Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
We are an Open and Affirming church. Every one of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, or economic status is invited to join us as together we live out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, service, and justice. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey- you are welcome here.
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Sunday of the Passion:
Palm Sunday
March 28, 2021
10:00 AM
Morning Prayer
Officiant and Preacher:
The Rev. Libby Wade
Intercessor.......John Cheek
Responder....... Dindy Anderson
Counter........... Sarah Sieber
Also featuring.. The Passion Readers
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Sunday of the Passion:
Palm Sunday
March 28, 2021
10:00 PM
Morning Prayer
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Grace Sunday School
11:15 AM - 12:00 AM
This a recurring meeting.
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863
(Password): 508436
Tuesday Bible Study
7:00 to 8:30 PM
March 9 to April 6
This is a recurring meeting.
or call 646-558-8656
(Meeting ID):
826 0996 0553
(Password): 446609
See article in this edition of Tuesday's Child for more info.
Centering Prayer
Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Third Sunday Supper
Every Third Sunday
April 18, 2021
at 6:00 PM to 7PM
This is a recurring meeting.
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Books and Bread,
at 7:00 PM
Wednesday
April 14, 2021
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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Sunday of the Passion:
Palm Sunday
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Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this 'The lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'" They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
The Passion Narrative, which will be a dramatic reading this Sunday is Mark 14:1-15:47.
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Diocesan Confirmation Class
Online Session Tonight, March 23rd
Diocesan 10 Week Confirmation Class began March 16. If you haven't yet registered, the link is above and below.
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Tonight's session: March 23 – The Holy Scriptures with the Reverend Dr. Richard M. Simpson
Break for Holy Week
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April 6 – The History of the Church with the Reverend Dr. Valerie Bailey Fischer
We will be meeting via Zoom from 6-7 pm on Tuesdays. Each class will last about an hour.
Celebrations with Bishop Fisher at a service on June 6 at 3pm (details to be determined later this spring).
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Grace Church Holy Week
Palm Sunday, March 28, marks the beginning of our second Holy Week during the COVID Pandemic. As we continue to exercise caution for the sake of the health of all, our observance of these holy days will once again be virtual. All the Zoom links will be in Tuesday’s Child and on our website soon. (www.graceberkshires.org).
Palm Sunday, March 28, 10:00 am on Zoom
Our Sunday morning gathering will include the liturgy of the palms, a dramatic reading of Christ’s Passion from Mark’s gospel, and special music.
Stations of the Cross during Holy Week
The virtual Stations of the Cross created last year by Grace Church will be on our website for use at any time during Holy Week. Art and guided meditation will enrich your experience of the journey to Easter.
Maundy Thursday, April 1, 5:00 pm on Zoom
Join other Episcopal and Lutheran congregations in Berkshire County for Evening Prayer and “Dinner Church.” Remembering the Last Supper, you will be invited to eat your evening meal as you have directed conversation with others in small groups as part of worship.
Good Friday, April 2, 6:00 pm on Zoom
Worship with friends from throughout the county in a service originating from many of our beautiful worship spaces and including the Passion story from John’s gospel, veneration of the cross, music, and prayer.
Holy Saturday, April 3
A meditation to use at home anytime on this “empty” day will be on the Grace website.
The Easter Vigil, April 3, 8:00 pm on Facebook and YouTube
The clergy and people of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts worship together in this pre-recorded service premiering on Saturday evening (also available afterward). This beautiful service of light and story includes the season’s first celebration of Easter and is the most-beloved Prayer Book liturgy for many.
Easter Sunday Holy Eucharist, April 4, 10:00 am on Zoom
The Grace Church community will gather on Zoom for a festive service of Easter, including hymns, prayer, preaching, and a few special touches. Wear your Easter best for the festive coffee hour following and be ready to greet each other with “Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!”
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For the most up to date information please visit the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative
website, https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/. They will post notice of appointment openings 6-12 hours in advance. You can find answers to your vaccination questions including information about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine on their FAQ page.
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The Profile is live on our webpage now! Click here and look for the Rector Search button to see a description of how Grace members gather and grow in Love and how we go out into our daily lives and into the community with Love. There are photos and videos and stories about us and life in the Berkshires which you may not know if you are new to Grace and the area.
The Profile Committee thanks you for your steadfast prayers for us and asks your prayers for the Search Committee and the priest who is reading our profile.
Prayer for the Search Committee
O God, be with our Search Committee that they may faithfully complete their work, that your Kingdom may come into this time and place through this congregation.
Prayer for the Priest
O God, be with the priest who will recognize your call to walk with
this particular congregation in this particular year.
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Pray with Us Daily:
God of abundance and wisdom, you have blessed Grace Church with love and respect for one another and with joy in our community. Help us to discern your will and to be open to your guidance as we seek a new rector for our parish. Grant us the ability to hear your voice as we listen to one another. Give us wisdom and patience, mutual respect,and clarity of vision, that we may choose and receive a priest who serves with warmth and humor, inspiration and faithfulness, and who will lead us where you are calling Grace Church to serve the mission of Jesus in this time and place. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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We supply this list so you may contact members of our congregation who are at home or in a nursing facility. Please hold in your prayers and reach out as you can.
Anne is recuperating at home.
ANDREWS, Anne (413) 528-2766
659 South Egremont Road
P.O. Box 714
Great Barrington, MA 01230
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
413-243-0485
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
310-398-2484
(310) 749-9424 (cell)
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
johnbreasted@gmail.com
413-429-8123
Cell (413) 854-3977
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
CRAWFORD, Ruth
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-2575
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FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
413-637-7432
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-4261
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
Lenox, MA 01240
merbraver@aol.com
413-551-7319
(814)308-4865
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
sararkeene@gmail.com
413-528-4152
McCURDY, Deborah
Lees Landing Nursing Center
9807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
413-507-2832
TURNER, Barbara
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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In this time of quarantine and physical separation you are still being prayed for. If you would like to receive specific healing prayers please contact:
The Rev. Ted Cobden 413-528-2247
Pennie Curry 413-429-7093
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
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NEW PRAYER LIST TODAY
Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital part of the mission of any faith community, and Grace Church is particularly skilled at this aspect of our communal life. With this week’s Tuesday’s Child, we are beginning a new prayer list. We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks and always want to be generous in our prayers for others. If you or your loved one is in need of prayers and doesn’t appear on this new list, please contact Libby (libby_wade@yahoo.com or 270-519-6934).
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
The Rev. Libby Wade, Anne Andrews, Linda White, Pennie Curry, Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Ruth Crawford, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Sara Keene, Barbara Turner.
Others we Love:
Deborah McCurdy
Those who have died: Emily Trespas, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John Ericson; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Rollie Tillman, father of the Rev. Jane Tillman; Bill Alford, brother of Dick Alford; Elinor Hamill; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber; Andrew S. Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Kathy Happ, sister of Doug and Gary Happ; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton; Marion Chapin Andrews; Chuck De Melker, husband of Evie Cobden De Melker; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of Janet Zimmerman.
Our world: For all victims of violence; for those who suffer from the COVID-19 virus; for those who have died from this virus and those who mourn; for those who provide care and comfort in this pandemic; for all who suffer from the loss of jobs and income in this time; for all who are anxious about their future and our world; for all who offer time and treasure to support those who need to know love; for all who are alone and all who reach out to care.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:
especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Saints James and Andrew, Greenfield; Lay Employees of our Diocese; clergy spouses and families; Episcopal Church Missionary Community; Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE)
The Church's wider mission:
Palm Sunday, Hong Kong
Sheng Kung Hui
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Anne Andrews, 3/23; Jane Brooks, 3/28.
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Join us for
Centering Prayer ONLINE
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
To join this Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
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The Rev. Peter Feltman-Mahan Ordained to the Transitional Diaconate
The transitional diaconate is a period of not less than six months in preparation for ordination to the priesthood (CANON III.8.7).
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On Friday, March 19, our former parishioner, Peter Feltman-Mahan, was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church. The service was held at the cathedral of our diocese in Springfield. I attended as the lay representative from Grace Church, who with his former rector in New York, and the Rev. Michael Tuck (with whom Peter has served at Trinity in Lenox), presented him before Bishop Doug. John Cheek provided his gift of song, both soaring and grounded, as he sang parts of the service. Lee Cheek read the . Keith’s husband and two of his three sons were there as were many supporting clergy. It was the first time I had attended an ordination and found the service to be so moving. It underscores the essence of all our faith, that it is not us, but God in us, who moves through the world in love. Peter, now the Rev. Peter Feltman-Mahan, begins a six month chapter as a deacon, before he may become a priest. Grace Church presented a green stole to Peter as a gift from our parish. Here is the link to watch the service (submitted by Kathy Clausen)
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Diocesan Compline
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637
Passcode: 501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099
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Bishops United Statement on the Atlanta Spa Shootings
As a member of Bishops United Against Gun Violence (BUAGV), a network of over 100 Episcopal Bishops dedicated to overcoming gun violence in our nation, Bishop Fisher shared with us that organization’s March 18th statement on the recent shootings in Atlanta.
On Tuesday, another white man who should not have had a gun shot and killed seven women and one man at massage spas in the Atlanta area. Six of his victims, all women, were of Asian descent. The gunman had been a patron of at least two of the spas where the massacre took place; and in the aftermath of the shootings, he confessed, saying that he considered the women at the spas to be a sexual temptation he needed to eliminate because of his Christian faith. It is hard to know what to decry first in the toxic stew of racism, misogyny, religious violence, and gun culture. Most basic, perhaps, is the fact that the alleged killer bought his weapon just hours before the attacks began. The sale was entirely legal, showing yet again that standards for gun purchasing and ownership across our nation are far too lenient. Day after day, innocent people pay the price.
In addition to the need to enact sane gun legislation, we must eradicate from our culture the racist, misogynist ideas that lead white men to perceive Asian women as sexual objects. Such demeaning stereotypes that turned deadly in Atlanta on Tuesday are rooted in this country’s centuries-long history of anti-Asian laws and policies. In the past year, these old hatreds have been revived by mendacious politicians and misguided people who have attempted to exact retribution from Asians and Asian Americans for the origin and spread of the COVID-19 virus. Women have borne the brunt of these lies: Stop AAPI Hate reports that in the last year, Asian women have reported hate incidents 2.3 times more often than Asian men.
As Christian leaders and bishops, we are particularly disturbed that the alleged shooter’s Christian faith is reported to have fueled his desire to murder the women in massage spas whom he believed were sexual temptations. It grieves us that the Christian faith we profess can be twisted and deformed in ways that give rise to violence, particularly to gun violence, by white Christian men against women and people of color. Christian churches, regardless of theology or denomination, must explicitly reject the idea that God wants Christian men to dominate or kill other human beings. Such is not the way of Jesus. Such is not the way of love.
We extend our profound sympathies to the families of the victims of this shooting, and we are praying for everyone who has been touched by this brutality. As we have repeatedly emphasized, we pray not to avoid taking action, but to prepare for it. Please join with us in reaching out to the Asian American people in your congregations and communities. Join us too in helping to raise awareness of the ways in which men in this country objectify women, particularly Asian women, and leave them vulnerable to trafficking and gender-based violence. And join us in advocating with your United States Senators to pass these essential pieces of legislation now before them that can help prevent gun violence and save lives:
HR 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021
HR8, Comprehensive Background Checks Bill
HR 1446, Charleston Loophole Bill
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WHAT ARE YOU
GRATEFUL FOR?
In this time of fear and anxiety, it can be easy to miss the daily blessings that are right in front of us. Being grateful is not just for good times. Being grateful is even more important when fear sets a place at your table and heartbreak seems to be in your every breath. Because by being grateful we become aware of all the ways God is working in us. Being grateful is a part of our healing and our deliverance. Being grateful is where our best selves reside.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
In this unpredictable time, your church continues to give thanks for and need your support. If you are capable of sending in your pledge, thank you. If you are unable to give at this time, we understand. If you are capable of giving a bit more so we can respond to the needs of our community, we are very grateful. If you are in need, please contact a member of the Vestry listed at the top of the newsletter. Since we are not gathering in person in community, we ask that you send your gifts via mail to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230. We are truly all in this life together. We pray, trusting that God will see us through this season and beyond.
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace.
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It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby. The Diocese's goal is for one congregation
to support one child for a year.
To donate to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana please send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Becoming Beloved Community
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A 4 hour series about one of America's most important institutions, produced by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., for PBS. Watch both 2-hour segments for free on YouTube. Part 1 is linked here. Both episodes and special interviews can be found here.
Want to talk about it? SAVE THE DATES
Online Conversations About PBS Series with Beloved Community Commission
Wednesday, April 14th 6:00 - 7:00 PM EST: The Black Church, PART I
Wednesday, April 21st 6:00 - 7:00 PM EST: The Black Church, PART II
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Weekly Reflection from the South Berkshire EFM Group
This week the Southern Berkshires EfM group focused on Matthew 7:6: “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.” Rather evocatively, the version in The Message is rendered with no mention of dogs and pigs: “Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” The group wrote this Collect: God of pigs and pearls, who asks us to discern the wise use of our talents, help us understand your Law, so we may find fertile ground for our lives and our gifts to ensure the fruitfulness of your message. Amen.
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Children and Teens Please Join Us!
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GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, at 11:15 AM to 12:00 AM
The Beatitudes
Grace Sunday School
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863 (Passcode): 508436
To read Nobody Goes Alone, A Silly Story written by our Sunday School students
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Tuesday Bible Study for Lent
in Collaboration with
St. Paul’s, Christ Trinity, and Hevreh
Six Week Series at 7 PM
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Using the books “Sabbath as Resistance” by Walter Brueggemann as our primary study guide and “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel as a supplement, we hope to explore Sabbath beyond the ideas of simple legal prohibitions and discover together Sabbath’s potential to change the culture in which we live. How do we break our culture’s addiction with consumption and busyness? The Sabbath may just be the answer we’ve been looking for! How will this work? First purchase the book “Sabbath as Resistance” from your favorite independent book seller and read the first chapter. Then join us beginning March 2, 2021 at 7 p.m. for six weeks on Zoom. Rev. Erik Karas along with Rabbi Jodie Gordon will facilitate the discussion with congregants from Hevreh, Christ Trinity, Grace, and St. Paul’s. We are excited to have the chance to be with one another before Passover and Easter!
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 0996 0553
Passcode: 446609
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JOIN the DISCUSSION
Wednesday, on Zoom
on April 14, 2021
at 7 PM
Monique Kirchoff will lead our discussion.
Meeting will end at about
8:00 PM
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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Rev. Libby Wade,
Interim Rector
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
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Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
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In an effort to care for each other, our church office will be closed until further notice. You can reach the church office by email:
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VESTRY CONTACT INFORMATION
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Kathy Clausen 413-329-1724
Rick Gore, Jr. 413-441-7036
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
Mary Anne Grammer 413-258-4212
John Cheek 413-446-8863
Dindy Anderson 413-274-3854
Anne Andrews 413-528-2766
Dutch Pinkston 413-274-6566
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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