The MessengerThe MessengerA Congregational Methodist PublicationA Congregational Methodist Publication

2011 Pastors Retreat – Twin Lakes MS

Summer 2011

Serving ClergyStrengthening ChurchesStarting Churches

Table of Contents

PASTOR TO PERSON 1

2011 PASTOR RETREAT PICTORIAL 2

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH DCM 9

WHAT CAN WE DO TOGETHER DMM 11

I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED 12

WELCOME 14

Olive Grove CMC

Pastor Jamie Altman

Pastor Jay Frazier

WINTER BLAST Youth Council 15

LOVE CAN WAIT 16

A SERVANT HONORED 17

FIVE REASONS WHY PEOPLE AREN”T

GIVING IN YOUR CHURCH 18

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS 19

CMC FINANCIAL UPDATE 20

www.cm-church.org

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PASTOR TO PERSON On Monday, May 2, more than seventy pastors and missionaries gathered at the Twin Lakes Retreat Center in Florence, Mississippi, for the “Pastor to Person” Retreat. Some were there because someone had personally invited them. Others came because someone paid their way. Some were there because they desired to support the efforts to bring our pastors and churches together. Most, if not all, were there because they needed to be there for encouragement and renewal.

The facilities were first class accommodations. The services were refreshing times for worship and inspiration. Rev. Alan Stroud did a tremendous job leading worship. Church Ministries Director, Rev. Keith Merritt, and Mission Ministries Director, Rev. Davy Fenton, both did an outstanding job presenting the future of the Congregational Methodist Church with presentations from each ministry arm of the Church. Rev. H.B. London was right on target with his messages to those who serve in ministry. One of my favorite parts at the retreat was observing the enthusiastic fellowship among our men and women who serve the Lord so faithfully in the CMC.

As we seek to serve the Congregational Methodist Church from YOUR Headquarters in Florence, there are three priorities that God has given us that define what we will strive to do in the near and distant future: Serve Clergy, Strengthen Congregations and Start Churches.

Serving Clergy: The “Pastor to Person” Retreat was one simple attempt to serve our ministers throughout the CMC. Our goal is to come alongside

God’s faithful servants to support them as they strive to accomplish God’s calling in the local church. Our pastors are so important and we will do our best as God guides us to be a blessing to them.

Strengthening Congregations: Church Ministries Director, Keith Merritt, continues to develop strategic concepts that are designed to help local churches be effective in accomplishing the Great Commission. The Transformational Church is a resource and strategy that is applicable to churches of every size.

Starting Churches: Mission Ministries Director, Davy Fenton, has great experience as a church planter and continues to develop much needed strategy in terms of the necessity of starting new churches. We not only CAN do it, we MUST do it. There is a real urgency and God is calling us to expand His Kingdom through planting new churches.

With the Lord as our Captain and our Guide, He will help us as we focus on key areas for ministry that will enable us to accomplish His Great Commission on our lives and for His glory!

Your continued prayers and support make the difference as we serve together to glorify our Lord while on this earth!

Rev. Cregg Puckett President CMC

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2011 Pastors Retreat – Twin lakes Florence MS

Group Photo at CMC Pastors Retreat

GCC Members Attending Pastors Retreat

Rev. Davy Fenton(Dir. Missions)

Rev. Cregg Puckett(GC President)

Rev. Phil Smith(GC Vice President)

Rev. Keith Merritt(Dir. Church Ministries)

OnMay2,2011,seventyplusPastors,Associ-atePastors,YouthWorkerandMissionariesfromacross the Congregational Methodist ChurchlandscapegatheredatTwinLakesRetreatCen-terinFlorenceMississippiforatimeofRenewal,RefreshmentofsoulandRelaxation. The meeting proved to be successful inaccomplishing the goals our General Confer-ence President had set forth for the meeting.RedirectingthefocusoftheGeneralConferencetoward serving our clergy, strengthening localcongregations and starting new churches willmove the Congregational Methodist ChurchtowardthefulfillmentoftheGreatCommission.TheguestspeakerwasDr.H.B.Londonwhohasservedasthe leaderof thePastoralMinis-triesDivisionofFocusontheFamilyinColoradoSprings, Colorado. Dr. London was transpar-entwithourclergyandrevealedhimselfandhisexperiences in ministry to encourage thoseattending. The over-all sentiments of those attendingwas“whenwillwedothisagain?”TowhichourPresidentsaid“Soon”.

-Rev.PhilSmith

H.B. London Jr. hasservedasVicePresidentofChurchandClergyforFocus on the Family.Afourth generation min-ister, Rev. London wasborninLittleRock,Ark.

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Prayer – Worship – Meditation –Equipping – Refreshing - Fellowship

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Jimmy Holder – Pastor,Florence

Brandon ParkerChaplain, USAF

Jim Hancock – PastorWesley CMC

Bobby Bentley – Pastor,Brasher’s Chapel

Phillip Cook – Pastor,Snow Hill

Valerie Wilbanks –Children’s Pastor, Lakeshore

Tim Bennett – Pastor,Westside

Dan Lampard – Pastor,Choccolocco

Benton Ingram – YouthPastor, Lakeshore

Chris Garcia – Pastor,Magee

Chris Bruce – Pastor,Jennings Chapel

Matt Garrett – YouthPastor, Weaver

Paul Jones - Minister Pet Hayes – Pastor,New Vision

Calvin Morris – YouthPastor, New Vision

Wilton FowlerChairman, N TX AC

Scott Moffitt – Pastor,Concord

Edna Fowler – Pastor,Grand Prairie

Charles Thomas –Pastor, Daniels Chapel

Sam GonzalesPastor, East Dallas

Daniel VbarraEast Dallas

Mark Mills – Pastor,Eastridge Park

Tommy Chapman Pastor,Praise Tabernacle

Jeffrey Pope – Pastor,Word of Life English

Jerry SanderChairman, MO AC

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Bernie Gerald - Pastor, Christ Wesleyan

Leon McDonnell - Assoc. Pastor, Chapel of the Living Christ

Donald Sander Pastor, Union Light

Bill Snow – Pastor Edgewood

Alan Stroud – Assoc. Pastor, Cross Point

Kevin Kleinschmidt Chapel of the Living Christ

Glynn Pope - Church Care Pastor, Lakeshore

George Purvis Pastor, Zion Rest

Jacob Windham Youth Pastor, Mt. Vernon

Hannah Windham Youth Pastor, Mr. Vernon

Jimmy Stinson Missionary

Kitty Stinson Missionary

Barbara Campbell Pastor, Glendale

Tod Thompson Chairman, MS AC

Jay Frazier Pastor, Lakeshore

Patsy Gilmore – President Wesley College

Gerald Freeman Pastor Highland Avenue

Howell Whited Pastor, Mt. Pleasant

Robert Johnson Chairman, East TN AC

Rudy Ross Chaplain

Bruce Jenkins Pastor, Young's Chapel

Jamie Holcomb - Assoc. Pastor, Young's Chapel

Javier Cerda

Vicente Deleon

Photo Not Available

Santiago Shol

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Brian Tyre Pastor, New Hope

Chris Covington Pastor, Victory CMC

Nathan Sanders - Pastor, Cartersville First

Terry Holley Pastor, New Life

Doug Freeman Pastor, Rocky Point

Tracy Chandler - Assoc. Pastor, Liberty Hill

Bobby Jones Chairman, AL AC

Michael Mathews Minister

Cregg Puckett President, CMC

Phil Smith Pastor, Mt. Vernon

Vice President, CMC

Keith Merritt Pastor, Weaver

Dir. Church Ministries CMC

Davy Fenton Pastor, Crosspoint Dir. Missions CMC

Joe Germany Comptroller

2011 Pastors Retreat

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BY KEITH MERRITT

The Transformational Church simply put is a church where lives are being changed through power of Christ.

While this is the bottom line of the Great Commission (making disciples), the way each church individually fulfills this mandate may be different.

After some 7000 churches were contacted, along with better than 250 pastors interviewed, authors Thom Rainer and Ed Setzer identified seven elements that were common in those churches that were actually experiencing changed lives. They are:

Knowing context – Knowing your community (A Missionary Mentality)

Leadership that focuses on the mission (Vibrant Leadership)

Intentionally building platforms to create relationships (Intentional Relationship)

Responding to God’s work lead to obedience to His mission (Prayerful Dependence) Actively embracing God (Worship) Connect people with people (Community – Small groups, etc.) Showing Jesus in word and action (Mission)

Missionary mentality is about discerning the context. Knowing the needs of those we are ministering to. Understanding the sphere of influence God has given us. It must not be assumed – it must be accurate. Vibrant leadership, intentional relationships and prayerful dependence are values that the “Transforming Church” embraces. Worship, community and mission are the right actions we must engage.

Church Ministries would like to coach your church in the process of “Transformational Church.

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•   Research-­‐based  •   Not  antidotal  or  prescriptive  •   7,000  churches  contacted  •   250  church  pastors  interviewed  •   Characteristics  uncovered  •   TCAT  developed  

•   Research  based  •   Statistically  proven  •   Doctrinally  sound  

 For  arranging  an  initial  consultation,  please  call  our  office,  601.845.8787  extension  3.      New  Hope  CMC  (Nacogdoches,  TX.)  and  Victory  CMC  (Florence,  Ms.)  recently  hosted  the  Transformational  Church  Discovery  Retreat.      Pastor  Bryan  Tyre  hosted  their  retreat  in  their  fellowship  hall.  Over  thirty  participated  in  their  Discovery  Retreat.    

Victory  met  in  a  beautiful  setting  of  a  nearby  retreat.  Over  twenty  participated  in  the  retreat.  Pastor  Chris  Covington  did  a  great  job  of  getting  the  retreat  scheduled  along  with  location  and  enlistment  of  the  leaders  of  Victory  Church.      The  retreat  follows  the  members  of  the  respective  church  completing  an  online  assessment.  Hard  copies  are  provided  for  those  who  may  not  have  access  to  computers.    

During  the  retreat  the  leadership  team  becomes  better  acquainted  with  the  terms  of  Transformational  Church,  a  personal  spiritual  inventory  of  their  commitment  to  the  mission,  develops  a  time-­‐line  for  the  church  that  include  cathartic  experiences,  discuss  and  develop  their  own  impressions  from  the  results  of  the  TCAT  as  well  as  their  own  observations  of  their  church.    The  objective  of  the  retreat  is  to  connect  into  the  loop  of  the  Transformational  Church  and  to  be  exposed  to  the  convergence  of  the  seven  elements.  

Where  did  Transformational  Church  come  from?  

Rev. Davy Fenton Director of Missions

The Fuentes, Church Planters in Mesquite, Texas

WHAT CAN WE DO

TOGETHER? For the last year, we’ve been asking the question: “What can we do together?” We believe it’s a key question because the work God has called us to do is so large that we could never accomplish it alone! In Matthew 28, Jesus gave us a clear command that our task was to go to the entire world with His life-changing message. It’s a command that can be a little overwhelming!

But this challenge has encouraged us in CMC Missions to re-examine our focus that has been stated very clearly for many years: “To promote evangelism and the planting of churches both at home and abroad.” As the missions arm of our denomination, our desire is to see new church families form that would reach out to their local areas with the good news of Jesus Christ whether that be in foreign country, or here in the United States.

We are proud that over the last ten years, God has allowed and blessed us to start over twenty new churches. New churches have been planted in Belize, here in the United States, and primarily on the border and in Mexico. In fact, all 11 of our missionaries are involved in evangelism and discipleship, and all work to see new churches started and strengthened. One of our newest plants is being led by Asael and Hannah Fuentes in Mesquite, Texas. They are doing a great job laying the foundation for a new church that will be effective in reaching people for Christ.

And what about the future? Our very fervent prayer is that God would open the door for new church plants and that we could work together to see some new church families come to life. Perhaps you and others are interested in starting a new church in your area. Is God calling you to be a part of new church family? Are there others that would join you in that work?

Although we are in the preliminary stages, we believe that God is pleased as we begin to think more deeply about what starting new churches would involve. Pray with us as we keep working together to do our part in obeying Jesus’ command to share His good news with the world.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19,20)

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I Was Not Disappointed By Dr. Benny Tate

I have had the privilege of being in the ministry for almost thirty years and I have met many high profile people. I am saddened to say, there have been some people I wish I had not met. Yes, sometimes you meet your hero and wish you hadn’t. Throughout my entire life the individual I desired to meet and spend time with more than anyone else was Dr. Billy Graham. I prayed and even fasted that God would make it a reality for me to meet him, but I realized in light of his poor health and lack of public involvement, the possibility of a meeting would be slim. Well, as you know, with God all things are possible, and it became a reality for me to meet with Dr. Billy Graham on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Dr. James Merritt and I had requested a meeting with Dr. Graham and received confirmation about a month prior to the meeting. We were picked up at the Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove) in Ashville, North Carolina and taken to his home about fifteen minutes away on the top of Black Mountain in Montreat, North Carolina. My heart was pounding for the entire length of the trip. I was about to meet the man who has preached to more people face to face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world and in more than 185 countries. To say I was nervous was certainly an understatement. Once we made our way up the very narrow, winding, mountain road and reached the top and our eyes fell upon a relatively small, modest log cabin. I thought, “Is this it?” and it was. The great Billy Graham

lives in a very simple, informal log cabin with a porch overlooking Black Mountain.

Once we entered the home we were greeted by Dr. Graham’s eldest daughter, Gigi Graham Foreman. It was interesting to discuss with her what it was like growing up with Billy and Ruth Graham as her parents. She shared with us that the greatest principle her parents taught her was to love people unconditionally. She led us into the small living room and there seated in a sweater, blue jeans and tennis shoes was her father and the Evangelist to the World, Billy Graham. I shook his hand and shared what an honor it was to be in his home and in his presence, but he quickly responded, “The honor is mine.” He said, “Thank you for taking time to come and see me.” He epitomized humility and personified compassion. He spoke of his great love for his wife Ruth and he recalled holding her hand when she passed away. He shared about his ministry to the United States Presidents and how he was closer to President Ronald Reagan than any others. He even cried when he spoke of President Reagan. I asked him what advice he would give to a young

Dr. Tate & Gigi Graham

Foreman

Home of Dr. Billy Graham

Dr. James Merritt, Dr. Benny Tate, Dr. Billy Graham

A Visit with Billy Graham

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preacher beginning his ministry, and he said with a powerful voice, “I would tell him to preach the Cross and always be faithful to that message.”

As we came to the conclusion of our one hour meeting, Dr. Merritt read the Scriptures and I was able to place my hands on Dr. Graham and have a season of prayer. He then said, “A few days ago I had a vision of Ruth and I truly thought God was calling me home. He chose not to for now, but I am so ready to be with Jesus.” I said, “Dr. Graham, you are now 92 years old and if you could go back and do it all over, what would you change?” He replied, “I would preach less, study and pray more and spend more time with my family.”

Yes, I finally met my hero and I’m glad I did. I was not disappointed!

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT & ROCK SPRINGS CHURCH

Dr. Tate Shares a Very Special Moment with Dr. Graham

“Refocus” January 28 & 29

Hosted by Dr. Benny Tate

& the Rock Springs Congregational Methodist

Church

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WELCOME

 

   

 

 

 akeshore Church

“people who care for people”

TheOliveGroveCongregationalMethodistChurchhelditsfirstserviceonSun day, May 1st at 10:15 AMwith 92 people in attendance! The congregation ismeetinginarelativelysmallchurchbuildingthatwasoriginallyconstructedinthelate1800’s.

PastorJohnCurtainisleadinghispeopleinactivesearchforalargerlocationinthattheyhavealreadyoutgrownthefirst.Whatachallengeandblessing.ThefaithoftheOliveGrovefamily is great and they are confident that God will open doors. This very lively congregationloves theirLordand isreadytoserveHim inanewandexcitingway. Ifyouareever inGar-dendale, Alabama, look them up. For more exciting info, follow us on Facebook: The OliveCongregationalMethodistChurch.

Rev.BobbyJonesAlabamaACChairmanandRev.KeithMerritt,DirectorofChurchMinistrieswillbewithOliveGroveCMConAugust21topresentCMCElder’sCredentialstoRev.Curtain.

TheBethlehemCommunity(CMC)ChurchrecentlywelcomedRevJamieAltmanastheirPastor.Jamie,wifeBrandyalongwithdaughtersSarahGrace,AnnaBelleandEmmaKateareexcitedabouttheirnewassignmentinministry.TheyservedthepreviousfiveyearsasseniorpastoroftheNacogdochesCommunityChurchinNacog-doches,Texas.

BCCisathrivingchurchfilledwithenthusiasticbelievers.AdditionalstaffhasrecentlybeenaddedincludingTylerCookasYouthPastorandleadinmediadevelopmentandJenniferHollifieldasWorshipLeader.

Rev.RobertScruggs,formerpastor,hasledBethleheminsignificantgrowthduringhistenureaspastor.Thechurchisdeterminedtocontinuethepattern.BCCislocatedoutsideofLaurel,Mississippi.

TheLakeshoreCMCwelcomesRevJayFrazier,wifeSuzanneandchildrenZane,AbbyKateandMallory.Fortwenty-oneyearsJayservedasSeniorPastorofBethelCMC.TheFraziersandtheLakeshorefamilyenthusiasticallyembracethefuturetogetherwiththestrongconvictionthatGodwillcontinuetobuildthechurch.

JaypresentlyservesasChairmanoftheBoardforChurchMinistries.

LakeshoreislocatedinByram,Mississippi.

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Be sure to encourage your youth group to

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True Love WaitsLiberty CMC, Marquand, Missouri

The Liberty CMC provided a True Love Waits class recently. Ten girls between the ages of ten and fourteen participated. The experience provided numerous benefits including spiritual development, bonding among the participants and of course a lot of fun.

Each night the girls met included a special time such as facials, homemade ice cream, just to mention a few.

In celebration of the completion of the classes a formal banquet was held in the fellowship hall. Decorations included a total makeover. The girls were allowed to have an escort. Preparation included shopping, hair appointments, manicures and even maybe a few pedicures. Escorts included

grandfathers, fathers and even brothers. Each girl received an “Un-blossomed Rose,” purity ring and signed commitment cards.

The Liberty CMC also recently hosted an ordination service for Brother Darrell Shrum. Rev. Shrum was approved for ordination at the Missouri Annual Conference. Rev. Scott Cook, pastor of Haynes Chapel preached the ordination.

Reported by Anita Hovis

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A  SERVANT  HONORED  

43rd CMC General Conference June 4 – 8, 2012

Hosting Church: Lakeshore Congregational Methodist Church - Byram MS

The Congregational Methodist Church

166 Highway 469 North / P.O. Box 9

Florence, MS 39073 601-845-8787

www.cm-church.org

Rev.PhilSmith,Vice-PresidentoftheCMCandpastoratMt.Vernon,wasthemasterofceremonyasRev.KenHarrison,Dr.DanRhodes,Rev.GeorgePurvisandMr.SammyLindseypaidtribute.Rev.CreggPuckett,CMCPresident,presentedaplaqueonbehalfoftheCMC.

Rev.Doggetspokewithagreatchallengeandencouragementforpastors.PrayerwasledbyRev.TodThompson,MSAnnualConferenceChairman.Areceptionfollowedtheceremony.WearegratefulforRev.Dogget’slifeandservicefortheLordandHisChurch!

ManyguestswereonhandasRev.DonaldDoggetwashonoredfor46yearsofpastoralministryintheCongregationalMethodistChurchonSunday,July17atMt.VernonCongregationalMethodistChurch.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)…an effective tax planning tool! By Angela G Fisher, CPA

Do you receive distributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Do you also make charitable contributions to your church or other charitable organization? If the answer to both of these questions is yes… you may want to utilize a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to exclude the contributions from income.

Individual Retirement Accounts were created in 1974 to encourage taxpayers to save for their retirement years. Generally, IRA contributions reduce taxable income and thus tax savings are realized when the contribution is made. However, Uncle Sam is only so generous…IRA owners must begin receiving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs by age 70½. The amount required to be distributed is based on the IRA account balance and the life expectancy of the owner. IRS has life expectancy tables for this purpose.

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) comes into play when the owner instructs the trustee of the IRA to pay all or part of the distribution directly to the charity in lieu of paying the owner. The tax implication of this request can be enormous!

The amount paid directly to the church or charity is counted towards the RMD. IRS is happy that funds are being distributed from the IRA after age 70½.

The amount paid directly to the church or charity is NOT counted as income to the owner!! Since the amount of the QCD is not included in income, it results in a lower adjusted gross income (AGI)…an infamous term in tax language. AGI is used in various places throughout a personal return to limit various tax benefits. A lower AGI can be very beneficial.

Social Security benefits received by the taxpayer may be less taxable. AGI is used to calculate what percentage of social security is taxable on the return.

Many times older adults no longer have mortgages which may preclude them from itemizing deductions. A QCD ensures that charitable contributions yield a tax benefit regardless of whether the individual itemizes their deductions or not.

A QCD is limited to $100K annually and is currently scheduled to expire on 12/31/11. However, this type of tax incentive is often extended. The rules surrounding Individual Retirement Accounts are complex. Therefore, ALWAYS consult with your tax advisor before making decisions that impact your personal income tax return.

Angie is a partner with GranthamPoole, a Ridgeland, MS CPA firm.

She and her family serve the Lord as active members of Victory Congregational Methodist Church in Florence, MS.

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CMC Financial UpdateDoes Not Include Wesley College

2011 Budget Review

2011 2011 2011Descriptions Budget YTD Totals YTD %

Totals 6/30/2011 6/30/2011Income

General Conference Event Fund $          ‐ $               ‐Office of President $  287,000  $      161,413  56%Women's Missionary Union $    33,400  $        13,006  39%Missions $  366,862  $      200,523  55%Church Ministries $  180,505  $        78,439  43%

Total  $  867,767  $      453,381  52%

Expense

General Conference Event Fund $          ‐ $               ‐Office of President $  281,471  $      157,692  56%Women's Missionary Union $    32,960  $          6,535  20%Missions $  330,066  $      160,664  49%Church Ministries $  156,145  $        81,057  52%

Total $  800,642  $      405,948  51%

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Traditional UndergraduateJoin our vibrant campus community to get a quality education grounded in a Christian worldview. Majors include Biblical Studies, Disaster Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Ministry, Music, Psychology, and Teacher Education.

Adult & Online ProgramsComplete your associate, bachelors, or masters degree in as little as 2 years. Choose one of 15 locations or learn online. Areas of study include:Agribusiness, Business, Healthcare, Leadership, Logistics, Ministry, Psychology, Substance Abuse, and more.

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