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Saltwater Church is an intentionally inclusive, spiritually progressive,
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Saltwater Church Newsletter March 24, 2023

We offer worship in two ways: in-person multi-platform service held in our sanctuary and online in our Church Zoom Room at 10:30 am. Doors and Zoom open at 10:15 am. To join the Church Zoom Room go to: saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/. You can find more information about how to connect through zoom towards the end of our Saltwater Church Newsletter. Our newsletter also provides ways to connect and live our values through both in-person programming and via our Church Zoom Room. If you wish to view the newsletter on the web, click here.

Worship

Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom!

Theme for March: Vulnerability



Services

March 26: “Rise & Thrive!,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga

At Saltwater Church, we want to rise and thrive. To prosper and flourish. To grow vigorously. To blossom. And we can only rise and thrive together! This Sunday is the beginning of our annual pledge drive. This is a time to celebrate the gifts of community and reflect on what those gifts mean in our lives. The service will also feature a mural project you won’t want to miss. Join us!

Notable & Upcoming Events

To view our complete calendar of events, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.

Pledge Drive Kick Off

Sunday March 26, 10:30am

Multi Platform – Sanctuary & Church Zoom Room



Join us on Sunday March 26 for our Pledge Drive Kick off Sunday Service in person and on zoom. We will create a mural together as we explore how Saltwater UU’s Rise and Thrive now and into the future. Take a moment to think about your favorite memories at Saltwater and your dreams for our future together.


Don’t forget to RSVP for the Neighborhood Potlucks (click here to sign up) and the Celebration Feast and Sing Along, click here and RSVP by April 2 to reserve your spot at the table.

Celebrating Our Staff

March 26, following service

In Person – Saltwater Church Welcome Room


Maia Bjornson joined the Saltwater Church staff in 2019 as our nursery lead in the Lighthouse. Throughout the pandemic, she provided support to our children through online religious education classes. When we reopened, Maia took the lead on our children’s multigenerational program on Sunday mornings. We are so grateful for all the of the gifts that Maia has shared with our community, and especially our children. Maia’s last Sunday is March 26th because she is starting a full-time position as an educator at the Pacific Science Center. Join us this Sunday to send her off with our gratitude and our blessings! There will be a cake reception in the welcoming room after service, as well as a table to write cards of thanks. 

 ***image credit: George Dolgikh

Chalice Circle - Walk-ins Welcome

Sunday March 26, 12:30pm - 1:30pm

In Person : Saltwater Church Sanctuary


Our April 2 Chalice Circle Walk-in is rescheduled for this Sunday. You are invited to participate following service. This is an opportunity to foster connection and share our experiences with one another. If you are new to the community or haven't participated in a Chalice Circle in the past, we encourage you to drop by and see what our gatherings are all about. This event adheres to the current COVID-19 guidelines as determined by the Saltwater Board. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com.

Article II Amendment Town Hall

April 1, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Multi Platform – Sanctuary & Church Zoom Room


The Board cordially invites you to a town hall style discussion on the proposal. Come prepared with (up to) a two minute statement on your thoughts if you would like to speak. We look forward to hearing from our community on this important issue. For more information about Article II, please see  https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission


Neighborhood Potlucks are BACK!

April 1 & April 2, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (SIGN UP NOW)

In Person – Various Locations


Join your Saltwater neighbors for a potluck dinner, conversation, and fun! We have two dates, April 1 and April 2, 6-8pm. Times will be flexible depending on your neighborhood host. We will gather in Normandy Park, Tukwila, and Federal Way. Click here to sign up, selecting your preferred date and neighborhood. Your host will contact you with details! We will accept sign ups in person as well following Sunday services.

Community Passover Seder with Bet Chaverim

Friday April 7, 6:00pm (Register Now)

In Person – Welcome Room


Bet Chaverim invites you to join them for this year’s Community Passover Seder. Please register in advance to melissabrooks25@gmail.com and let her know how many are coming, how many are vegetarian or gluten free, and if you have any additional questions. Click here to download their registration form. ***image credit: Bubba

Easter Egg Hunt - an event for all ages

Sunday April 9, starting around 11:45am

In Person – Saltwater Church Grounds


You are invited to our in-person Easter Egg Hunt. People of all ages are encouraged to attend to connect with one another and build multigenerational community. Children ages 12 and under may bring a basket and hunt for eggs on the lawn. Youth group members are invited to help hide the eggs and hand out prizes.

SAVE THE DATE

Saltwater's 2023 Seabeck Church Retreat

Friday April 28 - April 30

13395 Lagoon Dr NW, Seabeck, WA 98380


Relax with us near the water, enjoy morning walks to breakfast, and join us as we create together. Register today to attend our weekend long Church Retreat. “Loving Creation” is this year’s theme and the Seabeck Conference Center, map available at:  https://www.seabeck.org, will again be our host. Activities begin Friday evening lasting through Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss our Saturday morning workshop with guest speaker, Washington State Poet Laureate, Rena Priest, a Lummi poet inspired by nature.


What is available for retreat housing? We have roughly 20 beds left with housing options available in Annex, Huckleberry, and Madrona. Payment can be made online here or by sending a check to the church office. If you have questions, please contact Saphronia Young. Be sure to give her your room requests and dietary restrictions before April 15. Our weekend is looking like a great opportunity for fun and creativity for the whole family. Don’t miss out, register now! Click here for our official flyer and watch our newsletter for additional information. ***image credit: Bubba

Current COVID-19 Safety Guidelines



You can read and download the full revised guidelines here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfKbwr8DkcbZvMATcGRpBl4xRCDlu4vv/view?usp=sharing or visit our website at http://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/covid19-info/ for the most up to date information. We continue to review current guidelines for King County and the state of Washington to ensure we adhere to their standards.

From Our Leadership

Staff Transition: Director of Multigenerational Faith Formation


Stefanie Kelly, Director of Multigenerational Faith Formation, resigned on March 21, 2023. We wish Stefanie well. Rev. Kristen Kuriga will be working with the Board and the Faith Formation Team to determine next steps. In the immediate, if you have questions about children, youth and family programming, please feel free to be in touch: minister@saltwaterchurch.org.



Dear Members and Friends of SUUC, 

Thank you for having welcomed me into your faith family.

I enjoyed beginning to get to know you. I am sorry to not be

able to continue working at SUUC, but I realized this position

required far more time and energy than I would be able to

provide while also seeking and working additional employment

(which I need to do to support my family). I wish you all the best.

Blessings, 

Stefanie Kelly

General Assembly Delegate

Applications Due April 1, 2023

There will be some momentous items on the business agenda for the annual General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), including a vote on the proposed changes to Article II and the election of the next UUA President. While anybody can attend GA (including the business meetings), only the certified delegates of member congregations can vote or speak at the business meetings. The event is June 21 – 25, and the business meetings will be conducted virtually so travel is not necessary; in addition, this year there is a registration option for business-only virtual attendance that is by suggested donation only, so certified delegates do not need to pay to attend.


If you are interested in being a certified delegate, please submit an application by April 1, 2023 using this form (https://saltwaterchurch.org/about-us/our-governance/gadelegate-application/). To find the form online, from our home page click on the drop-down for “Members”, and click on the online application on the list. The Board hopes to choose a slate of delegates who represent the diverse viewpoints of the members of Saltwater Church. Preference will be given to those who have attended, or commit to attending, at least one of the planned Article II listening sessions to be scheduled in early 2023, so that they can vote according to their understanding of the preferences of the congregation. ***image credit: Miriam Woito

Ways to Volunteer

Growing Sunday Morning Worship


On Sundays, we continue to grow our multi-platform service skills. We’ve had (40-60) people, average, in the sanctuary, and another (20-30) on Zoom. We’re preparing to hire a second part-time AV person so we have the resources and skills to support our services. We hope this will also free up volunteers to help in other essential areas, including welcoming visitors.


We invite you to take part in creating the kind of community that you want to be part of! Consider this list of roles, and please get in touch with Leanne LaFramboise, our volunteer coordinator, at anna57.5@gmail.com if one of these roles calls to you.


If you’re interested in helping on a Sunday morning (Greeter, Welcome Desk, Usher, Worship Assistant, AV Desk, Multigenerational Activities). 


If you’re interested in helping with these teams (or want to learn more about them):


For the Sabbatical Team, Healthy Congregations Team, and Worship Team: 

  • If you decide you are interested, email Diane Schairer (juvinall3@aol.com)
  • We’ll follow up with those who contact us about next steps for forming the Worship Team (in conjunction with Kristen); or for selecting another member for the Healthy Congregations Team or the Sabbatical Team. 


Thank you for bringing your heart and energy to this community!

Facilities Team Meeting

Monthly on the 1st Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Church Zoom Room


Our Facilities Team helps organize the maintenance of our buildings and the upkeep of our grounds. We are looking for volunteers to help contact contractors, manage coordinating repairs, and assist with volunteer events. Our meetings are monthly and your time commitment is quite flexible. Discover how you can help support our community by attending our next meeting on Thursday April 6.  ***Image credit: Bubba

Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce

Monthly on the 2nd Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Church Zoom Room


Our Safety Taskforce encourages members of our community to join in discussions about our facilities and community. Common topics include building safety, necessary upgrades to our facilities, and emergency planning. We are beginning multiple new projects and welcome your knowledge and skills. Join our monthly meeting to learn how you can lend a hand. Our next meeting is Thursday April 13.

Growth & Learning

Engage In Racial Justice


Learning Opportunities with other UU congregations



First Unitarian Portland invites Saltwater Church to join their Racial Justice Learning Circles starting in March. The first session was March 13 but it’s not too late to join in future discussions. For full descriptions, schedules, & to register go to: LEARNING CIRCLE REGISTRATION


University Unitarian Church invites us to participate in April events with social justice educator Chris Crass. For more information go to Gathering for Collective Liberation and Anti-Racism with Chris Crass.

Ways to Live Our Values

Share the Plate for March

The Fund for Global Human Rights – Turkey & Syria


Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of February will be shared with The Fund for Global Human Rights to provide support and relief to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Global Fund for Human Rights


The UU Service Committee and our community are in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria, the first responders and community activists. They are mobilizing support for communities impacted by the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023.



By donating to the Global Fund for Human Rights earthquake response, 100% of donations will be distributed to local civil society groups on the ground including the White Helmets supporting the earthquake response in Syria. The Fund is working to deliver emergency support to 20 local groups providing lifesaving support plus protecting the rights of marginalized people affected by the disaster. Thank you for your donation.


You can make a donation to share the plate through the donate button on our website

https://saltwaterchurch.org/stewardship/donate/  or mail a check to the church office with “basket” in the memo line: Saltwater UU Church, 25701 14th Pl S, Des Moines, WA 98198. 

Stance for Racial Justice

2nd & 4th Sundays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

In Person - Des Moines & Puyallup



Rain or shine, we stand for racial justice every other Sunday.  Join us as we stand together in solidarity with our signs for justice. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Our next gathering will be on March 26 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant).  We will meet again on April 9 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas).  Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more information.

Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)

Monthly on the 1st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Church Zoom Room


Please join us on Sunday, April 2 to see how you can help make an impact on our current climate crisis. Contact Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com for additional information. It's never too late to Act for Climate Justice.

 *** image credit: Margo Rolf

Sound Alliance

Monthly on the 3rd Saturday, 10am – 11:30am

Church Zoom Room



The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, April 15. The issues we focus on change from year to year, depending upon the concerns voiced by members of the congregation. Currently we are working to address and prevent homelessness, protect immigrant rights, and ease social isolation during the pandemic through the Social Connection Project. All members and friends of Saltwater UU Church and Bet Chaverim are most welcome to join us in our conversations and Act for Social Justice.

Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)

3rd Wednesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Church Zoom Room



The next meeting will be on Wednesday April 19. Our Racial Justice Organizing Team meets monthly to discuss more ways to support our community in our anti-racism efforts. During the meetings they share ideas, provide support, learn about additional opportunities, plan events for our members, and work together to advance our commitment to Act for Racial Justice.

Climate Message of the Week

According to the recent climate report issued by the IPCC, we have only ten years to make changes to avoid climate catastrophe.


Individual actions make a real difference, particularly when it comes to eating a mostly plant-based diet, using climate-friendly transportation, and flying only when necessary. But we also need to join with others to push for policies and practices that create systemic changes. Join SCAN! members at monthly meetings or get on the SCAN! email list to be notified about climate action events and opportunities through SCAN! and other groups.


“If not us, who? If not now, when?”—John F. Kennedy


Are there topics or questions you’d like to see covered in future Climate Messages? Email suggestions to Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com.

 

Ways to Connect
If you are planning to host an event in the Church Zoom Room please contact our Office Administrator (administrator@saltwaterchurch.org) the day before your scheduled event. They will need to verify your device has been registerd to use the Church Zoom Room.

Online Interactions

Saltwater Church Private Listservs

For those who prefer to use email, we have 2 Listservs available. SUUC-Community is a group for connecting with each other, asking for or offering care, announcing upcoming events and activities. The other listserv is SUUC-World. That is for conversations and engagement in discussions. If you would like to be added to either of our listservs, please email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. Include what email you would like to use for your interactions with the group and the name of the group, or groups, you wish to join.

Saltwater Church Private Facebook Group

For those who use Facebook (Meta), Saltwater Church has a public page that only receives posts from our staff, specifically about upcoming events, last minute weather cancellations, and our newsletter. We also have a private group that you can join to interact with our community. It is a private group to help maintain a safe space for our participants. If you wish to join the group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168911169811664 and you can click the “Join” group button.

Saltwater Church Private Facebook Parents Group

Connect with other Saltwater Church families with children and youth for support through the Parents Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/

Weekly Meetings
Al-Anon Support Group
(private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link)
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm

Meditation Group 

(Church Zoom Room)

Tuesdays, 7:00pm - 8:15pm

We follow a UU modified Zen practice that includes lighting a candle, chiming a singing bowl, sitting & walking in silence, listening to words of wisdom, sharing tea and conversation. Would you like to join our group? Contact Jean Spohn jeanspohn@centurylink.net or (206) 200-7524.

Writers Group 

(Church Zoom Room)

Wednesdays, 9:30am - 12:00pm

Do you like to write? Would you like to share and receive feedback on your writing? We welcome all writers at all levels! Please join us. Our mission is to support one another in our writing. For more information, contact Janeane Weprin 630-824-8343 or jghonore@yahoo.com.


Twice a Month Meetings

Game Night -- Sponsored by Saltwater UU Social Club (SUUSC)

In Person - Welcome Room

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Join our Saltwater community for an evening of fun. Friends and visitors are welcome. We play all types of board games (ranging from lighter games like Clue to more complex games like Pandemic.) We also play thematic games, card games, and party and social games. Almost anything is possible, bring your favorite game and let us know about it. This event will follow our current COVID-19 Guidelines. Our next meet up will be on April 1.

Weekend Writers Group

(Church Zoom Room)

Alternating Sundays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

There’s no time like the present to start writing that novel you have been dreaming about for years! Or maybe it’s time to share the poetry you have stashed away in your file drawer or to start immortalizing by writing down those unique memories that have been your precious life! And it’s a lot more fun if you have an audience of other writers to share them with. We welcome new members, WE WELCOME YOU!  Any questions? Please phone me at 206-898-5452 or email me at mona_lee@centurylink.net. It would be so great to hear from you and to welcome you to the Saltwater Weekend Writers’ Group.

Monthly Meetings

Paint n' Sip

In Person - Welcome Room

4th Mondays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

All ages welcome! Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. Childcare is being offered. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com. Our next evening of artistic expression will be March 27

Saltwater Genealogy Club

(Church Zoom Room)

SPECIAL APRIL DATE

Wednesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Do you love to talk about your family history and research? Saltwater Church has a Genealogy Club! We are not experts; we just share stories and research ideas. Our next meeting will be April 5. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Pair Sharing

Janeane’s Zoom Room https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82327295157?pwd=c3Q5QXdUekR6YXBCWmg4N21WYWs1dz09

One Sunday a month, 1:00pm – 2:15pm

Discover the healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. Our next meeting will be Sunday April 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.

Creative Hands

In Person : Welcome Room

3rd Tuesday, 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Join us for an afternoon of visiting and working on our creative projects. Bring your knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, jewelry making, or whatever with you. We gather monthly to foster connection through sharing our creative processes. We also support the Saltwater community with small craft projects throughout the year. Our next meeting will be April 18.  If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

Support Circle—Schedule Change!

Now meeting once per month

(Church Zoom Room)

3rd Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm, led by Rev. Kristen 

Support circle is open to all members and friends and is a space for deep check-in and reflection on a question related to our monthly theme. In support circle we come to be nourished by authentic relationship, to mutually support one another through the joys and sorrows of our lives, and to create space for spiritual insight. Our next meeting is April 20. All are welcome.

Quarterly Meetings

After Service Potluck

Sunday May 21 following service

In Person : Welcome Room

Church-Wide Potluck, Yummy! Please bring a generous dish to share. Kindly mark ingredients if not clearly visible (like nuts, soy, etc.) We will also need folks to step up and help us set up before church and take down after church. Questions? contact Debra Valpey, 206-953-5704 or deberavalpey@gmail.com.

Support Is Available

Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help. Are you feeling lonely or isolated? We can connect you with a lay minister or another member of the congregation. If you have been affected by the pandemic financially, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available for one-time emergency support for members and friends of the church. Contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org

If you are in need of emotional or spiritual support, you can reach out directly to a Lay Minister:

Debra Valpey:  debravalpey@gmail.com

Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com

Multigenerational Faith Formation

Multigenerational Faith Formation Zoom Room

https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09

Children and Youth Registration for Family Ministries Program

Families are encouraged to fill out a registration form for any children and youth participating in classes and activities at Saltwater Church. This helps our staff and volunteers with planning programs, and helps us know your family better. Register online at:  https://forms.gle/nNG2M6Pth3AZMgH16

Middle and High School Youth Group (grades 6-12)

Youth will meet for social events several times a month. The Youth Group works with adult advisors to plan programs which include personal sharing, discussion of religious and ethical issues, guest speakers from other religions and from the community, service projects, participation in district youth conferences, and worship. This year youth will explore the monthly church-wide themes. Contact Amanda Radak or see the church newsletter for more information.

Tabletop Game Night - RESCHEDULED

Saturday April 1, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

In Person : Welcome Room



Members and friends of all ages will attend the churchwide Game Night sponsored by SUUSC. Participants will play old classics or introduce new board or card games to the community.

Register for Camp Blue Boat

July 16 through July 21

Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center, Ellensburg, WA



It's time to register for this year's Camp Blue Boat. This is a Unitarian Universalist summer camp immersion experience for youth from rising 6th-grade to 12th-grade graduates, with age-specific housing and programming. Campers, counselors and staff will spend time exploring being in relationship with one's self, others, and the wider world. At camp, youth learn about community, spirituality, justice, equality, and also have a ton of fun! Early Registration Discounts are available until March 1. For additional information and the link to register go to: https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/youth-ministries/events/pnwd-camp

Our Whole Lives (OWL) 

Comprehensive sexuality education classes will be held jointly with Westside UU Church for youth in grades 7-9. The class schedule will be available soon. Contact Steve Radak for more information.

Support for Children, Youth, and Families

Parents Facebook Group 

You can also connect with other Saltwater Church families with children and youth for support through the Parents Facebook group: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/   

Childcare for Church Events 

Childcare may be requested for any church activity at least one week in advance. As our Director of Faith Formation position is in transition, at this time all requests for childcare should be directed to our Office Administrator via email at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. We will do our best to make accommodations whenever possible.

General Information
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How to Access the Church Zoom Room 

To access Zoom, go to  saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

and click on "To join a meeting-click here." You may also visit the main church webpage, select Zoom Room from the drop down menu under "news and events" on the top menu bar. If this is your first time using Zoom, follow the prompts to download the application to your computer.

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 when prompted. You may need a password. If you do not have the password, please contact Bubba: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and join with Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 for video and audio connection. You will need a password. If you do not have the password, please contact our Office Administrator: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org


A quick guide for our Zoom room can be found here. Feel free to download the file to keep a copy readily available at your fingertips.

Saltwater Church Building

The church building has opened for in person gatherings. If you wish to plan an event please use our online request form: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/. All gatherings are asked to follow the current COVID-19 guidelines. If you have questions about the guidelines or need assistance our Office Assistant is on-site Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm. If you need on-site assistance outside of their regularly scheduled hours, email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org to schedule an appointment.


Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians has resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. Bet Chaverim has resumed events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary while also continuing to have virtual options. Our facilities are closed for all rentals involving indoor activities.

Donations to Saltwater Church

When making a donation on the church website (click here), please indicate where you want your donation to go. After entering the amount of your donation, if you select "Donate with a Debit or Credit Card" you will see a line which starts with a pencil and has "add special instructions to the seller." Please click on those words to specify “pledge” or your desired purpose. It will help our treasurer get money into the right places if that line is filled in. If you would like a statement of your donations for calendar year 2021 for tax purposes email or call our treasurer Gaye Greeves at gnatfw@aol.com or 253-508-3961.  

Please Note: Announcements, updates, and additions to the newsletter must be received by noon Wednesday to be included in that week’s newsletter. Send your submissions to administrator@saltwaterchurch.org or use the website form (click here) 
25701 14th Place South
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 651-7358
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