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Opportunities to worship, learn, give, and connect.
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Sunday, December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent
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| FEATURED |
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| Tomorrow! Join Us for a Fun Night Out at the Lanes. |
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Saturday, December 6
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Bowlero Pikesville
Join us for food, arcade games, and, of course, plenty of bowling—with and without guard rails! To RSVP: Email the Rev. Amelia Bello today so we can reserve enough lanes.
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| FEATURED |
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Join Us for Our Tree Lighting with Carols & Casseroles
Sunday, December 7
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Parish Hall & Grassy Circle
▼ Scroll down for more details.
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| FEATURED |
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Dinner and Gift-Wrapping!
Help make the holiday brighter for others. Join us for a special evening for all ages!
▼ Scroll down for more details.
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Sundays |
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8:00 a.m.
Holy Communion, Rite I [C]
10:00 a.m.*
Holy Communion with Choir, Rite II [C]
Watch Online >
Read Bulletin >
5:00 p.m.
Last Chance Mass [OSB]
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Tuesdays |
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5:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer
[OSB]
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Wednesdays |
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12:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist
[OSB]
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Thursdays |
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9:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
[OSB]
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C: Church | OSB: Old School Building
*Click here to access the 10:00 a.m.
worship bulletin and the Weekly News & Notes
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Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24
4:00 p.m.
Family Service with Holy Communion, Carols, and Children’s Nativity
7:00 p.m.
Holy Communion with Carols
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25
10:00 a.m.
Holy Communion with Carols
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Each Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service is live-streamed and recorded. Watch live or catch up on past sermons. Click here to access the 10:00 a.m. worship bulletin and the Weekly News & Notes.
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Each week, our Music Minister, Jonathan K. Waller, shares a lyric poem from Sunday’s music selections and his reflection on how it resonates with the week’s scripture readings.
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| Spend Advent Focused on Kindness |
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Write kind deeds on yellow “straw” paper to place in our manger each week to prepare a place for Jesus
Through Thursday, December 24
Narthex
Advent is a season of preparation for each of us as we get ready for the Celebration of the Nativity. It is a time to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others; to spend more time in prayer and thanksgiving; to commit random acts of kindness for friends, family and strangers. Each act of devotion, kindness, or sacrifice helps to make our hearts and homes a more welcoming place for our Lord’s arrival on December 25th. Hopefully by Christmas Eve, St. Thomas’ manger will be overflowing as we prepare a place for Jesus!
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How to Participate
- Pickup yellow “straw” paper from the church pews, the Narthex, or the Old School Building.
- Write your kind deeds and devotions down on different strips of the yellow “straw.” Examples: Said a bedtime prayer this week...Cleaned my room without being reminded... Arrived to Church School on time.... Went to Noon Eucharist (Wednesdays in the Old School Building)... Gave a hug to someone who needed it... Raked a neighbor’s yard... Prayed some of the Daily Office (BCP, 35)... Got coffee for a co-worker... Played a board game with a sibling...Learned a new prayer (BCP, 810)
- Place the “straw” in the manger located in the Narthex when you’re at Communion each Sunday.
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| Participate in the Christmas Children’s Pageant |
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Wednesday, December 24
4:00 p.m.
Church
Children are invited to help bring Jesus’s birth to life in the Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant.
To Sign Up: Click the button below or email Rachel Ayers Waller.
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| Sing in the Junior Choir on Christmas Eve |
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Rehearse on Sundays
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Old School Building
Children and youth between the ages of 5 and 18 are invited to sing in the Junior Choir, led by Rachel Ayers Waller. Weekly rehearsals will follow the 10:00 a.m. service. Ms. Rachel will meet kids at the back of church so all can walk over together. A special snack will be provided. There will be a culminating performance on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m.
To Sign Up: Click the button below or email Rachel Ayers Waller.
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| Attend Children's Sunday School |
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| For children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are welcome with an adult/guardian. |
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Sundays
9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Old School Building
Classroom
Parents/Guardians are asked to please escort their child/children to Sunday School. We will have registration forms to fill out.
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This Week’s Children's Activity Links
Click the buttons below to download the Sparkhouse Worship children's bulletins and activities each week for both readers and pre-readers!
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In town for Christmas? Young parishioners are invited to serve as an acolyte. No experience is required. You will be excellently trained! To Sign Up: Email John Lang or Jane Farnan.
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| Be an Altar or Flower Guild Member |
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Each team works together on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. to set up for Sunday services. Set-up takes about an hour. No experience necessary and training will be provided! To Sign Up: Email Kathy Capp for Altar Guild or Glen Cole for Flower Guild.
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- Those with long-term suffering: For the following people who are struggling with long-term illness, who are in pain, who are under stress, or who are lonely, join us in praying: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. We especially pray for: Alex, Amber, Andi, Andy, Barbara, Barbara L., Bert, Betsy, Blair, Bob W., Brandt, Caroline, Curtis, Dan R., Daniel, David, Devon, Dixon, Donna, Elizabeth F., Ellen W., Emma, Eric, Esther, Frank, Henrietta, Jack, Jay, Jessica, Jim, Jim H., Jim M., Jim W., JoAnna, Judy, June F., Karen A., Karen D., Kathleen, Kennedy, Laura, Leo, Lidia, Marianne, Michael A., Mike P., Morgan A., Morgan B., Nancy B., Nancy T., Nicholas, Pam, Rhonda, Robert, Sally R., Samuel, Sara, Shirley, Steve, Su, Tai, Taylor, and Vicki.
- Altar Flowers Memorials: We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled. We especially remember Marjorie Miller Peterson and Ottolie Young Wickes Brewster Cochran, and Eleanor R. Riggs and Richard C. Riggs, Sr., in whose memory the altar flowers are given.
- Parish Ministries: In our Parish Ministry Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Wardens. If you would like to learn more about this ministry and are interested in becoming involved, please contact the Rev. Thomas Murphy.
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Forward Day by Day is a quarterly booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer.
How to Read: Printed booklets are available for free on the table in the Narthex or in the OSB. A digital version is available by scanning the QR code or by clicking here.
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| Celebration of Life Planning Session |
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Learn what decisions can be made now to make it easier on your loved ones later
Sunday, December 14
11:00 a.m. (Following the 10:00 a.m. Service)
Parish Hall
Forms will be distributed at the planning session. If you attended a previous session, please bring your folder with your completed forms. For questions: Email Jane Farnan.
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| Learn to Be a Lay Worship Leader, Preacher, or Evangelist |
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Scholarship funds are now available through the Diocese of Maryland
The Diocese of Maryland is partnering with the Stevenson School for Ministry to provide accessible, high-quality training for those discerning and deepening their ministries as Lay Worship Leaders, Lay Preachers, and Lay Evangelists. This initiative is designed not only to equip individuals for specific ministries, but also to strengthen the overall fabric of leadership across our diocese as we grow together in discipleship and service.
To Learn More: Click the button below or email the Stevenson School for Ministry by clicking here.
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Tuition Support
Lay Worship Leader or Lay Preacher Track
The total tuition for one course is $475. The diocese will cover $200, with the remaining $275 paid by the student and/or their parish. Additional assistance is available through the Continuing Education Grant Fund at episcopalmaryland.org/grants.
Lay Evangelism Track
Stevenson offers a 4-week online training beginning in January 2026. This program will be offered at a reduced rate of $300. The diocese will contribute $200, leaving only $100 to be covered by the student or parish.
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| Give Christmas Gifts to Local Families in Need |
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Help us spread holiday joy!
Gifts Due (Unwrapped):
Today, December 5
St. Thomas’ is joining forces with Community Crisis Center (CCC), Paul’s Place, Owings Mills Elementary School (OMES), and Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA) to donate gifts and spread holiday joy!
To Sign Up to Give: Click here or the button below (or contact Betsy Wilmerding). Please drop off gifts unwrapped to the Parish Office.
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The Gift List
With input from our partners, we’re collecting the following gift items (click here for full list). Please stay within the suggested gift value to keep gifts equitable and drop off gifts unwrapped in the Parish Office. Gifts will be wrapped on December 9 at the Christmas Extravaganza Dinner (scroll down for more info).
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Community Crisis Center (CCC)
- Ages 0-1: $20 new toy or board books (14 needed).
- Ages 2-4: $20 new toy or board books (17 needed).
- Ages 5-7: $20 new toy or game (34 needed).
- Ages 8-12: $20 new toy or game (55 needed).
- Ages 13-17: $20 gift card to Target or Walmart (43 needed).
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Owings Mills Elementary School (OMES)
We are adopting five families.
- Parents & Guardians: $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx and Kohl’s or an item from wish list (with receipt included).
- Older Siblings: $20 gift cards to Target or Walmart or an item from wish list (with receipt included).
- Children’s Mitten Tree: Mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to keep the little ones warm this winter (20 needed).
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Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA)
- Gift cards from Target and Walmart valued between $15 to $25 (25 needed).
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Paul's Place
- Ages 6-10: $20 new unisex toy, game, or craft (65 needed). The children will have the opportunity to “shop” for gifts provided by St. Thomas’ parishioners.
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| Join Us for Dinner and Our Annual Gift-Wrapping Party |
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Tuesday, December 9
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Parish Hall
Join us for a special evening for ALL AGES! Enjoy dinner, fellowship, kid-friendly activities, gift-wrapping, and gift-organizing that will make the holiday brighter for others through our partner organizations.
To RSVP for Dinner: Click here or the button below (or contact Betsy Wilmerding).
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Volunteer Opportunities
Your ongoing, reliable support for our community efforts is inspiring. Please consider signing up to help with any of the following. To Sign Up: Click here.
- Setting Up Parish Hall: Join us December 9 (Tue.) between 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
- Serving Dinner (& Final Prep): Join us December 9 (Tue.) at 4:00 p.m. to finish the menu with serving starting around 5:30 p.m.
- Cleaning Up Dinner: Join us December 9 (Tue.) between 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Delivering Gifts to Community Partners: Dates include December 17 (Wed.) December 20 (Sat.), and December 22 (Mon.)
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| Help Provide Food and Life Essentials to Owings Mills Households in Need! |
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The Community Crisis Center has been addressing hunger and hardship in the Owings Mills area by providing our neighbors in need with supplemental food and essentials for over 40 years, rebuilding hope and self-reliance. They recently lost a major donor and face rising food costs and funding cuts—all while serving more and more families every month (they served 175 monthly in 2019 and now serve over 1,000 monthly).
How You Can Help the Most Right Now:
- Purchasing specific priority items listed to the below and dropping them off at the Parish Office. Note: CCC Priorities have changed to now include bar soap and shampoo. Our goal is 75+ for each item, each month.
- Giving financially to support food purchases (see why below). To Donate, click here and select “Outreach - Community Crisis Center” in the menu.
Questions? Please contact Margaret Green.
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| Your Financial Gift Doubles the Amount of Food You Can Give |
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When the Community Crisis Center spends a dollar through the Maryland Food Bank, it can buy roughly twice as much food as that same dollar can buy at a local grocery store. St. Thomas’ asks you to consider donating financially so we can multiply our impact and feed more Owings Mills households in need. To Donate: Click here and select “Outreach - Community Crisis Center.”
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| Support St. Thomas’ By Purchasing a Reindeer Collectible Set for Someone On Your List |
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Sets are $25, 9” tall, and made of metal
On Sale in Person:
Sunday, December 7 & 14
Following the 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Services
Parish Hall
On Sale Digitally:
Email Kristin and Erik Nightwine.
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| Draw Your Version of Jesus’s Birth for the Christmas Bulletin |
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| Calling all young artists! |
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Artwork due:
Sunday, December 14
We’re seeking children’s artwork for our Christmas bulletins! Help your children prepare for Christmas by sharing the story of Jesus’ birth and encourage them to illustrate that story (don’t forget to sign their artwork too!).
To Submit Artwork: Bring a hard copy to Sunday School or the Parish Office, drop in the offering plate, or email a digital copy to Jonathan Waller at by Sunday, December 14.
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| Provide Flowers for the Altar as a Christmas Memorial |
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Donate by December 15
Christmas is an appropriate time to remember loved ones through memorial flowers on this great celebration of Jesus’ Birth.
To Provide Christmas Memorial Flowers:
- Make a donation by clicking here or the button below (please select the ‘Christmas Memorials’ in the drop-down menu). A check may also be dropped off in the offering plate or in the Parish office. Please make checks payable to St. Thomas’ Church and write ‘Christmas Memorials’ on the memo line.
- Email Jane Farnan your name, phone number, email, and the memorial names as you would like them to appear in the bulletin.
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| Nominate Someone to Be on the St. Thomas’ Vestry |
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In keeping with the by-laws of St. Thomas’, a Nominating Committee has been appointed to select new Vestry members. Church members are welcome to submit vestry nominees to the committee.
To Submit: Email the Rev. Thomas Murphy or a member of the Nominating Committee:
- Sana Brooks
- Lacie DeCosta
- Arinze Okpala
- Barritt Peterson
- Courtenay Shure
- Greg VanGeison
- Betsy Wilmerding
- Sue Wyche
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| Help Offer Financial Aid to St. Thomas’ Preschool and Kindergarten Families in Need |
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| The Liddell/Hogan Scholarship Fund |
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The Liddell/Hogan Scholarship Fund is a fund in honor of Lucy Liddell and Louis Hogan, and helps families of employees, parishioners, and those in financial need at St. Thomas’ Preschool and Kindergarten. To learn more about our magical preschool, please visit stthomaspreschool.info.
To Donate: Designate to this fund on Tithely, via check, or by contacting Jane Farnan.
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| Make Sandwiches for Residents of Southwest Baltimore |
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| The St. Thomas’ Country Cooks partnership with Paul’s Place |
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Every Other Wednesday
8:30 a.m.
Parish Hall
Join the St. Thomas’ Country Cooks making sandwiches for Paul’s Place—located in Pigtown, a historic neighborhood west of downtown Baltimore. Paul’s Place serves neighborhoods where an average of 39% of children live in poverty. Questions? Email Kathy Capp.
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We are looking for teams of three volunteers to host fellowship in the Parish Hall after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday services each week. Volunteers bring food (either homemade or store-bought) to share. To Sign Up: Email Jesse VanGeison.
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| Help Make St. Thomas’ Services Available to Stream All Over the World |
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| Serve as an Online Worship Volunteer |
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We’re looking for a few more volunteers to help stream our 10:00 a.m. services each Sunday. No experience necessary—you will be trained!
To Volunteer: Contact Christopher Reynolds.
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| Tree Lighting with Carols & Casseroles |
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Sunday, December 7
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Parish Hall & Grassy Circle
Kick off the Christmas season with St. Thomas’ friends as we sing familiar, beloved carols led by members of the choir while enjoying hot chocolate and homemade casseroles from St. Thomas’ parishioners. We will end with the tree lighting ceremony outside.
To Volunteer a Casserole: Click here or the button below to let us know what you’re bringing. You are invited to bring a fully-cooked, warm casserole dish or your favorite crockpot dish to share.
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| Join The Thursday Morning Handicrafters Group |
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Thursdays
9:30 a.m.
Parish Hall
Join us for friendship, laughter, and sharing stories, as well as ideas for many different kinds of projects. Come join the fun!
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| Now Enrolling for the 2026/27 School Year! |
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Come experience the “magic” of St. Thomas’ Preschool and Kindergarten
Learn about our nature and play-based programs. Join us for tours of the indoor classrooms and outdoor play spaces. Meet our amazing teachers. Explore our child-driven curriculum.
To Schedule a Tour: Visit stthomaspreschool.info, or contact Nicole Norris at (410) 363-1874.
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1-9 | Photos from the last day of Owls First Math Club at Owings Mills Elementary School where St. Thomas’ parishioners help tutor students. Parents were invited!
10 | A sample of the care package that was mailed to college students in November.
11-12 | St. Thomas’ Preschool and Kindergarten’s Scholastic Book Fair this past week.
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