive practices. They have made it clear that they will remain with The United Methodist Church if this plan passes at General Conference.

As anyone knows who has participated in the separation of any relationship, be it a marriage, a small business or a civic organization, it is never easy. The idea of separation tends toward the romantic; the reality of separation is anything but.

On the one hand, the cry from the members of The United Methodist Church has been to stop the pain, end the trials, and create an inclusive church where everyone is welcome. But it has become clear that many people in our church are not able to work faithfully and fruitfully alongside those with whom they disagree. An amicable separation is our best viable option. That is what the members of the mediation team attempted to create with The Protocol. It is being criticized because it was mediated in confidentiality. Confidentiality is not tantamount to evil. In this case, it was a tool, necessary to allow people with vastly different views to come together in a timely way to accomplish a critically important and time-sensitive task. Members of the team were tasked with communicating with their constituencies to inform the process. They did so, and The Protocol now stands as the best work, and the best hope, of people across the broad theological spectrum of The United Methodist Church.

As we move toward the General Conference session in May, where The Protocol will be considered as legislation, I call all the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference into a time of prayer and fasting. In the midst of these very logistical and strategic measures to ensure the future of the Church, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are first and foremost a spiritual people, called to be salt and light in an imperfect world.

"God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power. Crown thine ancient church's story, bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour."

To God be the glory!

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling

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Connie’s Corner

Dear Christian Friends, with time). Fearfully, he asked, ‘Did it work?’ Recently Pastor Wendy blessed us with a renewal of our baptism. She shared a bit Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; of conversation she had with her mother because He lives, all fear is gone; because the night before when her mom asked I know He holds the future, and life is what her sermon was going to be about, worth the living just because He lives! and when she had told her, Mom quipped, “that’s deep.” I immediately Of course it worked! This year, that same knew the focus of this letter. young man is father to Mighty Max, baptized in Milwaukee (and it worked Many years ago, during a church service there, too). We are blessed that God has at which there were a good many provided us with the opportunity to baptisms, as we sang ‘How sweet to hold devote our children to the Church a new-born baby...’, my youngest son through the purification of baptism. (then about five), looked up at me and We were so blessed to renew our baptism asked, ‘Was I baptized?’ ‘Of course,’ I -- thank you so much Pastor Wendy! answered. ‘You were born on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and you were Peace and love, baptized there.’ His face took on a grave Connie look of concern. I could only guess that he was thinking of the myriad of ‘life in America’s paradise’ stories with which he had been entertained all through his few years (and which, of course, get better

Faces Of DUMC

Volunteers prepare sandwiches for the homeless in December Pastor Wendy leading us to 2020 vision 9

In Memoriam

Marilyn passed peacefully on 7 January. She was an incredible homemaker, volunteer, business owner, and program manager. She was instrumental in helping to organize our Strawberry and Peach festivals. Her volunteering over the years included the United Methodist Women, Annapolis Area Christian School uniform exchange and original bookstore, Davidsonville Elementary, and South River High School. Marilyn’s mission in her life was to help anyone in need and to make people feel accepted. She was married to her best friend and the love of her life, Jim Fate Sr., for 55 years. She was a devoted mother to Jim Fate, Jr. and his wife Michelle, and Jean Edwards and her husband Matt. She was extremely proud of her 10 Marilyn Fate grandchildren. 1943 – 2020

Jean Wilkerson Grimes passed away at her home on 14 January. Jean attended the old Owensville Elementary School, Old Southern High in Lothian, and the University of Maryland. In 1950, she married Oscar F. Grimes and became a farmer's wife. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, an excellent cook, a Girl Scout leader for many years, Sunday school teacher, frequent blood donor, a Hospice Home visitor and was very active in the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She enjoyed bowling, sewing, reading, cooking, watching the Orioles, spending time with her grandchildren and keeping in touch with friends.

Jean Grimes 1929 – 2020

John Hayes passed away on 7 January at the age of 88. He is deeply missed by his devoted wife of over 60 years, Barbara M. Hayes (née McAllister), daughters Heather, Allison, and Erin, as well as his loving grandson Cameron Reigle. In the late 1950s, after serving in Germany as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, John made his way south to the Washington, DC area from his native Vermont to study at DC Teachers' College, eventually earning a Masters’ Degree in Education at the University of Maryland.

John Hayes 1932 -2020

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Lights of Kindness 2019

We won, so many others won as well.

Each year, DUMC sponsors a tree for the Lights of Kindness Contest at Homestead Gardens. The event earns funds to support the Rotary Bountiful Backpacks program that provides weekend food for students that rely on free and reduced lunches at school. This year, we sponsored the Mt. Zion Breakfast Club tree. Five churches, including DUMC, work with the Breakfast Club to provide food to students during the summer when school is out. Because our tree won the most votes, the Breakfast Club earned more than $1,400 for their program, and the whole event earned what they needed to keep feeding local children for this school year. Thank you for your generosity.

Janet Argent Joan Schulz George and Sara Carter Marvin Sellman Chris Emert Pat Shankle Robert and Jean Ford Bunny Tucker John Graves Pastor Wendy Susan Kidwell Send your prayer requests to [email protected] Billy Miller Davis Peck

Save the Date The youth sponsored Pancake Supper is fast approaching. Join us on Tuesday, 25 February from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Drop in for a quick bite to eat, or stay the whole time. This is a FREE meal; however, donations will be accepted and will go towards youth missions.

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February 21 Hannah Travis 4 Max Covington March 21 Sydney Travis 4 Evelyn Fincher 1 Kathy Gabler 22 Jenna Alexander 9 Gwen Purcell 3 Justin Towles 22 Zachary Alexander 9 Caroline Wallander 3 Wendy van Vliet 28 Silas Hester 10 Dan Colacicco 4 Dave Schwenker 26 Athena Wasson 12 Olivia Robertson 7 Tyler Cohen 13 Tim Hopkins 7 Davis Peck 13 Gene Wasson 8 Barbara Emert 16 Matthew Cobb 8 Kennady Moseley 16 Annette Graves 9 Nancy Covington 16 Barbara Whittington 9 Cindy Wratchford 17 Bill King 12 Vonda Vales 18 Carol Chell 13 Chad Moeslein 24 Lisa Alexander 15 George Carter 24 Georgia McArdle 16 Dorothy Beard 29 Carmen Tartaglia 16 Julien Pierru 17 Jo Layne 18 Colin Beattie Anniversaries 14 February - Joe and Lisa Niemann

Important February Dates DUMC 7 -9 -- ROCK Retreat P.O. Box 370; 819 West Central Avenue 23 -- Children's choir performing Davidsonville, MD 21035 23 -- ROCK Reflection Sunday Phone 410-798-5511 25 -- Pancake Supper, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Wendy van Vliet 26 -- Ash Wednesday: Ashes-on-the-Go Chairman Church Council: offered in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall 5 Steve Leonard p.m.- 6:30pm, in South River High School early in the morning, and then in the Lamplighter Editor: Caroline Day sanctuary 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Scruggs - [email protected] Important April Dates 5 – Palm Sunday We are on the Web! 12 – Easter – He Is Risen! http://www.dumc.net 23 - 26 - Tangier Island Mission Trip Like us on Facebook: Davidsonville UMC Instagram: dumc_church

The Lamplighter is published in February, April, June, August, October and December. Submission of material for the Lamplighter does not guarantee publication and is subject to editing.

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