Hey — It’s Cass and Rich.

We’re right smack in the middle of a memorable Advent season. The highs of God at work and the lows of humanities brokenness, right in front of us. We’re hope-filled and yet at the same time feeling the weight of ministry and life! It’s real life hey.

So here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

Tragedy struck this week in Sydney. Our country rocked by senseless violence. We’re not used to these things happening where we live.

Humanity was never mean’t to suffer such trauma. Yet we find ourselves caught in a spiral of endless pain.

And to this world, and into this pain, Jesus came.

He came and lived our pain and He suffered our trauma.

That’s why I’m anticipating this Christmas in a special way.

I welcome the child born in a manger.

I worship this child like the kings of old.

And I anticipate his return as we celebrate His first arrival.

Maranatha… Come Lord Jesus Come!

CASS WRITES:

Does anyone else feel like the days before Christmas seem to speed up? Time changes, and the days feel different at this time of year. It’s like we’re all hyper focused on getting it all done!! Instead of preparing for Advent, we’re all preparing to get through it all. Or is it just me? My prayer for you is that you’re able to pace yourself, to take a deep breath of heaven, and enjoy real moments of joy and celebration that runs deep into you soul. May Jesus fill you again with hope, life, and a sense of expectation of what He might be up to in your life and the lives of those in your world.

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

It’s important, specially at this time of year, to be mindful of your own fatigue levels, and those of your team… after all, as Ps. John Seibling says in this video…

“There’s a direct correlation between your fatigue level and your faith level”

Our advise; Don’t ignore fatigue… and don’t pretend you’re okay… do what you need to do to create a rhythm of input, output, rest, repeat.

Source: AccessMore Podcast

We’ve been reading Darrell Johnsons Advent book this season… it’s been comforting and a strong reminder, as Cass loves to say “that hope is on the horizon!”

He writes:

“Darkness is strong...I know.

But Jesus the Light is stronger.

Sorrow is strong...I know.

But Jesus the Joy is stronger.

Bondage is strong... I know.

But Jesus our Freedom is stronger.”

Source: Awaken Wonder: Daily Devotions For Advent

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Cook by pictures… check this out…

@morozov.ideas

Nick Morozov on Instagram: "Cook by pictures"

Ikea has created an innovative way of teaching people to cook their even meals!! It inspires us to imagine new ways to communicate the Gospel with people that don’t know what it’s all about… could we come up with a flat packed Gospel? Not flatten of meaning, but re-packaged in a way that feeds those who need it most. What would that look like?

Source: morozov.ideas

Question of the week…

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

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Hey — It’s Cass and Rich.

This week is off to a flying start. Rehearsals, Christmas Parties, 40th Birthdays by the pools amidst Sydney storms, hospitals, house cleaning, visitors arriving, decorating and deliberating. It really is the “silly season”. We’ve been thinking about how to maintain a creative edge and the right perspective in the middle of it all.

So here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

Do you ever wonder about what it really looks like to do something great?

A lot of talk about changing the world… and have dreams of doing great things… but not many stop to truly work through what that looks like for us as Christians creatives.

This week I have found myself in a random scenario with ministry friends. We’ve travelled the world together, lead services together, sought God together… and cleaned houses together. Yes, that’s right, you read that correctly, cleaned houses… literally on our hands and knees scrubbing floors, toilets and bathrooms for someone in need.

It wasn’t pleasant…

But in the middle of wiping who knows what off the bathroom floor, I kept being reminded of the words of Jesus… “Whoever wants to become great in the Kingdom must be the servant of all”.

Here’s what I tool away with me…

When we serve all, we enter into something great. When we’re helping others, especially those that can’t help themselves, we do great things. When there’s no upside for you, just acts of services for others, it could just be that you’re doing the “greatest” thing ever!!

(And you don’t have to enjoy the expereince for it to be true!)

CASS WRITES:

Recently the team from streams.studio and I sat down and had a conversation around leadership, creativity, worship, and one of the topics it seems everyone wants to talk about at the moment, being hurt.

So here are some of my honest thoughts as a leader in the church… (forgive the intense look!!!!)

@streams.studio

STREAMS STUDIO on Instagram: "409 - Navigating Hurt

Far too ma…

To read more around these thoughts, keep reading my lessons learned from a life time of ministry in The Worship and Creative Leaders Academy.

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

The simplest of quotes can provide real moments of profound insight. Like this one:

“I (almost) always come limping into Advent, desperate for light, but almost too tired to look for it. Then I remember: the Light came looking for me, and that’s the whole point.”

Source: Annie B. Jones - Instagram

This film was hand drawn and took over a three years to create!! It’s by “Brother Bear” director, Aaron Blaze. It’s won mulitple awards at film festivals, like the Santa Fae Film Festival, and has alot of buzz around it at present.

It’s amazing what one man’s committement to story telling can yield, particulatly around something he’s passionate about. In this case it’s climate change.

But how about you? What fuels your creative output? And how commited are you to seeing those stories come to life?

Source: YouTube

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Creativity takes focus, and focus takes intention. If you are anything like us, you find yourself scrolling, watching youtube videos, seeking inspiration, reading random things, and instagramming… sometimes for ideas and sometimes because you’re caught in the culture we live in.

I’ve decided in 2026 there will be less wasted time scrolling or fritting away my life on my phone - but how do I achieve that?

To be honest I’m pretty ready to try a new tool, The Brick. It disables apps and allows you time to reset.

We have a friend who has this at her front door. It makes home a space of sanctuary and connection. But for me the possibilities are endless... we could use it at the church office, for times with the team where we need peoples focused attention… or even in church on Sunday’s.

Imagine.

Decrease scroll, increase output.

Source: getbrick.app

Question of the week…

What’s your best tip for staying focused when working on a project?

Leave a comment

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

We are pouring over songs this week… to turn carols into worship. There’s been gathering our team to decorate the church venue, Christmas service prep, plus an Aussie thanksgiving and gratitude in abundance. We are renovating at home, which along with all the Christmas festivities feels slightly chaotic… and very seasonal.

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“Do you ever find yourself feeling like you’re the different one in the group?

You see the world in a way that others just don’t. And you can’t help but see creative ways to do things… all the while, you question why they don’t see it. Then you ask yourself, “am I the odd one?” … “or are they?”

I recently had that experience… then immediately felt a Holy Spirit nudge that I’m in exactly the right place, doing the thing I’m gifted to do. And that other person, they’re okay too, they have different gifts and talents.

So here’s the encouragement.

We’re all meant to compliment each other. We each add our unique color and flavor. So don’t be discouraged by that leader, pastor, or peer who doesn’t get it… they don’t have to!!”

CASS WRITES:

“I am convinced worship and wonder are intrinsically connected. Stand on the ocean shore and I dare you not to be moved to worship. Look at majestic mountains and consider Gods vastness and your own smallness - surely this moves your heart in God’s direction.

I’ve been thinking all week about Mary and the incarnation of God. Jesus literally is the breath of heaven incarnate. God walking the earth, feeling our pain, sorrow, joy and hope, sharing our oxygen. And as I ponder the wonder of that thought, it keeps inspiring me to worship.

So, how much wonder does it take to spark worship? I challenge you to think about what you could do this weekend in church to lift the sense of awe before we invite people into the mystery of worship.”

To read more around Worship here’s something I wrote for The Worship and Creative Leaders Academy.

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

We love this time of year…. but when it comes to worship - working out which carols and how to make carols work in a worship set can take a little deliberate attention. Paul Baloche is a master and while this video is on the older side, his teaching for our younger leaders is invaluable. He talks about how to get vertical worship from horizontal Christmas songs. This is a good one to share with those seeking to lead worship throughout December.

Source: Worship Artistry

Number Four this week is just for fun. We are always looking for those playlists that are just right for this time of year and we think we have found a great one for you. In honor of all things Christmasy, red, green and plaid - we bring you The Ralph Lauren Festive Play List.

Source: Spotify (The Ralph Lauren Festive Play List)

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Mr Beast can see the potential in church buildings for creativity - can you? Obviously for us church is more than a building, it’s a people. But I wonder if you might be missing what’s right in front of you? The church building you gather in week after week could be the greatest gift that you’re not using to it’s full creative potential. If it’s good enough for Mr Beast, why would you take it for granted?

Source: Podcast Pro

Question of the week… what unexpected Christmas carol will you include in a worship set this Advent season? Let us know in the comments… or hit reply and let us know!!

Leave a comment

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

P.S - Welcome to the new Academy members who used this link!!

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

We’ve a great day sitting talking to Reuben and Sarah Morgan, dreaming and strategizing for 2026… seems hard to believe we are on the verge of “next year”!!

It’s been a big weekend here. We celebrated 29 years marriage, conducted a wedding, baptized our daughter and participated in our annual family “pudding day”… Christmas traditions are almost in full swing!

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“So much art, music and literature has been written around the “End times”. From Dantes ‘Inferno’, Michael Angelo’s ‘The Last Judgement’ …it’s wild! So last week (as we ended our “Scandal of the Kingdom” sermon series) I attempted to put my own words to the Hope we Christians have and the “End of the World as we know it” (thank you R.E.M.).

I’ve been reading a LOT… watching way too many sermons on YouTube and really thinking deeply about how to ground our Churches thinking in truth when it comes to the End Times.

There’s a lot we don’t know… but one thing we do know… Jesus is coming back!!

If you’re looking for an interesting read over the Christmas period - I’d be so interested in your thoughts on this: 666 and All That: The Truth About the Future”

CASS WRITES:

“At our daughter’s baptism this week, I was so struck by the picture of Jesus that the Gospels paint. In Mark we find him on the banks of the Jordan lining up behind sinners, so that we could inevitably line up behind him in response to his call to “follow me”.

A sinless, holy God, incarnate, lined up with us to be baptized and to identify with our sin, in order that through God’s proclamation “This is my son in whom I am well pleased”, the Father would confirm the Son’s identity and his purpose in front of many.

I can’t stop thinking about that… It’s mind blowing!”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Some times I wonder what the right way to start the day is. Over the years, I’ve had a book I often return to which helps steer my thoughts, devotions and prayers.

This week I thought I’d share it with you, it’s called “Seeking God’s Face”. The good news is I recently discovered it is a website too, so you can work your way through the Christian Calendar here.

“From the very beginning of the church, Christians have found it helpful to pause for prayer during various times of the day. Whether for morning or evening devotions or other fixed-time prayers, such spiritual respites were deemed essential to worshiping God. Over the years, Christians developed a structure for such moments of worship, keyed to the time of day and season of the year. Part of its genius was the seamless integration of Scripture and prayer. This ancient practice, called the “Daily Office,” has experienced a resurgence of use in our time.

Seeking God’s Face is a user-friendly approach to this form of prayer and devotion. Each office includes a psalm of praise, a passage of Scripture, and a brief set of prayers. An introduction to prayer-book use from Eugene Peterson is included to acclimate readers to this form.”

Source: https://seekinggodsface.org/

Erwin was reflecting on the art of Makoto Fujimura.

“You don’t try to moralize through arts. You create great art, and then you get to share your own story in your own space. The quality of your work gives you the platform and the credibility for the authenticity of your message”.

What do you think of this statement?

Source: TheArtofleadership.com - Erwin McManus

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

In honor of family traditions here is a Ted Talk to make you re-think what it is you celebrate and why. Useful for your family, but also as creative leaders, as we build communities the same principles apply. Traditions build connection, and connection builds a team.

For more input on team building check out this article 10 Often Misused Attributes All Creative Leaders Need in The Worship and Creative Leaders Academy.

We always love to hear from you all… hit reply and say hi!! Or leave a comment below…

Leave a comment

Grace and peace,

Cass and Rich

P.S - Got a sec? Forward this to a friend… thanks so much!!

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

We’ve been creating indoor clouds, preaching on the end times, playing pickleball and getting ready for a pretty special baptismal service this Sunday… how about you??

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“I was inspired when Cass showed me the cloud by Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde on the left… so when our preaching series ended last weekend with a message about people’s misconceptions about eternity being spent floating on clouds, I knew we had to make one!!

Smildes cloud was actual vapour… ours is pillow stuffing and paper lanterns… but the effect was the same, and it definitely got the point across.

The idea here? Just because you can’t replicate an idea exactly doesn’t mean there’s not a way to utilize the concept.”

CASS WRITES:

“When you’re leading a worship or creative department, the messages you bring to your team aren’t just “team talks.”

They are culture-setting moments.
They shape identity.
They become the language your team uses.
They build imagination, expectation, and spiritual formation.

Words create worlds.”

For more on this, here’s something for you in The Academy.

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

If you implement these simple functions, your pastoral leadership will be so unexpected and uncommon that people will literally tell all their friends!!

3 Tips for Supporting Your Volunteers

1. Celebrate often. Thank volunteers regularly with handwritten notes, shoutouts, or quick texts that remind them of the impact they are having on eternities.

2. Communicate clearly. Share expectations, schedules, and feedback early so your team always knows what’s coming and how to prepare.

3. Care personally. Pray for one another, check in when life gets hard, and make sure every volunteer feels valued beyond their role.

Source: Life Church Open Network

Don’t be discouraged friends…

“The Church needs artists because without art we cannot reach the world. The simple fact is that the imagination ‘gets you,’ even when your reason is completely against the idea of God.

‘Imagination communicates,’ as Arthur Danto says, ‘indefinable but inescapable truth.’ Those who read a book or listen to music expose themselves to that inescapable truth.

There is a sort of schizophrenia that occurs if you are listening to Bach and you hear the glory of God and yet your mind says there is no God and there is no meaning. You are committed to believing nothing means anything and yet the music comes in and takes you over with your imagination.

When you listen to great music, you can’t believe life is meaningless. Your heart knows what your mind is denying. We need Christian artists because we are never going to reach the world without great Christian art to go with great Christian talk.”

Source: Tim Keller - 2017 (Facebook)

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Can you believe Advent starts next week!?!? We’re going to be reading through this book… why not join us?

Darrell Johnson is a master communicator and we will all be richer for slowing down this Advent and reflecting on the Wonder of God incarnate.

“Rooted in Scripture and drawn from decades of preaching, these reflections help us see again the surprising beauty of Jesus’ arrival and the way it continues to reshape our lives today.”

Source: Darrell Johnson - Awaken the wonder - Advent reflection

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

P.S. We’re adding things to the Worship & Creative Leaders Academy all the time.

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

It’s Creative All-In this week for us… and we could not be more excited!! Gathering with Creatives always leaves us inspired with sparks of energy and fresh imagination for all the Lord could be up to!!

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“This time of year starts to get busy… and if we’re not careful, as worship and creative leaders we can just keep adding and adding, more and more!!

It’s easy to do, but can cause real unrest, deep within your team.

So… before adding another service, song or “amazing” install, stop for a few minutes and assess where your people are really at.

Here’s an easy starting place:

• Who’s carrying too much?

• Who’s declining rosters a lot?

• Who haven’t you seen in a while?

Instead of plowing ahead without empathy or thought, take a minute to audit your team. Get a sense of where they’re at and where the team needs to grow so no one (including you) burns out or checks out.

(And if you need help with that check out this post).”

CASS WRITES:

“I’ve read these verses from Isaiah 55 at least 100 times…

‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.’

And I’ve always figured that I was fine. I’ve got money I can buy what I need.

And then this week, I find myself “spent” literally out of steam, out of capacity, out of creativity and out of margin.

Ever been there?

And all of a sudden this promise is overwhelmingly beautiful… when I’ve spent all I have, there is an invitation to come eat and drink… at the request of the Master… for free!

I don’t have to bring anything to the table.

And it makes me take a deep breath in, and relax into dependance on God again rather than depending on myself.

He says “Come, Eat, Drink… it’s on me!”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Are you looking for glory or God?

Source: A Non-Anxious Presence

Think about this fact in light of your church and team.

Your creative endeavors, the songs, the art, the sound… it all matters more than perhaps it seems!!

Source: The War on Beauty - The Culturalist

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

We’ve long loved this quote… mostly in the context of worship music.

The Lord has definitely used it to wash away the dust of everyday life from our souls!

Why don’t you use this as a prompt… stop what you’re doing… turn on your fav’ worship song of the minute (here’s ours)… and let the Holy Spirit cleanse you again right now.

Source: Attributed to Berthold Auerbach

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

P.S. Lead a worship team? You might like this.

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

Can you believe we’ve hit November already? We’re planning our next ‘Creative All-In” Night at Church and madly pulling together end of year plans with rehearsal schedules for special Christmas services…. it’s a fun time of year!!

How about you? What are you working on?

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

CASS WRITES:

“It was all too much.

Too many burdens held in calloused hands. Too many questions pressed against one worn-out prophet’s back. Too much weight in one wild, beating heart.

And Jethro, the father-in-law, the outsider, the watcher of worn men, simply said:

“What you are doing is not good… You will surely wear out.”

So Moses listened.

And heaven did too.

Later, in the wilderness hush, God gathered seventy. Took the Spirit that rested heavy on Moses, the holy weight of presence and wisdom and shared it.

Like a lantern passed.

Like fire splitting into smaller tongues that did not burn but built.

The burden didn’t grow lighter because the work got smaller.

The burden grew lighter because the joy got shared.

Because leadership isn’t a solo song… it’s a symphony.

It’s harmony. A wild, beautiful chorus of Spirit-filled voices rising up, together.

And maybe this is the whisper for you today:

You don’t have to do this alone.

You were never meant to carry it all.

The fruit is fuller, and the joy is richer, when we lead as one.

So call the elders.

Pass the lantern.

Build the kind of team that laughs a lot, prays deep, and never lets the fire burn out.

Because leading alone wears you out.

But leading together?

That’s where the Spirit multiplies.”

RICH WRITES:

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

I (Rich), came across this image while looking for something else. I read it and it stuck with me. The image is simple, yet the piece makes you feel something as I think all good art should… or is it just me?

Source: Somewhere online 🤷‍♂️

Turns out Vincent van Gogh was the son of a preacher…

He preached and ministered in early life.

Later as the storms raged in his mind, his faith seems to have stayed alight and he turned again and again toward God.

May this be our journey too. Through storm and calm, to seek and find the Lord.

Source: Vincent van Gogh Letters & Van Gogh Museum

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Prayer requests as art!!

Last Sunday we asked our Church to write prayers and we hung them on a tree to symbolize offering them to the One who hung on a tree for us. This one stood out… a piece of art, and a request for a new dog!!

Source: The Local Church Sydney

If you like getting more images than just words give this a ❤️ to let us know. Thanks in advance.

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

P.S - Need support pastoring your team? We’ve got you!

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Hey — It’s Cass and Rich.

On Sunday, I spoke about the man who found treasure and sold everything with joy to buy the field. It’s really impacted my own life and I’ve been thinking about how to bring more joy into my world and into the lives of others.

One thing I have thought to do this week is to invite leaders who are struggling to join us in The Worship and Creative Leaders Academy. Sometimes, just knowing others share similar thoughts and experiences to you brings joy. Knowing you aren’t alone can be delightful! (Why not join me in sharing “The Academy” with a friend this week.)

Share The Hopeful Rhino - A More Creative Way!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“Leadership can easily become all about outcomes, strategies, or solving problems but real leadership is about joy. Not surface happiness, but the deep joy that comes from watching others grow, create, and carry vision further than you could alone.

Hebrews tells us that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). Joy gave him endurance. When we lead from joy, we remind our teams that the work of heaven is not drudgery but it is delight.”

CASS WRITES:

“Sometimes joy looks like that kind of surrender; letting go of comfort, certainty, or even control in order to discover what’s worth everything.

Creativity flows best from that same posture: not striving for perfection, but delighting in the process, relinquishing control in order to create something authentic.”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

I love that in this quote CS Lewis indicates that it is at play - in making art, music, celebrating, and resting that we most partake in eternity.

“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

Source: C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer (1964)

God creating with joy, and us emulating that! What a thought! I have often thought through the lense of Narnia of God creating by singing the world into being and this adds another layer of richness to my imagining the Genesis story. God of wonders creating while laughing at all that was taking shape from his words. Isnt that though truly delightful.

“In art, we are continuing the creation, and that’s why it’s so joyful.”

Source: Madeleine L’Engle, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art (1980)

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Joy often comes from looking outside yourself like Rich talked about in relation to leadership.

Check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation — a site offering simple kindness ideas to spark joy and resource you for everyday life.

Did this spark joy in you? If so tell us your favourite R5 in the comments, or share a great link to something that gives you joy!

Leave a comment

Grace and peace,

Cass and Rich

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

How has your week started? Cass is getting over jet lag (after a great time at Salt Conference!!) and we’re now planning fun December church antics!!

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“I love the idea of a Macguffin.

We’ve written about the concept here in The Academy… but in short, a Macguffin, (especially in movies), is a character or an object that drives the narrative forward. A Macguffin motivates the characters to take action, but ultimately holds little significance to the story.

As Christian creatives, and especially as worship and creative leaders, I think we’re all Macguffins. We’re mean’t to push God’s story forward… but ultimately the story relaly isn’t about us!!”

CASS WRITES:

“I’m preparing a new message about The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46) to speak at The Local this weekend. Yet again I’m finding Jesus and his incredible way of teaching so brilliant and multifaceted. This parable is so simple, but packed with meaning.

Friends, if you need inspiration for your own creativity and for leading creatives, look no further than to Jesus Himself. Study is words… yes!! Observes his ways form all the angles. And dig deep into the pictures he paints… and the way he takes every day circumstances and transforms them into a kaleidoscope of salvation grace!”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Even if you’re current situation says otherwise…

“Nothing is too hard for God. Indeed, he has already done the hardest thing, in becoming one of us and dying for us; shall he fail to care for us in a thousand lesser ways?”

Source: ESV Gospel Transformation Bible

OK Go are known for their incredible music videos… but do you know how they come up with their ideas? By finding “idea sand-boxes” and simply playing!!

Source: Ok Go Ted Talk

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

The Peak-end Rule is used in marketing… but imagine we applied it to everything we do as Worship & Creative leaders? That new song / service / message / item / moment / worship time… could all be way more memorable, (even life changing), if you think about the peak of the experience… and the way it ends… in other words what you leave them with!

Source: Around The Bonfire

We ❤️ bringing you these fun and inspiring ideas… which is your fav’ this week?

Leave a comment

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

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Hey — It’s Rich and Cass.

Hope you’ve had a great week!!

Thanks for all the kind words on “The Worship & Creative Leaders Academy”.

Glad you love it.

Look out for new updates coming this week!!

Now, here’s 2 ideas from us, 2 snippets from others & 1 spark of inspiration!

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“You can lead creatives by venting your frustrations… (the way most people lead).

Or the better way, by learning to inspire with imagination shared vision… (the more difficult way).

One way tells people everything that’s wrong; the other invites them into possibilities.

One gets things off your chest; the other gets things off the ground.

In my experience, great leaders choose inspiration over irritation.”

CASS WRITES:

“Remember, beauty is a signpost to God. It’s a reflection of what we think of Him. Your creativity isn’t meaningless! It’s worthy, valuable and a part of your worship!”

(For more on like here’s 27 Things You Need to Know)

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

How often do you make excuses?

“Knowing your personality and your sensitivities does not excuse you from ministry. It means that you need to prepare for it differently than others might.”

Friends, don’t neglect what God is asking of you because of who he’s made you to be!

Embrace both!

Source: The Gospel Comes with a House Key

They had us at…

“Remember everything. Organize nothing.”

With “Mymind”, you can save anything worth remembering… from ideas, images, links, notes, quotes, even TikToks 🙃, and it automagically organizes it all for you.

Comes at a price… but could well be worth it!

Source: mymind.com

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

What do you notice in the image?

The neon shoes right!

Natalie Lam, Chief Creative Officer at Publicis Groups says that Nike always manages to have one sharp point in its advertising… in other words they aim for one thing that’s compelling… like the neon running shoes at the Olympics.

The question is; what’s the one compelling thing about your current project?

Is it you? Your Church? Your Team?

Or is it your real message?

Jesus.

Is He sharp enough?

Like the Rapid5? Hit the ❤️ … it’ll only take a second. Would mean the world!!

Grace and peace,

Rich and Cass

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

CASS WRITES:

Hey friends -

This week I’m in Nashville speaking at SALT Conference. It’s a gathering for church creatives, techs, and worship leaders… and I’m so excited about it!!

If you’d be up for praying for me I would love that… and if you’re anywhere near Nashville this week why not come along, it’s going to be a great time together!!

xoxo

RICH WRITES:

Isaiah 43:19 says;

“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”

A while back Cass wrote about the word “BEHOLD” in a post, but lately I’ve been contemplating it again.

Yes, that may be unusual, but hear me out.

Apparently it’s used over 1200 times in the Bible. And when it’s used, the idea is that it’s meant to make us stop and pay attention.

It means “get ready,” “to watch,” or “DON’T MISS THIS!”

I love that over and over again God keeps telling his people to getting ready, to take note, to stop and watch… Why? Because He’s telling them he’s about to do something new!

And He isn’t done with doing new things! His word is still alive and active. He is still alive and active.

Could it be that He’s shouting to us right now “BEHOLD!!”

I guess the question is, “do you not perceive it?”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Creativity burns out under constant demand, so lead your team in sustainable rhythms for long term team health, and creativity.

“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.”

Source: Banksy

For someone who needs encouragement today…

“God, like a father, doesn’t just give advice. He gives himself. He becomes the husband to the grieving widow (Isaiah 54:5). He becomes the comforter to the barren woman (Isaiah 54:1). He becomes the father of the orphaned (Psalm 10:14). He becomes the bridegroom to the single person (Isaiah 62:5). He is the healer to the sick (Exodus 15:26). He is the wonderful counselor to the confused and depressed (Isaiah 9:6).”

Source: If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Guy Buffet, (the artist commissioned to paint this piece), could have painted one single scene of a bartender mixing a martini… but instead, he took a risk and tried something different. Using a flip-book style that he used to do as a kid, he turned a simple painting into a story in motion. So cool!! And while we can’t condone the vodka, we do hope this inspires the courage to take a risk and do something differently!

Give us a little love… hit the ❤️ … or tell us your favourite R5 in the comments…

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Grace and peace,

Cass and Rich

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“I’ve been thinking about spiritual formation and the way God develops us…

The reality is, when it comes to having a real, ongoing, and alive relationship with God, if all you’ve got is heart and no structure, all the good intentions will end up evaporating when you don’t ‘feel’ it anymore.

But if you’ve got structure and disciplines without heart, everything tends to stiffen up and become rules and routines that so easily strangle the life out of life.

You need the beauty of both; a soft heart and a biblical framework for life that will hold you safe and steady for the long haul.

So y question is this; which are you more inclined towards?”

Leave a comment

CASS WRITES:

“You know how people say, “less is more”?

When it comes to design, or music, or art, I get it. The beauty of simplicity. The power of space. Even in a home or on a plate of food.

(I love those fancy restaurants that serve small, stunning portions).

But what about when it comes to life?

Is less really more?

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

He doesn’t come to give us less. He comes to give us more.

More hope.

More peace.

More joy.

More love.

More creativity.

More life.

So much life that it overflows, spills out, and causes us to flourish.

So this week, don’t shrink back creatives.

Go for more life!”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Take comfort friends, God doesn’t want all your time and attention…

“…it is not so much of our time and so much of our attention that God demands; it is not even all our time and all our attention; it is ourselves.”

Source: The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis

Is this is a good / helpful definition of excellence?

“Excellence means that we will always strive to use the gifts and abilities that God has given us to the fullest extent possible.”

Source: Lead Like it Matters to God by Richard Stearns

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

This MIND MAP and list of Bible references to God’s an interesting approach to thinking about and communicating the ways God is creative in the Bible.

Who would have thought a mind map could be a tool for God. Makes us think about all the myriad of ways we can all use our creative ability to share the Gospel, and bring God’s good news to the world!! Why limit what God can do? He doesn’t seem to do that!

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Grace and Peace,

Rich and Cass

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

CASS WRITES:

“Starting something new always comes with risk. But risk is often where the growth is and brings with it a stretch of faith, courage, and creativity. The new thing is less about certainty and more about stepping into possibility.”

RICH WRITES:

“When God does a new thing, it rarely looks like we expect.

Isaiah 43:19 reminds us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

New beginnings invite us to trust, both in God’s timing and His ways. They demand us not to limit Him by our inability to perceive that it’s actually God at work in the new.

If you find yourself in a new season this week, try exercising some creative imagination, and pray for clear vision and good perception.”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

This Brené Brown quote speaks to the heart of what it takes to take on the new!

“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.”

Source: Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution

Toxic positivity is not what theologian Jürgen Moltmann had in mind when he said…

“The antidote for despair is hope”

Source: Theology of Hope

Instead, he was encouraging us to acknowledge the suffering and injustice we experience in the world. It’s only then that we can feel the true force of God’s promise to heal the world… and this creates great hope!

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

This is a portion of “Garden of Earthly Delights” a triptych oil painting by Hieronymus Bosch. It’s disturbing, yet intriguing. The portion above shows the artists interpretation of what Hell might be like. Check out the whole painting and the story about what it means here.

Could it be that the new thing, God is calling you to create will disturb some and intrigue others? Maybe our creative endeavors have been too safe?

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Grace and Peace,

Cass & Rich

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“Creative leadership isn’t about being the most original person in the room. It’s about drawing out the creativity in others.”

This week I’m asking: “Am I leading pro-actively or reactively? Am I just managing what is? Or am I leading others creatively, and courageously envisioning what could be?”

CASS WRITES:

“Last night we went to see the First Hymn Movie and this morning we were reflecting on it and someone said; “What I love about John Dickson is, he just gets things done”.

(John is the ideas guy behind the film and the instigator of Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding’s recreation of the very first hymn. The movie is great and the song is beautiful!!)

The comment made me think about the connection between creativity and leadership. At its core, leadership is a creative act. Don’t you think? It’s about imagining what could be and then inviting others into it with you.

When God saw the nation of Israel, He invited Abraham into the vision with Him. Leaders echo that pattern every time we cast vision, solve problems, or build community. Creativity isn’t just about art or music; it’s about shaping spaces where people can flourish and find their feet and their fit.”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

We get so serious in church don’t we? Yes, it’s life and death, but it is also life! And can be fun! I love this thought that creativity is intelligent. We can be interesting and clever… try it!!!

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

Anonymous (True fact: This is the most mis-attributed quote to Albert Einstein)

Source: Who Said Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun?

Don’t you love stumbling across a great new song, or book or… person!!! You know when you find someone who has an idea that feels like it’s just so good and deserves to be heard… this week, try recommending that!!!!

“Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work.”

Seth Godin

Source: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Check out this blog from Ed Catmull (Pixar’s co-founder) called “Why creativity in leadership is less about having all the ideas, and more about building a culture where ideas can thrive”.

Source: Slack Blog post

Sometimes the most creative thing you can do is encourage someone else! Feel free to drop a comment and encourage the Rhino community!!

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Grace and Peace,

Cass & Rich

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

CASS WRITES:

Ever thought about the role of friendship in leadership?

Recently I’ve been studying 2 Corinthians and in 7:6 Paul candidly admits his dependence on encouragement: “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

This sounds deeply human doesn’t it? Paul, the seasoned apostle, was not sustained by sheer resilience or spiritual bravado, but by the faithful presence of a friend.

Christian leadership isn’t meant to be a performance of strength, but it should be a posture of receiving God’s comfort through others.

I’ve heard it said, that “leadership is a lonely road” - but Paul challenges this kind of leadership. He confronts the picture of a leader who “needs no one”, shows no weakness and goes it alone.

It seems to me that Paul normalises seasons of discouragement and honors encouragement. He sees it as essential to sustaining God’s mission.

Don’t you think that this shows us that leaders aren’t meant to be reservoirs of unending energy or self sustained? Instead we are meant to participate in a mutual flow of comfort, sometimes giving comfort, and sometimes receiving it.

Paul’s words remind us that God’s grace often comes clothed in friendship, and that leadership is healthiest when it makes space to acknowledge our own weakness and need for friendship.

It makes me ask; “Who are my Titus’s?” and “Who shows up and brings comfort, encouragement and strength as I serve the Lord?”, and “Who can I be Titus to?”….. I figure you may like to ask yourself the same question this week.

RICH WRITES:

“Community is a two way street.
The only way to have real friendship is to be a real friend.”

TWO QUOTES FROM OTHERS

“Friendship is a much underestimated aspect of spirituality. It’s every bit as significant as prayer and fasting. Like the sacramental use of water and bread and wine, friendship takes what’s common in human experience and turns it into something holy.”

Eugene H. Peterson

Source: Leap Over A Wall

Spurgeon reminds us of what friendship with God looks like…

“If we are to be the friends of God, there must be a conformity of heart, and will, and design, and character to God. Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

Source: Sermon: The Friend of God

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

It’s well known that C.S. Lewis and Tolkien’s friendship sparked new levels of creativity, honest feedback and inspiration. Who’s your Lewis? Do you have a Tolkien?

Here’s why it matters 👉 When You Do Creative Work With Your Friends, Everyone Wins!

What’s you best tip for friendship in leadership? Or have you struggled with the “lonely road”… let us know in the comments…

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Grace and Peace,

Cass & Rich

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“People often tell me they’re unhappy with where they find themselves in life.

They’re focused on where they are, and not about where they’re headed.

The question to ask is not “Why am I here?”, but “What direction am I headed?”

Take a small step toward Christ-likeness today, and over time you’ll become who you’re meant to be, and get where you’re meant to go!”

CASS WRITES:

“Gratitude is a stabiliser.

There’s a way to look through the lens of thanksgiving in order to keep your heart sweet, which changes your perspective and helps everything. Gratitude, like joy, is a choice.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Sobering, but true from Rich Villodas…

“As long as we remain enslaved to a culture of speed, superficiality, and distraction, we will not be the people God longs for us to be.”

Source: The Deeply Formed Life

Combine that 👆 with this 👇

“To achieve creativity in an existing domain, there must be surplus attention available.”

Source: Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

How cool is that photo!?

Did you hear about the Utah Monolith in 2020?

Apparently it was installed in San Juan County, Utah sometime between July and October 2016 but wasn’t discovered until 2020.

Turns out it wasn’t put there by an alien…. it was a piece of art.

When you do something interesting, people will discover it, ask questions about it, and perhaps even make up stories to explain it. What they won’t do is ignore it!!

Let us know you’re with us - hit the ❤️ … or share your response to your favourite point from this weeks R5 in the comments…

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Grace and Peace,

Rich & Cass

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

CASS WRITES:

“As creatives, we are evangelists. We tell stories of God's faithfulness using all kinds of mediums to help open people's hearts to the Gospel.”

Stop for a second and ask yourself:

• Is that my approach?

• Could it be?

• What would it look like to make a shift toward this point of view?

RICH WRITES:

Advice for leaders and pastors of worship & creative teams;

“Always, always, always lead from a place of personal devotion, humble gratitude, and confident authority… not personal ambition, prideful entitlement, or hidden insecurity. Proactively choose accountability for these things, because without it, you’ll fool yourself before you fool anyone else.”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Imagine we embraced a broader understanding of creativity!

“Creativity is about responding to God’s image and call, and through that response exerting a creative influence and leadership that the world desperately needs. I believe that creativity is for all of us, and I think it’s one of the tools God has given us to carry out his purposes for the world. God made us creative so that we could navigate threats and challenges, laying hold of the possibilities around us.”

Source: Why the Gospel Needs Generous Creativity

Our aim is to help people experience the God of the Bible, not just hear about the God of the Bible…

“There is a difference between being part of the exodus from Egypt and hearing a preacher read a sermon (Worship team sing a song) about it… People experienced the original exodus firsthand, then passed on the story orally for over two hundred years before it was written down. When preachers (creatives) approach an exodus text, they need to help congregations revive or rediscover the experience of exodus.”

Source: Arts and Preaching

This was originally a quote for preachers, but the same is true of worship and creative teams. The question is; Are people just hearing and seeing what we do, or are we helping them to truly experience the realities of the Bible?

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

A friend introduced us to the HOW WE FEEL APP last week and it seemed too good not to share. It’s free!!

“It was designed to help you gain greater insight around the causes and consequences of your feelings and learn research-based strategies to help you regulate your feelings to achieve greater well-being.”

Tools for self-awareness are really helpful. Just one way we can grow more Christ-like and develop the fruit of the Spirit as Creative Christians. Why not share this with a friend you know could use it?

Share

Source: How We Feel

CHOOSE YOUR FAV…

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Grace and Peace,

Rich & Cass

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“Creativity is a gift from God. It’s one of the ways He allows us to join Him in making meaning out of the mystery of the world we live in.”

CASS WRITES:

A thought on embodied worship:

“Most of us think of worship as something we say or sing. But in Scripture, worship is something we live.”

Let’s not limit, box, or condense our worship. It’s not just a song, but it’s not less than a song either.

TWO QUOTES FROM OTHERS

For the early church, their gatherings were vital for life, not a “nice to do, if I can fit it in”. They all contributed… and looked out for each other!!

“Christs followers are not in a hurry; they listen carefully when the word is read and preached, and they patiently call to account straying Christians who attend worship services irregularly…

Each [member], from what he knows of the Holy Scriptures, or from his own heart, is called before the rest to sing to God…

Each one” could bring a Scripture passage, a testimony, a song. This was the setting in which members uttered prophecies and spoke of visions which… were a “normal part of the Christian life.”

The community’s worship was designed to empower all members and to give them a sense of their worth that expressed itself in courageous living and bold testimony.”

Unhurried… patiently calling each other to account… songs from scripture and the heart… prophecies and visions… worship designed to empower all… what are we doing folks!!?!

Source: The Patient Ferment of The Early Church

Imagine we embed empathy into our churches, teams and kids ministries!! It’s Biblical and Godly, yet often missing. Check out the example from Denmark…

“Since 1993, Denmark has made empathy a weekly class for every child aged 6-16.

Not an extra. Not optional. It sits alongside math and science. Kindness isn’t considered a trait. It’s treated as a skill.

Neuroscientists now know empathy changes the brain. Practicing it strengthens the medial prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for perspective-taking and emotional regulation. Kids literally wire their brains to understand and respond to others.

Nearly 60% of Danish school work is done in teams. Over years, collaboration stops being an activity. It becomes instinct. And when competition isn’t the default, children see peers as allies, not threats.

The payoff is measurable.

Only 6.3% of Danish students experience regular bullying, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Long-term studies show children who learn empathy young are more likely to graduate, hold full-time jobs, and maintain stronger relationships into adulthood.”

Source: Ready Set Parent

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of the artwork below.

The process is slow and repetitive. The story it tells is full of historical meaning and significance. Reminds us that it often takes more work to make simple and beautiful things… yet the pay off? Well that’s so very worth the effort!

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TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

“The EBI Effect
I recently read a post from a friend who shared a brilliant method for debriefing weekend preaching. I loved it so much that we’ve started using it for worship as well. I call it the Even Better If effect.

Here’s how it works: after the weekend, ask two simple questions:

1. What was good?

2. What would be even better if…?

It’s a subtle shift, but it makes feedback feel less like criticism and more like an invitation to grow. Instead of tearing down, it helps us focus on small, meaningful steps toward flourishing.

Try it this week, you might be surprised at how encouraging and effective it feels.”

“God gives us far more than we deserve, and in turn, He invites us to treat every person we encounter with that same overflowing kindness.”

Read: Luke 6:27-42

TWO QUOTES FROM OTHERS

The way God tells stories is a slap in the face to our mediocre retelling of our own stories!

“We must tell stories the way God does, stories in which a sister must float her little brother on a river with nothing but a basket between him and the crocodiles. Stories in which a king is a coward, and a shepherd boy steps forward to face the giant. Stories with fiery serpents and leviathans and sermons in whirlwinds. Stories in which murderers are blinded and donkeys become heroes. Stories with dens of lions and fiery furnaces and lone prophets laughing at kings and priests and demons. Stories with heads on platters. Stories with courage and crosses and redemption. Stories with resurrections.”

Source: Death By Living. Life is Meant to Be Spent.

Imagine if our songs were dangerous declarations of hope like the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel…

“This song becomes a source of deep and dangerous hope in the world wherever the prospect and possibility of human arrangements have been exhausted. When people can no longer believe the promises of the rulers of this age, when the gifts of well-being are no longer given through established channels, this song voices an alternative to which the desperate faithful cling.”

Source: First and Second Samuel: Interpretation

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

We dreamed of making 1000 paper doves for Pentecost Sunday, then discovered someone had already made 8000! Simple and beautiful…

londonfamilydaysout

A post shared by @londonfamilydaysout

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Grace and Peace,

Rich & Cass

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Hey Crashers,

This week, we’ve been in Hawaii for a really special women’s conference at New Hope Church. Alongside that, I had the privilege of speaking on the weekend there and also at The House Established with some dear friends. We feel a little more Hawaiian and like we have “Ohana” (family) there now!!  

So this week’s Rapid 5 combines a little of that with last week’s journal article around developing your passion and persistence, despite where the journey takes you!!

Grace and Peace,

Cass & Rich

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Book: A Long Obedience In The Same Direction.

This is a classic and one of the most helpful discipleship books we’ve read. This is not the first time it has appeared in the Rapid 5, for good reason!! (Link)

Blog: 18 Secrets for a Longer Life.

This is an interesting article that we read this week. Some of the findings and observations will make you smile - turns out going to church is good for you… ha! Who knew? 😜 (Link)

Song: Jesus Does.

Rich has been loving this song of late. Feels right when talking about reasons to have passion and persistence. Jesus is good - He’s in all things and holds it all together!! (Link to lyrics and charts)

Website: Oahu Hike

If you want to see the Koko Head track we referenced in the journal last week (and why Rich wants to climb it), check out Oahu Hike. Maybe put it on your bucket list, and let’s all meet up in Hawaii sometime. (Link)

Camera: Insta360 Go 3

Life has some pretty sweet moments - the highs and the lows make for some incredible memories that are worth documenting. Here’s a great review that shows off what it can do. (Link)

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