Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
You and your church family are phenomenal in the way you all have responded to Gods care, dedication, and love for you. The final numbers arent in yet but I sense this will be one of our best stewardship campaigns in years. Many in this church, including me, have sensed a new excitement, almost a re-birth of an energy and commitment of old. Church stewardship campaigns usually measure their success with dollar amounts; I believe we can measure our success by peoples energy and amount of involvement in church activities and in our community. Just this past month weve seen excitement around the re-birth of the annual CROP Walk for Hunger. Five congregations raised over $4,000; Fort King raised over half of that amount. Our youth ministry has found new excitement with over 17 youth attending each Sunday night. Our weekly small groups and Sunday school class have enjoyed increases in attendance as well as good conversation, study, and spiritual growth. Each month I hear of more and more people stepping up and volunteering in the community There are so many blessings happening in the life of this congregation, many we see and many we dont. I hope you take time to notice the many blessings God has bestowed upon you and this church. As you notice, make sure you not only count your blessings, but you also respond to what God has so graciously given you. With excitement in Gods blessings,
Pastor ........................................ Andy Gans Visitation Pastor (Ret.) ............ Tom McNeil Music Director........................... Rick Roberts Executive Assistant ................... Chris Muramatsu Nursery Attendant .................... Tammy Keeslar Proofreaders.............................. Susan M. Jensen and John Stewart
Contributors ...............................Members of Ft. King Assembling .................................Phyllis Altonn, Kay Dahlen, Dorothy Decker, Joyce Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Carol Primm, Roselle Pringle, Judith Simonin, Aileen Zimmer . Bulk Mail Handling...................John Stewart
www.fortking.org fortking@earthlink.net
Income Estimate of Giving Mortgage Reduction Other Income Total Income Total Expense Net Surplus/ Deficit Endowment 22,297 0 0 22,297 20,682 1,615 17,411 75 375 17,861 19,152 (4,886) 75 375 (4,436) (1,529) 200,675 0 0 200,675 189,932 10,743 206,499 1,200 12,750 220,449 192,987 27,462 5,824 225,223 1,200 12,750 7,105 90 (18,723) (5,830) 12,660 (11,968) (37,324) 25,355
(1,291) (2,907)
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200
36,396
(36,196)
Loss
Ruby Harrison passed away on October 10th.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
DISCIPLESHIP
Library Corner
Seven books suitable for children and youth have recently been added to the church library. They are: Ella the Elegant Elephant by Carmella and Steven Damico Ella takes the Cake by Carmella and Steven Damico Ella, of course! by Sarah Weeks Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt Goddess Girls Artemis the Loyal by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams Goosebumps Beware, the Snowman by R. L. Stine Judy Moody Gets Famous! by Megan McDonald The first four books are picture books to be read to young children. The two Ella books by Damico are about an elephant named Ella. The Ella book by Weeks is about a pig named Ella. Whatever the animal, their adventures and misadventures make for a fun read! The book by McCourt is a Christmas story. Get started now on reading some of the many, many Advent and Christmas books in our church library. The last three books listed above are suitable for youth ages six and up. Tom McNeil has donated from his own personal library three of J.B. Phillips classic books. They are: The Gospels translated into Modern English The Young Church in Action A Translation of the Acts of the Apostles The Book of Revelation A new translation of the Apocalypse These will be added to our expanding collection of English versions (translations) of the Bible. If you want to compare various versions of the Bible to gain a greater understanding of their differences, or similarities, we have over a dozen different ones for you to compare. All are available for checkout.
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High Tide (Kindergarten through 5th Grade)
High Tide will meet only once this month, November 11 and our theme is Crawling Critters. We will take a look at Scripture, enjoy some games and make critter stamps out of potatoes. This will be an interesting evening. See you for dinner at 5:00 p.m. and we will be finished by 7:00 p.m.
DISCIPLESHIP (continued)
Adult Discipleship
Happening Now: Anthony Clegorne will continue his fascinating study of Presidents of the United States: God, Guns, Guts and Glory. The classes have generated so much discussion and class participation to the extent that keeping up with the original schedule has not been possible. In order to adjust the schedule, Anthony has graciously agreed to continue this series of classes through the entire month of November. Each Sunday Anthony presents little known facts about the men who have held the office of President. For example, did you know that Andrew Jackson was rumored to have fought 100 duels? In one of those duels he was nearly killed and Jackson carried the bullet just under his heart for the rest of his life. If you would like to experience history coming alive, then this is the class for you. Join Anthony every Sunday in classes that begin at 9:15 am in the Session Room. You can even enjoy another cup of your morning coffee as both regular and decaffeinated coffee is available. Whats Next: The month of December classes will take A Fresh Look at the Christmas Story led by Ray Ruark. The Birth of the Messiah by Raymond E. Brown will serve as his primary resource among others. Those who attend will get a new look at some aspects of the Christmas Story. On January 6 Mary Beth Neely will begin a study of both the Jewish and Muslim faiths. Watch for more details in future issues of the Link.
DISCIPLESHIP (continued)
EVANGELISM
Welcome New Members
Doris and Steven Charleston and Liesha, Trent, and Brycelyn Herron
GROUP ACTIVITY
Crafts Group
The Crafts Group will be taking a well deserved break until the new year. Please join the Crafts Group on Thursdays starting January 3, 2013 from 11:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We work on individual projects and joint projects.
Sassy Seniors
All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, November 14th at 1:00 p.m. This months luncheon will be at Sonnys on The Boulevard around the corner from Ft. King Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian Women
All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all the activities of Presbyterian Women. If you are interested in attending a Circle meeting, come join us in November with our new study. Esther Circle will meet on November 12th, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Kathy Kuhns. Deborah Circle will meet on Tuesday, November 20th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Session Room. Prudence Pritz will have the lesson, This years study will be Dispatches to Gods Household: The General Epistles. These letters were meant to inspire and comfort the faithful in first-century Asia Minor, and they continue to speak to us today as we grapple with how to live in community as disciples of Christ. It will teach us what it means to live in community and what it means to belong to the household of God. If you have not received a study book, you will receive one at the meeting.
PW General Meeting
Presbyterian Women hold a General Meeting once a year and invite all women of the church to attend. You do not have to be a member of the Council to attend this meeting. We would like to encourage all women to join us for this event and find out about Presbyterian Women and enjoy a luncheon with friends. This year the General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 14th. The Council Meeting will be at 10:00 and the General Meeting will be held at 11:00 followed by a salad luncheon. You are welcome to come at 10:00 or 11:00. We hope to have a large turnout for this so please make your reservations with Anne Hill at 368-2491 or the church office at 694-4121.
MISSION
You are invited to our 3rd Alternative Christmas Fair On Sunday, December 2nd - 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (Before and After Church)
This is an opportunity for meaningful giving: Help those in need in Marion County and around the world and, at the same time, do your Christmas shopping! There will be gift items from Ten Thousand Villages, an organization that supports craftsmen and women from all over the world. You can purchase Heifer Gifts. Fair Trade Coffee, tea and olive oil will be available. In addition, you can make donations to Marion County Needy and Homeless Children, and other local organizations. Also, bring your gently used T-shirts and sweatshirts to donate to Interfaith.
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PERSONNEL
SESSION
Session Notes October 18, 2012
Church Celebrations Thank you, Jesus! A welcome to the new Elders in the Class of 2015. Several new members will be joining tonight. There is a good variety of crafts for sale this year at the Bazaar. Youth group continues to grow in number. No hurricanes so far this year. Cropwalk has given out 70 participant packets, so far. Fall clean-up was well attended and the buildings and grounds look good! Motions Motion to approve Camp Cornerstones use of the buildings and bus for their summer day camp. Motion to add the following wording to the Personnel Manual: All staff members are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the church life and ministry. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, at no time shall a staff member be eligible to be a Ruling Elder on the Session of this church. Motion to hold a Called Session meeting on November 8, 2012, at 6 p.m. for the purpose of examining the Class of 2015 Elders-elect. Motion to allow the Personnel Ministry to solicit monies for a Staff Christmas Gift. Any monies so collected will be disbursed at the discretion of the Personnel Ministry.
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SESSION (continued)
New Elders Statements of Faith and Faith Journeys
The following are the Statements of Faith of our new elders. These statements and their faith journeys will help you learn about their lives and their beliefs as they lead this congregation.
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SESSION (continued)
at all, had a large group with many conflicting personalities. When the group moved into their Senior High years, I moved along with them for another 6 years. These youth built a bond with one another so strong, it was truly a blessing to watch them grow into adults and Christians. The most astonishing thing to me is even though as their leader, I watched them grow spiritually, they had no idea how much they helped me grow spiritually. After my children were all grown, I went into a little slump with my faith journey, felt a little disconnected from the church. Surely God had more planned for me, I felt I was growing distant from God, I yearned for a deeper closer relationship with God. Larry and I attended the Faith Leaders class last year, and what a blessing that was for me. God opened up new doors, provided new passion and joy, I was able to focus and pray where God wanted me to be, to discern a sense of purpose and gratitude. I am looking forward to this new crossroads in my life and excited where God will take me.
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SESSION (continued)
I first became acquainted with Ft. King Presbyterian church when I attended the Sunday school presentations preparing us for the trip to Israel. As I came to know Charles, Amanda, Rick and Sue, Kyle, Cheryl, Carey, Catey and Ashley, the back of the bus group, I remembered how to laugh. During our trip I watched Pastor Andy pray with us, offer communion in the garden of Gethsemane and reach out to each person on the tour with humor, honesty and inclusion and I felt at home. I came back to this church because here I feel a sense of purpose as God is moving me to reach out to my corner of the world and leave it just a little bit better. The Faith Leader Group helped ground me, reaffirmed Gods purpose in my life and my commitment to His service. Because I believe Jesus message to us was to spread hope, and love and peace, Im excited and ready to walk beside Him. To be an elder is for me an honor and the next right thing to do in my faith journey.
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SESSION (continued)
would seek Gods guidance in my life. After graduation from college I went on to earn my Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University. I still had not found a church home but that never stopped me from finding a special closeness with God especially while in creation enjoying the many miracles that were around me every day. I was called to teach here in Ocala at Belleview High School. Though teaching dance is not exactly the same as the teaching of Jesus, I use him as the example of how I live my life and work with the people that I teach. I try to live the way Jesus lived. I have made mistakes in my life but I believe that Jesus died for my sins. When Michael and I got married we asked my cousin, Sara, a Methodist Minister if she would marry us. She agreed and we were married here in Ocala in 2005. In 2006 I was blessed with my pregnancy. With Cadance soon to arrive, another blessing came, my parents moved to Ocala from Pennsylvania. I am so glad the Holy Spirit moved them to come to Florida and help Michael and me to raise our little girl. Then came a very dark time, the loss of my brother and two miscarriages had me so angry, asking God why those things happened. Though I still dont have an answer why they happened I do know that I trust God and know that there is a plan for my life. Once again the Holy Spirit worked though my mom to get me back to the church. It was time to come home. The voice of the Holy Spirit also sets me to work and calls me to be active in the church. I enjoy being involved in the Childrens Ministry and have also been interested in worship, sharing my God given talent to move people through dance. I am honored to serve Fort King Presbyterian as an Elder and pray that God will give me guidance, Jesus will continue to inspire my life and the Holy Spirit will move me in the right direction with my choices and leadership.
STEWARDSHIP
Statistical Report on Consecration Sunday Results As of October 28, 2012
A total of 88 giving units (husbands and wives or single persons) completed Estimate of Giving Cards on Sunday, October 28, 2012. A total of 55 of these giving units increased their financial commitment above their last years amount. A total of 88 giving units present to fill out Estimate of Giving Cards on Sunday, October 28, 2012 committed a total of $ 234,676.00.
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STEWARDSHIP (continued)
Based on last years giving records, we can expect to receive $ 57,751.00 during the coming year from people who have consistent giving patterns during the past twelve months but were not present for Consecration Sunday. Based on the average total of loose offerings during the past three years, we can expect to receive $ 8,216.00 during the coming year from that source. Church income from non-donor sources such as interest, rentals, and fees $ 0. This gives us a grand total of $ 286,562.00 anticipated income for the next twelve months (For preliminary budgeting purposes, we have discounted the Estimate of Giving Cards by 6% reflecting expected shortfall due to uncollected accounts and may make further adjustments as Session determines appropriate). The total income for our general operating budget during the last twelve months was $ 267,566.00. Based on our results as of October 28, 2012, it appears that next year we can expect our operating budget income to increase by $ 18,996.00. This is a 7.1 percent increase in total giving above last year. Respectfully submitted, David L. MacKay, Treasurer
WORSHIP
Poinsettias in the Sanctuary During the Christmas Season
One beautiful expression of our joy at Christmas is to have the sanctuary decorated with poinsettias. We invite you to help with this. Please consider ordering a poinsettia in honor of someone or in memory of someone to be displayed during the Christmas season in our Sanctuary. You can then take the poinsettia home and enjoy it there. Each poinsettia is $10.00. You can place your order in the offering plate on a Sunday, or drop it off in the Church office. All checks should be made payable to Fort King Presbyterian Church with poinsettia written on the notation line. Poinsettias may be picked-up after worship service on 12/30/12. Thank you! (See the back of the November calendar for order form)
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WORSHIP
Flower Calendar
Please note: I am trying to work ahead on the flowers, so if you would like to provide flowers to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221 as soon as possible. Please also note: It is never too early to call to select your chosen date. As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers through November 2012 and in January, February, and March, 2013. If you can provide flowers for a date in 2013, please call Nancy Hall. Thank you. Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services. November 4, 2012From Debbie and Larry Bush in celebration of our 26th wedding anniversary November 11, 2012In remembrance of Cleance Pritchett from his daughter, Sherry November 18, 2012From Joy Hunt in memory of my beloved husband, Jim November 25, 2012In loving memory of my husband, Walter John Schulze, on the 6th anniversary of his passing December 2, 2012 - December 30, 2012poinsettias in the Sanctuary January 6, 2013From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 28th wedding anniversary January 13, 2013In loving memory of Phyllis Durgin from her family January 20, 2013In memory of our parents, Hugh and Margaret Hill and Bill Reed from Jim and Anne Hill January 27, 2013From Harold and Roselle Pringle in celebration of their 18th wedding anniversary February 3, 2013In memory of my dear friend, Peggy Wiechens, from Mary Ellen Vowinkel February 10, 2012In celebration of our 57th wedding anniversary on February the 11th from Steve and Janet Mitchell February 17, 2013(this date is taken but not being announced at this time) February 24, 2013OPEN March 3, 2013OPEN March 10, 2013OPEN March 17, 2013OPEN March 24, 2013From Jean Brown, Hal, Douglas, Bruce, and Lynn in loving memory of husband and father, Halowell E. Brown March 31, 2013Easter (Easter lilies will be placed in the Sanctuary) April 7, 2013---In celebration of our 18th wedding anniversary and Emilys 16th birthday from Kimber and Lauren Merriam April 14, 2013---OPEN April 21, 2013---OPEN April 28, 2013---OPEN
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WORSHIP (continued)
Something to Think About The Epistles of I and II Timothy and Titus
Historical evidence indicates quite clearly: These epistles were not referred to in major collections of Christian writings in the first century and not until the late second century CE; The language, thought, and style are thoroughly un-Pauline (B. Mack 1996 Who Wrote the New Testament 206); The episcopal form of church government was supported, which means submission/obedience to the Bishop, contrary to the Apostle Paul, most certainly contrary to Jesus of Nazareth; and, finally, What has been received as sound doctrine/traditions, moral behavior, religious-liturgical teachings must be accepted by a believer and strictly adhered to (see I Timothy 6:3 et al.). Therefore, sound words = doctrinal teaching = Christian Religion = Faith.
There is no evidence at all that belief or faith was to be in God or in Jesus Christ and no evidence for a one-onone personal relationship with Jesus. Indeed, there is a universe separating from John 20:31: These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. I Timothy 3:16f. states: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among gentiles, believed-in throughout the world, taken-up in glory. There is no Gospel-story of Jesus of Nazareth, no crucifixion or resurrection. What is written is to be believed end of story! You are a Christian if you keep sound words (I Tim. 6:3) and the teaching. A most delightful section is I Timothy 2:11, 12: Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent! If women are to be saved, itll be through childbearing (I Timothy 2:15); and any man knows that it was the woman who was first deceived (I Timothy 2:14, 15)! But of course! For sure, dont listen to anyone who teaches differently from the established doctrines of the church that is governed by a bishop. As incredible as it seems, there are those who think this is the way life ought to be lived today! Were certainly doing our best to maintain sound doctrine, the truth, the teaching (of the Apostles?), etc. But, no man in his right mind will tell women in the Church today to be submissive, not to have authority over men, etc., if he knows whats good for him! Uh huh! And all this means what?
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WORSHIP (continued)
We may want to hold onto sound doctrine, a true theology, a belief-system that guarantees ones own personal salvation, on the one hand; and, on the other, We are subject to social forces in our national community that requires us to give authority to women over men; that allows leadership positions, even ordination for a pastorate, to gays and lesbians; that does not believe that childbirth saves a woman because being a woman is a larger concept than being a mother, etc. II Timothy 3:16 is frequently quoted in order to prove that the NT writings/scriptures were inspired by God: All scripture/Graphe is inspired by God and profitable These words in Greek can also be translated (without straining the Greek language): Every scripture/Graphe inspired by God is also The Greek text is ambiguous. But what does it mean and what is the origin of the idea? Of this we can be precise. The term Graphe/scripture refers specifically to the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT and apocryphal writings known as the Septuagint/LXX: Philo Judaeus of Alexandria in the 30s taught the Greek-speaking Jews of Alexandria, Egypt that the LXX was inspired by God, so that God, the Self-Existent is revealed in and through the words of Scripture, i.e. the LXX. John 5:39 reflects Philos attitude: search the scriptures (the LXX), for in them you find eternal life! And all this means? That scriptures in II Timothy does not refer to the NT which had not even begun to be formed until the late second century CE (The Muratorian Fragment in Bart D. Ehrman 2003 Lost Scriptures 331ff; indeed: Titus and Timothy are held sacred in the esteem of the Church catholic for the regulation of ecclesiastical discipline). For Greek-speaking Jews and Christians in the Roman Empire, the LXX was the revealed spoken/written word. It was not until 367 CE that Athanasius, Bishop of the church in Alexandria, Egypt, put forward a list for a NT canon for the church. In 393 CE, the Third Synod of Carthage ratified the NT canon as proposed by Athanasius that included I, II Timothy and Titus. This is the point: Social forces have forced the Christian religion to re-shape itself in ways that are clearly beyond the expectations of a world of the 2nd century CE! Historical research has been going on since the Reformer, Martin Luther, pinned his 95 Theses to the Church in Wittenberg. These researches pierce through Church theology and dogma a lot of it self-serving -- in order to discover the historical Jesus of Nazareth and what he said, all of which has profound meaning for the Churchs self-understanding and its concept of ministry in the world. But, we continue to toy with 2nd century CE hardline theology, doctrines, beliefs, liturgies, behaviors, moralities that support a bishop-oriented and controlled church. That all may be a wonderful security blanket in a world of turmoil and confusion. The question is: do we want security and comfort offered by a 2nd century CE. theology, or do we want to face the reality of the world we live in? The latter is hard work it is uniquely the work of the Church. And yes, the Scriptures are important to understand; however, what we learned as children may no longer be meaningful today. What we must now do is address the world in which we live as Jesus addressed his world. Something to think about. Shalom, Tom
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FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13 N.E. 36th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470
Label
Mens 6:00 Worship Night Out (off-site) Ministry 6:00 - 8:00 Marions United (FH) 7:00 AA (CE) Womens Re treat 5 6 9:00 - 11:45 Library 9:30 Prayer 9:15 Adult Ed Shawl 7:30 Mens Bible 10:00 Choir Practice Ministry Study 10:30 Worship 9:30 Small Group 3:00 Financial Study Peace University 2:00 - 7:30 Fencing 5:00 PYC Academy (FH) Womens Retreat 6:00 Evangelism Ministry 5:15 TOPS (FH) 5:30 Mission Ministry 13 12 11 9:00 - 11:45 Library 7:30 Mens Bible Study 9:15 Adult Ed 10:00 Choir Practice 10:30 Worship 11:30 Discipleship 2:00 - 7:30 Fencing Youth Ministry Academy (FH) 11:30 Child Security 4:30 Property 5:15 TOPS (FH) Training Ministry Noon Faith Leaders 3:00 Financial 6:00 Finance 7:00 Esther Circle Peace University Ministry (off site) 4:00 Congrega6:00 Discipleship tional Care Ministry Ministry 5:00 PYC Child 5:00 High Tide 18 19 20 9:00 - 11:45 Library 9:15 Adult Ed 7:30 Mens Bible 10:00 Deborah 10:00 Choir Practice Study Circle 10:30 Worship 9:30 Small Group Study Noon Faith Leaders 2:00 - 7:30 Fencing 3:00 Financial Academy (FH) Peace University 5:15 TOPS (FH) 5:00 PYC 25 27 26 2 Cents A Meal and Food4Kids 7:30 Mens Bible 9:00 - 11:45 Library Study 9:15 Adult Ed 2:00 - 7:30 Fencing 10:00 Choir Practice Academy (FH) 10:30 Worship 5:15 TOPS (FH) Noon Faith Leaders 3:00 Financial Peace University 5:00 PYC 4 8 7 Fellowship Hall Floo rs Waxed 11:00 Adult Discipleship Ministry 4:00 Fellowship Ministry 6:00 Worship Ministry 7:00 Choir Practice 14 10:00 PW Council & General Meeting (FH) 1:00 The Sassy Seniors (off-Site) 9 10:00 Card Making Ministry (off-site) 10
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WORSHIP
Poinsettias in the Sanctuary During the Christmas Season
One beautiful expression of our joy at Christmas is to have the sanctuary decorated with poinsettias. We invite you to help with this. Please consider ordering a poinsettia in honor of someone or in memory of someone to be displayed during the Christmas season in our Sanctuary. You can then take the poinsettia home and enjoy it there. Each poinsettia is $10.00. You can place your order in the offering plate on a Sunday, or drop it off in the Church office. All checks should be made payable to Fort King Presbyterian Church with poinsettia written on the notation line. Poinsettias may be picked-up after worship service on 12/30/12. Thank you!
Poinsettia Order (Please Print) _______ (Number of poinsettias) @ $10.00/each _______________ given by__________________________________________________ in honor/memory of ________________________________________ circle one ________________________________________ (Please place order and payment in the offering plate or turn into the Church Office.)
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