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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2023) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 (2023) -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023
Genesis 45:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2023) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2023) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2023) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Transfiguration Sunday (2023) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Exodus 24:12-18
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2023) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
Exodus 14:19-31
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2023) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2023) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2023) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2023) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2023) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2023) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 4 (2023) -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 5 (2023) -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45, Psalm 130 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 37:1-14

StoryShare

Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
One Hit Wonder -- Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!    Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
Seeing And Not Seeing -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

The Greatest Law -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
Contents "The Greatest Law" by Frank Ramirez
A Certain Lack of Strategy -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Contents "A Certain Lack of Strategy" by Keith Hewitt
Make a Way Through the Desert -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Contents "Make a Way Through the Desert" by Frank Ramirez
No Longer a Slave -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
Contents"No Longer a Slave" by Frank Ramirez
If Thy Eye Offend Thee... -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Contents "If Thy Eye Offend Thee..." by Keith Hewitt
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents "Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Tidal Surge -- Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Contents "Tidal Surge" by C. David McKirachan
The Witness -- John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
Contents "The Witness" by Keith Hewitt "Reliable Women" by Frank Ramirez
Lousy Way To Run A Business -- John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Contents "Lousy Way to Run a Business" by C. David McKirachan
Building A Better Beehive -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Contents "Building a Better Beehive" by Frank Ramirez
Prophets For Peace -- Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
Contents "Prophets For Peace" by Frank Ramirez
The Pillow -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
Contents "The Pillow" by C. David McKirachan
Jesus Is Coming, Look Busy -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
Contents "Jesus Is Coming, Look Busy" by C. David McKirachan
Redefining Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
Contents "Redefining Fair" by Peter Andrew Smith
Sign Me Up! -- Luke 4:14-21, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
Contents "Second Opinion" by Keith Hewitt "Sign Me Up!" by Frank Ramirez
Petrified Forest -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Petrified Forest" by Frank Ramirez
Houston, We Have No Problem -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2016
Contents "Houston, we have no problem" by Frank Ramirez
Gone, Forgotten, And Now Remembered -- John 21:1-19, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, Psalm 30 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Gone, Forgotten, and Now Remembered" by Frank Ramirez
A Sense Of History -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "A Sense of History" by Keith Hewitt
On The Shoulders Of Giants -- The King James Translation Of The Bible -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
Contents
Too Good To Be True -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
Contents "Too Good To Be True" by Frank Ramirez
Sauer Grapes -- Mistreating Aliens -- Psalm 82 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2016
Contents "Sauer Grapes -- Mistreating Aliens" by Keith Wagner
Think And Let Think -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
Contents "Think and Let Think" by John Sumwalt
A Petition For Justice -- Luke 14:25-33, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
Contents "A Question of Hospitality" by Keith Hewitt
More Than One Winner -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
Contents "More Than One Winner" by Frank Ramirez

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:18-29Theme: This Is Doable!
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5Theme: Game Over
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joshua 5:9-12Theme: Today I Have Taken Away Your Shame
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Haggai 1:15b--2:9Theme: You Ain't See Nothin' Yet!
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 62:6-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-12Theme: Looking Back To Look Forward
Christmas Day -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 3:4-7Theme: The Hope Of Eternal Life
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Joy In Healing
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-29Theme: I Need A Hero
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
First Tomato, First Apple, First Fruits -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Christmas Day -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20Theme: The Present You Never Dreamed Of
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 2:4-13Theme: Memory AidCall To Worship
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: View From A Height
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32Theme: Treating Sinners Like Old Friends
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 20:27-38Theme: Smart Aleck Questions, Smart Answers
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25Theme: Sweeping Changes
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26Theme: Roots
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16Theme: Just A Brief Word, Please
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23Theme: That's Him!
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:16-21Theme: No Reruns Here
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Theme: Idleness Versus Sabbath
First Sunday After Christmas -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:12-17Theme: Grow In Favor With The Lord!
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:1, 7-14Theme: First, Last, And Always
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:44-53Theme: Why Do We Wonder?
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:4b-14Theme: I Want To Know Christ
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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