First Immanuel Lutheran Church374 S. 3rd St., San Jose CA 95112 • (408) 292-5404

www.firstimmanuel.org

“…your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

OUR STAFFMinisters .......................................................... All members of First ImmanuelSenior Pastor, Pastor/English Ministries............... Pastor Donald D. SchneiderPastor/Hispanic Ministries .................................. Pastor Gabriel Enrique VallejoBoard of Trustees ..........Don Adam; Dimas Cuevas; Lyn D’Amelio; Garry Gong; Chad ScarbroughOrganist..............................................................................................Michael CalaChoir Director.......................................................................................Julie SmithManager of Community Outreach Ministry Endeavor ..........David von SchriltzOffice Administrator/Business Manager ............................................Gail LopezDirector of Trisagion (youth drama/music group) ...............................Harry ReedGroundskeeper ........................................................................................R.L. Mix

Office: (408) 292-5404 Fax: (408) 297-8748 C.O.M.E.: (408)286-8413

“No one knows about that day

or hour, not even…the Son,

but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

— “In formation” for a dynamic faith-walk with God, ourselves and others —

New Advent 2010 Series begins today!

If you watch QVC or scan many store windows, you’d think Christmas is already come! Even in such lean economic times, the hunger for holiday is still deep and strong. But so is the thirst for a Savior, the “living water” of our faith-walk and One promised of old. As we walk again in the shadow of His advent, drawing near His manger once more, walk the way again “for the first time.” Come, experience God’s mercies anew being fulfilled in your life through the Babe of Bethlehem and your coming King. Join us in celebration and adoration of Him who is our “life and light,” Christ, the Lord!

“‘Dead’ Plant, New Growth” (Stump, Sprout, Savior—12/5)

“Patience’s Blest Reward” (Hope, Help, Healing—12/12)

“Again…for the First Time” (Not, Near, Now—12/19)

“Real Christmas Love” (Word, Welcome, With—12/25)

“Long Journey, First Step” (Listen, Leave, Live—12/26)

“Salvation Smarts” (Witty, Willing, Wise—1/2/11)

Trilogy Ministries®…

“ ‘Lit’ From Within”FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

AS WE GATHER Today marks the beginning of not just a season but a whole new Church Year. On the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Day (November 30), the Church enters the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany cycle. Far more than a look back to the birth of Jesus Christ, Advent has a present focus in Christ’s other “comings” of Word and Sacrament and His return at the end of days and bring to completion what He began in His incarnation. Between Christ’s first coming as the Son of Mary and His return in glory as Lord and Judge of all, we live in the dimly-lit days of a world with problems and conflicts where tests and trials face both the individual Christian and the Church. In these dark times, it is even more important that we recognize the path of light we have in Christ and walk in and as His light.

The Church At WorshipNovember 28, 2010

C PREPARATION C

GREETING, WELCOME

RINGING OF THE BELLS

ENTRANCE HYMN “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” (LSB 411)I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus.God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus.Refrain;In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike.The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the b rightness of God. I want to look at Jesus.Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father. Refrain:

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I’m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race We shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain:

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the C Son and of the Holy Spirit.People: Amen.

Pastor: The night is far gone; the day is at hand.People: So let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of

light. Romans 13:12

(We pause for a moment of silence and self-reflection)

Pastor: Let us then walk in the light of God’s love as we once more lay before Him our sins. Holy and gracious God,

People: I confess that I have sinned against You this day, O Lord. Some of my sin I know as plain as day—the thoughts and words and deeds of which I am ashamed—but some still lurks in the shadows and is known only to You. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for Your forgiveness and I pray You to deliver and restore me, a lost and condemned sinner. Amen.

Pastor: By the mercy of God we are redeemed by Jesus Christ and in Him we are forgiven. As a called and ordained servant of Christ and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the C Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

Pastor: May He who began this good work within you bring it to completion on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 Peace be with you.

People: And also with you.

ADVENT RESPONSE “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You” (LSB 334, vv. 1-2; TUNE: LSB 442) (The Advent wreath is lit as the hymn is sung.)

O Lord, how shall I meet You How welcome You aright?Your people long to greet You, My hope, my heart’s delight!O kindle, Lord most holy, Your lamp with in my breastTo do in spirit lowly All that may please you best.

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Pastor: I rejoiced with those who said to me, People: “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Pastor: Our feet are standing in your gates, People: O Jerusalem. Pastor: Jerusalem is built like a cityPeople: that is closely compacted together. Pastor: That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, People: to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to

Israel. Pastor: There the thrones for judgment stand, People: the thrones of the house of David. Pastor: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: People: “May those who love you be secure. Pastor: May there be peace within your walls People: and security within your citadels.” Pastor: For the sake of my brothers and friends, People: I will say, “Peace be within you.” Pastor: For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, People: I will seek your prosperity.

EPISTLE Romans 13:(8-10) 11-14 (Put on the armor of light.) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God! (Please stand for the reading of the Gospel)

—5— —4—

Your Zion strews before You Green boughs and fairest palms;And I too will adore You with joyous songs and psalms.My heart shall bloom forever For You with praises newAnd from Your name shall never Withhold the honor due.

C LITURGY OF THE WORD OF GOD C

SALUTATION and COLLECT

Pastor: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.

Pastor: Let us pray. Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come.People: By Your protection, rescue Your people from the threatening

perils of our sins and save us by Your mighty deliverance; Pastor: for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now

and forever.People: Amen. (Please be seated)

OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 2:1-5 (Come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.) This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God!

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 122 (I was glad when they said to me “Let us go to the house of the LORD.)

To hail Thee, Sun of Righteousness, The gather’ring nations come;They joy as when the reapers bear Their harvest treasures home. Their harvest treasures home.

To us a Child of hope is born, To us a Son is giv’n,And on His shoulder ever rests All pow’r in earth and heav’n, All pow’r in earth and heav’n.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace, The Everlasting Lord,The Wonderful, the Counselor, The God by all adored, The God by all adored.

His righteous government and pow’r Shall over all extend;On judgment and on justice based, His reign shall have no end, His reign shall have no end.

SERMON “Putting IN Your Advent Lights” Mt. 24:42

CONFESSION OF FAITH Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; the third day, He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. (Please be seated)

OFFERING “A Time for All Things” Chancel ChoirPlease fill out your Connection Card at this time and place in the offering plate. For those coming

to the Lord’s Supper, we ask that you please read the Communion Statement on the Card and indicate that you will be taking part this morning. If you have further questions, we invite you to

speak with pastor after service.

OFFERTORY HYMN “Voices Raised to You We Offer” (LSB 795, vv. 1-2; TUNE: LSB 924)

Voices raised to You we offer; Tune them, God, for songs of praise. —7—

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You” (LSB 334, vv. 3-4; TUNE: LSB 442)

I lay in fetters, groaning; You came to set me free.I stood, my shame bemoaning; You came to honor me.A glorious crown You give me, A treasure safe on highThat will no fail or leave me As earthly riches fly.

Love caused Your incarnation; Love brought You down to me.Your thirst for my salvation Procured my liberty.Oh, love beyond all telling, That led You to embraceIn love, all love excelling, Our lost and fallen race.

GOSPEL Matthew 24:36-44 (You must be ready because the Son of Man is coming when you least expect Him.)

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord.People: Praise to You, O Christ. (Please be seated)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY “The People That in Darkness Sat” (LSB 412, vv. 1-5)The people that in darkness sat A glorious light have seen;The light has shined on them who long In shades of death have been, In shades of death have been.

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People: Lord, have mercy. Amen.

C LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT C

PREFACE [TUNE: LSB 924]

Pastor: May the Lord, our God, be with you.People: May He also be with you.

Pastor: Lift your hearts in joy to heaven.People: It is right, so right to do!

Pastor: Alleluia! Alleluia!People: Father, Son, and Spirit, too!

PROPER PREFACE (for Advent)

Pastor: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in allplaces give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared, proclaiming Him the promised Messiah, the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and calling sinners to repentance that they might escape from the wrath to be revealed when He comes again in glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying: LSB Altar Book, p.145

SANCTUS [TUNE: LSB 924]Holy, holy, Lord most holy! All creation sings Your praise!Let our hearts with joy abounding Lift Your name in countless ways.Then, once joined with You in heaven, We’ll know love for ceaseless days!

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Pastor: Almighty God, You made all things and still preserve them. You bore with us sinners when we rebelled against You and chose the path that made us captive to darkness, sin, and death. You sent forth the prophets to proclaim the hope of a Savior who would redeem us

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Hearts and hands we bring in tribute For Your gifts through all our days. Alleluia! Alleluia! Triune God, to You we sing!

All creation joins to praise You; Earth and sky Your works display.Art and music, gifts You lend us, We return to You today.Alleluia! Alleluia! God, Creator, source of life!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Pastor: Let us pray on behalf of the world, all people as they have need, and the household of the faithful. . .

(Silence for prayer and meditation)

Pastor: that we may not walk in the darkness of sin and its death but in the light of the Lord; let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Pastor: That we may be steadfast in faith during times of test, trial, and tribulation, that Jesus may find us faithful and ready when He comes again; let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Pastor: That all who suffer, all the sick, all the sorrowful, and all in need may call upon the Lord and be comforted (especially __________), that they may trust in God’s grace for every trouble and circumstance; let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. Pastor: That the nations may walk together in peace, that the leaders of the

nations may act with integrity, wisdom, and justice for all people; let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Pastor: That all who come to the Lord’s table may have faith to receive all that is offered to us there and receive this Holy Communion for their benefit and blessing; let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

—Additional petitions may be included here—

Pastor: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ;

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For with words of life immortal He is knocking at you portal.Open wide the gates before Him, Saying as you there adore Him:Grant, Lord, that I now receive You, That I nevermore will leave you.

He who craves a precious treasure Neither cost nor pain will measure;But the priceless gifts of heavne God to us has freely given.Though the wealth of earth were proffered, None could buy the gifts here offered;Christ’s true body, for you riven, And His blood, for you once given.

Now in faith I humbly onder Over this surpassing wonderThat the bread of life is boundless Though the souls it feeds are countless:With the choicest wine of heaven Christ’s own blood to us is given.Oh, most glorious consolation, Pledge and seal of my salvation!

“Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng” (LSB 813)

Rejoice, O pilgrim throng! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing; Your festal banner wave on high, The cross of Christ your King. Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks and sing!

With voice as full and strong As ocean’s surging praise, Send forth the sturdy hymns of old, The psalms of ancient days. Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks and sing!

With all the angel choirs, With all the saints on earth Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, True rapture, noblest mirth. Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks and sing!

Praise Him who reigns on high, The Lord whom we adore:The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One God forevermore. Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks and sing!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Pastor: O Lord of Light, in the darkness of our sin and its death we had no place to turn but to You. You sent forth Your Light into our darkness and clothed us in the light of Christ. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may live in His light and walk in His light, to the glory of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People: Amen. —11—

from all our afflictions. We give You thanks that Your Word has been fulfilled in the gift of Your Son, born of the virgin Mary, to be our Savior and Redeemer. He has won us back for You by His own death and resurrection and ever sustains us in faith by His Word and Spirit and the Means of Grace which impart them to us.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

LORD’S PRAYERPastor: As You have taught us, so we are bold to pray:People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy

kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

PEACE OF THE LORD

Pastor: The peace of the C Lord be with you all.People: Amen.

AGNUS DEI [TUNE: LSB 924]Holy, holy, Lamb most holy! Paschal gift for sinners slain,Help us know the Promise given — Risen, now, begin Your reign!Bless the bread and wine now taken; Make our sins forgiv’n again! (Please be seated)

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness” (LSB 636)

Soul, adorn yourself with gladness, Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,Come into the daylight’s splendor, There with joy your praises render,Bless the One whose grace unbounded This amazing banquet found;He, though heav’nly, high, and holy, Deigns to dwell with you most lowly.

Hasten as a bride to meet Him, And with loving rev’rence greet Him.

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today. If this is your first time, please let us know via your Connection Card. And check with a “Guest Group” member after the service for a special “thank you” gift!

THE FLOWERS: To the glory of God during this precious waiting time for our new born King!

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK: • Newly forming Call Committe • Jodi (Jean Hollenbeck’s daughter) • Emilia Parriera (Deanna Bye’s mother in rehab) • Holy Cross Lutheran Church • the Sobrato House • our members celebrating birthdays (11/30 Andres Martinez, 11/30 Anthony Ibara, 12/1 Mel Olsen, 12/2 Marcie Olsen, Those celebrating anniversaries (12/1 Wayne and Hildegard Frazier~ 26 years)Need prayer? Please use your Connection Card for prayer requests

ADULT BIBLE STUDY TODAY: 1Corinthians. Come join us!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES UPDATE: The board met on Nov. 17. First, we discussed the vision implementation with Pastor. After reviewing the vision status and next steps, we moved on to new business, starting with approval of a new brochure for designated gifts to the church. Our next task was to finalize a pastoral call committee. Though we have a list of strong candidates, we are currently awaiting confirmation from a couple people before finalizing the five-person team. As soon as the group is finalized, we will announce it to the congregation. After discussing the call committee, we reviewed a new form for congregational ideas and concerns to be brought to the board for consideration. Once that is approved, we will let everyone know. We will meet again in early December. Please continue to pray for the board and pastors as we work to get the vision and the pastoral call committee up and running. Thank you for your support!

C.O.M.E. CHRISTMAS DISTRIBUTION DEC. 16, 2010 C.O.M.E. needs 60 to 70 volunteers to sort, set up and distribute toys and gift baskets. One shift is 10AM- 2PM, the other 4:30-8:00PM. If you can help for an hour or two during these times, please call Wynne Sontag at 408-421-0902. Come join us and get into the true holiday spirit of giving happiness to our clients and their families. So grab a few friends and carpool to First Immanuel on December 16th!

MISSING - It has come to the Christmas Congregational Party committee’s attention that there are quite a few forks missing from the kitchen. To keep our

BENEDICTIONPastor: The LORD bless you and keep you.

The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.The LORD look upon you with favor and C give you peace.

People: Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN “The Night Will Soon Be Ending” (LSB 337, vv. 1, 4-5; TUNE: LSB 527)

The night will soon be ending; The dawn can not be far.Let songs of praise ascending Now greet the Morning Star.All you whom darkness frightens With guilt or grief or pain,God’s radiant Star now brightens And bids you sing again.

Yet nights will bring their sadness And rob our hearts of peace,And sin in all its madness Around us may increase.But now one Star is beaming Whose rays have pierced the; night:God comes for our redeeming From isn’s oppressive might.

God dwells with us in darkness And makes the night as day;Yet we resist the brightness And turn from God away.But grace does not forsake us, However far we run.God claims us still as children Throught Mary’s infant Son.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDEService resources include “Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish,” Concordia Publishing House

© 2010 and Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, ©2006. Used by permission.

AnnouncementsFor the week of November 28, 2010

SERVING IN WORSHIP THIS WEEKHEAD USHER: Chuck Thrash

GREETERS: Jean Hollenbeck and Kevin D’AmelioREADER: Garry Gong

WELCOME, VISITORS: a special welcome to our visitors joining us in worship

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THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Today---------------------- 9:00 AM Communion Service 10:00 AM Catecismo/ Estudio Biblico 10:30 AM Bible Study 11:15 AM Oficio de Adoración 11:30 AM Escuela Dominical 6:00 PM Mosaic Ministry

Monday-------------------

Tuesday------------------ 1:00 PM COME Clothing/Food 7:00 PM Trisagion Wednesday------------- 9:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Bulletin Assembly 1:00 PM COME Food/Clothing 6:00 PM NA Meeting 7:00 PM Advent Service

Thursday---------------- 7:30 AM Pastor’s Meeting 6:00 PM COME Food/Clothing 7:00 PM Q Club 7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Friday------------------- Office Closed 6:00 PM Christmas Dinner

Saturday---------------- 9:00 AM Church Clean Up

Sunday----------------- 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Catecismo/ Estudio Biblico 10:30 AM Bible Study 11:15 AM Oficio de Adoración 11:30 AM Escuela Dominical 6:00 PM Mosaic Ministry

expenses down, we would like to ask if anyone could donate any extra ones that you may have and that you don’t want returned, we would appreciate it. Please call Yvonne Wagener or Norma Gesso if you have questions or would like to help us. Thank you.

C.O.M.E. CHRISTMAS TREE TAGS are in the Narthex. Each tag represents a child in our weekly food program, blue for boys and pink for girls. The tags have the child’s name, age and case number. We hope everyone will take a tag or two, buy an appropriate age gift, wrap it, place the name tag on it, and return it to the tree by the advent service on Dec. 15th. They will be distributed on Dec. 16th. We suggest a limit of $15 for the gifts.

ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES “FAITHFUL AND TRUE” This year’s midweek services (both of them) we will spend time with the Coming Christ of Revelation 19:11. Services are Wednesdays, 12/1 & 12/15 ay 7PM.

C.O.M.E. is in need of medium baskets with or withourt handles to make up gift baskets for the families for Christmas.

HUNGRY, ANYONE? Doesn’t worshiping just bring on that munch factor? If you feel led to bring fruit, pastries, coffee cake, muffins or any other item to share, we’d love you to share it during coffee after the service, today, next Sunday or any other time.

WALK-THRU BETHLEHEM Christmas Celebration at the Sonoma County Fair, Dec. 23 12-5 PM. Flyers with details on the Narthex table.

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS/DECEMBER CALENDARS available in the Narthex.

PRAYER EMPHASIS THIS WEEK: Those in need of prayer:• Holly Bough • Elizabeth Bernardo • Divina Roque • Verna Blanke • Della Jones • Elizabeth Knight • Marcie Olsen • Irma Pankow • Bernarda Sierra • Shirley Stager • Mt. Olive LC (interim ministry) If you have an opportunity, please reach out with a call, a visit or a card!

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