Alerus Center – Grand Forks, ND
May 2 – 3, 2009
Theme: “God’s Work, Our Hands”
ยป Download: 2009 Synod Assembly Minutes (download .pdf file)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
8:30 a.m. OPENING WORSHIP:
Worship leaders were Bishop Bill Rindy, Rev. Karen Trenne, Rev. Chad Brucklacher and the Higher Ground Worship Team from Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, led by Roxanne Gessler. The offering was designated: 1/3 for the Gallo Clinic, C.A.R. (global); 1/3 for Lutheran Disaster Response (national); and 1/3 for The Project FM (local). The offering collected was $6,084.39.
PLENARY ONE
OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY:
The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Bill Rindy.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Bishop Rindy introduced the Synod officers: Shar Gumke, Vice President; John Leininger, Secretary; and Dave Molmen, Treasurer. He also introduced our parliamentarian, Alice Senechal and our special guests – Rev. Kevin Massey, National Director of Lutheran Disaster Response; Rev. Craig Boelke, ELCA Region 3 Coordinator; Rev. Craig Settlage, Director for Mission Support for the ELCA and Daniel Lehman, Editor of The Lutheran.
WELCOME from Craig Kruen on behalf of the mayor and the people of Grand Forks.
GREETINGS from Lacey Bartosh, President of the EaND Synod Lutheran Youth Organization.
GREETINGS and report from Joy Vaagene, President of the EaND WELCA.
FIRST REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:
Sue Koesterman, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials
Committee as follows:
Voting Members:
Clergy/AiM: 101
Lay: 365
Synodical Officers: 3
Total voting members: 469
Guests and Visitors: 91
Total Registered: 560
Bishop Rindy declared a quorum present for our Assembly.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
SA.09.05.01 Moved by Erik Heskin, second by Susan Fitzer, to adopt the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE:
SA.09.05.02 Moved by Erik Heskin, second by Cindy Olson, to adopt the 2009 Rules of Procedures.
MOTION CARRIED.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY:
SA.09.05.03 John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2008 Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly. Second
by Kathy Fick.
MOTION CARRIED.
BREAK
INTRODUCTION OF ASSEMBLY THEME “God’s work. Our hands.” (DVD Intro)
BIBLE STUDY I:
Bishop Bill Rindy led our Bible study based on 2nd Corinthians 5:14-21. God has reconciled us through Jesus and we are to be His Ambassadors, His Fishers of Men. “Reconciliation: God’s Work. Ministry of Reconciliation: Our Hands.”
SYNOD STORIES’ DVD
STATE OF THE ELCA:
Rev. Craig Settlage, Director of Mission Support for the ELCA. Rev. Settlage brought greetings from Bishop Mark Hanson. Bishop Hanson was also with us via DVD. Rev. Settlage reminded us of our baptism into our faith and into the Kingdom of God. The ELCA mission fields depend on the support that we give on behalf of the ministry for Christ. Our challenge should be to give 10% to our work for the Lord.
BISHOP RINDY EXPLAINED THE QUASI-COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE:
This procedure will be activated and utilized later in the assembly for discussion of the Sexuality Statement and the 2010 proposed Mission Plan/Budget. No motions or binding votes will be taken during this process.
LUNCH: 11:45 a.m.
BISHOP’S STATE of the SYNOD ADDRESS:
Bishop Rindy shares “A matter of perspective! It’s a matter of where you focus. Love thy neighbor, help thy neighbor.” Lutheran Disaster Response was also lifted up by Bishop Rindy. Bonnie Turner, LDR, gave a brief report of the current happenings through LDR in North Dakota during this disastrous flood season. Bishop Rindy stated, “Let us focus on God’s Great Commission. We are to teach the ways of Jesus. If we don’t do God’s Ministry of Reconciliation, either it won’t get done or God will find someone else to do it.”
PLENARY TWO
SYNOD STORIES DVD
- Bible Camps
Greetings from Oak Grove Lutheran School were brought to us by President Bruce Messelt. He shared photos of the flood at Oak Grove and described the disaster, but assured all that the school would be ready for classes in August. He thanked everyone for their prayers and support. - Global Missions
STATE OF THE SYNOD – SHAR GUMKE, VICE PRESIDENT:
VP Gumke reminded us that “in our baptism, we are a new creation in Christ”. She pointed out that in our synod, over 50% of our congregations average 50 people or less in church Sunday mornings. We have lost over 700 members in our EaND Synod congregations in the past 10 years. Most of the growth in our congregations has been found in Fargo. We need to continue to build strong disciples to go out into our communities and share the wonderful news of Jesus Christ.
SECOND REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:
Sue Koesterman, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs: 108
Lay: 371
Synodical Officers: 3
Total voting members: 482
Guests and Visitors: 102
Total Registered: 584
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Randall Schlecht, Chairperson of the Synod Nominating Committee, presented the following nominees to serve on the synod council:
Nominee for Treasurer to the Synod Council: (four year term)
- David Molmen (2nd term – 2013)
Nominees for Synod Council: (two year term)
- Ms. Becky Goetz – Carrington Conference (2nd term – 2011)
- Ms. Karen Hausmann – Devils Lake Conference (1st term – 2011)
- Rev. Darin Johnson – Fargo Conference (2nd term – 2011)
- Mr. Wade Bloom – Fargo Conference (1st term – 2011)
- Rev. Jolene Knudson-Hanse – Grafton Conference (2nd term – 2011)
- Ms. Seanne Voracek – Grand Forks Conference (2nd term – 2011)
- Rev. Rich Fitzer – Jamestown Conference (1st term – 2011)
- Rev. Erik Heskin – Mayville Conference (1st term – 2011)
- Mr. John Pederson – Mayville Conference (3rd term – 2011)
- Rev. David Isaacson – Wahpeton Conference (2nd term – 2011)
Nominee for Multi-Cultural representative to the Synod Council:
- Robert Turner – Grand Forks (1st term – 2011)
Nominee for Youth representative to the Synod Council:
- Becca Shoneman – Wahpeton
SYNOD STORIES DVD
SA.09.05.04 MOTION by John Pederson to go into the Quasi-Committee of the Whole for a period of 45 minutes to discuss the ministry policies recommendation and three of its four resolutions that have been transmitted by the Church Council to the Churchwide Assembly, in addition to the document, “How do we move forward?” The discussion will begin with 20 minutes in small groups followed by 20 minutes in discussion of the whole assembly. Second by Roger Miller.
MOTION CARRIED
BREAK
PLENARY THREE
SYNOD STORIES DVD
REPORT OF THE TREASURER:
Dave Molmen, Treasurer for the Synod, presented the 2008-09 financial report and the proposed 2010 Mission Plan (budget). Attached to these minutes.
SA.09.05.05 Motion made by Karen Young-Trenne to go into the Quasi-Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 minutes to discuss the proposed mission plan/budget for 2010. The discussion will begin with 6 minutes in small groups followed by 6 minutes in discussion of the whole assembly. No motions will be in order. At the conclusion of the discussion in the Quasi-Committee of the Whole, a non-binding vote will be taken. The vote will ask if the assembly recommends the 2010, the 2010-B, or the 2009 revised budget to be the starting point for our discussion in plenary. Second by Roger Miller. MOTION CARRIED.
WORKSHOP – Session 1 – 4:15 p.m.
WORKSHOP – Session 2 – 5:00 p.m.
BANQUET – 6:00 p.m.
MILESTONES IN MINISTRY / MINISTRY CELEBRATIONS:
Seminary Graduates assigned to the EaND Synod were introduced:
Bob Bekkerus, Liz Davis, Jeff Davis, Sarah Goldammer, Erin Nelson, Jeff Nicla, Liz Orlopp, and Denise Parrello; and those celebrating
Milestones in Ministry were recognized.
Congregations celebrating anniversaries:
- 125th Trinity Lutheran, Enderlin
- Anselm Trinity Lutheran, Enderlin
- Our Saviors Lutheran, Oakes
- Trinity Lutheran, Valley City
- Perry Lutheran, Portland
- Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Dazey
- St. Matthew’s Lutheran, Thompson
- Quale Lutheran, Fordville
- Kvernes Lutheran, Carrington
- Fillmore Lutheran, Enderlin
- Union Lutheran, Hannaford
- Goose River Lutheran, Hatton
- 120th Trinity Lutheran, Litchville
- 100th Christ Lutheran, Neche
- Our Savior Lutheran, Colfax
- 75th Blanchard Lutheran, Blanchard
Clergy Anniversaries of Ordination:
- 60th Warren Heggem
- 50th Elmo Anderson
- Norman E. Anderson
- Reuben Schnaidt
- Jorgen Vaage
- 25th Ronald Bock
- Roger Dykstra
- Bradley Edin
- Douglas Grant
- Mark Kolbo
- JoAnne Moeller-Andersen
- Charles Olmstead
- Roger Reinhart
- Joel Westby
Sunday, May 3, 2009
GLOBAL MISSIONS BREAKFAST
7:00 a.m. at University Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND.
WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION
9:00 a.m. Worship leaders were Bishop Rindy, Rev. Terry Brandt, Rev. Beth Peterson; reader – Erica Erickson; prayers – Sara Scott and Becca Schoneman; Sharon Lutheran Church Choir; cantor – Rhonda Eppelsheimer; piano – Roxanne Gessler; and flute – Ryan Zahn. $5,386.00 was collected for our designated recipients.
BREAK
PLENARY FOUR
SYNOD STORIES DVD – NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES
FINAL CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT:
Sue Koesterman, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the final report of the Credentials
Committee as follows:
Clergy/Aims: 111
Lay Voting Members: 373
Synodical Officers: 3
Total Voting Members: 487
Guests and Visitors: 106
Total Registered : 593
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Randall Schlecht, chairperson of the Synod Nominating Committee, reported that there were no further nominations.
ADOPTION OF THE 2010 MISSION PLAN:
David Molmen, Treasurer, reminded delegates of the discussion that took place yesterday and asked if there were any questions.
SA.09.05.06 On behalf of Synod Council, David Molmen moved the adoption of the option entitled “2010 Proposed,” the option “B” discussed at our May 2 Plenary Session as our mission plan for 2010, and we accept it as the expression of God’s work, we commit to carry out with our hands. Second by Dianne Billey.
MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Beth Petersen, chairperson of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:
Resolution #1
2010 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors and Associates in Ministry
WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod request and appreciate the aid and counsel of their companion congregations in this synod and synod leadership in ascertaining fair, equitable, and adequate compensation and benefits for pastors and professional staff; and
WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota Synod Executive Committee has discussed and approved these guidelines and commends them to the 2009 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2009 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly adopt and commend to the Congregations of the synod these guidelines; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this assembly approve the publication and distribution of these Guidelines to congregations of this synod through the usual and appropriate Means employed by the synod office.
Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council.
SA.09.05.07 Moved by Synod Council, seconded by Joy Vaagene, to adopt Resolution #1 as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED.
BIBLE STUDY 2
Rev. Craig Settlage, ELCA Director for Mission Support, led our study based on Ephesians 4:1-6. Rev. Settlage focused his remarks on our synod assembly theme “God’s work. Our hands.” He says, “these words describe the difference God is making in the world through the mission and ministries of the ELCA. Our church, people, congregations, synods and the churchwide organization – together we are the ELCA”. He thanked this assembly for our partnership in the mission and churchwide ministries of the ELCA in America. In 2008, the EaND Synod provided 40% of the mission support received from our congregations – this amounted to $450,112. Rev. Settlage reminded the assembly, “mission support is the portion of your offerings given in your congregations for synodical and churchwide mission and ministries beyond the local congregations. It makes possible all we do together in this country and throughout the world”. Rev. Settlage reminded us that, “We are interdependent partners – joined together in a fellowship. I invite you to join me in imagining what God can do through the ELCA in America – God’s work. Our hands.”
Resolution #2 – Stewardship
Larry Theile, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented Resolution #2.
WHEREAS, through our baptism, all Christians are called to be good stewards, that is people “who manage the resources God has given, in the world and in the church,” (Donald M. McKim, Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996m 270); and
WHEREAS, Jesus Christ, himself, the preeminent steward, instructed his disciples of every time and place that, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded,” (Luke 12:48b, NRSV); and
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (S6.03.e.5) and the model Constitution for congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (C4.03-9) both include in their Statements of Purpose that they shall encourage financial support for the work of our church by individuals and congregations; and
WHEREAS, when it comes to good financial stewardship, we often seek to educate and encourage all the baptized to work towards giving 10% of their income to their congregation (using biblical model of the tithe as the goal for our giving in response to all that God has given us); and
WHEREAS, we teach that we offer our gifts to God, because all that we have, ourselves, our time and our possessions were first God’s gifts to us; and
WHEREAS, God’s call to faithful giving, (“tithing”), is not a call to burden or despair but is God’s call to spiritual discipline in regards to material possessions. Luther described the state of sinners, (that is all of us), as incurvatus is se, “curved-in-on-self.” This sinful focus on self fuels our sins of greed, idolatry and consumeristic materialism. Furthermore, just as this sinful condition affects the individual, it also affects us corporately as a “turned-inon-self” congregation. God’s call to the spiritual discipline of tithing is designed not only to help the end recipient of our gift but as a “lifting up” of our focus away from ourselves both as individuals and congregations to the world around us; and
WHEREAS, the ministries undertaken by the Synod on behalf of our many congregations and members further the mission of the Gospel, while often requiring funding; be it therefore
RESOLVED, that this Synod thank God for those congregations whose synodical benevolence is currently greater than 10% of their income and continue to encourage these congregations to model generous stewardship of their financial resources, while at the same time striving to continue growing in their giving as they are able; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Synod in Assembly invite the congregations of the EaND Synod to consider establishing as a goal, the support of programs and ministries of the EaND Synod by giving at least 10% of congregational income to the Synod by means of the synodical benevolence (“mission support”), characterized by congregational Statements of Intent (SOI); and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Synod in Assembly encourage those congregations whose synodical benevolence is currently below that 10% goal to endeavor to increase their efforts within their congregation to educate and encourage a generous growth in their giving in hopes of achieving and exceeding this 10% goal.
Submitted by Pastor John Bradford, First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND and Pastor Rafe Allison, Peace Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND.
SA.09.05.08 Rafe Allison moved Resolution #2, second by Bob Scheurer.
MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED
SA.09.05.09 Motion to amend by Mike Koesterman, second by Doug Norquist to strike words in the 2nd resolve as follows: “This support would be in addition to the financial support that many congregations are already providing both to synodical and Churchwide ministries, as well as to other local and global ministries;”
MOTION CARRIED
For – 191
Against – 146
SA.09.05.10 Motion to amend by Kristen Larson-Schmidt, second by Troy Troftgruben to replace the word “synodical” in line one of the first resolve to “missional” and to strike words in line two of resolve 2 “support of programs and ministries of the EaND Synod by” add after income to in line 4 “ministries outside their congregations, including” and strike all of resolve 3.
MOTION FAILED
SYNOD STORIES DVD
LUNCH
Resolution #3 – Affirmation of all God’s people
Larry Theile, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented resolution #3.
WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod of the ELCA at its 1989 Assembly adopted Resolution 25 – Affirmation of Faith* – welcoming and encouraging gay and lesbian people into full participation in the life of the church; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the EaND Synod affirms its commitment to be publicly engaged in inclusive ministry with its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters in Christ; and be it further
RESOLVED that the EaND Synod directs its Hunger and Justice Committee to create opportunities for education and dialogue within the Synod regarding this commitment.
Submitted by the EaND Synod Hunger and Justice Committee and “Visions of Hope in Action” – Lutherans Concerned/North America – Fargo, ND Chapter
*RESOLUTION 25 – AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (1989 EaND Synod Assembly)
MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED
WHEREAS, the ELCA as a community of people of God is called to minister to all people in our world,
knowing that the world is often an unloving place of alienation and brokenness, and
WHEREAS, Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness, and we are challenged by the Gospel to be agents of healing within our society, and
WHEREAS, the evangelical nature of our church can be signaled by a change in our thinking and behaving to eliminate discrimination that tears a rift in our church family,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the EaND Synod adopt the following affirmation: That gay and lesbian people share with all others the worth that comes from being individuals created by God; That gay and lesbian people are welcome within the membership of the church upon making the same affirmation of faith that all people make; That as members of the church, gay and lesbian people are expected and encouraged to share in the sacramental and general life of its congregations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA undertakes a comprehensive
study of human sexuality and Christian life.
SA.09.05.11 Howard Barlow moved resolution #3, second by Ron Ellingson.
MOTION CARRIED
For – 213
Against – 161
Doug Norquist requested that his vote be recorded as abstained.
Resolution #4 – Social Statements
Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented resolution #4.
WHEREAS, the social statements of the predecessor church bodies of the ELCA, the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, remained authoritative at the time of the merger, and
WHEREAS, the existing ELCA social statements are based upon the teachings of the Old and New
Testaments, and
WHEREAS, the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will consider the adoption of the recommended social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust as a social statement of the ELCA, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the EaND Synod Assembly memorialize the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to reject the recommended social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the ELCA continue to rely on the social statements of its predecessor church bodies, as historical documents that express the faithful Christian teachings on human sexuality for our church members and those in leadership roles within our church.
Submitted by Elk Valley Lutheran Church and Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Larimore, ND
ALC’s statement, Human Sexuality and Sexual Behavior (1980)
SA.09.05.12 Mike Cerkowniha moved resolution #4, second by Andrew Schlecht.
SA.09.05.13 Ron Ellingson moved a substitution, Resolution #4-A, second by Howard Barlow.
MOTION CARRIED
For – 226
Against – 135
Resolution 4-a – A memorial concerning the Human Sexuality Social Statement from the Eastern North Dakota Synod to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
WHEREAS, the Task Force for ELCA Studies in Sexuality has earnestly studied and struggled with these matters for eight years, and their work models and invites mutually respectful dialogue about sexuality throughout this church; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Social Statement powerfully proclaims this church’s teachings on trust, love, and service to the neighbor as the proper foundation of sexuality, while honestly recognizing that there is no consensus regarding same-gender relationships or the rostered ministry of people in them; and
WHEREAS, the ELCA Church Council, at its march 2009 meeting, voted to transmit to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and its implementing resolutions; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the EaND Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to adopt the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and its implementing resolutions, as transmitted by the ELCA Church Council.
Submitted by the EaND Hunger and Justice Committee
Resolution #5 – Support for Lutheran Social Services of ND providing healing, help and hope
Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented Resolution #5.
WHEREAS, Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 35-36, 40 reads: brothers and sisters, 35″for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited med.” 40And the king will answer them , “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”, and
WHEREAS, the ELCA’s constitution states the church shall serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace, and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their needs; and
WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota serves as the social ministry arm of the EaND Synod of the ELCA, assisting one in nine North Dakotans in 2008; and
WHEREAS, LSS of ND, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2009, has a mission of: guided by God’s love and grace, LSS of ND brings healing, help and hope; and
WHEREAS, the EaND Synod of ND is one of three corporate members of LSS of ND; and
WHEREAS, LSS of ND is conducting a $6 million capital appeal to better serve clients and communities throughout the state; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly declares its support for LSS to further its mission of bringing healing, help and hope through a successful appeal; and be it further
RESOLVED that the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly encourages each congregation to participate in Lutheran Social Services’ 90th anniversary activities.
Submitted by Robert Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, LSS-ND and Rev. Bruce Vold, Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND.
SA.09.05.14 The Committee of Reference and Council moved Resolution #5, second by Brian Jodock
MOTION CARRIED
Resolution #6 – A memorial concerning the recommendation on Ministry Policies from the EaND
Synod to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
Larry Theile, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented Resolution #6.
WHEREAS, the ELCA Church Council, at its March 2009 meeting, voted to transmit to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly a Recommendation on Ministry Policies; and
WHEREAS, the Recommendation on Ministry Policies allows a way to maintain a uniform standard and process for candidacy and call throughout this church while respecting the bound consciences of all; and
WHEREAS, the time has come for both those in this church who support publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships and those who oppose them to join together in creating a means to continue living together faithfully in the midst of disagreement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Eastern North Dakota Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to adopt the four parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies, as transmitted by the ELCA Church Council.
Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Hunger and Justice Committee.
SA.09.05.15 Motion by Roger Brockmeyer, second by Dorothy Barlow, to approve resolution #6.
MOTION FAILED
Yes – 167
Against – 187
SA.09.05.16 Motion by Bob Scheurer, second by Brandon Woodruff to cast a unanimous ballot for the slate of candidates for Synod Council presented previously by the Nominating Committee.
MOTION CARRIED.
SYNOD STORIES DVD
CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY
Bishop Rindy led the closing of the Assembly with prayer and song followed by official adjournment of the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly.
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