A WORD OF THANKS PRAYER MEETINGS

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2 A WORD OF THANKS Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13: 7 Our beloved Johnson Thomas Unnithan Achen is completing 3 years of his pastoral service in Houston, 1 year as Assistant Vicar and 2 years as the Vicar of our parish. On behalf of all the members of this great parish, I take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Unnithan Achen, Susan Kochamma, Vachan and Keerthana for their dedicated & sacrificial service rendered to each and every one of us. We as Immanuel Family were immensely blessed by their presence & service and will cherish in our hearts the sweet memories of love and care they shared with us. I assure Achen and Family our continued prayers and wish God s continued blessings upon them on their journey back to India and on all their future ministry. May our Good Lord continue to use Achen and Family Prayer as Meetings an instrument of Peace to spread the Good News of Salvation, Hope and Love and gain many for the Kingdom of God. Secretary, IMTC PRAYER MEETINGS DAY DATE MEMBER NAME TIME ID AREA SAT 7-Apr MANOSH THOMAS 7.00 PM 523 BETHLEHEM SUN 8-Apr THOMAS THYPARAMPIL 6.00 PM 190 SHARON SUN 8-Apr JIJO C ABRAHAM 5.30 PM 566 SEHION SAT 14-Apr AJI DANIEL 2.00 PM 572 Y. SAKHYAM SAT 14-Apr ALICE KALATHOOR 6.30 PM 116 JERUSALEM SUN 15-Apr SAJI JOHN 5.00 PM 551 JERUSALEM SUN 15-Apr CHERIAN M JOHN 6.30 PM 423 BETHEL SAT 21-Apr KOSHY PHILIPKUTTY 7.00 PM 349 HEBRON SAT 21-Apr ABRAHAM SAMUEL 5.30 PM 289 BETHEL SAT 21-Apr MOHAN JOHN THOMAS 6.30 PM 358 TABORE 2

3 From the Vicar s Desk My dear Immanuel family, Greetings to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Wish you all a Happy Easter. I m so thankful to God when I write this message, my last one here in Immanuel. Rather than exhortations, let me take this space to express my sincere gratitude to God almighty and to you all for all that I and my family have experienced in our Ministry here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the blessings we received through you all - children, youth, middle-aged and seniors. I specially thank all the Executive Committee members and Office Bearers whom I worked with. Thank you all for the great Christian love and the spirit of unity and oneness. As I look back it was such a different and blessed experience to be here in Immanuel with you all. I thank our Church for giving me this opportunity. For me and my family it was a very special and unique Parish experience after our long mission endeavor of 11 years where I served in Kannada and Telugu languages. It was totally a different environment for me in terms of culture, language, orientation and all such aspects. I thank God for His great grace that abounded to help us adopt to the new situations. Rather than listing something I did or achieved here in this ministry, let me reflect upon some simple things that I learned from my Ministry so far and especially here. God is faithful and his faithfulness is renewed every day Our God is a God who not only calls ordinary human beings but also quali fies whom he called to suit to His purposes His faithfulness is renewed everyday - not in proportion to our faithfulness - it calls us for more In the Kingdom of God, it s not your ability that God wants but rather it s your availability Pleasing human beings may make you great in this world but pleasing God will lead you to the greatness of the kingdom of God The ministry of Christ s servant is not limited to certain location or people. Jesus Christ was the man for others and he has to be presented to the Jews and gentiles. He has to be preached to all the nations and people groups. His love should be shown in action beyond the walls of Churches. Jesus says in Matt 24:14 The gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. - We all have a Christian duty to facilitate this Gospel work. Apostle Paul identifies himself as an apostle to the gentiles. Experiencing this calling I move forward to my next mission field -- Sirsi mission 3

4 in Karnataka. I am glad that I was used in the hands of God to connect at least some of our families more close to the mission of the church. I sincerely wish that Immanuel will be a Missionary Church - more people separating Tithe, praying for and participating in missions rather than being an introvert and meaningless community boasting in the size of assets. As someone said, the worth of a church is not measured in its seating capacity but its sending capacity. We live in the last times when the message of the Kingdom has to reach to the corners of the world. When you and your family are blessed, how will you participate in this mission? When God granted you the gift of faith, how have you shared that Faith to a nonbeliever. When God has given you material goodness how have you shared it to uplift others? When God has given you a peaceful life do you care about the Disturbed lives. When your family and children are so blessed do you think of the underprivileged children around this world? As Christians, as a Reformed Church, we need to take up the burden of mission. A significant question in the Bible is where is your brother? The answer was am I My Brother s Keeper? God wants you to be your brother s brother and your sister s sister as sibling of all children of God and partner with Christ in the building of the kingdom of God. Please remember us in prayers. We will also pray for you all. Those who feel the calling to participate and partner in the mission activities may please contact me anytime at my revujthomas@gmail.com which continues. My sincere thanks Anuachen and family for the great time we had together in the ministry here. My wishes and prayers to Anuachen and Saji achen. May God bless Immanuel to be used greatly in His mighty hands for His purposes. Immanuel will always be in our hearts and prayers and you all. God Bless You all With Love and Thanks Unnithan achen and Family 4

5 From the Desk of the Associate Vicar My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Greetings to you in the name of Risen Lord! One small boy asked Jesus, How much do you love me? Jesus stretched his arms and replied this much. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to save you and me from the bondage of sin. Do you know how much He loves you? God s ways are strange and mysterious beyond our understanding and comprehension. Our belief and faith is supported and strengthened by the event of Easter. The gospels cannot fully explain the event of Easter but the Easter can explain the Gospel in a special way. Belief in the resurrection is not an appendage of the Christian faith, but it is the Christian faith. The resurrection gives content and meaning to our faith. If everything was ended with crucifixion the history of Christianity would have been a different one. Easter marked the death of death. Through His life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension Jesus Christ gave a special dimension and meaning to death and eternity. He has taught us to have faith in life before death, life after death and life through death. So death is not the final but death is the departure towards the final destination. After crucifixion and burial the dear ones of Jesus went to read the last pages of the last chapter but the risen Christ wanted them to read new pages of a new chapter. They could see a transformed Jesus. They went to worship the dead but they experienced the living. They went with fear but returned with courage. They went with hopeless end but returned with endless hope. The transformed Jesus wants us to transform us by making everything new. He wants us to give endless hope, the great hope of resurrection and eternity. Let us make this hope a reality in our daily life by experiencing the Immanuel, God with us. He is with us, are we with Him? I take this opportunity to thank Rev. Johnson T Unnithan, Susan Kochamma, Vachan and Keerthana for their Services at Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston. Last three years the Church experienced Rev. Unnithan Achen s spiritual leadership and administrative skills. As apostle Paul says in 1Corinthians 1:4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus. I wish Unnithan Achen and family the very best and God may continue to use them to be faithful servants in His vineyard. Rev. Saji Alby will reach Houston probably in first week of May. We welcome and wish him a comfortable stay and fruitful ministry here. Knowing Him costs you nothing Loving Him costs you something Following Him costs you everything, but it rewards you everything in life May God Bless you all Servent in Christ, AnuAchen 5

6 6 B Day Name ID 1-Apr C. Thomas Yohannan Apr Mathew Zachariah Apr Suni Mathew Apr Shybu Varghese Apr Karan Kanneri Apr Molly Mathew Apr Leena Abraham Apr Leelamma Mathew Apr Jason Kurian Apr Thomas Zachariah Apr Mini M. Philip Apr Yashly Mariam Thomas Apr Aria Elizabeth Joshy Apr Jackson V. Jacob Apr Susan Varghese Apr Ardra Eliz Cherian Apr Arun Kuruvilla Roy Apr Ryan R. Varughese Apr Kiran Kuruvilla Roy Apr Annamma James Apr Benson P. Kurien Apr Thankamoni S.Varghese Apr Abraham Abraham Apr Shiju Thomas Apr Michelle Mathew Apr Thomas P. John Apr Aby J. Roy Apr Ashwin George Jacob Apr Alex Abraham Philip Apr Luke Thomas Philip Apr Mathew Titus Apr Varughese M. Varughese 199 BIRTHDAYS B Day Name ID 8-Apr Bibin George Mathew Apr Christopher J. George Apr Ana Ivy Mathew Apr Nidhi J. Abraham Apr Beena Sabu Apr Dr. Lydia John Apr Roy Chacko Apr Samuel Abraham Apr Dr. Reena Jacob Apr Itty Oommen Kandathil Apr Jessica Nguen Thomas Apr Erin Kuruvilla Apr Saramma Eapen Apr Annamma Samuel Apr M. S. Raju Apr John P. Mathew Apr Premadas Mammazhiyil Apr Mammen Mathew Apr Vivekanand V. Shetti Apr Nidia A. Samuel Apr Jessy A. Valayil Apr Joanne John Apr Vinney Samuel Apr Mathew Varghese Apr Varghese Kunchacko Apr Mammen Mathew Apr Jaime Saji Apr Achamma Ninan Apr Annamma Koruthu Apr Latha Thomas Apr Kunjumol Saban Apr Manju Moses 490

7 BIRTHDAYS B Day Name ID B Day Name ID 16-Apr Reba E. Thomas Apr Carol Linu Kurian Apr Jolly Sajeev Apr Arpitha Mary Abraham Apr Keerthana Johnson Apr Annamma Varghese Apr Cybil Varghese Apr Nathaliya Aliya Shybu Apr George John Apr Jonah Reji Eapen Apr Nathan Mathew George Apr Joel Mathew Apr Abigail Mathew Apr Jonathan Samuel Abraham Apr Joel M. John Apr Riya Elizabeth George Apr Biju T. Mathew Apr Reeja Joby Apr Mathew Thomas Apr Mary M. Raju Apr Sam Alexander Apr Stevin K Thomas Apr Abraham Varughese Apr Tiji Shibu Apr Sheela Alexander Apr Alina Abraham Apr Joshua George Jacob Apr Ethan Philip Apr John P. Thomas Apr Allan John Apr Varghese Thomas Apr Abraham P. Varghese Apr Immanuel John Apr Nathaniel L. James Apr Natasha Sara Varghese Apr Sheja Joe Cherian Apr Kannethu E. Eapen Apr Noah M. Keerikattu Apr Joseph John Apr Ashley Bennykutty Apr Juby M. Varghese Apr Siji Mathew Apr Celia Ann Jacob Apr P. M. Jacob Apr Leelamma Thomas Apr P. E. Kuruvilla Apr Abraham Mannaickal Apr Caroline B. Sam Apr Abia Varughese Apr Rachel Varghese Apr Ajay Mathew George Apr Noah John Apr Legi Abraham Apr Aleyamma Thomas Apr Abraham Varughese Apr Lena James Apr Roshen Jacob John Apr Jibin Varghese Apr Jeryn Chacko Varghese Apr Jim Sam Green 591 7

8 8 SUN MON TUE WED April 2018 Easter Sunday: Resurrection - End of Great Lent 8:30am : Holy Communion in English assisted by Bethel Area Prayer Group No Sunday School 8:00am : G3 Service & Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Bethlehem Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Communion in Malayalam led by Rev. Samuel M. Samuel and assisted by Carmel Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Communion Service in English led by Rev. Mathews Philip and assisted by Ebenezer Area Prayer Group 9:00am: Holy Communion Service in Malayalam assisted by Hebron Area Prayer Group No Sunday School Farewell Meeting for our outgoing Vicar, Rev. Johnson T. Unnithan and Family immediately after the Holy Qurbana Service followed by Lunch for all. 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am :Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Horeb Area Prayer Group 8:00am : G3 Service & Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Jerusalem Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Commuion in Malayalam assisted by Salem Area Prayer Group May

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10 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY W Day Name ID 1-Apr Mr. & Mrs.Baby Mathai Apr Mr. & Mrs.V.M Georgekutty Apr Mr. & Mrs.Raju Varghese Apr Dr.Cerrill Mathew Apr Mr. & Mrs.Samuel C. Samuel Apr Mr. & Mrs.P. M. Jacob Apr Mr. & Mrs.John Kumar Apr Mr. & Mrs.Shaji Jacob Apr Mr. & Mrs.M. G. Mathew Apr Mr. & Mrs.Kuruvilla Chandy Apr Mr. & Mrs.Shibu Thankachen Apr Mr. & Mrs.Koshy Abraham Apr Mr. & Mrs.John Varughese Apr Mr. & Mrs.Thomas Mathew Apr Mr. & Mrs.Abraham Abraham Apr Dr. & Mrs.Laji James Apr Mr. & Mrs.Kavalakkal Mathai Thomas Apr Mr. & Mrs.Victor Varghese Apr Mr. & Mrs.Jobin M. Jose Apr Mr. & Mrs.Benzy Bennykutty Apr Mr. & Mrs.Abraham Samuel Apr Mr. & Mrs.John M. John Apr Mr. & Mrs.Samuel Jose George Apr Mr. & Mrs.George C.Mammen Apr Mr. & Mrs.Varghese P.P Apr Mr. & Mrs.Shibu John Apr Mr. & Mrs.Bibin Abraham Thomas Apr Mr. & Mrs.Kurian Varghese Apr Mr. & Mrs.Cherian Abraham Apr Mr. & Mrs.Samuel Koshy Apr Mr. & Mrs.Jama Sam Apr Mr. & Mrs.George K. V Apr Mr. & Mrs.K. T. Sajee 448 Congratulations and best wishes for a blessed new year. May God s many blessings be upon all those who are celebrating their birthdays and wedding anniversaries. 10

11 NEW ARRIVAL EITHAN SAJAN was born to Mr. Sajan T. John and Mrs. Merlin Daniel ID 536 of the Sehion Area Prayer group. Congratulations to the Proud Parents and Grandparents- Mr. V.J. Thankachan and Mariamma Thankachan CONDOLENCES Mr. P. M. Mathew, 65 years old, Uncle of Mr. Shaji Jacob - ID 495 of the Bethel Area Prayer Group passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Chengannur, Kerala. Mr. T. K. Koruth, 81 years old, Father of Mr. Saji Koruth, ID 272 of the Bethlehem Area Prayer Group passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in Thuruthicadu, Mallappally, Kerala. The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church express their heartfelt condolence to all the bereaving families. Kindly uphold the families in your thoughts and prayer. ADDRESS CHANGE Mr. Jaison George & Family, ID 524 of Tabor Area Prayer Group New Address: 111 Ferndale Street Bellaire, TX Tel , Mr. Thomas Mathen & Family, ID 449 of Ebenezer Area Prayer Group New Address: Horizon Bay Lane, Katy, TX Tel Mr. Varghese Kalathoor & Family, ID 322 of Carmel Area Prayer Group New Address: 5118 Beekman Dr. Missouri City, TX Tel

12 12 ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS: IMTC CHOIR The Annual General Body Meeting of the Houston Immanuel Mar Thoma Church Choir is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April, 7, 2018 at 12:30pm. Farewell Meeting for our outgoing Vicar, beloved Johnson T. Unnithan Achen and Family will be held immediately after the general body meeting. SUNDAY SCHOOL 1. The Southwest Regional Sunday School Competitions will be held on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm at Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch. a. The Bible quiz Topics & rules; the music & lyrics of the songs and the Elocution Topics are posted on the Church Bulletin Board. 2. IMTC Sunday School Competition Topics for Bible Quiz, Singing and Elocution will be the same as the South West Regional Competition Topics. a. The Dates for IMTC Sunday School Competition as follows: Bible Quiz for Grades 5th 12th will be immediately after Sunday School on 4/29/2018 Singing for Grades KG 12th - will be on 4/29/2018 (Sunday after Church Service) Elocution for Grades 5th 12th - will be on 5/06/2018 (Sunday after Church Service) DIOCESAN Examination will be conducted on Sunday, May 20th, a. Those student taking the 2018 Diocesan exam should submit their names to the IMTC Sunday School Superintendent. Student s Name to : Rennyvarghese99@gmail.com or Text to IMTC VBS will be on July 27th thru 29th. a. Registration has begun, so please register your child early. SEVIKA SANGHAM Sevika Sangham Regular Meetings are scheduled for every 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of every month, beginning at 10:00am at the Church. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP The next elevate is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 31st 2018 at 12:00pm. Cottage Prayer, Men s Bible Study and Women s Bible Study will be held next month and the dates will be announced at a later time. Immanuel Basketball League will be starting in a couple of months, so we would like to tell everyone about that early. YF dues are also due so please if you have not paid please pay. If any parent has a question about the YF or would like to make any donation please contact Justin Varghese, or Jicky Kuruvilla YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Immanuel M.T.C Yuvajana Sakhyam members participated in the two days conference in Dallas. A total of 40 people consisting of 23 Adults & 17 kids from our Yuvajana Sakhyam attended this conference. It was a great fellowship for all who attended. Our Yuvajanasakyam handed over the amount collected for beloved Alex George s (Shibu) family in

13 Oklahoma to Thomas Kurian Achen on March 17th conference day at Dallas. Thanks to all the Immanuel members who contributed towards this cause. YS April Cottage Prayer Meeting is scheduled to be held at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Aji Daniel, (Aji & Leena), ID 572 of the Sinai Area Prayer Group on Sunday, April 15th 2018 at 1.30pm after the Holy Communion Service. Address: 2809 Rocky Springs Drive, Pearland, TX Tel SENIOR CITIZENS The monthly meeting for April is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 7th 2018 beginning at 10:00am at the church. Farewell for our vicar and family will also be given in this meeting. CHURCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Vicar and Family will be going back to India on Wednesday, April 25th 2018, leaving the parsonage at 2:00pm. The Executive Committee has decided to give a fitting farewell for our outgoing Vicar, beloved Johnson T. Unnithan Achen and Family and has set the date as Sunday, April 22nd 2018, immediately after the Holy Communion service to hold the Send Off meeting. A Lunch in honor of Unnithan Achen and Family is arranged after the Send Off Meeting on April 22nd. All are kindly requested to participate in the Luncheon. God willing, our Assistant Vicar, Rev. Saji Alby and family will be joining us by 1st week of May. AUDIO MULTI-MEDIA TEAM As decided in our last General Body Meeting, the Church Executive Committee is in the process of establishing a good group of audio and multi-media team. So we are looking for volunteers to help with the audio and multi-media operations in support of the Church activities. With our services growing to multiple services each Sunday, there is a need for additional volunteers to help with these activities regularly and consistently. The commitment from these volunteers is to really help with the sound system and presentation of the worship slides to conduct smooth Sunday Services. Training will be given to these volunteers to help complete these activities. Those who are interested to volunteer, please provide your name to Mr. Abraham Komattu (Manu) or Mr. M. A. Varughese. INDIA MISSION TRIP 2018 The Diocese of North America & Europe has decided to organize India Mission Trip to mission fields in Bangalore Diocese from August 10, 2018 to August 20, 2018 (excluding travel). The places to visit are Dhanahalli and Hoskots in Karnataka, India. Participants will be responsible for purchasing their airfare. For the youth participants, the Dioces, upon completion of the trip and submission of receipts, will reimburse one third of the airfare. The transportation, food and accommodation in India will be arranged locally and cost per person will be approximately USD 250 Those who are interested in participating, please give your names to the India Mission Sub Committee Convener, Dr. Joe George at Only 10 participants could be accommodated and it will be on a first come first basis. 13

14 2018 APRIL- WORSHIP SERVICE April 1, 2018 April 8, 2018 April 15, 2018 April 22, 2018 April 29, 2018 Easter Sunday: Resurrection - End of Great Lent 8:30am : Holy Communion in English assisted by Bethel Area Prayer Group No Sunday School 8:00am : G3 Service & Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Bethlehem Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Communion in Malayalam led by Rev. Samuel M. Samuel and assisted by Carmel Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Communion Service in English led by Rev. Mathews Philip and assisted by Ebenezer Area Prayer Group 9:00am: Holy Communion Service in Malayalam assisted by Hebron Area Prayer Group No Sunday School Farewell Meeting for our outgoing Vicar, Rev. Johnson T. Unnithan and Family immediately after the Holy Qurbana Service followed by Lunch for all. 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am :Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Horeb Area Prayer Group 1st Lesson: Exo. 14: nd Lesson: Col. 3: 1-11 Epistle: 1 Thess. 4: Gospel: St. Math. 28: st Lesson: Gen. 32: nd Lesson: Acts. 9: 1-18 Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 3-12 Gospel: St. John 20: st Lesson: Ruth 2: nd Lesson: Acts. 9: Epistle: Acts. 16: 6-15 Gospel: St. John 21: st Lesson: Isaiah 25: 1-9 2nd Lesson: Acts. 4: Epistle: Acts. 2: Gospel: St. Luke 24: st Lesson: 2 King 4: nd Lesson: Acts. 26: Epistle: 1 Peter 1: 3-12 Gospel: St. Mark 16: May 6, :00am : G3 Service & Holy Communion Service in English assisted by Jerusalem Area Prayer Group 9:30am : Sunday School 10:30am : Holy Commuion in Malayalam assisted by Salem Area Prayer Group 1st Lesson: Ezek. 34: nd Lesson: 2 Cor. 8: 1-9 Epistle: Acts 4: Gospel: St. Luke 19:

15 2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TITLE OFFICE BEARERS PHONE NUMBERS Vicar Rev. Johnson T. Unnithan Assiciate Vicar Rev. Abraham Varghese Vice President Mr. Abraham P. Varghese Secretary Mr. M. A. Varughese Treasurer Mr. Thomas V. Mathew Accountant Mr. Binu Pappachen Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Saji John Lay Leader (English) Mr. Jim Thomas AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES PHONE NUMBERS Bethel Mr. Mathews Varghese Bethleham Mr. Manosh Thomas Carmel Mr. T.V.Mathew Ebenzer Mr. Thomas Mathen Hebron Mr. Varghese Sebastian Horeb Mr. Rajan Daniel Jerusalem Mr. Siju Philip Salem Not Elected Sehion Mr. Mathew Philip Sharon Mr. Samuel Koshy Sinai Mr. Aju Abraham John Tabor Mr. Mohan John Thomas CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES PHONE NUMBERS Choir Mr. Shibu John Edavaka Mission Mr. Monachen Thomas Senior Citizen Mrs. Sara Philip Sevika Sangham Mrs. Mariamma Oommen Sunday School Mr. Alex Varghese Youth Fellowship Mr. Justin Varghese Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Jijo P. Varghese Young Family Fellowship Mr. Varghese Kalathoor DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM REPRESENTATIVES PHONE NUMBERS Diocesan Assmbly/ Council Ms. Lynn Ann Keerikattu Diocesan Assembly Mr. John Thomas Diocesan Assembly Mr. John K. Philip Mandalam Mr. Reji V. Kurrian POSITION IMC ELECTED MEMBERS PHONE NUMBERS IMC Administrator/Scheduler Mr. Zakhariah Koshy IMC Facility Manager Mr. Siju Philip IMC Facility Manager Mr. Sam Alexander

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