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A Message from the Pastor
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light."
The prophet Isaiah (9:2b) sang these words long ago. They resonate in our lives even now.
The four candles of Advent stand as stubborn reminders that the
deepest darkness of our world will not overcome the light of God's loving grace. Chalice Worship, p. 93
Isaiah's words seem especially encouraging this year. The world longs for light, for hope. We have been walking in the darkness of COVID-19 devastation for most of 2020. We are weary from doing things in new ways and from continued reports of spreading illness, hospitalizations, and death. We are alarmed by massive loss of employment and long lines of hurting people in need of food. We are eager to be physically present with one another again, to experience handshakes and hugs and pats on the back. Human touch!
The great light of Jesus Christ overcomes the darkness. Decay and destruction are unrelenting, but the light will not be denied! That is the power and the peace of the sacred season we begin this Sunday--the season of Advent.
It will be an Advent like none other we've ever experienced. We will continue to zoom our worship services, Sunday School classes, meetings, and fellowship gatherings for now, but look forward to a new day. May the hope, peace, joy, and love of our blessed Savior be with you as we continue to worship, serve and grow together.
In Christ's love,
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Free Devotional Resources for Advent
If you're looking for some devotional resources for Advent that you don't have to pay for or print, but rather can simply download and view on your computer or tablet, here are three options for you. Let Rev. Maxted know if you have any trouble accessing any of them.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary offers an Advent devotional in pdf form (36 pages) that you can download for free. This year it is called "Singing Our Advent Joy." Faculty members of APTS share messages of inspiration based on sacred music.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers an Advent devotional in pdf form (22 pages) that you can download for free. The devotions in this resources are written by alumni of PTS.
The Vanderbilt Divinity Library of Vanderbilt University offers an Advent devotional in the form of four PowerPoint slide shows. After clicking on the link, you'll see a section called DAILY SLIDESHOWS FOR THE ADVENT SEASON. Here you can click on each of the four weeks of Advent for a PowerPoint slide show.
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Worship ZOOM Link/Meeting ID and Password Has Changed
Our new Meeting ID and passcode are:
Meeting ID: 864 8287 2175
Password: 273770
The new link is:
Dial by your location: 1-346-248-7799
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Even though we are unable to meet in person,
RRCC has three ways you can still give your tithe:
- Go to the RRCC website rrdisciples.org and click on the "GIVE HERE" button at the top of the main page. Or use the link at the top of each newsletter. It will take you to the same place.
- Use your bank's electronic bill pay feature to have a check mailed directly from your bank to RRCC.
- Mail your check directly to RRCC.
Address your envelope to:
Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665
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Year-End Giving Opportunity
THE ROUND ROCK CHRISTIAN PERMANENT FUND
The Permanent Fund of Round Rock Christian was established several years ago through the Christian Church Foundation to expand witness and mission of Jesus Christ and to serve the human needs in our community and around the world. It provides a means to invest by giving gifts and bequests that enable RRCC to expand ministry beyond the general budget.
The account is managed is by a team of five members who hold the positions of immediate past senior trustee, the two current trustees, treasurer, and financial secretary as well as the moderator and senior minister who are ex-officio members. This team reports to the Guiding Board, which is the managing entity on how funds from this account will be withdrawn for ministry.
The Christian Church Foundation planned giving investment program includes two separate entities: congregational and personal (family or individual). In early 2020, the Permanent Fund Task Force reviewed and revised the operating policy and procedure for the fund and planned to host a planned giving seminar to provide information for church members to set up their personal account.; however, it has been postponed until 2021.
Our RRCC account has grown more than two thousand dollars this year by giving by members and reinvesting in a higher yield account to a current balance of over eight thousand dollars.
Prayerfully consider your 2020 gift to this fund. Each of us may contribute to the congregation's account via online giving or by mailing a check to our church, 22 Chalice Way, RR, 78665, attn. Financial Secretary, with memo: RRCC Permanent Fund. As with other giving these gift amounts are confidential and are included on members annual statement of giving.
Should you need more details please contact trustee, Patricia Mouser.
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Adopt a Student Project for Christmas
Can you hear the Christmas bells ring in the distance? Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas will be here before we know it! Many things have changed this year due to the COVID pandemic, but the Outreach Ministry of the Church in providing service to the neighborhood schools has continued! The Outreach Team communicated with the schools earlier this fall, and the message was clear that the "Adopt a Student" program is needed now, more than ever! Thankfully, there were funds available in the budget (since we didn't host several neighborhood events at the church this year!) and congregational donations were not needed to purchase the clothing and gifts for students at Hopewell Middle School and Union Hill Elementary School. The Hopewell Middle School gifts were delivered to the campus on 11/18/20 and the school counselors were thrilled! The 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade counselors had met and coordinated the selection of the 8 middle school students who would receive needed clothing and one item from their "just for fun wish list". The schools had previously suggested a price of $50 per child, and approximately $394 was funded by RRCC to purchase the abundance of items listed below for the 8 students (and pictured!!):
6 pair pants
14 shirts/tops
6 pair shoes
4 pair Blue Light Blocking glasses (for computer use)
3 hoodies
2 jackets
1 knit cap
1 belt
1 computer wireless mouse
2 "bath essential" sets
2 $10 gift cards
1 bicycle (We spent $25 and the counselors took up a collection for $73 for the $98 bike)
The school office staff and counselors assisted with bringing in the bags of wrapped gifts and the bicycle, to be stored in the counselors' offices until they are able to distribute them. Pictured in the Counselors' office area are Maricela Galindo (8th Grade Counselor) and Margret Schaefer (6th Grade Counselor) along with Tara Pollock and Tricia Mouser. One office worker remarked in disbelief; "Is that a whole new bicycle??" As the counselors replied...."yes, a very special new bicycle for an exceptional young man who needs transportation to school". This was an unusual partnership with RRCC that the counselors had requested and they each, individually, also contributed to, to purchase that bicycle. It was a Blessing to share in that partnership for the young man in need.
The next component of this project underway is the purchase and delivery of wrapped gifts for the 12 students and siblings at Union Hill Elementary School. Many thanks to "Santa's Helpers" for help in purchasing, wrapping and delivering gifts for students in need. This project truly brings Christmas to several children in our neighborhood, who would not have had these needed gifts otherwise!
The Outreach Ministry Team
 
Pictured Above:
The abundance of clothing and gifts donated for Hopewell "Adopt a Student Project" 2020 and Tara Pollock, Margret Schaefer (6th Grade Counselor),
Tricia Mouser and Maricela Galindo (8th Grade Counselor)
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Upcoming Events
There will be no events/meetings held in the RRCC facility until further notice.
Many RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. Some are continuing online.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
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11:00 a.m.
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- "Shall We Pray" Small Group (Rescheduled from Thursday, November, 19, 2020)
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, November 25, 2020
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1:00 p.m.
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- MEETING Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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7:00 p.m.
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- NOT MEETING Chancel Choir (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
Thursday, November 26, 2020
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HAPPY
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THANKSGIVING
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11:00 a.m.
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- NOT MEETING "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
Friday, November 27, 2020
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1 Timothy 4:4-5
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- For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
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Saturday, November 28, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, November 29, 2020
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Advent
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Begins
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9:45 a.m.
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- Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
9:45 a.m.
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- Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
11:00 a.m.
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Evening
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- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)
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Monday, November 30, 2020
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Psalm 28:7
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- The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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Staff Love Offering
Annual monetary love gifts of appreciation for our senior minister and staff are a tradition at Round Rock Christian Church. Serving with Pastor Mitch are Molly Salzwedel - Administrative Assistant, Randy Preston - Director of Music Ministries, Jimmy Horowitz - keyboard, and Katie Maybaum - nursery. Each person will receive a portion of the giving.
With all of the changes we have experienced this year, we are especially grateful for the extra creativity and effort our faithful staff has contributed to our worship and church life.
Contributions may be sent in two ways: If you have registered to use the online offering link at rrdisciples.org just click on the "Give Here" button at the top of the home page. Indicate in the "Other-1" comment box "staff love offering." Or you can mail your check with "staff love offering" indicated on the memo line to:
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Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665
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Please complete your love offering so that it is received
no later than December 15, 2020.
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Some members have asked about this year's Keep Round Rock Warm, a program of the Round Rock Area Serving Center for children within the RRISD who need a coat for the winter. In past years, the Serving Center has placed coat collection barrels in the community for donated coats. This year, because of the pandemic, only new coats will be distributed. These are funded through donations and the "Coins for Coats" collection cans placed each year in RRISD school libraries. Donated coats and other gently-worn clothing items are always welcome, and are placed in the Center's "Treasures" thrift store.
Remember to include your monetary donations for the Serving Center's Food Pantry and other services in your regular donations to Round Rock Christian Church.
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"Shall We Pray" Study is Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM
Katherine Cratin is leading these class sessions, which will continued to be held on Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m. through December 17th (of course no class on Thanksgiving Day--November 26).
Those interested in this series please let Katherine know via text (281) 728-6448 or email katecratin@yahoo.com.
You can still participate.
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RRCC Newsletter Deadlines
Please submit your
Tuesday Newsletter articles and pictures
before 10:00 a.m. on Mondays.
and your Friday Reminders articles and pictures
before 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Thank you!
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NO CHANCEL CHOIR THIS WEEK (November 25, 2020)
Chancel Choir will normally meet via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
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Did You Miss a Newsletter?
Past newsletters dating back to mid-March 2020 are currently archived under the "ABOUT US" tab on the RRCC Website.
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Upcoming Birthdays
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November 24
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- Rilda Scarborough
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November 25
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- Judy Jocoy
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November 28
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November 28
| - Amy Tucker |
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Prayer Needs
LEADERSHIP
1. Our Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams
2. Our staff: Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly
3. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz
4. Our tech team: Gary Collier, Tara Pollock, Katie Maybaum, Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Dan Knight
5. Our "Reopening" Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair), Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Pastor Maria Rosario of Manantial de Vida, Omar Roque, Juan Pena, and Carlos Cortez of Shalom, Pastor Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover
6. Our Caring Hearts Prayer Group
7. Our Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
8. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)
9. Reverends Christal Fisher (South Texas) and Andy Mangum (CCSW)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Mary Acree -- recovering well from injuries, but continuing fall concerns
2. Barnett, Barbara -- heart cath went well; no stents needed
3. Cratin, Katherine -- recent sinus surgery
4. Davis, Marilyn
5. Glover, Linda -- pain management
6. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia is healing well from hip replacement surgery. Her father, Harold Hubbard, is receiving hospice care from HospiceAustin
7. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
8. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) now in skilled care facility for continued recovery
9. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
10. Mouser, Tricia -- rheumatoid arthritis infusion treatments and side-effects
11. Nichols, Martha -- daughter Tamara Rodenberg (heart valve); granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
12. Plough, Paul
13. Pollock, Chris -- recent CT scan
14. Myra Schuchardt -- blood sugar fluctuations
15. Sherry, Bea
17. Shrader, James -- recent follow-up heart procedure went well
18. Snider, Rev. Ed family -- Ed's graveside service was last week in Tulsa, Oklahoma
19. Walker, Lisa (awaiting the results of a kidney biopsy)
20. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker -- cancer treatments
21. Wilson, Garvid -- cancer treatments
OTHER
1. All who don't know Jesus
2. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
3. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that are struggling
4. A transition of power in Washington that is marked by good communication and good will5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world
6. Our military personnel and families
7. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
8. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans; that pre-existing health conditions not be a barrier to securing health insurance coverage
10. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings
11. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School.
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[There will be no Sunday School classes at the church for the foreseeable future. Some classes will be meeting via Zoom during this time of social distancing.]
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Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) -Taught by Lisa Walker
Intermediate Class (3rd - 5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle
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Chi Rho Class - (6th - 8th grade) - (studying the book, "Middle School TalkSheets" for ages 11-14. "These TalkSheets present every aspect of Jesus' life in a way that young teens can connect with as they learn to apply the lessons to their own lives.")
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CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)
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Open Circle (primarily adult women) - 9 :45 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Studying The Cherry Log Sermons by internationally recognized preacher and accomplished teacher Rev. Fred Craddock . "These sermons on a variety of topics and texts show Craddock's deft use of storytelling, an astounding ability to interpret the biblical text for our day, and a keen pastoral sensitivity to the everyday needs of listeners." ALL ARE WELCOME! Link HERE
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Explorers (mixed adults) - 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying the New Testament Book of Acts, using the resource by John MacArthur. Link HERE
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Follow us on Social Media!
We can be found on:
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Submitting a photo? Awesome!
We love pictures of congregational life!
Please remember to include
identification (who, what, when, where, why)
for each photograph submitted to the office.
Also, please indicate where you would like the photo to be used (RRCC website, social media, weekly newsletter, etc.)
.
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Mondays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Tuesdays:
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2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Wednesdays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Thursdays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Fridays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
This has been a rough month, you know the kind that if it can go wrong it does, If we are friends on Facebook you probably know this, so excuse me for repeating myself. I have had to replace a tire, get my transmission flushed, my hot water heater busted, my battery and ignition started giving me problems, my washing machine started to leak last night (a bunch), and last but not least I have a critter living in my attic and I hate critters! So why am I sharing all this with you today - the week of Thanksgiving? Because I am thankful for each of these problems. So why am I thankful - I will explain:
- I had a slow leak in another tire - When going to get it repaired they found missing tread and exposed wires in another tire. By finding this I very possibly avoided a blow-out.
- I went to get an oil change and the mechanic discovered that there was very little fluid in my transmission - by draining it and refilling it should be good for a while. So now my car might last a while longer.
- My hot water heater busted - this happened between 5:00 am and 5:30 am - I was at home and caught it very quickly - no damage to my home.
- My key got stuck in my ignition and would not come out, so this caused my battery to drain (or so I was told). I found out that my battery needed to be replaced in order not to keep draining. My car should start so I will make it to work in the mornings.
- My washer started leaking (again while I was home, I often start the washer and leave to run errands while it is running). Again I avoided flooding.
- I am not sure why I am thankful for my critter - maybe he is in my attic to remind me we are never really alone.
Things happen - the reason for some things are obvious and some things happen that we might not understand for a long time. My month has been full of incidents that I can find a reason to be thankful for without waiting too long. When it takes longer to find the blessings in the not so desired incidents of our lives - it can be more challenging, but if we stay open to finding the blessings in all things in time we can and will be Thankful!
Prayer: Lord we thank You for the beauty of the seasons. We thank You for health and strength. We thank You for people to love and people who love us. Lord, we give you thanks in all circumstances. We love You God and thank you for loving us first. Amen.
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