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Advent Conversation on Race
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On Sunday, December 14 at noon (*please note the change in date from what was announced on Sunday*) parishioner Motoko Maegawa will be sharing her wisdom as a Leader for the National SEED Project for Inclusive Curriculum. SEED stands for "Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity" and is a non-profit organization which encourages conversations about how our own stories relate to social systems and about how we can turn both oppression and privilege into agency and action.
In the wake of the announced decision of the Grand Jury to not indict Officer Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, our nation has erupted with countless responses. The most volatile of which have made their way into our homes through reports and commentaries on our televisions, through our Facebook and Twitter feeds, and around many of our Thanksgiving dinner tables. The Very Rev. Mike Kinman, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral in St. Louis who has been in the midst of this unfolding incident since August has asked Episcopalians across the country "to take at least one Sunday during Advent [to] talk about the issues the events in Ferguson have raised and where those issues of race, class and the oppression of God's children are present in their own communities."
Yes, this is Advent - a season when we focus on hope and begin looking forward with anticipation to the coming of the Christ child. As we fill our calendars and our lives with festivities - caroling, shopping expeditions with friends, decorating Christmas trees, hanging colorful lights, radio stations sent to all Christmas music all the time. It is a season of great joy! And so, it is tempting to put all of the talk of Ferguson, Missouri aside - at least for this one hour that we share together - to focus instead on the coming of Christ.
But, we cannot wait for a better, more opportune time. Waiting until tempers cool down or until the season feels more appropriate - really, which season would that be? And waiting is really a white privilege; for our brothers and sisters who are persons of color, waiting has been the cry for too long. Our history books could be filled with stories of "waiting" for the right time. And when circumstances around us are already filling our homes with conversation and questions, waiting to address those circumstances can only send a confusing message. If we don't talk about Ferguson, about the life and death of Mike Brown then we miss an opportunity to help one another understand and develop a connection between our faith and our lives.
This conversation on December 14 at 12 noon is an important one for our St. Mark's community and I pray that you will give it priority in your schedule.
If you would like lunch ($10) and/or if you require childcare, please RSVP to Pastor Debra at [email protected] no later than Friday, December 12. Childcare will be provided for infants through Grade 5. Youth (grades 6 and up) and adults are encouraged to participate in this conversation. If you don't want to purchase lunch, please feel free to pack one.
- Pastor Debra+
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Worship
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In the baptismal covenant, we are asked, "Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?" and we respond, "I will, with God's help."
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Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
"I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.." - Psalm 85:8
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Christmas Poinsettias
One of the beautiful ways in which we mark the difference between the season of Advent and the joyous celebration of the Feast of the Incarnation is in the way we adorn our sanctuary. All are invited to help us create a festive display by contributing money toward poinsettias. Contributions may be given in memory o
f a loved one or in thanksgiving or honor of someone special. There are forms available for this purpose in the Parlor or from the church office. The requested minimum donation is $20 per name. After our Christmas celebrations, the plants are delivered to our homebound parishioners and to others in the community to enjoy. Please make checks payable to St. Mark's Episcopal Church and indicate "Christmas Flowers" in the memo line or place cash in an envelope clearly marked Christmas Flowers. Requests to remember or honor loved ones in this way, must be in to the church office no later than Sunday, December 14.
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This Week's Lay Ministers
Thank you to the following individuals for bringing their best gifts to God in ministries at St. Mark's. If you would like to become involved, please contact Pastor Debra.
- Lector: Bob Molumby & Edie Molumby
- Eucharistic Ministers: Jane McCarron & Ted Richardson
- Acolytes: Clark Alexander, Mickey Lowenstein, Eva Sondgeroth
- Altar Guild: Trish Barr & Rachel Easton
- Flower Guild: Ellen Bergman
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Rima Lockwood & Bruce Gaede
- Ushers: Dorothy Laudati & Marion MacBeth
- Coffee Hour Snacks:
Last names beginning with A - C - Welcoming New Worshippers: All the People of St. Mark's
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Christian Formation
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Lifelong Christian faith formation is important for lifelong growth in the knowledge, service and love of God as followers of Christ. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, no matter what season of life you are in, you are invited to enter into a prayerful of continuous learning.
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Upcoming Adult Forum: Living Well through Advent
On the Sundays of December 14 and 21, all are invited to join Lisa Montgomery in Bethlehem Chapel from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. for a time of reflection and conversation based on the "Living Well through Advent 2014" meditation booklet. If you do not have a copy of the booklet, they are available in the Parlor and will be handed out at both worship services on Sunday, November 30.
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Advent Conversation on Race
On Sunday, December 14 at noon (*please note the date and time change*) parishioner Motoko Maegawa will be sharing her wisdom as a Leader for the National SEED Project for Inclusive Curriculum. SEED stands for "Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity" and is a non-profit organization which encourages conversations about how our own stories relate to social systems and about how we can turn both oppression and privilege into agency and action.
If you would like lunch ($10) and/or if you require childcare, please RSVP to Pastor Debra at [email protected] no later than Friday, December 12. Childcare will be provided for infants through Grade 5. Youth and adults are both encouraged to attend the conversation. If you don't want to purchase lunch, please feel free to pack one.
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 Christmas Pageant
On Sundays in Advent - November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 - we will hold Christmas Pageant rehearsals from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in the Ages 3 - 5 Sunday School Classroom. This will be the only children's formation for these four weeks and we hope that all children will participate (even if you will not be present on Christmas Eve). This year's pageant will include many favorite Christmas carols and we look forward to all the children learning the words and music to these wonderful traditional songs.
The Pageant dress rehearsal will take place on Tuesday, December 23rd from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. This will be a full dress rehearsal and parents who would like to have photos to remember this year's pageant are encouraged to attend as this will be the only opportunity for "staged" photos.
The Pageant itself will take place on Wednesday, December 24th at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service. If you have any questions about the pageant, please be in touch with David ([email protected]), Milner ([email protected]), Patty ([email protected]), Liz ([email protected]) or Pastor Debra ([email protected]).
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Fellowship
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Where are you today? Lonely and afraid? Joyful and confident? Somewhere in between? Wherever you are in your journey of faith, know that there is a place for you here, companionship for the journey in this community gathered.
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Annual Ladies Day Out
On Saturday, December 13, the women and girls of St. Mark's will continue their annual tradition of shopping and lunch together. This year we are going to Highland Park where we can shop in all the lovely stores and then have a scrumptious lunch at Cafe Central -- 455 Central Avenue -- 11:45 a.m. We can meet in front of Cafe Central at 11:00 and shop together and then return to the restaurant for lunch. Please let us know if you can join us on December 13 for this fun event -- our deadline is December 5. Also let us know if you will need a ride.
Tacia Johnson 847-328-0993 [email protected]
Dorothy Laudati 847-491-1026 [email protected]
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Annual Saint Mark's Guild / ECW Christmas Party and Dinner
Saint Mark's Guild/ECW most cordially invites the women and girls of St. Mark's to be our guest at the Annual Saint Mark's Guild Christmas Party and Dinner on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 pm at the home of Betsy and John Sagan, 1314 Forest Avenue, Evanston. This year's entertainment will be a GLORIOUS GRAB BAG GIFT exchange, so if you would like to participate, bring a "grabbable" gift (please spend no more than $10.), something which is fun. functional and/or funky. Please let us know if you can attend by calling or emailing: Tacia Johnson, 847/328-0993, [email protected] or Dorothy Laudati, 847/491-1026, [email protected] no later than December 12th. Guests and neighbors are welcome.
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday,
December 3
6:00 p.m.
Music Night
(ages 5 and up),
Choir Room
6:30 p.m.
Music Night
(youth and adults),
Choir Room
8:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dancers,
Cunningham Hall
Thursday,
December 4
10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist,
The King Home
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Choir Room
Sunday,
December 7
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Traditional,
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal,
All Children Together
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
with Music
and Commissioning of Acolytes,
Sanctuary
11:45 a.m.
Coffee Hour,
Gift Shop "Blow Out" Sale and
Visit from St. Nick!
12:00 noon
Handbell Choir Rehearsal,
Balcony
Monday,
December 8
7:30 p.m.
Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting,
Parlor
Tuesday,
December 9
8:30 a.m.
Producemobile,
Robert Crown Center
7:30 p.m.
Interplay Class, Cunningham Hall
Wednesday,
December 10
6:00 p.m.
Music Night
(ages 5 and up),
Choir Room
6:30 p.m.
Music Night
(youth and adults), Choir Room
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December 6
Mary Nowack
December 8
Nykel Himrod,
Kate Suvari
December 9
Dorothy Szczepaniak
December 12
Holly Gallegos
December 18
Lucinda Kelly
December 20
Judson Brooks
December 22
Evelyn Russell
December 24
Lisa Montgomery
December 25
Gail Joy
December 26
Lola Himrod,
Josh Lettner,
Kathy Lettner
December 27
Desmond Francis
December 28
Jennifer Barr
December 29
Chris Schultze
December 31
Adrianna Dangremond
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December 17
Mike and Tacia Johnson
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Evanston English Country Dancers
Evanston English Country Dancers meet in Cunningham Hall on alternate Wednesday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. All dances are taught and prompted and include English Country dances devised from pre-1650 to the present. Once a month, live music is performed by Putting on Aires; other Wednesdays, the music is from an extensive CD collection. Please come with or without a partner. Wear comfortable shoes (the type you would use to walk a mile) and casual clothing. The fee is $5 ($3 for students). For more information, contact Tom Senior at 847-606-8704 or [email protected]. Upcoming dates are December 3 and December 17.
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 Caroling, Carol Sing, and Cookies
On Sunday, December 21st, SMAC (St. Mark's Youth Group) invites everyone in the congregation to join them in caroling, followed by a carol sing. We will leave St. Mark's at 2 p.m. to sing at Albany Care, an Intermediate Care Facility dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals suffering from chronic mental illnesses. Afterwards, if it's not TOO cold, we'll do some door-to-door caroling around the St. Mark's neighborhood. Around 4 p.m. we'll gather at the Rectory for hot cocoa, coffee, cookies and an old-fashioned Carol Sing. If you are not able to join us for Caroling at 2 p.m., we hope you'll join us at the Rectory at 4 p.m. for the Carol Sing - a great St. Mark's tradition returns! Feel free to wear a "fancy" or "funny" Christmas sweater of hat!
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InterPlay for Adults
The Chicago InterPlay community offers weekly community classes at St. Mark's each Tuesday from 7:30-9:00 pm, with doors open at 7:15 pm for registration and meeting other participants. The cost to attend the classes is $10 per class or $40 for a five class card ($8 per class). InterPlay is an easy to learn creative process that invites participants to express themselves through storytelling, movement and vocalization. InterPlayers across the world are celebrating its 25th birthday this year. To learn more about InterPlay, visit www.meetup.com/ChicagoInterPlay and www.InterPlay.org. You can also email event leaders Christina Ernst at [email protected] or Jeff Breting at [email protected].
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SMAC (Youth Group) in December
On Sunday, December 21st all in grades 6 - 12 are invited to stay after worship for an afternoon of fun! We will eat lunch together and then decorate cookies which we will be sharing later in the day. At 2 p.m. we will leave St. Mark's to go caroling around the neighborhood and at Albany Cares. At 4 p.m. we will share the decorated cookies with the St. Mark's community at a Carol Sing / open house at the Rectory. Activities will conclude around 6 p.m. We hope you'll join us for this day of cookies, caroling, and carol sings! Please remember to dress for the weather --- hats, gloves, scarves (you get the idea!). If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Debra at [email protected]; text 847-732-9564 or Deane at [email protected]; text 231-313-9217.
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♪♫ Music Night ♫♫
Each Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm, our associate for Music Ministries, David Plank, will be leading "Music Night" at St. Mark's. People with any level of musical background-even those with no music experience-are welcome to come upstairs to the choir room. Younger children, starting at age five, are welcome to join with all ages from 6:00-6:30. Youth and adults can come (or continue) from 6:30-7:30. Please contact David with any questions you may have at [email protected].
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Social Justice & Outreach Opportunities
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St. Mark's continues its commitment to young people through its many social justice and outreach opportunities. Each Sunday we pray, "Bring newness and change to our streets, O God, that we might commit ourselves to our young people and address the epidemic of gun violence which plagues our communities, our country, and the world. Awake, O Streets, rise from death!" Following are a list of ways in which you can get involved with the St. Mark's community in helping to create a better world.
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 Producemobile - Tuesday, December 9
On the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Interfaith Action of Evanston teams up with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to bring free, fresh produce to our neighbors in need. The distribution takes place from 9:30 - 11:30 at the Robert Crown Center. Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. If you are able to help on December 9, please send an e-mail to Pastor Debra, [email protected] or sign-up at www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4FAFAC2FAB9-evanston. Thank you to St. Mark's November volunteers: Nasim Alexander, Debra Bullock, Bruce Gaede, Betsy Johnson, Lisa Montgomery, Chris Schultze, Abigail Seifert, Austin Suvari, and Jacqui Zeng.
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Sesquicentennial Anniversary Blood Drive
LifeSource will continue to accept donations. to help us meet our goal of 150 blood donations to mark our 150th anniversary year. Please sign-up at https://donateblood.lifesource.org/ to donate at LifeSource, 2436 Main Street, Evanston, at a time that is convenient for you. When you donate blood, identity our blood drive by using the special code O57G (zero, five, seven, g). If you have any questions please contact Donna Richardson at 847-677-0701.
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 Final Gift Shop Sale - and Visit from St. Nick!
The Gift Shop Sale continues in a reduced form and with reduced prices on Dec. 7th. And, Pastor Debra received the following letter from Mrs. Nicholas letting us know of their plans to visit:
St. Nicholas and I were pleased to hear that the children of St. Mark's have been very good again this year. Because of hearing that good news and planning our visiting schedule, we would like to visit St. Mark's on Sunday, December 7 after the 10:30 am worship. We would be happy, once again, to give the children a small token as a remembrance of our visit. We send you blessings as you approach the harvest season and look forward to seeing you in Advent. With all good wishes from St. Nicholas and me.
Mrs. Nicholas
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Building Work Continues
Some of you have already noticed the "upgrades" taking place at St. Mark's - ceiling repaired in the women's restroom in the Parish House, most of the water damage to the walls in the sanctuary taken care of, roof repairs completed - and now the Library and Kitchen repairs are underway. Next spring will bring some masonry improvements . . . Thanks to your generous giving and to the legacy of St. Mark's Saints, the vestry has determined not to undertake a capital campaign at this time. However, if you would like to make a donation to capital repairs at any time, you are, of course, encouraged to do so - simply make a note on your check that it is for capital repairs. And, if you haven't already, please do remember St. Mark's in your will.
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Social Media and St. Mark's
If you have your mobile device it would be good if you put it on silent when in worship. But if anything in Sunday's service - a prayer, reading, hymn or the sermon-moves you, please feel free to tweet it or post it to Facebook #StMarkEvanston. While you're at it, "check-in" with us on Foursquare!
St. Mark's website has up-to-date information on all that's new at St. Mark's - including a current calendar of events - check it out at http://www.stmarksevanston.org. Also, we are on Facebook and Twitter! Find us at http://www.facebook.com/StMarkEvanston and follow us @StMarkEvanston.
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In The Community
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God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving finds all of its meaning in relationship. The following are opportunities to be in relationship with one another and with the community of Evanston.
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"Blessed to Be a Blessing: 5th Annual Musical Program"
The H. E. Lane Center for Positive Change announces their 5th Annual Musical Program, "Blessed to Be a Blessing" on Saturday, December 6 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Avenue. Many area pastors will participate in a "Pastor's Chorus" and any other singers (or want-to-be singers) are welcome to sing as well. Rehearsals will take place on Mondays. For more information, call 847-769-2736.
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Race and Law: Criminal Justice and Immigration
As part of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's RACE Exhibit, a panel discussion including Dr. Jacqueline Battalora, St. Xavier University; Lonnie Nasitir, Anti- Defamation League; Patrick Keenan- Devlin, Moran Center for Youth Advocacy; and Dr. Juan Perea, Loyola University Law School will take place at the Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie on Sunday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required due to limited seating. RSVP to [email protected].
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 For All Adults Who Value Reading Aloud to Children
Reading aloud to children is a proven, simple practice for creating the enthusiastic readers of tomorrow. Join Brian Wilson, EPL Children's Librarian as he shares his picks for Best Picture Books of 2014 on Saturday, December 13, 10:30 AM, in the Evanston Public Library Community Meeting Room. Parents, teachers, child care workers, grandparents and anyone else who values reading aloud to young children at home, in school, in child care or playgroups will enjoy "Mr. Brian's" lively presentation. Participants will also get great ideas for picture books that make great gifts.(NOTE: This event is for adults only!) For more about Mr. Brian, check out his blog at mrbrianspicturebookpicks.blogspot.com.
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Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along
The Chicago Chamber Choir continues its 19th season with Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along. Celebrate the glow of the season with enchanting and cherished holiday music, in which audience members are invited to sing along with their favorite carols. Surrounded by candles and holiday greenery, the rich voices of CCC will ring in the season with contemporary and traditional settings of exquisite carols, including "I Wonder as I Wander," Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "The Christmas Song." What better way to kick off your Christmas holiday? Saturday, December 20 at 3 p.m., St. Mark's Church. $20 adults / $10 children and students with ID. Tickets are available online at www.chicagochamberchoir.org or by calling 312-409-6890.
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Fierce Conversations, January 21 & 22, 2015
"While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a company, a relationship, or a life...any single conversation can." Fierce Conversations will take place at Saint James Commons, 65 East Huron Street, Chicago IL 60611. Wednesday, January 21, 8:30am-4:30pm, and Thursday, January 22, 8:30am-4:30pm. The cost is $100. Registration is capped at 60 participants. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and materials are included in the cost of training.
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Parish Prayer List
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If you would like your loved ones added to (or deleted from) the prayer list at any time, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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We bid your prayers for: Helen Baker, Louise Behrends, Ellen and Tom Bergman, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, Hal Griffith, Mary Hair, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Ann Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Joan Barr Smith, Carol Albertson, Carol Beatty, Barbara Bishop, Dorothy Clark, Ward Clark, JoAnne Gilburg, Patricia Gosling,Dave and Jan Gurniak, Henry Gutierrez,Kaileen Hogan-Brink, Erma Johnson Hadley, Katie Iles, Yvonne Johns, OJ Mabwa, Deborah Russell, Colleen Schoen, Ean and Neale Smith, Sue, Tim and his family, Jill Vannattam, the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri.
We pray for those who have died: Bishop William Wiedrich, suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Chicago from 1997; John Pollele, dear friend of Dave and Lola Himrod; Margot Ryan, dear friend of Dave and Lola Himrod; Mary Levitan, dear friend of Dorothy and Vittorio Laudati.
We pray for the people in: the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and in the Diocese of Renk.
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Stay Connected
 
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