Parish Life. One body of transformation embracing all people through Christ s love

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1 One body of transformation embracing all people through Christ s love Parish Life October 2013 Volume 11, Issue 10 Sunday Services 8:30 & 10:30 am Nursery Offered from 9:30 am on Sundays Upcoming Events: Oct. 5 th ECW regional meeting Oct. 5 th Blessing of the animals Oct. 6 th Acolyte Training Oct. 6 th. UTO Ingathering Oct. 6 th Walk for the homeless Oct. 13 th Blood Drive Oct. 19 th. Homeworks Nov. 1 st. Men s Cookout Nov th Spoon River Anthology Nov. 17 th. Annual Meeting St. Peter s Episcopal Church 910 Hudson Road P. O. Box Greenville, SC Tel: 864/ Fax: parishadministrator@ stpetersgreenvillesc.net Website: stpetersgreenville.org Newsletter Editor: Ron Shabel rjshabel@bellsouth.net Dear People of St. Peter's, As many of you know from hearing occasional stories in sermons, twenty five years ago Wofford College gave me the opportunity to travel around the world for a year. One of the spectacular moments of that journey occurred amidst the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal. After several days of trekking through tiny villages, I stood at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and was surrounded by peaks rising upwards of 26,000 feet a crystal-clear, jagged horizon. Just below the top of the hill on which I was standing was a bed of clouds pushed by strong winds in a swirling pattern. It was as if I stood upon the stillpoint the axis a thin place where heaven and earth met, a joyful place to draw near to God and give thanks. The mountaintop experience that stirred my heart was marred only by the absence of my best friend in the world (and girlfriend at the time) with whom I could share the experience. I wrote a letter to Kim and made a promise to her and to myself that one day somehow we would return to that place together. With deep gratitude for your support, for the hard work of a task force that included Judy Taylor, Phil Johnson, Betty Rupp and Alice Baird, for the countless hours of creative writing and editing by Alice who composed an elegantly and powerfully written grant proposal, I am excited to announce that St. Peter's is one of 87 congregations in the United States to receive a clergy renewal grant for next year. The Lilly Endowment will be issuing a check to St. Peter's for $48,000 in order to fund a time of sabbatical renewal and rest for me next summer. This grant also enables me to fulfill the dream and promise of returning to trek the Himalayas with my wife and children. We will also be visiting holy sites of other faiths in India and sacred sites of our own faith in Italy. I am looking forward to an opportunity for renewal through uninterrupted time with my family, sharing spiritual experiences and special places. I am looking forward to a renewal of my own wonder at the sacred spaces and stories of our Christian faith and heritage. I am looking forward to a renewal of one of my favorite hobbies photography and the chance to share images and teachings with you after my return. Finally, I am looking forward to a renewal of my spirit with time also set aside next summer for retreat and prayer, reading, reflection and writing. There are a number of congregational events that are planned in 2014 as part of the theme of our grant, Journeys of Renewal. I look forward to sharing more details with you in the months to come. Blessings and Peace,

2 October Birthdays 01 Tim Estes Mac Jones 03 Deirdre Garrett David Russell 04 Belinda Black 05 Gehrig Black Yolande Paszkiewicz 06 Elizabeth Hawkins 07 Ian Davis Alice Slayton 08 Jack Carter 09 Betty Rupp Kyler Van Evera 11 Christina Laurel Mary Mills Laurie Summerfield John Wagoner 12 Joe Siegel Bryson Skelton Parker Summerfield 14 Collette Kauffman Deborah Yochum 15 Don Burnett Kim Davis 16 Hope Langley April Putman Abigail Rhodes 18 Eve Lewis 19 Margaret Boineau 20 Sandy McKenna 21 Erika Klimkowski Val Pierce 24 Jim Brehm Pete Hansen Matthew Rhodes 25 Kurt Cummings Les Hayes 26 Emily Bennett Joyce McLean 27 Alan Foster 28 Ann Langrehr Rachel Langrehr 29 Bradley Kauffman Tony Weddington 30 Tony Scalzitti October Anniversaries 03 Elizabeth & David Norris 05 Charles & Paige Griffin 11 Rebecca & Marshall Shepherd 23 Emily & Bradley Durham 27 Patti & Rick Kettler 28 Eve & Keys Lewis Meeting Announcement and Call for Candidates Elections for the 2014 St. Peter s Vestry will be held at the annual meeting on Sunday, Nov. 17 th. We currently have a small slate of candidates who have accepted nomination, but we are asking the congregation of St. Peter s for more. Our goal is to have 8 candidates from which to elect 4 new Vestry members. If you know someone (including yourself!) that would make a great candidate, please submit their names to: Phil Johnson, Nominating Committee Chair homesmadenew@bellsouth.net Phone: Be sure to submit your nominations no later than Monday, October 28 th. Eligible candidates must be confirmed members of St. Peter s, at least age 21. If you aren t sure, send us the names you have in mind anyway and we ll check for eligibility. NEW FACES AT ST. PETERS Martha Campbell 3 Blake Street Greenville, SC Martha was one of the original members of St. Peters with membership dating back to When she and her husband, Dave, first came to St. Peters, it was a mission church meeting in schools and homes. To add to our church history, her brother, Harold Tarleton, was the architect for St. Peters. During the time the Campbells lived in Riverside, Connecticut, Dave had a very interesting job. He was a staff announcer for CBS and announced Walter Cronkite each evening. Unfortunately Martha lost Dave, but they had two sons, David and Scot. David currently lives in Chicago and Scot is in Greenville. When Dave s first wife died, his two girls came to live with Martha and Dave. Martha considers Christie, who lives in Greenville, and Karen, who lives in Charlotte, her daughters. Martha is lucky enough to have 3 great grandchildren! Martha lived in Greenville for 26 years and then moved to Marietta, GA in 1999 to be close to her son, David. She moved back to Greenville and St. Peters last March. In her free time she enjoys playing bridge, reading and getting reacquainted with old friends. Martha usually attends the 10:30 service. I know you will enjoy getting to know this lovely lady. 2

3 Our Finances as of August 31 st Numbers in thousands Pledges Made Pledges Received Highlights September Vestry Meeting Discussed Entering into a partnership with the Boy Scout Troop from Devenger Road Presbyterian. Consolidation of all checking accounts. The 2014 Budget Input and Process. The Duties and Charge of a Finance Committee. Richard Grimball s inability to continue SPY involvement and alternatives. Discussed 2013 Recurring Expenditures Resolution. Decisions Decided to enter into partnership with the Boy Scout Troop from Devenger Road Presbyterian and allowing them to meet at St. Peter s on Monday evenings. Decided to defer any decision on consolidation of all checking accounts until a later date. Decided to accept the 2013 Recurring Expenditures Resolution. Treasurer s Report August revenue was $42, Pledges year-to-date are approximately $4, more than budget. Expenses for August were $ less than budget. Thank You! There are many thanksgivings to be offered for the life and ministry that is unfolding in our parish and beyond. Here are several specific gifts, projects and people for which we want to express gratitude. If you are aware of others we might include in future newsletters, please let us know. Members of the Service Committee for organizing and initiating the new Backpack Ministry initiative this school year through which we are providing food for children at risk of hunger. Paige Griffin who composed and submitted a successful grant application to receive $2000 in diocesan mission funds to help support this new Members of the Facilities Committee who have completed the painting of exterior trim and power washing of buildings and playground, manufacturing of glass inserts in office doors (in compliance with Safe Church guidelines), painting of the assistant rector's office, hanging the display of the Creation needlepoint gift near the chapel, professional carpet cleaning throughout the campus and the completion of contractor specifications and bidding for bathroom improvements and repairs. Members of the Memorials Committee for the acquisition of new, more supportive seating for the rector's office and for the purchase of permanent benches for the labyrinth area and the front door/breezeway area of the Church. All who contributed to the school supply drive which yielded 6 large bags filled with more than 600 items worth more than $300. Special thanks to Annie Johnson, a St. Peter's youth, who identified and contacted the recipient schools and made the deliveries of supplies to them. Tim Estes, who has worked with both electricians and audio professionals on various challenges with the lighting and sound systems within the Church. Tom and Dotti Priddy, who have helped develop the technological and communications work associated with launching St. Peter's new online school for adult Christian formation. Delores Smith, who has coordinated with St. Giles Presbyterian Church for the Fall Care Series we are co sponsoring on topics of divorce, illness and loss. Members of the communications committee and the vestry for their work with the membership directory photograph process. Members of the ECW and other volunteers who made possible the successful White Elephant Sale last month. The men of St. Peter s who organized and offered a splendid parish picnic for people of all ages. 3

4 Blood Drive Our next Blood Drive is Sunday, October 13 th. So, please mark your calendars and plan accordingly. You must be 110 pounds (or more) to donate blood; kids need parental permission. All old and new donors, please lock in on our Blood Drive date, and plan to donate! Sam I Am Before their children were born, Kent and Ashland Brown frequently donated blood together to help save lives, but they never imagined they might one day need blood for one of their own children. When their forth grader, Sam, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, frequent blood transfusions helped replace red cells, platelets and other blood components lost during chemotherapy. He would have trouble breathing and become sleepy when his hemoglobin got low. A blood transfusion, rich in oxygen, would revive him and restore the natural processes that sustain life itself. A transfusion gave him the energy. He also needed many platelet transfusions. In that first year alone, Sam received 39 blood and platelet transfusions. Every transfusion that Sam received meant that someone cared enough to give their time, their energy, and their blood so that he could get well, said Ashland. We saw first hand how powerful each unit of blood was in restoring Sam s life, and we know that each donor was special. We are incredibly thankful for every donation. ' Home Works Fall Blitz Saturday, October 19 The next local Home Works session is the Fall Blitz scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2013 in Greenville Youth and adults are encouraged to sign up for this 1-day event during which we will once again be heading out into our local communities to help our disadvantaged elderly and/or disabled neighbors with home repairs. If you are not attending the Diocesan Convention that day, please consider joining us for this very rewarding experience! You may sign up online at or contact Deborah Yochum at or hughyochum@aol.com for additional information. Heavenly Communication We are now entering our third year with our Labyrinth. St Peter s Labyrinth Ministry, Iter Vitae, meets at the Sacred Space, behind the sanctuary of the church, every first Sunday at 4 pm. We encourage ALL to join us, weather permitting. We have transformed into a group now led by a different person each month. We use our time together to stretch our souls and refine our daily prayer life or relationship with God. It has been an intimate time for all in which we start in the cottage (the portable renamed) and finish with a walk on the labyrinth. To those new to the labyrinth, it is an ancient spiritual tool that is thousands of years old. It has been walked by millions of people of all cultures and traditions. There are several labyrinth designs. Our Labyrinth at St. Peter s is patterned after the labyrinth laid in the floor of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Chartres, France. It is a medieval labyrinth with Christian roots. It is not a maze which confuses with tricks, decisions and dead ends. The path is simply one way in with the same path back out. It is meant to still the mind and calm the heart. It is a walking prayer, a meditation. It is walked in three stages: 1.) Release- walk into the labyrinth ( Be still and know that I am God. ). 2.) Receive reaching and standing in the center ( Here I am Lord. ) and 3.) Return ( What can I bring to the World? ). Please come alone or in community to the Sacred Space giving space in your busy schedule, standing on blessed ground and making room for God in your heart. Focus On Service St. Peter's Service Committee is pleased to invite you to attend Adult Christian Formation on Sunday, October 27, 2013 to learn more about United Ministries mission and programs and how you can help. Our speaker will be Keith Trout, Executive Director of United Ministries. United Ministries is located in Greenville's West End and provides life changing opportunities and advocacy for people in Greenville who lack education or employment skills, who are in financial crisis, or who are homeless, and those who can help. Programs include Place of Hope, Emergency Assistance, Adult Education and Employment Readiness. We hope you will join us for this informative session! If you would like more information in the meantime, please visit the web site at 4

5 Worship Participant s Schedule October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 Ushers 8:30 Kathy Lundy Kathy Lundy Bill & Loretta Hartzell Alice & Art Slayton Greeters 8:30 Don & Ruthie Speed Peggy & Tom Hemans Marion Sprague Joan Steigerwald Faye Miller John Ice Greeters 10:30 Donna & Mike Jones Judy & Gary Taylor Ginny Bottoms Leslie Cook Bobby Kline Nancy Winborne Beck Sullivan Ushers 10:30 John Wagoner Frank Walker Matt Carter Phil Johnson Eric Johnson Ken Shabel Ernest Dawkins Meta Armstrong Jim Cummings Hugh Yochum Gale Roush Chris Dewey Dave Strickland Pat Ovington Jason Cheek Wes Smith Al Adams Jacob Abels Joseph Lawton Tony Scalzitti Larry Neal David Leaphart Sandy Wells Gary Taylor Nursery 9:30 Jason & Jennifer Cheek Phil Johnson Judy Wells Kristen Kauffman Brittany Carr Jamie Adams Prayers of the People 8:30 Prayers of the People 10:30 Altar Guild Judy Taylor JoAnna Renkowski Jinny Jervey Bill Hawkins Beth Wetmore Judy Taylor Paige Griffin Al Adams Kathy Lundy Judy Wells Nancy Wedlake Diane Moore Berta Farr Kathy Siegel Victoria Siegel Delores Smith Margaret Boineau Beck Sullivan Shannon Lawton Jinny Jervey Gail Warner Jennifer Cheek Martha Venters Pat Hitner Marilyn Richardson JoAnna Renkowski Bobbie Nichols Opener Jim Bauer Ron Plemmons Kathy Siegel Bill Hawkins Closer Phil Johnson Tim Estes Thom Long Gary Taylor Lector 8:30 1 Kathleen Brady 2 Wes Smith 1 Burns Davison 2 Bob James 1 Bill Hartzell 2 Kathy Laurens 1 Malissa Hawkins 2 Janet McDonald Lector 10:30 1 Lynn Woodman 2 Meta Armstrong 1 Robyn Zimmerman 2 Frances Weaver 1 Ron Adams 2 Marion Mitchell 1 Melinda Long 2 Thom Long Server Joseph Lawton Carolyn Yochum Joseph Lawton Finley Buchanan Crucifer Madalyne Lawton Abby Spencer Jamie Adams Emma Spencer Torch Bearers Chalice Bearers 8:30 Chalice Bearers 10:30 Alex Cheek Emily Dewey Frank Boineau David Leaphart Carolyn Yochum Robert Baker Max Adams Caroline Griffin Wes Smith Kathleen Brady Tim Estes Jason Cheek Owen Cheek Caden Gore Margaret Boineau Bob James Kirsten Hansen Thom Long Alex Cheek Emily Dewey David Leaphart Frank Boineau Keys Lewis Joseph Lawton Fall Care Series Plan to join St. Giles Presbyterian Church on October 28th from 6:30 to 7:30 for an informative talk by area experts on Illness. This is the second of a three part Fall Care Series co-sponsored by St. Peter's. The hour long session will include 30 minutes of information sharing and 30 minutes for questions and answers. The series will be held at St. Giles' Parish Hall which is behind their church. Thank you, Delores Smith

6 Care Series Monday, Sept. 30th Join members of our churches and community on Monday evening 6:30-7:30 September 30th for a conversation about divorce. This workshop covers the widespread impact of divorce and how family and friends can provide compassion and support for one another while working through divorce. Andrea Helm M.Ed. LPC is clinical director from Canterbury Counseling in Greenville and will be our facilitator. All are encouraged to attend. Bring a friend. Free baby sitting will be provided. The Care Series is co-sponsored by St. Giles and St. Peter's churches in the St. Giles Fellowship Hall which is located behind the church. Let's show our support and attend this informative session! OCTOBER 6TH UTO FALL INGATHERING Twice each year, Spring and Fall, the generous people of St. Peter s give to the UNITED THANK OFFERING, which has been in existence since the Department of Mission hired Miss Mary Emory as Secretary in She was given authority to establish a Woman's Auxiliary (which became ECW) to increase funds for mission fields in the Episcopal Church. In 1883, the first offering was taken at General Convention in the amount of $ and divided between domestic and foreign fields. Through the years, there have been several structural changes to UTO by resolutions at various General Conventions, always toward efficiency and clarity in collecting, recording, and disbursing the gifts, far and wide. For many years, the "disbursing" component has been via grants submitted and approved for various needs of repair and/or expansion of buildings, beginning new ministries/programs, or supporting struggling ones, in Africa, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, every state in the USA, and to Greenville, South Carolina, i.e., the Hispanic Ministry of St. Francis Church. In 2012, grants totaling over $1,700,000 were submitted, approved and disbursed. As examples: the largest one, $100,000 went to the Diocese of Haiti to help replace and renovate St. Martin de Tours, a church damaged in the earthquake in Port au Prince. The smallest was $2,500 to the Diocese of Navajoland to fund training of two pastoral coordinators for community development programs. St. Peter's helped fund these grants! The needs never end. And, for sure, neither do the eternal blessings from God our Father, for which we give Him many thanks...especially in the form of UTO donations. Haiti ECW is collecting school supplies for the Bon Saveur School in Cange, Haiti. Critical needs include: notebook paper, pencils, crayons, and the reusable recycle bags that we use for groceries. Please bring your donations to the Mission Center bins in the Education Wing before October 4, and thank you for your help in sustaining our projects in Haiti. Church Directory If you were unable to schedule a portrait session but would like your picture in the new directory, you have several options: Bring a picture (vertical orientation) to church and place it Ron Shabel s box in the workroom Schedule a session at JC Penny s (you will need to pick up a form at the church office) Check on line to see if another church is taking pictures in the area One hitch you need to do this by October 15 th. If we wait any longer it will delay the publication of the directory. Questions? Call Ron Shabel Thanks to all who helped with sign-ins. One Man s Junk One man's junk is truly another man's treasure. Thus far the ECW White Elephant Sale has garnered more than $5200 thanks to the generosity of so many who donated their time and treasures and dollars to make it happen. Julia Johnson has kindly agreed to put some of the items on ebay, so we hope that total will rise. Thank you all. A special thanks to the Men's Club who set up the tents, hauled the furniture and tables and took them down again. Thanks to Phil Johnson, Ray Wedlake, Ben Fugit and Derek Garrett who stayed to help with the sale and who are working on their honorary ECW memberships; and Annie Johnson working on her junior membership! Thanks again to Karla McSwain who once again volunteered to run the bake sale portion of the sale as well as the many who donated delicious baked goods. Thank you Bill Taber and Nancy Winborne for generously donating the Pod to store items in before the Sunday school rooms were available. A special thanks also to Nancy Winborne who started the White Elephant sale years ago and who has tirelessly worked on it throughout the years. Sincerely, White Elephant Co-Chairs Louisa Wagoner Allison Garrett 6

7 Children, Youth, and Family News Special Events for October: St. Francis Blessing of the Animals October 5 th at 4:00 in the Pavillion. Bring all those old and new pets for blessing! United Ministries Walk for the Homeless October 6 th at 2:00pm. We ll meet at the church at 1:15 to carpool. Everyone, all ages are welcome to join even if you haven t registered. Annual All Souls/Halloween Service & Party October 25 th at 6:30pm. A fun combination of spooky stories from the Bible followed by an old-fashioned Halloween Party with crafts, games, snacks, and a Frankenstein s Closet for the brave. Kids can wear costumes, parents and older kids can help staff the activities. Watch the blue sheet and for more details! United Ministries Walk for the Homeless October 6 th at 2:00pm. We ll meet at the church at 1:15 to carpool. This is SPY for the week no 5:30 meeting! Middle School Retreat registration forms and payment due October 2 nd! Volunteer to help at the All Souls/Halloween Service & Party October 25 th. Relive those night when you got unlimited candy while dressed up by helping with this kid s event. Are you ready to be Igor in the Frankenstein s Closet? Do you want to read one of the really spooky stories from the Bible? Talk to Rilla or Julia. Middle School Fall Retreat Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27 at Camp Gravatt. Weekly: 9:30 Sunday School (for ages 0-adult) 4:30 Youth Choir (for grades 6-12) 5:30 SPY Saint Peter s Youth (fro grades 6-12) Family Facebook Page: St. Peter s Families SPY Facebook Page: SPY St. Peter s Youth Sunday School Kick-off 7

8 White Elephant Sale Parish Picnic Thanks To All Who: Donated Helped Bought 8

9 October :30 AM Eucharist Rite I Care Meeting with St. 9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal Giles Divorce Clergy Fall Retreat 3:30 PM Bible Study 9:30 AM Sunday School 3:00 PM Woodworkers adullts & 3 12th grade Picnic(Pavilion) 10:30 AM Rite II 11:30 AM Coffee Hour 4:30 PM Youth Choir 5:00 PM Enneagram 5:30 PM SPY 6th 12th 7:00 PM Jr. High Retreat Bread Breakers 4:00 PM Blessing of the Animals (Pavilion) Registration Due 6:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Chapel) UTO Fall Ingathering 6:00 PM Holy Eucharist 3:30 PM Bible 4:00 PM Girl Scouts #2569 8:30 AM Rite I (Chapel) Study 9:30 AM Sunday School Adults & 3 12th grade 9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Rite II 11:30 AM Coffee Hour 2:00 PM Girl Scouts #605 6:00 PM Endowment Foundation Meeting (SH) 8:00 AM Menʹs Fellowship Breakfast 2:00 PM United Ministries Walk for the Homeless 4:00 PM Labyrinth Walk 4:30 PM Youth Choir 5:00 PM Enneagram 5:30 PM SPY (6th 12th grade) Blood Drive 3:30 PM Bible Home Works One Day Blitz 8:30 AM Eucharist Rite I Study 9:30 AM Sunday School adullts & 3 12th grade 9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Rite II 11:30 AM Coffee Hour 4:30 PM Youth Choir 5:00 PM Enneagram 5:30 PM SPY 6th 12th 6:00 PM Vestry Meeting (SH) 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 6:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Chapel) Trinity Cathedral :30 AM Eucharist Rite I 6:00 PM Daughters of 7:00 PM SPP Rehearsal 6:00 PM Holy Eucharist 3:30 PM Bible Jr. High Fall Retreat 6pm Fri 1 99:30 AM Sunday School the King (PAR) (Sanctuary) (Chapel) Study pm Sun adullts & 3 12th grade 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 6:30 PM Wine 6:30 AM Feed Thy Neighbor :30 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Rite II & Cheese 11:30 AM Coffee Hour 2:00 PM Girl Scouts #605 4:30 PM Youth Choir 5:00 PM Enneagram JR High Fall Retreat :00 PM Girl Scouts #2569 6:30 PM All Soulʹs Party 5:30 PM SPY 6th 12th :30 AM Eucharist Rite I 9:30 AM Sunday School adullts & 3 12th grade 6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 3:30 PM Bible Study Menʹs Fall Cook Out Bishop BBQ in Easley Bible Challenge 9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Rite II 7:00 p.m. SPP Rehearsal 11:30 AM Coffee Hour 4:30 PM Youth Choir 5:00 PM Enneagram 7:00 PM SPP Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 5:30 PM SPY (6th 12th Care Meeting with St. Giles Illness 6:30 PM Boy Scouts Parish Life 9

10 ST. PETER S EPISCOPAL CHURCH NON-Profit Organization P.O. BOX US Postage Paid GREENVILLE, SC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Greenville, SC PERMIT #46 St. Peter's Episcopal Church - Adult Christian Formation Sundays, 9:30-10:15am, in Stockstill Hall Our mission is guided by St. Peter s Core Value of "Christian Formation: - Fostering growth in spirit, mind and body through tradition, scripture and reason. - Cultivating a safe environment to challenge and grow in the faith. - Knowing that worship, education and ministry are rooted in discovery. - Encouraging all to discover their personal talents and ministry. Oct 6 The Eucharist Explained. Fr. Furman will "set the table" and share the meaning of the items and actions we see each Sunday. 13 An Overview of Islam from an Episcopalian who grew up Moslem. Akil was born in, and grew up in India, in a minority religion (Moslem). Fr. Furman Akil Rangwalla MEN OF ST. PETERS Save this date Friday, November 1, 2013 ALL SAINTS DAY TENDERLOIN OR SALMON FEAST aka Men's Fellowship Annual Fall Cookout Food Fun Prizes Entertainment You don't want to miss this one Parish Life 10

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