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Adult Object Lesson

Adult Object Lesson: Colossians 1:15-28

Sing a New Song

We’ve discussed the Mary/Martha Gospel story before, so this week we are going to offer an adult object lesson based on the epistle lesson. 

This passage isn’t easy to read and realistically it will not resonate with your listeners when it is read in church. It’s all sort of “cosmic.” Complicated!

The letter is often attributed to Paul, but scholars suspect that a follower of Paul wrote it, (despite the claim in verse 23 and the opening verse of Colossians).

Part of the reason this passage does not easily connect with today’s listeners is that we are not in on a cultural “secret.”

The passage is referencing passages of scripture that would have been known to the first recipients of this letter. Among these passages is Proverbs 8:27-31.

I was there when he set the heavens in place,

when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
when he established the clouds above
   and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
when he gave the sea its boundary
   so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
rejoicing in his whole world
   and delighting in mankind.

Theologians today refer to the passage from Colossians as a “Christ hymn.”

It might help your congregation to understand it by examining well-known hymn that is more modern but similar in structure—Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation.

Calling this hymn “modern” is a bit of a stretch. The words date back to the 7th century, but they were translated and put to new music in the 19th century when so many of the hymns we use today were first sung. 

Your congregation is likely to know or at least have heard this hymn before. 

Read it with your congregation before your sing it. Point to the similarities in message and structure.

This hymn cuts to the chase without referring to the ancient scriptures proving he is the firstborn of all creation. This is already proved! So this proven belief takes the place of the first verses of this passage from Colossians.

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the Church in one;
Holy Zion’s help forever
And our confidence alone.

The second verse addresses relationship with Christ—similar to verses 19-23a in today’s Epistle.

To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
Come with all Your loving kindness,
Hear Your people as they pray;
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within these walls today.

The hymn then moves to the “cosmic” and our long-term relationship with God and the hope of glory (like verse 25-31 of the Colossians text).

Grant, we pray, to all Your faithful
All the gifts they ask to gain;
What they gain from You, forever
With the blessed to retain;
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign.

As is typical in hymn structure, this ancient hymn closes with praise for God in all His forms.

Praise and honor to the Father,
Praise and honor to the Son,
Praise and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one:
One in might and one in glory
While unending ages run!

And so with this unending history of hymns in praise to God, your congregation will have studied three hymns today. The hymn from Proverbs, the Christ Hymn from Colossians and the more modern hymn, Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.

They can feel proud of themselves and sing with joy.

Adult Object Lesson: Luke 10:1-11,16-20

ducksJesus Sends His Followers 2×2

Note: For the first time we are including a musical offering to enhance the object lesson. It’s at the end.

It is summer and the seaside will attract many of us for some rest and relaxation.

Waves are our object for today. If you use a projector in worship, use photos of waves. Or stir up your own waves in a large glass bowl.

There is something refreshing about staring at the motion of water and particularly the sea. It doesn’t matter if the waves reach gently for dry land or crash with untamable power onto the rocks and shoreline. We can’t take our eyes off the beauty, the power, and the fact that we have no control over it. The water will have its way!

Today’s gospel, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, is about a great sending. Jesus sends 7o apostles ahead of him in pairs or 2×2 (for which our ministry is named).

Jesus gives a list of Spartan instructions, which are designed to make sure the mission is not forgotten. Take nothing for yourself. Try to reach everyone, but don’t waste time if ears and minds are closed.

The thought that God is relying on us is humbling.

There is a warning that things might not always go smoothly. The message they will be preaching will at times be harsh. People WILL have a hard time hearing it.

Jesus includes some fire and brimstone. (Some of this is in the excluded verses. Go ahead and read them.)

The 70 have a pretty good first maiden voyage. They return to Jesus impressed with the power that Jesus gave them.

Who knows how many times these first apostles reached out to new people? How many shores did they reach? How many times did they return to the water of their baptism for revival?

That’s what your adult learners can think about as they watch the waves this summer, returning again and again to the sea, reaching ever higher toward land as the tide rises.

The job we, as modern apostles, are asked to do remains challenging. We still face rejection.

Sometimes the path will be pleasant and rewarding, but there is no promise that the sea will always be gentle. Yet, it is with the power of the Word that we reach out. We are to take no pride in this power. We are fortunate to have the relationship with the Lord and the promise of heaven.

This is a complex analogy for adult learners but today’s lesson can include the children of the congregation by having all join together with one or both of the following songs which relate to today’s gospel. One is a 2×2 original. We’ve paired it with an American spiritual.

It is designed to be fun. Having fun together as a congregation is a good educational tool. You can exclude the parts in parentheses and some of the rhythms if you want your worship to be more formal.

To help you learn the songs there’s a homemade audio to give you the basic tune. This is our first venture in offering music. We’ll get better at it. Promise.

2×2 song

2×2

(Each x indicates a clap)

Two by two x
Two by two x
Jesus sent apostles out two by two
And they preached. xx
And they taught. xx
They made the demons take a walk. (Get lost!)
Jesus sent apostles out
Two x by x two. xx

Two by two x
Two by two x
Jesus still is sending us two by two.
We will preach. xx
We will teach. xx
Every nation we must reach. (Each one!)
Jesus sent apostles out (Knock on pew) xx xxx
Jesus sent apostles out (Knock on pew) xx xxx
Jesus sent apostles out
Two x by x two. xx

and / or

You can move directly into a new rhythm and keep it going, rapping on a guitar soundboard or on a pew. Clapping can work, too.

Knock. Knock.
Knock. Knock. Knock. (repeat throughout the next song)

The American Spiritual: Somebody’s knocking at your door

The link above is to a more professional rendition of this spiritual, although it is presented in a very fun style.

Here’s our humble effort: Somebody’sKnocking

Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Oh, sinner. Why don’t you answer?
Somebody’s knocking at your door.

Knocks like Jesus.
Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Can’t you hear him?
Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Oh, sinner, why don’t you answer?
Somebody’s knocking at your door.

Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Somebody’s knocking at your door.
Oh, sinner. Why don’t you answer?
Somebody’s knocking at your door.

Close with the traditional knock:

Knock. Knock.   Knock, knock, knock.

Shout: Who’s there?

You can use this same closing knock on 2×2 Song if you use only one of the songs.

photo credit: wili_hybrid via photopin cc

Adult Object Lesson: Galatians 5: 1, 13-25

action figureThis Is A Job for Superman

This Sunday’s lectionary addresses the cost of discipleship. Both the Old Testament lesson (1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21) and the Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) talk about exactly what is expected of a follower of Christ. Weave these expectations into your discussion of Galatians.

Today’s object is a superhero action figure. Use your favorite: Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Wonder Woman . . . whatever.

All superheroes have a mission. They fight evil. Galatians gives us a good list for any writer of action stories to reference.

  • fornication
  • impurity
  • licentiousness
  • idolatry
  • sorcery
  • enmities
  • strife
  • jealousy
  • anger
  • quarrels
  • dissensions
  • factions
  • envy
  • drunkenness
  • carousing, and things like these.

Each action hero has certain strengths and weaknesses. Knowing them is part of the fun in following the story. Will Superman finally be overcome by kryptonite? Will his bullet proof outfit save him? Will he remember to use his X-ray vision?

Talk about your superheroes’ special qualities.

Ask your congregation to create a superhero to fight the list of evils presented in Galatians. What special powers would their hero have? What weaknesses might hinder him or her in conquering evil?

This should lead to an interesting discussion. Have fun with it.

In the end, refer your congregation to the qualities that Paul lists as antidotes for evil.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is

  • love
  • joy
  • peace
  • patience
  • kindness
  • generosity
  • faithfulness
  • gentleness
  • and self-control.

How many of these qualities did you give your superhero? Are these qualities enough to get the job done?

photo credit: JD Hancock via photopin cc

Adult Object Lesson: Luke 7:36–8:3

couponCrashing the Party

Today’s object is a coupon.

When people clip coupons, they care about only two things.

  1. The promise of substantial savings.
  2. The conditions and expiration dates.

The lure of savings is in large, bold and probably red type.

The conditions and expiration date are microscopic.

Coupons work this way. They save you money only if you buy the product the issuer wants you to buy when they want you to buy it. Coupons are a way of controlling the market—while giving the illusion that it’s the consumer they care about. 

The issuer of a coupon is sure that their offering is worthy. They are well-branded—rich and important. Giving a tiny bit—while factoring the gift into the cost—will add to their wealth and status.

But a heavenly coupon is different. The offer of salvation is in big, bold letters.

The fine print may surprise you.

Today’s gospel addresses our tendency to presume that because we have chosen to follow God that we are suddenly better than the other guy. We are in a position to showcase our superiority. We are the bearers of a valuable coupon that, if we read only the large print, leads us to believe:

  • We are better than others.
  • We are certainly better than sinners.
  • We are better than the best people of other faiths and so much better than those who don’t believe at all.

Jesus addresses our self-satisfaction with a story of his own in today’s scripture. But for now, let’s stick to our own little parable.

The Pharisee read the coupon’s large print and issued his own coupon offer. At first, we are led to believe that Jesus alone has been invited to dinner. Later verses reveal that the dinner has many guests. So it’s a party! “Come to my party for Jesus. There is something in it for you!”

The Pharisee is maximizing his status. He is giving with the expectation of reward!

We in the church can do this, too.

The Pharisee’s dinner party is a show. A boast. The Pharisee can contribute to the cause and assure himself status in heaven and, for the time being, on earth.

Then, there is the small print. The disclaimer and the expiration date. The Pharisee’s coupon comes with conditions. Read carefully.

The Pharisee’s conditions are that you are already accepted in fine society, worthy to cross his threshold.

The woman who intrudes on this party has the original coupon. She read the small print. She saw the conditions — repent and believe. Expiration date? There is none!

This woman, already low in society’s ladder of importance, coupon in hand (so to speak), intrudes on a dinner party intended for the best of society. Not only is she a woman (not to be listened to) but she is recognized as a sinner. She is such a sinner that there is no need to address the sin. It’s taken for granted. Everyone knows.

The host and important guests are aghast. Who let her in?

Jesus, the guest of honor, applauds her daring. He points to her humility and sacrifice—her willingness to make a public spectacle of her devotion despite the shame and public ridicule she knows so well.

With the odds stacked against her, she wants her part of the promise. She read the fine print. She intends to redeem this coupon for full value.

And that is just fine with Jesus.

photo credit: Max Nathan via photopin cc

Adult Object Lesson: The Widow of Nain

donation

The Value of A Miracle

Luke 7:11-17; 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30

Today’s object is a dollar bill or an assortment of paper money of different values.

Today’s Gospel mirrors an Old Testament miracle in 1 Kings 17:17-24.

In the New Testament, Jesus raises the only son of a widow. In the Old Testament, Elijah performs a similar miracle.

There are differences in the stories.

Elijah resurrects the dead son of a widow who has shown kindness to him. The widow is wracked with guilt. She holds her son to her bosom and examines her soul for her sinfulness that cost her the life of her son.

We don’t know if similar thoughts were going through the mind of the widow of Nain. But we can guess that she was feeling just as desperate.

In the New Testament story, Jesus is a stranger passing by who senses her distress. The widow is not looking to him for help. She is wrapped up in her own misfortune. Jesus sees through her agony and intrudes on a funeral procession. He raises the dead young man. The son sits up on the funeral bier and speaks as his body is being carried to a tomb. He was probably wrapped in a funeral shroud, his gray skin coated with fragrant oils and dusted with spices. He is dead beyond doubt. But he sits up and speaks. Dramatic!

What value is there in these two miracles? Hold up your paper money and ask your congregation to answer this question in today’s terms. What is the value of a resurrected life?

There is a dollar value (denari value). The social order of the day provided no Social Security. The son was the provider for the mother—the only provider. As she grieved for her son, she faced destitution.

There is value in the fact that she need no longer question her sin. Whatever divine power had judged her and taken her son from her had just reprieved her. Foreshadowing of a resurrection yet to come! Every writer knows the value of foreshadowing!

There is value to the young man and society. He will earn a living, marry and enjoy his own family, and contribute to society.

But the focus on this story is the value of the miracle itself. Each story has a similar ending.

The Elijah story is more personal and private.

So the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”

When Jesus resurrects the son of the widow of Nain the value of the story is in that it is witnessed by the village. The village is joined in grief.  Together, they witness a miracle.

The value of that miracle begins with economics and ends with “buzz.”

Buzz leads to belief. Belief leads to faith.

Here are verses 16-17.

Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

How do we look today look upon our works as a community of God. Do we measure them for their monetary value? Do we measure them by their ability to witness?

This is an important question for today’s church as we increasingly rely on the funding of secular programs to do good things in our society.

Our choices are often driven by economics. A church’s dollar seems to go farther when it is pooled with government dollars or well-funded and publicized not-for- profits.

But missing from these good works is an important value that has a less obvious value monetarily. The work of the church can be a compelling witness beyond the value of the deed. The work of the church can bring people to faith. Faith-driven people can do wonders, practically and economically.

You can finish with the closing verses of today’s Psalm.

Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

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Adult Object Lesson: Trinity Sunday

tricycleIt’s A Wonderful Gift! (What Is It?)

If ever there was a Sunday that cried for an object lesson it is Trinity Sunday. On this day we concentrate on a key teaching of Christianity — and one that puzzles even great theological thinkers.

But what objects work?

St. Patrick  plucked a shamrock from the lush meadows of Ireland and talked about the single plant with three leaves. Artists intertwine circles or draw equilateral triangles. 

I always like the image of the tricycle. The three wheels give us balance. The front wheel (representing the Spirit) drives all three and makes an inert, well-balanced vehicle get somewhere.

But here’s a new image for you.

The gift you don’t quite know what to do with.

Think of your own example. It might be something unusual in appearance or difficult to  put together. A puzzle, perhaps.

I think of one Christmas when I opened a small package. It contained a small jar of liquid and a few sticks of wood. I thanked the giver graciously, went home and pondered. I sat it on the kitchen table and looked at it for a while. At last, I called someone at the party whose discretion I trusted and said, “I am sure this is a wonderful gift but I have to confess. I haven’t the slightest idea what it is. Can you tell me? I want to write a thank you note and I don’t know what to say!”

She was so patient with me. The jar contained a scented liquid. You opened the jar and placed a stick in the jar. The stick would draw the scent from the jar to freshen a room.

Ahh! I see!

Now I understood and knew what I was supposed to do with the gift. The “Spirit” had spoken.

These few verses from John are like a gift we don’t quite know what to do with.

Only in this case the giver knows He is presenting us with a puzzle!

Jesus warns his listeners. “You are not ready for this.” There is a puzzling transfer of ownership taking place. It starts with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and voice. Jesus tries to explain. “All that the Father has is mine. He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

  • The Father has everything.
  • The Father  shares everything with the Son.
  • Through the voice of the Holy Spirit, everything is declared to us.

Do you get it? Don’t worry if you don’t. No one really does.

We are still not ready! All we can do is listen to the voice of the Spirit and do our best.

And don’t forget to thank the Giver.

photo credit: Yelnoc via photopin cc

Adult Object Lesson: Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 and Psalm 97

Breaking the  Shackles of Life

We all have our cages.Today’s object is a cage. It should be obviously locked—perhaps with an extra lock to add some drama.

Today’s lessons revolve around the lesson from Acts 16:16-34. Paul and Silas are beaten severely. The Bible leaves their pain to our imaginations. We all know what it feels like to be beaten — if not literally, then figuratively.

The beating is a biblical act of bullying. Some important people are upset. They use their influence to incite the masses. The masses are all to eager too please the influencers in their lives.

The bullying doesn’t end with taunting and beating. Paul and Silas are thrown into jail—the ultimate punishment that causes ongoing shame even after release. Death might seem worse. But living with the history and memory of incarceration is a life-long challenge.

All the verbal and physical punishment means nothing compared to the wielding of power that the cage or jail cell represents. It is meant to control and wear down the encaptured. Cages are meant to change who you are. (And it is usually not meant to make you better!)

Cages keep us from reaching our true potential.

What do Paul and Silas do in their cage—aching with the pain of beating, shackled, robbed of their freedom and mobility, hidden in the most desolate part of the prison?

Paul and Silas sing hymns of joy.

They are able to do so because of the gospel of love, including today’s reading: John 17:20-26.

This passage is the “Other Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus prays expressly for his disciples.

He prays to His Father (and our Father), “that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Bring this prayer to your listeners today. Reread that and substitute the word “we” and “us” for “they” and “them.”

The promise of the coming glory makes the cages of our lives bearable—and we all have cages. We may feel trapped in a job, trapped in a marriage, trapped in a toxic relationship, trapped by bureaucracy, trapped by tradition, trapped by our own weaknesses and shortcomings.

Which brings us to the joyful psalm of the day. Perhaps this was the song that Paul and Silas were singing. Psalm 97.

Here’s an excerpt.

Psalm 97: 10-12

The Lord loves those who hate evil; he guards the lives of his faithful; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked. Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

If your prayers were answered and you somehow escaped your personal cage, what would you do? It might depend on what we do while we are in our cages!

As you and your congregation repeat the psalm together, open the door of the cage.

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Adult Object Lesson: John 10: 22-30

Write A Résumé for Jesus

goodshepherdPlockhorstJohn’s Gospel has one major objective. John seeks to define Jesus in a way that people will believe him to be the Messiah or Christ.

Every incident in John’s narrative adds new dimension to this mysterious person named Jesus.

He is a carpenter’s son, part of a well-known but common family. Often he is seen as a rabbi or teacher. The woman at the well calls him a prophet. Son of God? Son of Man? There are attempts to anoint him as King. He teaches. He heals. He raises people from the dead. Who is Jesus?

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus makes a pronouncement from the portico of the temple used by temple authorities to pronounce judgment. This is a place where people go to have difficult decisions explained to them.

So what Jesus says here —in this important place—may be his big moment.

The excitement must have been palpable. Would he declare himself King of the Jews? Would he use this moment to elevate his position? Would the lucky members of this audience experience an historic moment they will someday share with their grandchildren?

Jesus instead claims one of the lowliest jobs one can ever type into a résumé.

Occupation: Shepherd

Filling out a résumé is something your congregation will have experience doing. Ask them to write a résumé for Jesus. Describe his work experience as a shepherd and how these skills qualify him to be their spiritual leader.

Give them plenty of time to think beyond the obvious and do as little prompting as possible. Adults are capable of applying metaphors. Help them explore the metaphor more fully.

Be prepared for answers such as:

  • Comes from an experienced family
  • Save flock from predators
  • Ability to get rid of predators
  • Can feed flock
  • Can find clear water for flock
  • Keep the flock together
  • Heal the sick or wounded
  • Make each sheep feel wanted
  • Plays with lambs
  • Responsibility to account for each sheep and lamb
  • Seek fresh resources when food and water supplies are low
  • Train helpers when needed

Use a flip chart or white board to record the answers as you fill out Jesus’ résumé.

You might project some art. If you use several images, ask your members which one they would include on the résumé.

We’ll suggest some images tomorrow.

Adult Object Lesson: Thomas the Doubter

shell gameJohn 20:19-31

The power of doubt

Poor Thomas. What a scapegoat he has been for all of us these last 2000 years!

Thomas’s mistake was not so much his unbelief—he wasn’t alone in that—then or now.

Thomas made his mistake in boasting about his superior intellect. He was no fool to be caught up in fantastic rumors.

You guys can talk all you want about the risen Lord. I’ll believe it when I see it. Strike that! I’ll believe it when I can touch his wounds.

What might have happened at this point? Jesus might never have appeared to Thomas. Thomas might have lived the rest of his days as the obscure apostle who doubted something only a few people were taken in by. In his superiority, he might have spent his remaining life retelling his “I told you so” story.

ThomasArtists in depicting Thomas’s encounter with the risen Lord have done him a great disservice. They like to show Thomas reaching out to touch the wounds of Christ, still open and bleeding. It’s more dramatic than depicting a dumbfounded Thomas.

In fact, this Gospel telling of the story reveals a proud man caught in a self-made trap.

John, the Gospel writer, does not tell us

…and then Thomas placed his hands in Jesus’ side and he believed.

Instead, John tells us that Thomas backs away from his boast. He immediately is humbled. He confesses his faith, “My Lord and my God.”

Your object lesson today is a shell game. Have three paper cups (or walnut shells) and three peas/beans or a similar small object. Set up the game in advance placing a bean under two cups ahead of time. A real shell game operator will make a great show of each cup being empty before the game starts. But your people trust you, don’t they?

As you begin your talk about Thomas, place the third bean under the third cup. Have your congregations watch as you shift the cups around as you talk.

Talk about how our fear of being proven wrong is the root of our resistance to God’s message. At the end, have someone choose a cup and reveal that there is indeed a bean to be discovered. You can reveal the other beans if you like. The point is that God made sure Thomas believed so that we might one day believe too.

God is in control of the outcome of the game.

Oh and by the way . . .

What actually became of Thomas?

Thomas is believed to have carried the gospel story as far as India. He wrote his own account of Jesus’ childhood and his own “revelation” that did not make it into the Bible.

We tend to forget the result of Thomas’s doubt.

Thomas’s doubt caused millions to believe.

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Adult Object Lesson: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha

coffeeIt’s a Matter of Priorities: John 12:1-8

Here is a video link that will help you springboard a conversation about the domestic conflict that results from Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.

Your adults are surely familiar with today’s gospel story. Jesus comes to visit Mary and Martha who become indebted to him for resurrecting their dead brother, Lazarus.

Mary sits at Jesus feet and anoints his feet with very expensive perfume. At least one disciple is upset. The narrator of this story, John, does not hold back in letting us know how he feels about Judas.

In comes Martha. While Mary has been doting on Jesus, Martha has been preparing to feed and entertain Jesus and his entourage. Dinner for at least 16—no small feat in the pre-appliance age.

Jesus responds with a lesson in values and priorities.

If you can share this video with your members, please do. Show it in church, during fellowship, or at least include a link in your weekly email newsletter. (You do have a weekly email newsletter, don’t you?).

If you can’t show the video, tell the story. Your object can be a cup of coffee — or two cups of coffee—one paper, plastic or styrofoam cups and one more elegant. You might conduct your own experiment and offer an assortment of cups to your group. You might show the video at coffee fellowship.

Note that the professor in this video serves coffee to his guests after listening to a gripe session. He is not unlike Jesus in this regard. The former students were feeling put upon by the world — like Martha.

This story is not so much about right and wrong as it is about priorities. Weave the video’s message with Jesus’s message about how we determine what is important in our lives. Discuss the viewpoints of each key figure in the story—Jesus, Mary, Martha, Judas, and Lazarus. You might also include the author of this gospel, John. He chooses to tell this story for a reason!

Enjoy a cup of coffee.

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