1143 N. 26th Street Bismarck, ND 58501 Pastors John Streccius & Beth Walch
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1143 N. 26th Street Bismarck, ND 58501 Pastors John Streccius & Beth Walch “We love, serve and welcome all so each person knows God’s grace in Christ.” Office Hours: Worship Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-12:00 pm Sundays: 9:30 am Wednesday: 6:15 pm “Sacred Summertime” As a child I remember the last day of school as a day of liberation, freedom, and joy. The final bell rang, and I was free! My summers were filled with playing outdoors from morning until dark. I did not even own a watch until I was 10, so the sun told me when to be home. Evenings were filled with backyard camp outs, watching fireflies, and sleeping under the stars. Once a year we would pack up camping gear and head for northern Wisconsin and sleep in the woods, swim in the lake and build fires. Summer was sacred. For the last 30 years I have lived a bit further north where the winters are long, cold, and dark but the summers are amazing. Super long days, warm temperatures and endless sky reveal God’s creation as wonder and winds, growth, and goodness for all. Serving as a pastor on these prairies has reinforced and expanded my childhood experiences of summer. In North Dakota summer is Sacred. “What makes summer sacred for you?” Every summer day in North Dakota we see the goodness of God’s love in every new leaf, bud, and blossom. The bugs and butterflies rise up and abound in life as our long dormant land comes alive. The birds cannot keep from singing. All of creation gives praise to God for the new life that comes in summer. As you make plans for your Sacred Summertime, I encourage you to rest, renew and give praise to God. Take time to see the beauty all around you, remembering God’s everlasting promise to be with you always. Make plans to connect with family and neighbors celebrate and nurture your relationships, see God’s love in each other. Rest in warmth of sunshine allowing God’s acceptance of you as you are to give you permission to love yourself. Take a walk in the cool of the day, knowing that Christ walks with you every step. Slow down and sit for a moment to take in the gift of the day that the Lord has made. Listen in the morning or evening as the birds give praise to God in their song. Time does not stand still for any of us. Indeed, time seems to move faster and faster. This is all the more reason to enjoy our summertime. During the first snowstorm of many in our new home here in Bismarck, I met one of my neighbors Shawn. Through the snow, wind and cold we greeted each other as we shook gloved hands. He said, “Good to meet you...we can visit more in the summer.” And with that we went back to our warm homes. I think I will walk over now and get to know my new neighbor and offer him a beverage and a bare handshake, sit in the sunshine, and give thanks. Let summer be a time of sabbath for you. Peace and blessings. Pastor John Streccius
Pastoral Acts Weddings Jeff Jirava and Alayna Gottsman, April 30, 2022 Funerals Stephen Morrell, May 19, 2022 Memorials 2 General Memorials – in memory of Adelaide Johnson 1 General Memorial – in memory of Stephen Morrell MEN'S BIBLE STUDY meets every Thursday at 11:00 am. If you would like more information of how to join, please contact Mike Beck 391-4384, Dave Kolding 220-5214 or call the church office at 223-2986. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am at Lord of Life. All are welcome to join our group! Piecemakers The quilters will not be meeting during the summer months but will resume in September. Thank you to all the quilters who put together quilts, helped display them on quilt Sunday and pack them for delivery. Thanks to Rod Kudrna, Martin Schock and Dan Wrolstad for delivering the boxes to Midwest Motor Express. These gifts of your hearts and hands are beautiful expressions of God's grace and love to people all around the world. We were able to ship 147 quilts to Lutheran World Relief and donate 12 quilts to Camp of the Cross for their quilt auction. We collected over $500 from the congregation to help with shipping costs. The quilters are always in need of flat sheets for the backing of the quilts! Young at Hearts Young at Hearts will have a simple summer schedule of coffee, dessert, and fellowship. We will continue to meet on the 4th Tuesdays of the month at 2:30. Programs will start again in September. Please come and enjoy some friendly visiting on June 28th, July 26, and August 23.
Lord of Life at Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café Lord of Life is on the schedule to help Heavens Helpers Soup Kitchen on the fourth Wednesday of each month! The schedule fills up quickly so be sure to sign up ASAP! Our next scheduled dates are Wednesday, June 22 and July 27. Sign up for a 2-hour shift anytime from 8 AM through 6 PM at https://www.soupcafe.org/volunteer/ or if you would like assistance signing up, please contact Shirley Klein at Shirley.klein7166@gmail.com or call 701-391-7166. Please remember to wear closed toe shoes and Lord of Life shirt if you have one. Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits Rummage sale time is here! Please watch for gently used baby items for the Lutheran World Relief baby care kits. Each kit contains 1 larger blanket or quilt, 1 receiving blanket, 2 sleepers without feet or sleep sack, 2 undershirts, 1 hooded sweatshirt or sweater, 2 pair of socks, 1 hand towel, 2 - 4oz bars of soap and 2 diaper pins. All baby clothes should be size 0-24 months. The items included in a Baby Care Kit provide the basics a family needs to care for their new baby the way they hope to. Our goal this year is to put together 100 baby care kits. With your help, we can make this happen. Any questions, please contact Barb Wrolstad at 391-8640. Mother the Camp Lord of Life is collecting supplies for Camp of the Crosses Mother the Camp drive through June 8. Items needed are listed on their website at campofthecross.com. Some items needed are Clorox Clean ups, paper products, bleach, fabric softener and Tide, stamps, #10 cans of fruits and veggies, large boxes of kid friendly cereal, nuts, peanut butter and jelly, gift cards, boxes of candy and snacks, craft supplies, rubber gloves, and brooms, just to name a few. Items can be left on the marked table in the narthex and we will deliver them after June 8.
LORD OF LIFE BOOK CLUB Join us on June 1 at 4:45 pm for discussion on the book, “Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney. Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth? Those that have read this book have said it is hard to put down, just when you think you know where the story is going it throws you a curve! Join us again for Book Club on July 13 at 4:45 pm for discussion on "The Stranger in the Lifeboat" by Mitch Albom. What would happen if we called on God for help and God actually appeared? In Mitch Albom’s profound new novel of hope and faith, a group of shipwrecked passengers pull a strange man from the sea. He claims to be “the Lord.” And he says he can only save them if they all believe in him. A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, "The Stranger in the Lifeboat" suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them. Join us for Pub Theology this summer! Join Pastor John and Pastor Beth on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Laughing Sun Brewery at 5:30 pm for food, drinks, fun and some great conversation. Mark your calendars for the Lord of Life rummage sale on Friday, August 19 & Saturday, August 20. When cleaning things out of the house and garage, keep us in mind! Items that will be accepted are games, books, DVD’s, toys, home décor, dishes, household goods, jewelry, purses, clean baby clothes (no adult clothing), tools, lawn and garden. Items can be dropped off at the church the week of the sale. Volunteers will be needed for set up, during the sale and clean up. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Meza, Crystal Engel, Shirley Klein, LeAna Hug or Ann Sletmoe.
June 30th is our Lord of Life night at the Larks baseball game. Cost is $11.00 for a hat, all the food you can eat for the first 3 innings, oh yeah, and a baseball game! There are still 13 spots available, there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. VBS will take place at Lord of Life June 5-8 from 5:45 pm to 7:45pm. Wednesday, June 8 the VBS kids will sing at worship and conclude with an ice cream social. Scavenger Hunt for Lord of Life High School Students 9th – 12th Grade Mark your calendars for the Bismarck Mystery Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, July 16 th. LOL will have two teams of up to 6 people each so contact Pastor Beth to hold your spot! Friends are welcome to participate to fill out the teams. It’s an app generated hunt and it happens all around the Downtown Bismarck area. Teams can start anywhere between 9am-2pm and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The other ELCA churches in the area are also competing and we thought maybe we would gather all at one place before starting. We may gather back together after finishing to have pizza together. If you want to participate or have questions, feel free to contact Pastor Beth at bwalch@lordoflifebismarck.org. For more information check out the following link: https://www.cluedupp.com/products/csi-bismarck-nd
Financial Stewardship News Lord of Life’s income and expense summary ending April 31st, 2022 is as follows: 2022 Year to Description April 2022 Date Totals Income $ 54,244.95 $ 185,656.68 Expenses $ 58,724.81 $ 249,343.86 Income over (under) Expenses $ (4,479.86) $ (63,687.18) Projected Income ending April 31st, 2022 based on our approved budget is: * $ 54,100.00 * $ 216,400 *Does not include transfer from reserves Actual income over (under) budgeted income $ 144.95 $ (30,743.32) General Envelope Giving $ 52,238.15 $ 184,487.81 The Financial Stewardship Team met May 12th, 2022. Please consider automatic giving options such as Simply Giving or using your bank's online bill pay features to set up recurring offerings. Using your credit card is another method. Simply Giving is an excellent way our members can help assure that our giving is more equally distributed throughout the year. If you'd like to sign up for this feature go to our web site at www.lordoflifebismarck.org and click on "online donations" or visit your banks online application. We have been blessed with generous support for God's mission at Lord of Life and look forward to continuing and expanding this work throughout 2022. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact any of the team members. They are Keith Demke, Melody Karlberg, Larry Klundt, Jordan Nygaard and Kathy Wiese.
“We love, serve and welcome all so each person knows God’s grace in Christ.” April 19, 2022 Meeting Lord of Life Lutheran Church Council Members Present Steve Andrist, Cindy Anderson, Bob McConnell, Kathy Wiese, Lark Welch, Pastor Beth, Pastor John, Joel Ostendorf, Denise MacDonald, Arlyce Malarkey, Karl Carlson, Pam Passariello, Erin Dukart President Steve Andrist called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and Denise MacDonald led the devotions. Minutes: Lark Welch moved to approve the minutes of the March 15th regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Karl Carlson. All present voted in favor. Financial Report: Kathy Wiese gave a financial report noting that we are behind a little from 2021 but still in good shape. A motion was made by Cindy Anderson to accept the financial report and seconded by Erin Dukart. All present voted affirmative. Team Reports Team Reports were presented Old Business 1. Children and Family Ministry Coordinator -Pastor John gave an update on the educator position. Move to 20 25 hours per week increase of $31,000 would be needed if we hold off until August, we could hire at more appropriate salary. The current position is budgeted at too few hours and at too low of compensation. Entry level teacher’s salaries at public schools is approximately $32.48 hourly. The executive committee is asking the team to develop a budget long term with appropriate amount of compensation and hours. Kathy Wiese made a motion to approve hiring someone in Children and Family Ministry in August at BPS entry salary for 20-25 hours per week. The motion was seconded by Denise MacDonald. All present voted in favor of the motion. 2. Western ND Synod Assembly, June 3-5, Minot Bob McConnell, Martin Shook, Sandy Papke, have volunteered to attend the Synod Assembly. 3. Job Description – At-Large Council Member Steve reviewed a new expanded job description of the At Large Council member to include start of Rally Day. Lark made a motion to accept the new job discretion and the motion was seconded by Joel Ostendorf. All present voted to affirm the motion. 4. Policy amendment – part-time employees See note on designation of hours -A proposal to clarify and review the vacation policy and discussion to recommend modifying the Vacation Time policy to read: “Fulltime hours are set at 35 hours per week and “Part-time is defined as related to vacation and
will be more that 20 but less than 34 hours per week for vacation. Positions with less than 20 would not qualify for vacation. A motion was made by Karl Carlson to approve the policy change as stated with a second made by Cindy Anderson. All present voted to affirm. 5. Strategic Planning Pastor John expressed interest in renewing the Strategic planning effort in the fall which would include discussions on a marketing plan 6. Staff Performance Evaluations – Cindy Cindy Anderson presented on Staff evaluations and provided guidance on completion of the evaluations going forward. Executive reviews Senior Pastor and Senior Pastor reviews the rest of the staff. We are looking to make this an easier and more meaningful process. 7. Gaming Application for Copier – Pastors -Did not qualify the Employer Retention Grant however the Executive team did recommend that we follow up on getting gaming money to purchase copier. 8. Pastor John’s installation – April 24 -Installation will be held at both services on April 24th and there will be jokes and humor. A reception will be held between services. The bishop will be preaching the services on the 24th F. New Business 1. New Benevolence & Refugee Support -Allocated some carry over money to be used on a project designated by new Senior Pastor -Speaker coming in on May 22nd Julie Ramos Lagos of Bismarck Global Neighbors to talk about refugee resettlement G. Team Concerns -CCO Team continues to work on getting help for worship services. Discussion was made to contact new members list to solicit help for greeters, usher etc. -Facility Team needs something to state that the President of LOL is authorized to sign agreements and that the Church owns the property. The COB needs this to complete the property transfer for street cul-de- sac. Education Team and Facility Team led discussion on Elevator project. The Teams are looking for guidance on how to proceed. -May need new bid to get a Capital Campaign started. -Need to establish some goals and task force to lead this effort. -Explore Availability of Accessibility Grant funding H. Next council meeting: May 17, 2022, 7 p.m. Devotions: Financial Stewardship (Kathy) Close with Lord’s Prayer Note: Minutes are not approved until voted on by the council at the next months meeting.
Lord of Life Council Minutes May 23rd, 2022 Council Members Present: President Steve Andrist, Vice President Cindy Anderson; Property and Maintenance; Karl Carlson, Youth Ministry; Lark Welch, Congregational Care & Outreach; Denise MacDonald, Financial Stewardship; Kathy Wiese, Nominations & Placement; Erin Dukart, Worship & Music; Arlyce Malarkey, Team of Education; Pam Passariello, At-Large; Joel Ostendorf, Pastor John Streccius, Pastor Beth Walch Call to Order: President Steve Andrist called the regular May meeting to order at 7:01. Devotions: Kathy Wiese led devotions. President Steve Andrist presented a plaque to Pastor John Streccius on behalf of the Lord of Life Council. Approval of the April 19, 2022 council meeting minutes: It was noted that in the April 19, 2022 minutes under Old Business a “$” sign was missing in front of “31,000.” A motion was made by Cindy Anderson to approve the minutes as corrected. Arlyce Malarkey seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion passed. Financial Report: Kathy Weise presented the financial report showing April had an income of $54,244.95 and expenses of $58,721.81 with a net loss of $4,479.86. Kathy Weise stated that the current status is to be expected given the budget. There was discussion that giving in April 2022 compared to April 2021 was up over $10,000 possibly due to two more weeks of Lent and Easter in April. Cindy Anderson made a motion to approve the financial report. Denise MacDonald seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion passed. Team Reports: Team reports were presented. Teams of Youth Ministry and Worship and Music indicated they had issues to discuss. Karl Carlson stated that the Property and Maintenance Team did meet. Pam Passariello stated that the Education Team also met and a big focus was on end of church school and Vacation Bible School. Pastor reports were also included in the packet. Old Business: 1. Staffing Update Lee Bryant, Youth Director has resigned. A paragraph explaining his resignation was placed in the bulletin. Mr. Bryant is geared more toward focusing on adults rather than children. Family concerns have taken him back to West Virginia and he left Thursday. The Executive Team recommends providing a severance package of salary through June. Cindy Anderson moved that Lee Bryant receive severance pay through June. Karl Carlson seconded the motion. There was a question of whether the recommendation was made expecting Mr. Bryant to work through May. The Executive Team responded that yes that was the expectation. However, a family emergency caused him to leave. Lark Welch commented that not as many individuals were involved in the interview process as for previous youth director and recommended that more individuals be involved in the interview process going forward. Senior Pastor has the final say in the hiring process for staff positions. Cindy Anderson commented that in the past she has served on a committee that interviewed and hired youth director. Discussion included recommendation that a written process in hiring should be developed. Pastor John Streccius commented that there would
be a recommendation to look having the Youth Director position being less than full time going forward. Pastor John Streccius reported that they had spoken with a couple of members of the congregation regarding the Children and Family Ministry Coordinator position, and don’t see that as a possibility. Betsy Debertin has volunteered to help as an employee to keep things going over the summer working 10-15 hours at the most. There was discussion regarding the possibility of making one full time position out of two part time positions that are difficult to fill. If the right person were to apply that may be possible. There is some concern regarding the overlap of timing of confirmation and church school. There are potential benefits to having continuity throughout the programs. Recommend to keep job descriptions fluid. Bible camps are struggling to find staff as well. Three individuals are stepping up to help with Vacation Bible School. Without a Youth Director, Pathfinder Camp July 10th - 15th probably biggest void. Pastor Beth will be going up for a couple of days July 10th - 12th. The current intention is to get both positions filled by the fall. Betsy Debertin could provide interim help for children and family. Also looking for interim help for youth. 2. WND Synod Assembly, June 3-5, Minot - Cindy, Bob, Bruce, Linda Bruce Boe, Linda Simmons, Cindy Anderson, Bob McConnell and pastors are all delegates to the synod. Bishop has given a video for use during worship. There will be no communion. Wednesday will be Vacation Bible School worship. 3. Strategic Planning The Executive Team has been discussing resuming strategic planning. How and why statements were done a few years ago. Pastor John Streccius has some background in leading strategic planning. The process would start in the fall shortly after school starts. It would involve an initial meeting other than council meeting. Strategic planning typically takes 6-9 months of meetings amongst all members. Pastor John Streccius will be meeting with couple of others in town that are going through similar process. May be useful to revisit some of the how and why statements. 4. Gaming application for copier The Pastors and Jessica Axtman have submitted a request for a grant to purchase a new copy machine. 5. New Benevolence & Refugee Support The budget includes a new benevolence project that Pastor John Streccius has been asked to lead. Pastor John Streccius stated he would like to work with the Congregational Care and Outreach Team to look at having the Thanksgiving Eve service to include other groups outside of the church because it is a government holiday rather than religious. Bismarck Global Neighbors are already working with different groups and do a monthly meal. The funds would likely to go toward the meal. Bismarck Global Neighbors are supposed to be at Lord of Life on Sunday at 9:45 during Adult Education. Could also look into Lutheran Immigration Services. New Business: 1. Team meeting conflicts in June (VSB) and July (July 5) Team meetings scheduled for the first week in June will occur during Vacation Bible School and July meetings may fall on July 5th. Teams should be aware consider rescheduling. 2. God’s Work Our Hands (Sunday, Sept. 11)
God’s Work Our Hands is a national service Sunday that always falls on Rally Sunday. One suggestion to participate would be to take the Saturday before that to clean up Sleepy Hollow Park where Rally Sunday events will be held. Recommend to discuss among teams. 3. Other new business. The Executive Team going to work on the job description for Youth Director. In the meantime, Pastor Beth Walch is helping with the Pathfinder Camp. It isn’t a requirement to have a representative but is a good way for the Youth Director to connect with kids. On June 10th Lord of Life will be hosting a choir from St. Steven’s in Bloomington, MN. There will be a free will offering. The choir will be doing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and will be staying at the church. Lord of Life youth invited in. Quilt day has been taken care of. Team Concerns: Worship and Music Team - Congregational Care & Outreach is helping and the sign-up sheets are being slowly filled. There are three new assistant ministers. Property Team - Dallas Anderson is working on getting an updated elevator quote. Noted that the Facility Manager and cleaning staff have done a great job. Congregational Care & Outreach Team - The Team purchased 200 travel tokens to the Dream Center. The food pantry is getting used a lot. Team is setting aside funds to keep it filled. Will make sure that there are bags available if needed. Council discussed concerns if there is a more transient population in the neighborhood now. Other Discussion - Missouri Slope - Has moved all skilled nursing residents to other campus. Their plan is to renovate the old campus because it is mostly shared rooms that will be converted to single rooms. There is anticipated sustained demand in nursing home beds in next 10 years. Lord of Life helped furnish the chapel and challenged Church of the Cross to fundraise as well. Security - The Property Team discussed that security cameras cover the first 4 parking spots. There is a lot of traffic through the parking lot. A doorbell has been installed for the office. Next council meeting: The next council meeting will be June 21st, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Erin Dukart Note: Minutes are not approved until voted on by the council at the next months meeting.
June 2022 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 3:00 pm: Executive 9:30 am: Brunch with Synod Assembly Synod Assembly Team Meeting Beth (Minot) (Minot) 4:45 pm: Book Club 11:00 am: Men’s Bible 6:15 pm: Worship Study 7:00 pm: 10th Grade Mentor/Mentee Project 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Synod Assembly (Minot) 5:45 pm: VBS 10:00 am: Staff Meeting 5:45 pm: VBS 9:30 am: Brunch with 7:00 pm: Jubilation 9:30 am: Worship 5:45 pm: VBS 6:15 pm: VBS Worship Beth Choir Performance 5:45 pm: VBS 6:30 pm: Youth Team Meeting Service 11:00 am: Men’s Bible at LOL 7:00 Boy Scouts Study 5:00 pm: Worship Team Meeting 5:45 pm: VBS 6:00 pm: Stewardship Team Meeting 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9:30 am: Worship Election Day 6:15 pm: Worship 9:30 am: Brunch with 9:30 am: Women’s Bible Study Beth 10:00 am: Staff Meeting 11:00 am: Men’s Bible 5:30 pm: Property Team Meeting Study 6:00 pm: CCO Team Meeting 7:00 pm: Boy Scouts 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9:30 am: Worship 11:30 am: PEO 10:00 am: Staff Meeting LOL at Heaven’s 9:30 am: Brunch with Meeting 7:00 pm: Council Meeting Helpers Beth 6:15 pm: Worship 11:00 am: Men’s Bible Study 26 27 28 29 30 9:30 am: Worship 10:00 am: Staff Meeting 6:15 pm: Worship 9:30 am: Brunch with 2:30 am: YAH’s Beth 5:30 pm: Pub Theology at 11:00 am: Men’s Bible Laughing Sun Brewery Study 7:00 pm: LOL at Lark’s Game
July 2022 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:30 am: Worship Independence Day 10:00 am: Staff Meeting 6:15 pm: Worship 9:30 am: Brunch with Office Closed 6:30 pm: Youth Team Meeting Beth 7:00 Boy Scouts 11:00 am: Men’s Bible Study 3:00 pm: Executive Team Meeting 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8th & 9th Grade at CCM High School City Wide 9:30 am: Worship 9:30 am: Women’s Bible Study 4:45 pm: Book Club 9:30 am: Brunch with Scavenger Hunt 10:00 am: Staff Meeting 6:15 pm: Worship Beth 5:30 pm: Property Team Meeting 11:00 am: Men’s Bible 6:00 pm: CCO Meeting Study 7:00 pm: Boy Scouts 6:00 pm: Stewardship Team Meeting 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 9:30 am: Worship 10:00 am: Staff Meeting Newsletter Deadline 9:30 am: Brunch with 7:00 pm: Council Meeting 6:15 pm: Worship Beth 11:00 am: Men’s Bible Study 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:30 am: Worship 10:00 am: Staff Meeting LOL at Heaven’s 9:30 am: Brunch with 2:30 pm: YAH’s Helpers Beth 5:30 pm: Pub Theology at 6:15 pm: Worship 11:00 am: Men’s Bible Laughing Sun Brewery Study 31 9:30 am: Worship
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Permit No. 173 PAID Bismarck, ND. 58501 1143 N. 26th St. Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone: 701-223-2986 Fax: 701-223-2987 Email: lordoflife@midconetwork.com CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED “Like” us on Facebook to see daily devotions, weekly events and reminders! Or visit our webpage for more information: http://www.lordoflifebismarck.org
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