St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

In the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina

Willem de Poorter (Netherlands, 1608–1668) The parable of the talents or minas

Oil on panel. Narodni Galerie, Prague

Sunday, November 19, 2017

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after PentecostSt. Paul’s Commitment Sunday

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To Know Christ and to make Christ known…St. Paul’s invites all people to the Christian Way of unity with God and

neighbor through a welcoming environmentof worship and ministry

Please enter the church in silence so that all may have quiet time to prepare hearts and minds for worship.

The Holy EucharistVoluntary Fugue in D minor Johann Pachelbel

Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God) Georg F. KaufmannDedication of Vestments for the clergy, altar, and chancel of St. Paul’sIntroit Ubi Caritas Maurice DurufléWhere there is charity and love, God is there. The love of Christ has gathered us as one. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us honor and love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one another.

The Word of GodProcessional Now thank we all our God

Hymnal 397The Celebrant says to the people: Book of Common Prayer 355

Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. AmenCelebrant and PeopleAlmighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.Song of Praise Hymnal S236

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1 Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers;you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

2 Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name;we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

3 Glory to you in the splendor of your temple;on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.

4 Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim;we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

5 Glory to you, beholding the depths;in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.

6 Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

The Collect of the Day BCP 236The Celebrant says to the people: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you Celebrant: Let us pray. Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (The people may be seated.)A Reading From Wisdom of Zephaniah (1:7,12-18)Be silent before the Lord GOD!

For the day of the LORD is at hand;the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests.At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs, those who say in their hearts,“The LORD will not do good, nor will he do harm.”Their wealth shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste.

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Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards,

they shall not drink wine from them.The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter, the warrior cries aloud there.That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.I will bring such distress upon people that they shall walk like the blind; because they have sinned against the LORD, their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath; in the fire of his passion the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.(Silence for reflection upon the reading.)

Psalm 90:1-8,12 BCP 717

ANTIPHON1 Lord, you have been our refuge

from one generation to another.2 Before the mountains were brought

forth,or the land and the earth were

born,from age to age you are God.

3 You turn us back to the dust and say, "Go back, O child of earth."

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(choir and congregation, verses of the Psalm sung

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is pastand like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep us away like a dream;we fade away suddenly like the grass.

ANTIPHON6 In the morning it is green and

flourishes;in the evening it is dried up and withered.

7 For we consume away in your displeasure;we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

8 Our iniquities you have set before you,and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

12 So teach us to number our days

that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. ANTIPHON

A Reading from 1 Thessalonians (5:1-11)Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.Hymn to Announce the Gospel Come, labor on Hymnal 541

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The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew (25:14-30)People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him

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into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.The Sermon The Rev. Dena WhalenThe People’s Presentation of their PledgesGracious and loving God, giver of all that is good and true and beautiful and life-giving: These cards represent our sweat. They represent our lives. They represent our dreams. The pledges we make on them are tokens of the awesome gifts that have been given to us, and they are pledged in thanksgiving for all that we have received, for all we have been inspired to be, for all we are challenged to become, in this place. May they be the first fruits of all we have and not what we have left over, so that we may live out as best as possible how you give to us. May we see them as our offering to you, sacred, holy, yet earthy, filled with possibilities. May we hold this image in our hearts and minds, so, as we watch our offerings come to your table each week, we can see ourselves as part of this offering. It is us on the table, a living sacrifice to you. Amen. (The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Diocese of Olympia)

Take my life Hymnal 707I want to walk as a child of the light

Hymnal 490The Nicene Creed

BCP 358We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with

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the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.The Prayers of the People (Form III) BCP 387Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;That we all may be one.Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you; That your Name may be glorified by all people.We pray for Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Rob, our bishop; Dena, our rector; Kay, our deacon; Richard, our priest associate; Trinity Center, Pine Knoll Shores, Mr. Penn Perry, Executive Director and the Trinity Staff; St. Luke’s Episcopal Mission, Currituck, the Rt. Rev. David Bane, Priest in Charge; Iglesia Cristiana; and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.We pray for Donald our president, Roy our governor, and all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;That there may be justice and peace on the earth.Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;That our works may find favor in your sight.

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We pray for those on our parish prayer list: Ed, Greg, , John, Earl, Karen, Curtis, Bob, Jacqueline, Audrey, Jere, Eleanor, Barbara, Barb, Bob, Pat and those friends of the Parish listed in the bulletin; have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;That they may be delivered from their distress.Give to the departed eternal rest;Let light perpetual shine upon them.We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.Silence. The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.Confession of Sin and Absolution BCP 360 (The people stand or kneel)Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole hearts; We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.The Peace

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

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Choral Anthem O How Amiable Ralph Vaughan WilliamsO how amiable are thy dwellings: thou Lord of hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hat found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even thy altars, of Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be always praising thee. The glorious Majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper thou the work of our hands upon us. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. The people stand.Congregational Response WLP 746

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 361 Please turn to page 361 in the red Book of Common Prayer for the complete Eucharistic Prayer AThe Celebrant sings or says:

Celebrant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Celebrant Lift up your hearts.People We lift them to the Lord.Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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you are host at ev - ery ta - ble, we are hun - gry; feed us now.

The Celebrant proceedsIt is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth…Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:Sanctus Hymnal S130

(The people stand or kneel)Then the Celebrant continues

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Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself …The Celebrant and people continue BCP 362-363The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal S 119 / BCP 364

The Breaking of the BreadA period of silence is kept.Fraction Anthem Hymnal S154

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Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Communion of the People

All are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the altar. For the bread, place one hand over the other and hold them up chest high so the minister can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You may then consume the bread or hold it to dip (intinct) into the wine and then place it in your mouth. If you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you do not wish to receive the wine, indicate by crossing your arms. After you have received the bread and the wine, it is appropriate to say “AMEN.” Gluten free communion bread is available. Ask the priest.

Communion MusicPsalm 121 (Text found on page 779 of the Book of Common Prayer) Barry RoseCome, ye thankful people, come

Hymnal 290Ubi caritas

Taizé

After Communion, the Celebrant says

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Let us pray.The people stand or kneel.People: Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.The Celebrant pronounces a blessing to which the congregation responds, “AMEN.”Processional Lord Christ, when thou first cam’st to earth Hymnal 598 DismissalThe Deacon dismisses the people, to which they reply: Thanks be to God.Voluntary Carillon Sortie Henri Mulet

Our worship is ended; let our service begin.

Music at St. Paul’s

Music at St. Paul's will present Handel's Messiah on Tuesday, December 12th at 7:30 PM. The concert will feature the Choir of St. Paul's with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. Soloists will include Nancy King, Bella Stollenmaier, Melvin Ezzell, Carl Samet and John Callison. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. Paper tickets are also available in the church office or from Ronnie Wise at the Sunday reception. Don't miss this festive start to the holiday season!

ANNOUNCEMENTS15

ADULT FORMATION HOURADULT CLASS (Parish Hall)Today: Daughters of the King: Who are they and what do they do?Leader: Zona TounsleyNovember 26: Lectionary study with Joe FarriLIVING FAITH (Library) – An overview course on Christian faith and practice. This 14-week class is especially for newcomers and those preparing for confirmation, but all are welcome. Rev. Dena Whalen, Cleve Callison and others will teach.Section 3: The Church’s LifeToday: Baptism: A Way of LifeNovember 26: The Episcopal Church: Religious Institution and Spiritual Path

For the past three weeks we have asked parishioners to let us know what they think about St. Paul's various ministries by placing "sticky dots" on posters in the Parish Hall. If you have not participated yet, or missed one of the weeks, dots for each of the three weeks are in folders alongside the posters in the parish hall. Please join us and let us know what you think. Thank you, The St. Paul's Stewardship Team

WOMEN AT THE WELL READING GROUP: A women’s reading group has started, meeting every 3rd Monday, from 10:00-12:00, in the library. In November we'll continue talking about Lilac Girls, and perhaps still some thoughts about Songs My Grandma Sang, since some of us read one of them and are picking up the other now. Third Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m. in the Library. Next meeting November 20. PARISH THANKSGIVING DINNER: 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24. The Laudatis will once again provide turkey and dessert. Please bring a pot luck dish to share. Sign up by

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e-mail at admin@spechurch.com or on the bulletin board in the hallway.

Please join us in The Source to sample our wonderful warm spice drink and see all our wonderful Christmas display. Joy is hand painting ornaments which you can personalize with grandchildren's names or your favorite pet’s picture!

ST. AGNES GUILD NEWS: Mark your calendars for the St. Agnes Christmas Party at Port City Chop House, 11:30 a.m. on Dec 5. Hope to see you there! Kathryn Hedgepeth, Coordinator

COASTAL CAROLINA CHRISTMAS - CHINESE AUCTION: We are in need of gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses; theater/movie passes; spas/salons; golf packages; florists; etc.; gift baskets of wine, chocolates, gourmet items; other items such as jewelry, sporting goods, games, and handcrafted or decorated items valued at $25 - $150. Please contact Dot and Tom Erway or Barbara and Steve Bucci with any questions or donations.

Last Sunday’s UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO) INGATHERING totaled $1,615.75! Thank you for your outpouring of thankfulness and generosity.If you have your Blue Box offering with you today, you may place it in the regular collection plate. Please make checks payable to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and mark FOR: “UTO”.

The set of green vestments are given to the glory of Godby Cheryl Wagoner in loving memory of Mark Wagoner

Flowers on the altar are given in celebration of the marriage of Brittni Marie Owens and Patrick Cooper McDougald

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Ministry ScheduleNovember 19 – Commitment Sunday November 26

8:00 Lay Ministers M.J. Giammaria Spencer WeigBreakfast Chefs Keith Calder, Tom Erway Bill Baker, Donny Cardwell

Altar Guild Candace Halecki, Vivian Scheffel,Barbara O’Rourke Diane Trubia, Carolyn Demorest

Bread Bakers Valerie DeJarld Joan Rosko MillerFlower Guild Merry Ann Wright Lynda Miller

Greeters David and Seton Webb, Trish Arnold Lynda Miller, Lillian West, Trish ArnoldHospitality Teal and Gold GreenIntercessor Leon Tillery Mary Bridges

10:30Lay Ministers

Herb Gant, VergerLectors: Don Baker, David, Heath,

Harriet FowlerEMs: Don Brainard, Richard Laudati

Assisting Minister: Chip CarterCrucifer: Cheryl Wagoner

Gospel Book Bearer: Cheryl BrainardChildren’s Chaplain: Keith Calder

Herb Gant, VergerLectors: Eileen Searle, Cindy Moore,

Joan Rosko MillerEMs: Leon Tillery, Marie AshworthAssisting Minister: Jeffrey Hughes

Crucifer: Bill AnlyanGospel Book Bearer: Don BrainardChildren’s Chaplain: Richard Rhoads

Ushers Royster and Kathryn Hedgepeth Tom and Dot ErwayVestry Tom Erway Cecelia Peers

WEEKLY CALENDARMON 11/20 WOMEN AT THE WELL LIBRARY 10:00 AMTUES 11/21 STUDY GROUP LIBRARY 7:30 AM

RENEWALWORKS MEETING ROOM B 6:00 PMBOYS CHOIR PARISH HALL / CHURCH 6:00-

7:30 PMADULT CHOIR 7:00-8:30 PM

WED 11/22 STAFF MEETING 10:00 AM

DEACON’S OFFICE HOURS 10:00 AM-2:00 PM THU 11/23 THANKSGIVING – CHURCH OFFICES CLOSE

PARISH THANKSGIVING DINNER PARISH HALL 4:00 PMFRI 11/24 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDSAT 11/25 ALTAR GUILD CHURCH 9:00 AM

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Prayer List In our parish… People

requesting prayer

Please note that names will be removed after one month on the prayer list.If you wish for continued prayer, please notify the office.

Celebrating November Birthdays11/01 Elaine Anlyan, Shannon Rowe, Brent Trubia 11/02

Gary Whalen11/03 Earl Craig, Jr. 11/04 John Morton 11/05 Gae Green

11/08 William Murphy 11/11 Curtis Dale11/12 Rev. Dena Whalen 11/13 Karen Pittman, Cheryl

Wagoner11/14 Cleve Callison 11/15 Chip Carter 11/16 Isabelle

Edmisten11/17 Wayne Fowler 11/20 Spencer Weig

11/22 Don Bobo, Erika Geisler, Richard Trubia11/23 Betty Ann Beardsworth, Barbara Teal, Meaghan

Thomas

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ED ABLARDGREG BUSHMAN

FR. JOHN CAWTHORNEEARL CRAIG

KAREN DEJARLDCURTIS DALEBOB HANSON

JACQUELINE HICKMANAUDREY LEWIS

JERE LEWISELEANOR MORTON

BARBARA O’ROURKEBARB SCALIABOB SCALIA

PAT WHITEHEAD

ERIC ANDERSONSHERRY HERMAN

VERA JONESEILEEN MCMAHON

MATTERMICHAEL MCMAHON

HILDA POPLINCHRISTINE QUINN

CHARLES G. SCHAEFERELEANOR

SCHWARTZMARIA SELWESKI

JIM SORRENTIRAYLIENE

STANFIELDLAUREN

WIECZOREK

11/24 Geoff Losee 11/25 Mary Bridges, Steve Martin 11/27 Frank Chiarello

11/28 Eileen Searle, Harold Wade 11/30 Diane TrubiaA Warm Welcome to All Guests!

If you are new to our church, please fill out a visitor card and place it in the offering plate or give it to a member of our Welcoming Ministry.Thank you for worshiping with us today. We invite you to join us following the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist for breakfast in the parish hall. For those attending the 10:30 a.m. service, be sure to stay for fellowship in the parish hall. Please join us whenever you can, and please wear a guest name tag so we may introduce ourselves to you.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church16 North Sixteenth Street

Wilmington, North Carolina 28401www.spechurch.com (910) 762-4578

Bulletin submissions: bulletin@spechurch.com (Deadline Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.)

E-news submissions: e-news@spechurch.com (Deadline Wednesdays 5:00 p.m.)

THANKSGIVING DEADLINE FOR E-NEWS AND BULLETIN: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 at 5:00

P.M.!The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving, BishopThe Rev. Dena Bearl Whalen, Rector

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The Rev. Deacon Kay SwindellThe Rev. Richard Banks, Priest Associate

Ronnie D. Wise, Director of Music and OrganistRichard Rhoads, Assistant Director of Music and Organist

Carl Samet, Parish AdministratorDiane Matz-Kane, Bookkeeper

Brent Erway and Walter Alonzo, Sextons

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Vestry2015

Don BrainardTom Erway

Cecelia PeersMerry Ann Wright

ClerkLynda Miller

2016Twink Barr

Richard LaudatiSue Sramek

Senior WardenMerry Ann Wright

Junior WardenSpencer Weig

2017Barbara Bucci

Herb GantRoyster Hedgepeth

Spencer Weig

TreasurerBob Swindell

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