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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, November 30
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Advent begins this Sunday! Join us at 10 a.m. to make your own Advent wreath. Details below. | | |
The First Sunday of Advent
Preaching: The Rev. Rob Fisher
Vestry nominations | Feeding DC Families | Angel Tree Gift Drive
8 a.m.
Eucharist with Sermon
Parish Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
8:30 a.m.
Nursery—available until 12:30 p.m. (Parish House Second Floor)
9 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Sermon
Children’s Chapel (Children begin in church)
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Advent Wreath Making (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Adult Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor)
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Sermon (Watch live on Sunday)
Children’s Chapel (Children begin in church)
Noon
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Find all our Sunday reminders, including programming for children, youth, and adults, as well as details about our free valet parking, helpful links, and more, at the bottom of this email.
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ADVENT BEGINS! COME MAKE A WREATH
This Sunday at 10 a.m.
Join in this fun annual tradition at St. John’s that is suitable for all ages. Using seasonal greens, we will make decorative wreaths that double as devotional aids during the Advent season. Materials will be provided for each household to make one wreath, and a few “take and make” bags will be available for those who cannot stay to make a wreath. You’re encouraged to bring your own clippers if you have them. This activity will take the place of Church School and Youth Group. Questions? Contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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VESTRY NOMINATIONS | Deadline: This Sunday
The Vestry Nominating Committee will meet in early December to select the slate for Vestry elections to be held at the Parish’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The role of the Vestry Nominating Committee is to select, from all those nominated, the six candidates who will stand for election, of whom three will be elected. Nominees should be pledging members of the congregation, attend worship regularly, and be active in the life of the parish. Submit names using this online form. Questions? Speak to Tony Anikeeff, chair of the Nominating Committee.
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FEEDING DC FAMILIES | Grocery store gift card drive concludes this Sunday
Communities in Schools, a St. John’s outreach partner, is coordinating a crisis response to the delay of SNAP benefits to their families, many of whom were already experiencing acute food insecurity. Parishioners are invited to help, as they are able, by contributing Giant or Safeway gift cards, which can be left in the box provided in the narthex or handed to Ann Gardner or Livy More before or after Sunday services through November. This is an opportunity to honor Thanksgiving by reaching out to others in greater need. Questions? Please contact Ann Gardner or Livy More.
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2025 ANGEL TREE GIFT DRIVE
Continues through December 8
It’s that joyful time of year! St. John’s is once again partnering with the Bishop Walker School, Advocates for Justice and Education, Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital, and the DC Dream Center to bring Christmas cheer to children and families in need. Each recipient has provided a wish list of toys, books, or clothes that they are hoping to find underneath the Christmas tree this year. Here’s how you can help:
Shop local: Select a tag from the tree in the Parish House, shop for the listed gifts, and return them unwrapped to the church by Monday, December 8.
Or buy online: Skip the hassle and purchase from our Amazon Wish List (items will ship directly to the church).
And note these important dates:
Monday, December 8—Deadline to deliver unwrapped gifts to the church.
Saturday, December 13—Gift wrapping party at St. John’s.
Monday, December 15—Gift distribution begins so please return your gift purchases on time.
Thank you for helping share the love and joy of Christmas! Questions? Contact Kevin Cordova-Brookey.
| | A memorial service for Bob Park will be held Saturday, November 29, at 11 a.m. | |
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LATROBE YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with the Latrobe Fellowship! Join us on Wednesday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a worship service followed by dinner and drinks (both alcoholic and non) in the Togo West Parlor. We will also have an optional white elephant gift exchange; if you wish to participate, bring a fun or silly wrapped gift ($30 or less) of the sort that you, yourself, would enjoy receiving.
The Latrobe Fellowship is an active and engaged group of adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. We typically gather at St. John’s at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month for a short worship service followed by an activity. For more information, contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
Please join us via Zoom to discuss Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis. This book highlights unexpected, inspiring, and riveting stories of the people, mostly uncelebrated and unrecognized, who are doing daily work that is beneficial for all Americans. The book group typically meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Contact Janet Edmond for more information and the link.
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REFUGEE COMMITTEE EVENT
Saturday, December 6, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join us on Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Social Services Refugee Resource Center (5710A General Washington Drive, Alexandria) to sort donations, stock shelves, pack orders for clients, and do light cleaning and inventory. The Resource Center is a hub for donations for refugee families and also hosts cultural orientation and group gatherings for recently resettled refugees. Volunteers of all ages and abilities welcome! Please contact Lacy Broemel if you plan to attend.
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2025–2026 SPEAKER SERIES
Most Sundays at 10 a.m.
The Speaker Series is held most Sundays from September through May at 10 a.m. in the Togo West Parlor on the first floor of the Parish House. An audio recording will be available on our website the week after each talk. The fall lineup includes:
December 7: The Rev. Richard A. Burnett (pictured), General Secretary of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC), will share about the work of this institution.
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ADVENT PARTY
Sunday, December 7, 5–7 p.m.
Join us for one of St. John’s beloved holiday traditions. We’ll gather for food, fellowship, and joyful music including the ever-popular carol sing-along. This year brings a few new surprises for all ages, including a special reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas by the rector, as well as a visit from St. Nicholas himself! Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit as we celebrate the season together. RSVP here by December 1. Want to volunteer? Contact Lisa Koehler.
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IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR 2026 PLEDGE TO ST. JOHN’S!
As of Tuesday, November 25, we had received 197 pledges, totaling commitments of $819,204 toward St. John’s mission and ministry in 2026.
Your 2026 pledge is a commitment of financial support to St. John’s for the upcoming year. It can be a one-time annual payment, or it can be paid weekly, monthly, or on the schedule of your choosing. Pledges enable us to plan for the work we will undertake in the mission and ministry of St. John’s in 2026. You can make your pledge online or return a completed pledge card either by mail to the church office or by placing it in the offering plate on Sunday. Thank you for your financial commitment to our parish!
—Caroline Faris, Chair of the Stewardship Committee
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HERE’S ANOTHER WAY TO GIVE
As part of fulfilling an annual pledge or any other special gift, we welcome a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directing your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity such as St. John’s.
Individuals aged 70½ or older may contribute up to $108,000 per year from their IRA to charity. This amount may include all or part of your RMD if you are subject to one. Those with inherited IRAs who are over age 70½ may also direct up to $108,000 annually to a qualified charity.
Always consult with your financial and tax advisors to confirm the best strategy for you, and remember that these distributions can be made only from IRA accounts, not from a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), or other non-IRA retirement plans.
Contact Lisa Kirchenbauer with any questions.
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JOIN THE 1816 SOCIETY
Planned giving is another way to sustain the mission and ministry of St. John’s. The 1816 Society honors those who remember St. John’s through a planned gift, such as a bequest in their will, a life-income gift, or a gift of real estate or life insurance. Check out the Episcopal Church Foundation at episcopalgifts.org to learn more about your options for planned giving, and contact Lisa Kirchenbauer with questions or to join the 1816 Society.
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NEW SECURITY MEASURES AT ST. JOHN’S
St. John’s identity as a congregation is shaped by our urban location in the nation’s capital. We seek to welcome all to our services and activities, treating everyone with dignity. We are also mindful of ensuring the safety and well-being of all who worship in our facilities. In coordination with the Vestry and our Usher Guild, we have hired security personnel to attend our Sunday and holiday/special services. They will provide a low-key, proactive presence and respond quickly and respectfully to any arising situations in coordination with our ushers, staff, and, as needed, law enforcement/first responders. We will provide additional training for our staff, who interact with the public every day, and our ushers, so they have shared approaches for all who come to our church. Fortunately, we are able to take these steps prayerfully and proactively, and as we go forward we will continue to assess what best serves our church’s needs.
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PLEASE SIGN UP TO HOST A PARISH LUNCH
Seeking hosts for early in the new year
Sunday lunch at St. John’s is a longtime tradition in which every member and every visitor can participate. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones—a time for fellowship and for hearing another’s story. The lunch is held most Sundays in the Parish House. Contributions of $5 for adults and young people 13 and over and $2 for children under 13 are requested to help defray the costs of the lunch. All are welcome. Valet parking hours are extended to 2 p.m. any Sunday with a parish lunch.
The Sunday lunch tradition relies on volunteers to prepare and serve the meal—which is why we encourage individuals, families, groups, or ministries to host at least once per program year. Hosts may be reimbursed for expenses or receive a tax receipt. Not sure what’s involved? Want to claim a future date? Contact Parish Lunch coordinator Holly Sukenik.
November 30—No Lunch: Thanksgiving Weekend
December 7—Stewardship Committee
December 14—Lafayette Fellowship
December 21—No Lunch
December 28—No Lunch
January 4
January 11—Latrobe Fellowship
January 18
January 25—St. John’s Book Group
February 1—Annual Meeting and Reception
February 8—Refugee Committee
February 15—Will Yale, Craig & Barbara Burkhardt, Karen Zachary, and Miller Winecoff
February 22—Bishop Walker School
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LAFAYETTE FELLOWSHIP HOLIDAY PARTY
Tuesday, December 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Please join the Lafayette Fellowship as we celebrate the holiday season. We will gather in the Togo West Parlor on Tuesday, December 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m., for dinner, drinks, and Christmas-themed games. The Lafayette Fellowship is a group of adults looking for community. Our events offer the time and space to build friendships, expand our hearts and minds, and have fun. For planning purposes, RSVP to Hilary West.
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ANGEL TREE WRAPPING PARTY
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To wrap up our Angel Tree gift drive, we will have a special gift-wrapping event for all the donations. Whether you are great at wrapping gifts or not, you are invited to come spread cheer. This will be a fun gathering with food and music to help us prepare to distribute gifts and make someone’s Christmas a little extra special this year. RSVP to coordinator Kevin Cordova-Brookey.
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ST. JOHN’S PRIDE EVENTS
Angel Tree Wrapping Party and Brunch: Saturday, December 13
Come celebrate the season of service by wrapping angel tree donations with us in Togo West Parlor. The quicker we wrap, the sooner we can gather nearby for brunch!
Gay Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert: Sunday, December 14, at 5 p.m.
A group from St. John’s plans to attend this performance. For tickets and information about the show, visit www.gmcw.org/the-holiday-show.
Questions? Contact leaders Brian Cordova-Brookey and John Schutz.
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INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE ACTIVITY
Christmas Cards and Goodie Bags: Sunday, December 14, at 10 a.m.
Help us spread comfort and joy this holiday season by decorating Christmas cards and assembling goodie bags for unhoused neighbors and guests of Grace’s Table feeding ministry in Georgetown. Materials will be provided and parishioners of all ages are invited to participate. This activity will take the place of Church School. Questions? Contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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YOUTH HOLIDAY PARTY
Sunday, December 14, at 1:30 p.m.
Youth are encouraged to enjoy Parish Lunch after the 11 a.m. service and join us shortly thereafter for a holiday party and Christmas film with popcorn and snacks. You are welcome to bring friends, whether or not they attend church. RSVP here—and contact the Rev. Eric Bailey with any questions. This activity will take the place of the 10 a.m. formation hour.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: December 20 and January 17
Grace’s Table is an outreach partnership between St. John’s and Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown. Every third Saturday of the month, a group from St. John’s prepares and serves a meal at Grace to folks who are unhoused or at risk of losing their housing. Volunteers purchase and prepare food (including casseroles, rolls, salad, and dessert) and/or serve the guests. Typically, as many as 60 or 70 guests come seeking food and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other St. John’s parishioners and to spread God’s loving kindness in our community. Contact Elizabeth Field with questions or to volunteer.
Can’t make it but still want to help? Stop by Togo West Parlor on Sunday, December 14, at 10 a.m. for an intergenerational service activity to benefit guests of Grace’s Table. Details above.
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HELP DELIVER CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Sunday, December 21
Please plan to deliver at least one Christmas poinsettia to fellow parishioners who cannot be present with us at worship at this time. The plants will be in the Parish House parlors on Sunday, December 21, with cards addressed to parishioners who live near you in Virginia, Maryland, or the District. Give the gift of your time, love, and cheer.
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LESSONS & CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
Sunday, December 21, at 5:30 p.m.
Join the combined choirs of St. John’s for one of our most beloved holiday traditions. Sung in the beauty of a candlelit church, the service begins with the singing of “Once in royal David’s city,” followed by nine lessons interspersed with carols and choral anthems. The service will be followed by a reception in the Togo West Parlor. Invite your friends and family to join us for this special holiday offering. The service will be livestreamed on our website, and complimentary valet parking will be available starting at 4 p.m. Please note: We are unable to offer nursery care for this service.
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Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially:
THOSE WHO ARE SICK, RECOVERING, OR GRIEVING
From our parish: Margo Arnold, Pat Czerwonky, Hyman Field, Chase Rynd, and Mary Wilson.
Friends and family of our parish: Alvin Atlas (Richard Metzger), Conor Barry (Sarah Wood), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Gisela Block (Sigi Block), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Walt Eccard (Margaret Depue), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Sue Edmonds (Sarah and Jeff Agnew), Julie Ellis (Preston Cherouny), Laurie Feldon (Eleanor and Peter Odom), Blair Fiore (Debby Hailey), Bob and Heather Gilbert (Andrea Winchell), Chantay Griffin (Charley Griffin and Gee Gee Bryant), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Morgan Hickenlooper (Livy More), Doug Holy (Joanne Hutton), Jack (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Latithia and Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Sean Josey (Bill and Sara Josey), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Gregory Lawler (Richard Metzger), Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), William hymn to them Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Ann Petrosky (Johnathan Miller), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Connor Smith (Patrick and Cameron Smith), Pam Snyder (Sarah Agnew), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Patsy Swain (Margo Arnold), Sallie and William Wilkie Thompson (Cecelia Thompson), Ashley Smith Thomson (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Caleb Williams (Alfred Thesmar), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Hays-Reilly), Edward Leland Williams II (Virginia Bader), Bess Williamson (Wendy Fibison), Andrew Woods (Johnathan Miller), Linda Woolley (Blount and Charlotte Stewart), and Judith York (Caroline Fisher).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Milton Chamberlain, Marcella Odom, and Becky Schergens.
Friends and family of our parish: David Brown (Lisa Koehler), Bob Chrystal, Sr. (Chris Jones), Veronica Jones (Chris Jones), Lori LaPoint (Brent Erstad), Yvonne Reiffer (Jack Reiffer), and Carl Wright (Frank and Nancy Klotz).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Wilma Daubs (Kay Gilley).
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Jim Hendricks, November 21 (Diane Hendricks Bitsberger).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Andrew Clarke, Diana Duncan, Amanda Eversole, Eric Eversole, Liz Kosobucki, Paolo Mastrangelo, Michael McGregor, Michele Mullins, Javier Obregon, Sofia Tejera, and Pamela Venzke.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Elizabeth and Gregory Mays.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris), and Charles Lewis, Jr. (Charles Lewis, Sr.).
Please click here to add, remove, or change the status of someone on the prayer list.
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WEEKDAY SERVICES
We typically offer the following midweek services, except when precluded by a special event, funeral, federal holiday, or office closure:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 12:10 p.m.: Eucharist
Friday at 12:10 p.m.: Noonday Prayer
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BAPTISMS
The next dates for Baptism and required pre-baptismal classes with the clergy at St. John’s are as follows:
Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 10, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, February 15, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, February 14, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, April 12, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m.)
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, please contact Lisa Koehler. Please note that the parents or grandparents of children being baptized must be active, pledging members of St. John’s. Adults interested in baptism must also attend an Adult Inquirers’ Class, offered each fall and spring, and be active, pledging participants in the life of the parish.
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FOR CHILDREN
Children are welcome at all worship services.
A nursery for infants and children up to age three is available most Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Parish House.
Children from birth through grade 5 are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel, a special liturgy just for them most Sundays during the sermon at the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Parents may accompany their children, and are encouraged to do so for those younger than three.
Children’s Bulletins with coloring pages of stories from this Sunday’s scripture readings are posted here each week in time for Sunday services.
Most Sundays from September through May, from 10 to 10:50 a.m., children in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Church School on the second floor of the Parish House.
Our Chorister Program runs from September through May. Young singers receive training in sight reading, vocal production, music theory, liturgy, and leadership, and become part of a vibrant community of music makers. Contact Brent Erstad for more details.
For more information about our children’s ministry, please contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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FOR YOUTH
Most Sundays from September through May, from 10 to 10:50 a.m., middle and high schoolers are invited to Youth Group on the second floor of the Parish House for an exploration of life and faith with their peers.
From September through May, youth in sixth grade and above are also invited to join the Acolytes ministry. Acolytes assist with worship services by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Vincent Scauzzo.
From September through May, youth with unchanged (treble) voices are invited to join our Chorister Program. Through a custom-made curriculum, singers receive training in sight reading, vocal production, music theory, liturgy, and leadership, and become part of a vibrant community of music makers. Contact Brent Erstad for details.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 10 a.m.
During the program year, this group gathers most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. Conversations explore the connections with the Sunday lectionary lessons and sermons. We are currently studying the first chapters of Matthew, and the book of Genesis. For information, please contact Jack Reiffer.
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FLOWER MEMORIALS AND THANKSGIVINGS
The flowers that enhance the beauty of the Church and Parish House are made possible by gifts from our community and are often dedicated to the memory of a loved one or to mark a birth or birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation, or another special event. To make a dedication, pick up a flower card at the entrance to the Church.
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GET INVOLVED IN A MINISTRY GROUP
Want to get more involved at St. John’s? Hoping to make some new friends? Check out our ministries at www.stjohns-dc.org and contact leaders via our online Ministry Directory for more details or to sign up.
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