january 2015 link newsletter

8/10/2019 January 2015 LINK Newsletter

1/13

Pastor ............ ............ ............ .... Andy Gans

Visitation Pastor (Ret.) .......... .. Tom McNeil

Music Director ............ ............ .. Rick Roberts

Executive Assistant ........... ........ Chris Muramatsu

Nursery Attendant .......... .......... Tammy Keeslar

Proofreaders.............................. Susan M. Jensen and

John Stewart

Contributors ........... ............ ........ Members of Ft. Ki

Assembling ........... ............ .......... Phyllis Altonn, B

Burns, Sue Chancey, Kay Dahlen, Joyce Gaun

Eleanor Hayesmore, Donna Johnson, Pat Me

Roselle Pringle, Alice Reffner, Judith Simonin,

Aileen Zimmerman

Bulk Mail Handling ........... ........ John Stewart

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121

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13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE

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www.fortkwww.fortkwww.fortkwww.fortk

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Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

PASTORS LETTER

New Years greetings & blessings,

Or should I say, Happy Birthday! As we

enter 2015, Fort King Presbyterian cele-brates its 50thyear of embracing, empower-ing and connecting people to God and oneanother! Its hard to believe that whatstarted out as radical idea in a small Sundayschool class has grown into a thriving con-gregation that seeks justice, peace and rec-onciliation for all of Gods people. I am sothankful for this congregation and its desire

to reach out, serve and welcome all ofGods people, no matter who or where theyare.

We will officially commemorate our 50thsometime in the fall with a great celebra-tion and worship. To make this celebrationhappen we need your help. First, we arelooking for some people to help coordinate

the celebration. Second, we would like tocollect old photos or stories you may have(scanned/digital copies work best) thatshare the spirit of Fort King over the years.If you are interested in being part of the co-ordination team please contact me.

As we enter 2015 and our 50thyear we needto look to our future and what we hope to

accomplish over the next several years.Questions we need to ask ourselves are,Where do we want to be in mission?Who do we want to be serving? And,how will we make it happen so we can glo-rify God?

As we celebrate this year, I would like for usto kick off a 50th Year Celebration CapitolCampaign. The campaign will allow us to

possibly pay off the remaining three years of oumortgage, and make needed repairs and upgradeto our buildings. By embarking on this campaigwe will free up monies and allow our ministries tbe creative in developing ways to grow, reach ouand serve Gods people.

May 2015 be a year of celebration for us all as wseek to serve and love our mighty God!

Happy Birthday,


2/13

2

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

FKPC Financial Status for the Year as of November 30,2014

Our income exceeds are expenses by $3699.49. Unless there are some hidden expenses in December, we shouldend the year in the black.

Stewardship update:Stewardship update:Stewardship update:Stewardship update:Total Annual Commitment for 2015 = $247,750Total Annual Commitment for 2014 = $271,133

Difference = -$23,383

25 Giving Units gave less in 2015 vs. 2014 = $21,93840 Giving Units gave MORE in 2015 vs. 2014: $20,451

There were 16 members who pledged in 2014 but not in 2015.

Commitments lost from 2014 for 2015 due to:- members moving = $18,780- death/health = $5,680Total = $24,460

New member commitments for 2015 = $8,404

It appears that our budget for 2015 will provide the necessary funds for Staffing and Admin (utilities, insurance,mortgage etc.) but will put a huge strain on our ministries.

Total Offerings = $253,467.55

Total Expense = $249,768.06

Variance = $3,699.49

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Thank You From Tom and Nilsa McNeil

We are touched by and grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time in our lives. Wethank Pastor Andy for a comforting and uplifting service; your presence was very much appreciated. Thank youfor all the cards, prayers, and hopeful messages. It means a great deal to us to have friends like you. God is pre-sent with us all


3/13

Thank You, Adult Class!

The Sunday school children would like to thank the adult class members for providing the fruit that was neededto construct twelve fruit baskets for our shut-ins. The children added small gifts they had made to the basketswhen they constructed them at their Jesus Birthday party on December 14th. They were delivered by the YouthGroup and High Tide children when they went Christmas caroling on that night. We gave the extra fruit to In-terfaith where it was gratefully appreciated by the staff. A big thank youbig thank youbig thank youbig thank you to all who participated!

DISCIPLESHIP

January Birthdays

Thank You

When life goes on without a hitch, we sometimes fail to recognize the people who care for us. Then tragedy hitsand who comes to the rescue but the wonderful people who make up the Ft. King church family and friends. Ican't express my thanks for all the prayers, visits, cards, transportation and love I received during my recent epi-

sode. I know that if any drama befalls any member of the church, we'll all gather for support. So thank you all -once again.Maria Madigan

CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)


4/13

4

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Tai Chi Classes Begins Again

Tai Chi classes will resume on Thursday, January 8th at 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We hope that you can join us in the new year!

~Donna Lavery and Mary Beth Neely

Presbyterian Women

All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all activi-ties of Presbyterian Women.

Circle Meetings for January: Esther Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. on January 12, 2015, at the home of JeaBrown. Deborah Circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. on January 20, 2015, in the Session Room of the church.

The Coordinating Team will meet on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the SessioRoom.

Mens Night Out

Mens Night Out will be held on Monday, January 12th at 6:30 p.m. We will meet at John Stew

arts house. Please call John at 236-1557 to R.S.V.P.

Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies will start meeting again on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in thFellowship Hall. We hope to see all of you there. If you would like to join our group, come for

visit and see what we are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and netalents!

Card Making Ministry

Card Making Ministry will meet on the second Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Pleacall Prudence Pritz if you would like to join.

Sassy Seniors

All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, Januar

14th at 1:00 p.m. Januarys luncheon will take place at Mesa De Notte at 2436 E. Silv

Springs Blvd. (near 25th Ave). Phone # is 352-732-4737.


5/13

Thank You for Saving Lives

Nine people donated blood on Sunday, December 7th. This equates to 27 units available to helpsave lives. The Mission Ministry is extremely grateful for your support.

MISSION

Save the Date - Habitat for Humanity

Our next opportunity to make a difference in the lives of a family here in Marion

County will be Saturday January 24th. Just 4 hours of your day will impact a family for

a lifetime. Cant paint, rake, hammer or sweep? Providing lunch for the workers is also

a blessing. Contact either Bill Reed or the Church Office to sign up for this wonderful

mission opportunity.

Interfaith MealsThe Mission Ministry would like to extend its recognition and thanks to everyone who has provided ameal on the 4thWednesday of each month during 2014: Carole DeLucian, Cate Martin, Lorraine Fuller,Faith Leaders, Presbyterian Women, Jim and Anne Hill, Joe and Jeannie Tyler, Mary Beth Neely, BeckyWolf, Boy Scout Troop 196, Crafty Ladies, Margaret Spontak, Marianne Fullarton, Gans Family, TripodiFamily, Bob and Sheena Schlegel, Sally Layendeckers Bible Study, Jim and Nancy Copeland, Gwynnand Cash Pealer, Kathy and Harvey Bohner, Colleen Livingston, Onalee and Alan Mease.

Feeding the poor, the hungry, and the needy is at the heart of the ministry Jesus calls us to do. Please join withone or two other families and sign up to provide an Interfaith meal this coming year.

Mission Sunday

The Mission Ministry would like to expand on Mission Sunday when, as a church, we support 2 Centsa Meal and Food For Kids by purchasing items from Fair Trade. Additional items are now available.Please support artisans around the world as they seek to improve their living conditions.

Guatemalan Honey : $6.00 each Organic Hot Cocoa: $7.50 eachOrganic Hot Spicy Cocoa: $7.50 each Chocolate Bars: $4.00 eachOrganic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: $4.50/bag Organic Regular Coffee: $7.00/bagOrganic Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: $4.50/bag Organic Decaf Coffee: $8.00/bagOrganic Chocolate Winter Minis $6.00/bag Organic Tea $3.00/boxOrganic Dark Chocolate Winter Minis $6.00/bag Geo Bars $3.50/box


6/13

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Session Notes

At its December 16thmeeting, the Session heard/voted:

The date for the Annual Meetings of the church and corporation was approved for January 25, 2015, im-mediately after worship.

The Adult Education ministry reported that Marcus Borg cannot be with us due to ill health. We will tryfor John Dominick Crossan, another noted author, who lives in Florida.It was also felt that a few classes on racial tensions in the USA would be a good subject for the classes.

A lengthy discussion ensued on the 2015 budget which will be finalized and approved at the Januarymeeting (which is before the Annual Meetings). A reduction in pledges due to deaths and people mov-ing away is making it difficult to fund all that the various ministries want to do. Also, economics havecaused some families to reduce their pledges.

The Mission ministry reported that all 25 Angel Tree requests were fulfilled.

Church Flowers 2015

If you are considering providing flowers sometime for a worship service, but would like to know more aboutthe process, I hope the following information will be helpful to you:

1. The flowers do not need to be purchased from or delivered by a florist. If you bring them from your yardor buy them from a supermarket, they just need to be in a vase, (or container of your choice) ready to dis-

play. Please see #4 and #5 below also.2. There is no minimum or maximum size requirement for the flower arrangement.3. The flowers are yours to take after the Sunday service. If you prefer to leave them, they will be used for

smaller arrangements to be delivered to hospitalized or homebound members. If you decide to keep theflowers, or give them to someone of your choice, etc. that is fine also.

4. If you leave the flowers, but would like your container returned to you, we will make sure it is returned.5. We also have loaner vases you are welcome to use.

I will be glad to answer any questions you might have, help with wording for the worship bulletin, etc.Thank you very much. Nancy Hall 694-3221.

WORSHIP

SESSION


7/13

Flower Calendar

Please note:Please note:Please note:Please note: If you would like to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, pleascall me as soon as possible. It is never too early to select your chosen date. Please dont hesitate to call me there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with the church some type of flowers or plant oyour choice. (It could be fresh, silk, dried, etc. from your yard, a supermarket, a florist, etc.) Thank you.

Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services:

January 4, 2015---From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 30thwedding anniversaryJanuary 11, 2015---Jerry and Pat Merrill in honor of our military and veterans who serve our country so valiantlJanuary 18, 2015---Wayne and Virginia SpringJanuary 25, 2015---From Marianne Fullarton, Christy Klein, David Fullarton, and Ken Fullarton in lovingmemory of husband and father, Dave Fullarton

February 1, 2015---In memory of my dear friend, Peggy Wiechens, from Mary Ellen VowinkelFebruary 8, 2015---In celebration of our 59thwedding anniversary on February the 11th

from Steve and Janet Mitchell

February 15, 2015---OPENFebruary 22, 2015---OPEN

March 1, 2015---OPENMarch 8, 2015---OPENMarch 15, 2015---OPENMarch 22, 2015---From Jean Brown, Hal, Douglas, Bruce, and Lynn in loving memory of

husband and father, Halowell E. BrownMarch 29, 2015---OPEN (Palm Sunday)

April 5, 2015---Easter ( Easter lilies will be placed in the sanctuary)April 12, 2015---OPENApril 19, 2015---OPENApril 26, 2015---OPEN

WORSHIP (continued)


8/13

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WORSHIP (continued)

Something to Think AboutThe Word of the Prophets of God

The Old Testament, as Christians have called it, has been used as a book of religionbook of religionbook of religionbook of religion for millennia. With it, orby it, we have justified killing, slavery, and a variety of religions without understanding that the Old Testament,or Hebrew Scriptures, contains +800 years of documents of recollectionrecollectionrecollectionrecollection and reflection.reflection.reflection.reflection.

- Recollection:Recollection:Recollection:Recollection:how a people recalled their historical experience from slavery to nationhood; theirhopes and dreams for becoming the center of the worship and rule of God on earth; and what happened tthem when that all fell apart by internal corruption and foreign conquest;- Reflection:Reflection:Reflection:Reflection:a people looked back at what they had died for and lived through, in order to deter-mine why all of that happened and what it all means now that nation and religion are destroyed, andsomeone else is calling the shots (Imperial powers such as Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome). Whatis the meaning of life for me, for us when we lose control of our own socio-cultural destinies, or, whatwe think/believe is our destiny?

The Hebrew prophets, beginning with Amos, were not giving time-tables to be used for foretelling the future.They were addressing people in Israel and in Judah (after Solomon, a divided nation and people!) to examinetheir social practices the exercise of economic, political, and religious power over their own people by the veryones supposed to have been appointed by God to rule. Oh, but the people had been taught that their God ap-

pointed rulerswould defend the poor, the homeless, the widow and orphan, and the sojourner in the land only to discover that the rulers were amassing wealth, land, and power for themselves, at the expense of thepeople. Imagine their response when Amos addressed the woman of the wealthy as You cows of Bashan(ReadAmos 4!). Why, downright insulting!!

Did anyone listen to Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel? AHA! Even when the people and the rulers/leadership of Israel and Judah were challengedto think through

- the consequences of their actionsconsequences of their actionsconsequences of their actionsconsequences of their actions what they were doing to their own people, to themselves;and

- the meaning of what they were doingmeaning of what they were doingmeaning of what they were doingmeaning of what they were doing in the light of the Ten Commandments, The Law ofGod,people, even in their misery and because of their uncritical beliefs, were far too comfortablecomfortablecomfortablecomfortable with the way theywere living (reminds me of the 1950s: Better Red than dead!; after all, who is going to take on leadership forchange, and what might that mean formemememe?

Jeremiah appealed to the rulers and people in his Temple SermonTemple SermonTemple SermonTemple Sermon (+/- 609 BCE) when he made two points:

A. Do not trust in these deceptive words: This is the Temple of the Lord (Recited three times,just to be sure!); and,B. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal and go after other

gods and then come and stand before me in this house which is called by my name, (to) make it a de

of robbers/thieves? (Jeremiah 7:4, 9-11).And for this affront to the religious expectations of all, Jeremiah was arrested (See Jeremiah 26:7ff. especially v11: This man deserves the sentence of death).Just keep on believing what weve been taught all our lives;Dont rock the boat! Nosirree! Gotta keep our old time religionintact, come hell or high water!


9/13

WORSHIP (continued)

The prophet EzekielEzekielEzekielEzekiel, just prior to 587 BCE the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylonia had weird expe-riences in his call to be a prophet. Indeed! How was he going to communicate with his own people inJudah and Jerusalem, that everything was going to come apart at the seams? Ah, talktalktalktalk some more? NoNoNoNo!

The Lord spoke to Ezekiel: I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, so that you will be

dumb and unable to reprove them for they are a rebellious house. But, when I speak to youwhen I speak to youwhen I speak to youwhen I speak to you, I will openyour mouth (Ezekiel 3:26).

So, without a word Ezekiel built a mound of dirt as the city of Jerusalem; portrayed the city under siege, tobe destroyed maybe this will get peoples attention? Violence has grown up into a rod of wicked-ness! (Ezekiel 7:11).

And still the people believing in their religion, even after total devastation asked:Have you so utterly rejected us? Are you so exceedingly angry with us?

(Lamentations 5:22).

As if: What have we done so wrong? Because the people did not wantdid not wantdid not wantdid not want to reflect on their own attitudesand behaviors, even aftereven aftereven aftereven after losing the freedom they thought they had under Temple and State!

We enter the sanctuary, - with our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors ostensibly to worship God, and weleave with our beliefs intact, our attitudes and behaviors unchanged but notnotnotnot because we have not beenaddressed and challenged!

Its time for us to recollect and reflectrecollect and reflectrecollect and reflectrecollect and reflect; our future as a people is at stake.

Shalom,

Tom


10/13

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WORSHIP (continued)

Just What Lies Ahead?

So be it. Another year has passed and we are in a New Year that may be filled with joy and happiness. It alcould be that uncertainty and fear of the unknown will be a part of this year. I remember a time when I wasyoung boy and the New Year had come, I thought about how far away the year 2000 seemed to be. Now thwe are in 2015, I dont wonder about such things. Time sure does fly and to borrow from a common saying,

lot of water has passed under the bridge.

It is at times like these that I recall the first 2 verses of Psalm 90:

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world,from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

I also recall that great hymn written by Isaac Watts O God Our Help in Ages Past.O God Our Help in Ages Past.O God Our Help in Ages Past.O God Our Help in Ages Past. It wasnt until I visited thSt. Annes church in Soho, London, England that I learned about the music to this majestic hymn, known as SAnne. It was composed in 1708 by William Croft who was a highly trained church musician with a Doctorate

Music at Oxford University. Croft was the organist at the Church of St. Anne during the reign of Queen AnnHe was composer to Queen Anne and was recognized as the foremost church musician of his time. He also wroinstrumental works. "St. Anne" tune first appeared anonymously in the Supplement to the new Versions of thPsalms, 6th edition in 1708, originally intended to be used with Psalm 62 version. The tune gained recognitiowhen it was set to Isaac Watts's text. For its musical worth, famous composers like Johann S. Bach (Fugue in Flat Major, known as "St. Anne's Fugue") and George F. Handel ("O Praise the Lord") borrowed it for their owwords.

Church of St. Anne, Soho, London, England (2007)


11/13

WORSHIP (continued)

I have found strength and assurance in both Psalm 90 and the words to this wonderful hymn:

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,

our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure;

sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame,

from everlasting, thou art God, to endless years the same.

A thousand ages, in thy sight, are like an evening gone;

short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun

Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all who breathe away;they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;

be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.

Sometimes in our lives fierce winds blow, lightning flashes, and thunder cracks so loudly it shakes your home.That kind of storm makes us quake with fear and wonder how well ever survive. And thats the kind of stormwe feel each time another terrorist strikes, or we face financial concerns, or a job is lost, or a loved one dies.

In the midst of such storms, our hearts can find hope in the words of "O God, Our Help in Ages Past.""O God, Our Help in Ages Past.""O God, Our Help in Ages Past.""O God, Our Help in Ages Past."As the

hymn writer states, God is "our shelter from the stormy blast." No matter what tragedy strikes, God can protectus. But how can we be so sure that God is there in the storm? The hymn answers that question in these words,"from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same."

God doesnt change. He guided the Israelites safely to the Promised Land. He raised Jesus from the dead. Andwhen we look at our own past, well always notice the same thing: God was there to see us through the storms.Knowing that, we can live with hope that hell protect us in the present too.

What storms shake you today? What uncertainties do you have for this coming year? Maybe you feel like anemotional wreck. Maybe youre fighting tough spiritual battles. Maybe your family circumstances have spiraledout of control. But no matter what "stormy blast" may be swirling around you, hold on to the promise of thishymn. Let the truth of Psalm 90 and the words of this great hymn be your strength for you just as it has been forme and so many so long ago.

You can be confident that God will see you through.

With a confident song in my heart,

Rick


12/13

FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13 N.E. 36th Avenue

Ocala, Florida 34470

Non-Profit

Organization

US Postage Paid

Ocala, FL 34478

Permit #100

RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED

Label

Boy Scout Fundraiser

Ft. Kings Boy Scout Troop #196 is selling meat sticks as a fundraiser for their various scouting activities.The meat sticks are made at Ocala based Country Meats, an FDA certified facility. The sticks sell for

$1.00 each. If interested, contact Bob Barton 425-8500. See a sample on the church bulletin board.

Boy Scout Mission at Interfaith

In December, the Boy Scouts delivered several boxes of non-perishable food along with 3 bushels ofcitrus to Interfaiths Soup Kitchen to help with the Christmas season.


13/13

January 2015Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

1

OFFICE

CLOSED

7:00 AA (FH)

2 3

4

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

10:00 Choir Practice

10:30 Worship11:30 Discipleship

Youth Ministry

5:00 PYC

5

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

5:30 Mission Ministry

6:00 - 8:00 Marions

United (CE)

6

10:00 Prayer

Shawl Ministry

5:30 Connections

Ministry

7:00 Boy Scouts

(YH)

7

10:00 PW

Coordinating

Team

1:00 Worship

Ministry

8

7:30 - 9:00 BNI

(FH)

11:00 Disciple-

ship AdultMinistry

1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 AA (FH)

9

10:00 Card

Making

Ministry(off-site)

10

11

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

11:30 Congregational

Care Ministry10:00 Choir Practice

10:30 Worship

5:00 PYC

5:00 High Tide

12

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)6:00 - 8:00 Marions

United (CE)

6:30 Mens Night Out

(off-site)

7:00 Esther Circle

(off-site)

13

6:00 Finance

Ministry

7:00 DiscipleshipMinistry

Children

7:00 Boy Scouts

(YH)

14

1:00 Sassy Seniors

(off-site)

15

7:30 - 9:00 BNI

(FH)

1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir

Practice

7:00 AA (FH)

16 17

18

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth


10:30 Worship

11:30 Poetry

Ministry

5:00 PYC

19

OFFICE CLOSED

5:00 TOPS (FH)6:00 - 8:00 Marions

United (CE)

20

10:00 Deborah

Circle

6:00 Session

7:00 Boy Scouts

(YH)

21 22

7:30 - 9:00 BNI

(FH)

1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir

Practice

7:00 AA (FH)

23 24

Habita

For

Human

25 Food4Kids &

2 Cents A Meal

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth


10:30 Worship

11:30 Congregational

Meeting5:00 PYC

5:00 High Tide

26

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 Property

Ministry

5:00 TOPS (FH)

6:00 - 8:00 Marions

United (CE)

27

7:00 Boy Scouts

(YH)

28 29

7:30 - 9:00 BNI

(FH)

1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir

Practice7:00 AA (FH)

30

7:00 p.m.

John

Dominic

Crossan

College ofCentral FL

(CCF)

31

John

Domin

Crossa

CCF

9:00 a.m

11:00 a

7:00 p.mFt. Kin

january 2015 link newsletter

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