MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT NEWS |
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New, renew, renewal.
New: We are living in a time of drastic change and painful challenge. We know God promises to make all things new, yet we often desperately cling to the old ways, habits, traditions and rituals to ground ourselves in the familiar. It brings us comfort to hang onto what we know because it means something special to us. But we are not called just to be comfortable. Look at the Old Testament characters who met God and followed their calling to strange and uncomfortable places. Look at the fishermen leaving their nets to follow Jesus to an unknown destination. The changes we face in society are changing the way we live as church, and that is painful. But it could be God is doing something new with us.
Renew: I am on a formal renewal leave the rest of this month, and that is a crazy thing to do during a pandemic and while my job has changed from one district to another. But I sense God renewing me in body, mind and spirit, and that is always a much-needed work. Are you finding this summer? The opposite of renewal is sometimes a feeling stuck in anxiety, rooted in fear. We are not given from God, a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love and of a calm soul, a sound mind. Find renewal by stepping away from the normal routine of work and pressure, and when you re-enter your normal life, you will be changed.
Renewal: This is a desired state of the church in all times and places. It is marked by energy, outward focus and an insatiable desire to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people of the world! We need renewal in our churches and God is using this time of social, political, public health and spiritual upheaval to bring renewal to us. Some have called this revival. I am going to enter my work among you in September with new eyes, renewed in mind, body and soul, and praying for renewal of the church of Jesus Christ. I do hope you come along with me!
Charge Conferences: A detailed schedule will come out next week. I am adapting the online charge conferences to allow a limited number of in-person meetings with churches, as well as clustering churches into an online format. It will take me a little longer to devise this schedule. No charge conferences will happen before our Annual Conference session October 3.
In Christ with you,
Jeff McDowell
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CHARGE CONFERENCE NEWS 2020!
From DS Jeff McDowell
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Dear Church leaders: due to our care for all people, including those in highest risk categories, all charge conferences in our conference will occur via zoom meetings this fall. Details and a schedule will appear in our next newsletter August 13.
CORRECTION: Next week a detailed schedule will be published.
7/30/2020
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Deadlines for Annual Reports
was July 15th
NOW ARE PAST DUE
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Deadline for the following Reports:
- Report of Trustees
- Report of the Finance Committee
- 2019 Local Church Financial Audit
PLEASE SEND THEM IN EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE LATE
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The Mountain View District Office Will Continue to Work Remotely Through Labor Day |
The Mountain View District Office Administrative Assistant is available via phone and email.
7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Monday-Thursdays generally.
Call the District 607-962-8047, or
In-person assistance may be available by appointment.
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Please consider subscribing to the following links. These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the conference office during this time. It will help keep repeated emails from being received. |
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NEXT NEWSLETTER
August 27, 2020
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Links to Sources for Reopening Your Church |
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Death Notice: Rev. Nancy Parr |
Please keep family and friends of the Rev. Nancy Parr (retired) in your prayers. Rev. Parr, 79, died on Aug. 5. She served several Upper New York churches, including Westside UMC, Horseheads UMC, and Penn Yan UMC, and others in the former North Central New York Conference. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Steve Parr, in 2015. He served several Upper New York Churches, including Herkimer UMC, Elmira Heights: Oakwood UMC, Auburn: Trinity UMC, and others. A public celebration of Rev. Parr’s life will be announced at a later date. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Parr’s daughter, Cathryn Woodring, at 1001 N Spring Street, Apt I1, Middletown, PA 17957. Click here to read the full obituary.
8/13/2020
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Prayer Request: Rev. Timothy Gleason
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Please keep the Rev. Timothy Gleason, his wife, Jennie, and their family in your prayers. Rev. Gleason’s mother-in-law, Muriel Small, who attended Kenmore UMC, died on Aug. 11. Rev. Gleason is currently serving Waterloo UMC and Varick UMC. Condolences can be sent to The Reverend and Mrs. Timothy Gleason at 16 Keli Drive, Waterloo, NY 13165. An obituary is not yet available.
8/13/2020
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Important Dates for Your Calendar |
Clergy Session
September 19, 2020
10:00-12 noon
Virtual
Ordination Service
Friday, October 2, 2020
by invitation only & live streaming
Annual Conference
October 3, 2020
Virtual
General Conference
Aug. 29 - Sept. 7, 2021
Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn
Jurisdictional Conferences
in the United States
November 10-12, 2021
8/13/202
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Click the button to see the list of events happening in
Mountain View District
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Update - Arrearage Policy |
The CBOPHB extension of the delayed enforcement of the Arrearage Policy through the end of the year has been updated and posted to the website.
Susan Latessa
Director Human Resources / Benefits
Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church
8/13/2020
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Background Check Reminder |
Remember Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries minimum standards require background checks every two years for those working with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Our insurance company, Brotherhood Insurance, partners with three companies to provide background screenings for their policyholders. They are:
- Safe Hiring Solutions
- C 4 Operations
- Protect My Ministry
Please visit the Brotherhood web site to review the detailed information. Each offers many choices for the type of information for which you are looking.
**You are still able to use Trusted Employees that was a partner with our former insurance company, Church Mutual, but you will not be receiving the Church Mutual discount so your rates will be higher.
8/13/2020
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Three-session Trauma-Informed Approach
to Pastoral Care course offered on Zoom
(Receive 1 CEU)
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As pastors, how can we help members of our congregation who are survivors of trauma? A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people who have experienced trauma, avoid re-traumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This four-hour Zoom course will be taught in three sessions by Samantha Koury of the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) at the University at Buffalo. Attend all three sessions and you will receive a Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
The dates for the three classes are as follows:
Session 1: Monday Aug. 31, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. OR Saturday Sept. 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 2: Monday Sept. 7, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. OR Saturday Sept. 19, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Session 3: Monday Sept. 14, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. OR Sat. Sept. 26,10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Click here to register for this free course offering and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
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2020 Bishop's Retreat Postponed to Oct. 2021 |
As is the case with many events planned with large gatherings, the UNY Conference had to make the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Bishop's Retreat, originally scheduled for Oct. 20-22 at the Radisson Hotel in Corning.
The Bishop's Retreat will keep the same theme of "Sharing our Faith Boldly" and will now be held Oct. 26-28, 2021 at the same venue, the Radisson Hotel in Corning.
8/13/2020
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2021 Conference Budget Information published |
A hard copy of the Upper New York (UNY) Narrative Budget Booklet has
taken on a new format that will allow for multi-year use.
Click here for the proposed Ministry Shares budget numbers for 2021.
Click here to review the Narrative Budget Booklet electronically and to read some reports that some ministry areas submitted to support their 2021 UNY Conference Budget.
For hard copies of the Narrative Budget Booklet, contact the District Office.
8/13/2020
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UMC of the Resurrection's Leadership Institute 2020 |
Whether you are clergy, church staff, or a lay leader in your church, join them ONLINE for 2 days of inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership.
Keynote speakers include Adam Hamilton and Bishop Michael Curry. There are several "break-out" speakers as well.
Your online ticket gives you access to the live-streamed General Sessions and special Breakout Sessions with Live Q&A. You also receive one full year of access to replay the recordings of those General Sessions and Breakouts, plus a library of 20+ additional ministry workshops.
Early Bird cost is $49; $69 after Sept. 1
8/13/2020
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Casowasco Site Director position |
Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center, part of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, has an exciting opportunity for a Site Director to serve the multi-faceted ministry of summer camp and year-round retreats at our Camp & Retreat Center located in Moravia, NY, near the beautiful city of Auburn, NY. The Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center serves 1,000 summer campers and more than 60 groups annually, with 7 year-round staff and 40 seasonal staff, as well as many volunteers. The Casowasco mission is to provide intentional Christian community in which all may experience personal and spiritual growth and develop as Christian leaders to transform the world. The successful candidate will be strategic, mission focused, and capable of managing a million dollar budget. Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center boasts over 200 wooded acres, a beautiful gorge, and over a mile of shoreline on Owasco Lake. This position offers excellent benefits, including on-site housing. Relocation benefits are not provided. Click here to apply. 8/13/2020
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Refresh Your Soul at a Day Apart |
Make plans now to join Casowasco's Interim Director Anne Horton for a Day Apart at the camp in August.
On Tuesday, August 25, the theme is Freedom and will focus on John 11:1-44, (Lazarus).
The time frame for each Day Apart is 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and begins at the Lakeside Chapel. The day includes worship, times for both group and individual prayer and reflection and a delicious lunch. Cost is $25 per person. Participants should bring a Bible, journal, and pen. Register through the website at: casowasco.campbrainregistration.com
8/13/2020
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PREVIOUSLY RUN NEWS ITEMS |
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UNY Annual Conference to be Held Virtually
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As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, October 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans.
After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, wants to share with you that the postponed 2020 session of Annual Conference will be held virtually.
Bishop Webb said, "Each of us from our own location will gather on Saturday, October 3 for our Annual Conference session. This will be an abbreviated session that will only deal with the essential business required.
In addition, the 2020 clergy session will meet virtually as well. Originally, we scheduled the clergy session for Friday, October 2, but we are now changing the date of clergy session to Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 am until Noon."
The service of ordination will be held the evening of Friday, October 2 with attendance being by invitation only. Livestreaming of the ordination service will be made available for all to experience. This is being done to so that we can social distance and keep those who will participate safe.
Click here to watch Bishop Webb's video announcement about this decision to change the 2020 Annual Conference to an online-event.
Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving detailed information about these gatherings, including how to register and be prepared to participate through a virtual connection.
As you await this information, please do not hesitate to contact your District Superintendent or Conference office staff with any questions that you have.
7/30/2020
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Background Check Reminder |
Remember Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries minimum standards require background checks every two years for those working with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Our insurance company, Brotherhood Insurance, partners with three companies to provide background screenings for their policyholders. They are:
· Safe Hiring Solutions
· C 4 Operations
· Protect My Ministry
Please visit the Brotherhood web site link below to review the detailed information.
Each offers many choices for the type of information for which you are looking.
You are still able to use Trusted Employees that was a partner with our former insurance company, Church Mutual, but you will not be receiving the Church Mutual discount so your rates will be higher.
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Register Now
for fall HealthFlex Exchange ZOOM workshops
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The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange ZOOM workshops this fall. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting for January 1, 2021, all eligible, under 65 participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange.
Choosing your health plan is a big decision, and Wespath provides training and decision-support tools, like ALEX Benefits Counselor, to help you compare your options.
The HealthFlex Exchange is for ALL participants and/or dependents that are eligible for Conference health benefits AND are under 65.
You must register in advance for the workshop. The deadline for registration is one week prior to the workshop you are signing up to attend.
7/16/2020
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What delay means for General Conference |
Until COVID-19, The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have never delayed the church's top lawmaking assembly by more than a year.
With General Conference now postponed from May this year until Aug. 29-Sept. 7 in 2021, organizers are navigating uncharted territory. The Commission on the General Conference answered questions related to this delay. Click here to learn how this delay will impact the session of General Conference.
7/16/2020
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Discover, Develop, Deploy Christ-Following
Leaders Initiative
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How can we assure that Upper New York is making more disciples? What does it take for more people to say "Yes!" to following Jesus? Over the last seven years, the Conference Leadership Team, the Bishop's Operational Team, and the UNY Cabinet have developed measurable goals for this work to be reached by June 30, 2025.
7/16/2020
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Volunteer opportunities at camp and retreat centers
Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) welcomes volunteers to support the conference camp and retreat centers through the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The Conference volunteer management team is looking for individuals and teams local to Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake. Each camp is ready with a list of projects suitable for volunteers. Local volunteers are encouraged as the camps curtailed overnight accommodations for the summer. State and Conference safety protocols are in place to help keep volunteers and staff safe.
The goal for volunteers: partner with camp staff to assist with tasks suited to your skills. Food and beverage for all the workers is provided by the camp. If you are ready to volunteer at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake. Click here to register.
Thoughts, questions or concerns please contact Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, at mikeblock@unyumc.org or
(315) 491-0497.
7/30/2020
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Online Worship and Music Resources
For Live-Streaming
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Dismantling Racism Resource |
The UMC will lead a sustained and coordinated effort beginning now and continuing through General Conference, August 29 to September 7, 2021, to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
7/30/2020
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Free Resources from Cokesbury |
Cokesbury has free resources to use to stay connected, and they are adding more resources every day.
Help your communities stay connected beyond the church walls. No sign up is required to access: click here
Free children's resources on the new CokesburyKids website:
During the Covid19 quarantine period, we have made a nice variety of resources for all ages available for FREE on the platform. You can have a look at what's available on this link:
We have continued to develop free materials that will help churches in this unique time. Over the past 8 weeks, we have released a series of 9 FREE webinars called Now & Next that target issues the church is facing during quarantine as well as beginning to gather together again. They are now available "on demand" at the above link as well as below:
Finally, we have added a selection of resources that deal with racism and reconciliation. There are several short studies, but also some stand-alone videos that would be helpful. These are also available at the first link as well as below:
7/30/2020
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New Job Opening
for District Administrative Assistant
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A new job opening has been posted on the website for a District Administrative Assistant for the Niagara Frontier District. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask candidates to apply online or click on the button below. |
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UNY Conference Regional and
District Associates appointed
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July 1 is always significant in the life of the United Methodist Church in Upper New York—it’s the start date for new appointments. This year, July 1 also marked the start date for Regional and District Associates across Upper New York.
Nineteen people have been appointed Associate roles throughout the Conference. Click here to learn more.
7/16/2020
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General Conference 2021 dates announced
and will explore use of technology
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The quadrennial legislative event will take place on Aug. 29 - Sept. 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Click here for more information
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UMC Bishops announce dates
for postponed 2020 Jurisdictional Conferences
The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held Nov. 10-12, 2021.
5/28/2020
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Helping to combat loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic |
While a virus may limit where you can go and what you can do, it cannot limit your affection for others or their affections for you. Social distancing may physically isolate people, but technology and creativity can bridge the gap. The best cure for loneliness is genuine companionship.
Resource UMC has provided dozens of creative ways you can help your congregants combat loneliness. Click here to read this resourceful compilation of ideas.
6/25/2020
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Media Resource Center to partially reopen on Aug. 1 |
The Media Resource Center will begin lending and accepting back overdue resources on Aug. 1. Please send back any items that you currently have as soon as possible. If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are still officially closed to the public at this time. 7/30/2020
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Upper New York Red Bird Mission Shoebox Campaign seeking drop-off locations |
Dave Alexander and the mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church are again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission is a poverty-relief organization that serves a remote, impoverished population in Bell, Clay, and Leslie counties in southeastern Kentucky.
Currently, the Endwell UMC Mission Team is looking for drop-off locations for the shoeboxes. As of now, Endwell UMC, and the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool are two drop-off locations and several other churches have expressed interest. Please consider being a drop-off center. Items can be dropped off from Nov. 2- Nov. 24.
If your church would like to be a drop-off location, please email Dave Alexander at Dalexander4@stny.rr.com by Sept. 1 and a list of the drop-off locations will be distributed to the Conference via the Weekly Digest the following week and will also be published on the Conference website www.unyumc.org
Click here to read more about Red Bird and the contents needed for the shoeboxes.
7/30/2020
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UNY clergy are eligible for 1 CEU from BOM |
The Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) has approved the following motion: It is moved that all clergy, including local pastors, and all Certified Lay Ministers serving as leaders of congregations, shall be eligible to receive one (1) CEU from the Board of Ordained Ministry, for leading congregations through the COVID-19 pandemic in the Upper New York Conference.
Eligible clergy would apply for the certification by Dec. 1, 2020 and would need to briefly share in a paragraph for two, the nature of the work during the New York State PAUSE, how it worked, and what the response was. Eligible Clergy and CLMs would then receive a CEU certificate.
BOM’s policy on this would be as follows: Pastors would apply for the CEU by filling out a short form, with a paragraph, describing what they did to keep churches connected and how it worked. Certificates would then be issued by BOM. Click here to fill out the form. The deadline to submit the form to BOM is Dec. 1, 2020. The form should be emailed to Pastor Bob Kolvik-Campbell at pastorbob@hotmail.com or sent by regular mail to Bob Kolvik-Campbell, Christ Church UMC, 417 Park Street, Sherrill, NY 13461.
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COS Satellite School Registration
for 2020-2021 Sessions
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All of us at Wesley and the UNY conference pray that you are well and your congregations are healthy. We are hoping to hold courses in person in the fall, but those decisions have not yet been made. Everyone, faculty and students, should be prepared to hold courses on-line should the stay at home orders and social distancing requirements remain in effect.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Sara Sheppard at ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu Please check Blackboard close to the start of your class for instruction information.
Thank you!
Sara
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Please remember your DS needs to sign;
then the UNY COS registrar ( candidacy@unyumc.org) needs to sign BEFORE it gets forwarded on to the school. The registration form can also be found on the conference website - under Ministries in the toolbar - under Board of Ordained Ministry -
right hand side of screen - COS satellite school
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UNY Conference Center remaining closed
to the public
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Please note that the Upper New York Conference Center in Liverpool, including the Episcopal office and Crossroads District office will remain closed to the public until Tuesday Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day at the earliest. |
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Helpful links to put resources at your finger tips! |
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