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JANUARY 2026 |
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THE CROWS NEST |
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SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Rebecca's Reflections 150th Anniversary Year in Review Upcoming Events January Worship COME As You Are West Branch Food Pantry Wednesday Night Discipleship Human Relations Sunday Conference & Circuit News SUMC 2026 and Beyond Ministry Planning |
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BIRTHDAYS |
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1 - Landon Laing 3 - Robert Gruwell 6 - Bruce Barnhart 7 - Kalvin Clemens 11 - Wyatt Haub 12 - Myrna Ferguson Joanna Fletcher Barb Frauenholz 13 - Margi Boles 14 - Chris Blayer 18 - Katie Stoolman JD Turner 22 - Steven Grace 24 - Jennifer Shanker 25 - Wes Clemens 28 - Bridget Buol Kyle Tisinger 29 - Katie Sabourin |
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ANNIVERSARIES |
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27 - Darrall & Nicki Brick (25) |
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SUMC'S MISSION, VISION & VALUES |
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Mission We exist as a church to make disciples, bringing persons to Jesus Christ and to Christ's community.
Vision *The Church bulges with attendance; Babies cry in the back pew; and Cheerios can be found on the floor. *Many people get their hands dirty serving God's church and God's children. *Persons of all ages regularly meet together in every nook and cranny for spiritual support and nurturing. *Congregations gives joyfully.
Values *Everything we do is based on our worth as God's children and seeing that in others. *We use all we have and are to serve God and God's people. *We believe in joy, content to give thanks to the Lord in all things even through tough times of darkness.
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Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4-5 |
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REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS |
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As I write this, it is the last day of 2025, and the new year is fast approaching. This last year has been an exciting one for Springdale UMC with our yearlong celebration of our 150th year in ministry. For me as your pastor, it has been a joy to work with all of you, to witness to the many and varied ways that this congregation cares not only for its own members but also for the community at large. Our mission giving this year to the food pantry, for example, has provided more than $1,300.00 through in-kind gifts of food and other non-perishable items. Let’s keep this up in the new year!
My heart is full this season. Thank you all for the wonderful gifts that you shared with Diane and myself during worship. We both feel blessed to be able to be here with you each week and to worship with you.
Now, a new year beckons. What will this year bring for us here at Springdale? The Epiphany passage from Isaiah comes to mind, Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” We can be a shining light in our community this year, sharing our gifts for ministry with others, continuing the work we have already started.
I invite you to pray for our new year—and to ask yourself, “What one thing can I do this year to further the ministry of Springdale UMC?” Then, step up, volunteer, offer to lead, share your gifts in new ways, etc. It’s a new year, a new start. I am excited and hopeful for what we can accomplish together.
Rebecca |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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JANUARY WORSHIP |
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Theme for the Month: Living in the Light
January 4 Epiphany, Communion Sunday Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 Sermon: “Shine Out”
January 11 Scripture: Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 Sermon: "We are Witnesses"
January 18 Scripture: John 1:29-42 Sermon: "Come and See"
January 25 Sermon: "No Divisions" |
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Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. Wednesday Night Discipleship 5:30 p.m. - WBUMC |
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SONG OF THE MONTH |
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COME AS YOU ARE: MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT TOGETHER |
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As followers of Christ, we are called not only to gather for worship, but also to go into the world with love, compassion, and hope. That calling is at the heart of our COME Committee—the Committee on Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism.
What Is the COME Committee?COME exists to help our church live out Christ’s love beyond our walls. Our work focuses on three interconnected areas:
Sometimes this looks like organized projects or mission opportunities. Other times it’s as simple—and as holy—as showing up, listening, and caring.
What We Do Throughout the YearCOME helps coordinate and support opportunities such as:
Our goal isn’t just to do more, but to help us love more faithfully and intentionally.
How You Can Make a Meaningful ImpactYou don’t have to be on a committee or sign up for everything to make a difference. Here are simple, powerful ways every congregant can participate throughout the year:
Every act of kindness—no matter how small—has the potential to reflect God’s love in powerful ways.
An InvitationCOME is not about checking boxes or filling calendars. It’s about living our faith in everyday, tangible ways. We invite you to watch for upcoming opportunities, listen for God’s nudging, and take part in ways that fit your season of life.
Together, we can be a church that doesn’t just talk about love—but lives it.
If you have ideas, passions, or questions about outreach or mission, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to Rebecca, Steven, or Paula.
Thank you for being part of a congregation that seeks to serve, welcome, and share Christ’s love—near and far, all year long.
Paula Rogers, COME chair |
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WEST BRANCH FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS |
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January - Soaps Laundry, dish, body, etc.
February Diapers, pull ups, and Adult Depends. |
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP |
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Beginning September 4, WND will meet every Wednesday during the school year. The schedule has changed a bit this year as they are adding in a Family Worship time! Classes are held for PK-12th Grade- please encourage your children and grandchildren to participate. |
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5:30 p.m. - PK-6th grade classes meet in classrooms 6:10 p.m. - Family Worship 6:30 p.m. - Family Supper in Fellowship Hall |
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SUMC is looking for volunteers to help prepare, serve, and clean up for the Family Supper the Third Wednesday of every month. We also need volunteers to provide baked goods (6 dozen). Please contact Rebecca or Paula for more information and to sign up. |
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SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING |
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Your Generosity Can Change Lives
Let’s build the beloved community together! |
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CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS |
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SUMC 2026 AND BEYOND MINISTRY GOALS AND PLANNING |
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Goal |
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Key Action Steps |
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Timeline |
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Resources Needed |
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Increase outreach |
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Identify at least 3 community events for presence or sponsorship; develop simple materials; set up volunteer sign-ups |
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Ongoing |
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Flyers; social media posts; volunteer schedule |
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Increase family attendance |
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Host family-friendly worship & outreach events quarterly (e.g. picnic, mini-VBS, outdoor service) |
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Ongoing |
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Family-friendly activities; food budget |
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Show appreciation for current attendees |
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Create quarterly recognition Sundays (e.g. "Birthday Sunday"); thank-you notes |
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Ongoing |
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Cards, refreshments |
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Organize and store church photos |
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Gather photos; assign a small group to organize photos and develop a storing system (digital and/or physical) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Photo boxes and/or scanner |
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ADA Building |
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Finalize accessibility plan; obtain bids; research grant opportunities |
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Q1 2026 |
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Contractor bids and grant research |
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Grow worship attendance by 5% each year |
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Track attendance; launch invite campaign; feature personal testimonials on social media |
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Ongoing |
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Data tracking sheet; social media posts |
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Separate praise/worship time |
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Pilot an alternative or contemporary service once per month |
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Q2 2026 |
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Committee |
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Outdoor worship/picnic |
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Schedule at park or church lawn; plan lunch & music |
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Summer/Fall 2026 |
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Committee |
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Bi-Annual Bible/Book Study |
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Identify a study |
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Q1 & Q3 2026 |
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Curriculum/book; identify a study leader |
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Lenten Devotional Book |
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Collect devotions from members; publish by Lent. |
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Q1 2026 |
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Printing or digital platform |
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Bless the Animals Sunday |
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Select date; promote |
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Fall 2026 |
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Marketing, supplies |
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Christmas Caroling |
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Organize routes and songbooks |
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December 2026 |
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Committee |
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Weekly blog devotions |
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Create schedule of authors; make weekly posts |
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Q1-Q4 2026 |
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Website access |
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Update Church Directory |
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Collect info/photos; publish printed & digital copy |
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Q4 2026 |
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Camera; printing; design |
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Worship at Little Bear |
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Contact campground; schedule annual summer service |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteer; bulletins; sound system |
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Mission day to Matthew 25 (CR) |
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Coordinate service team |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteers |
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Engage with local celebrations |
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Participate in at least 2 community festivals each year |
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Ongoing |
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Volunteers; identify celebrations |
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Better utilize west wing & closet |
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Inventory space; create multipurpose plan (storage ministry use) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteer |
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Church-wide clean-up/purge |
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Annual spring cleaning day |
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Q2 each year |
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Create cleaning list and recruit volunteers |
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Grow connections within circuit |
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Host or join shared worship/mission events |
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Ongoing |
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Identify opportunities |
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Weekend Retreat (Youth and/or adult) |
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Plan small retreat at local camp |
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2026-2027 |
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Identify programming; location; date; promote |
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Rebuild youth programming |
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Recruit 2 volunteers; plan quarterly youth events and/or Sunday programming |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteers; curriculum |
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155th Anniversary Celebration |
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Form committee at least 1 year in advance; plan worship; meal; and community event |
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2029 |
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Committee formed by 2028 |
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Revised Yule Buffet |
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Refresh menu & decor; invite community |
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Annually beginning 2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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ADA Building (completion) |
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Finish all accessibility upgrades |
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2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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Increase pastoral support (1/2 to full-time) |
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Stewardship campaign; reassess budget & needs |
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2027-2029 |
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Assessments |
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Long-term stewardship study |
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Implement multi-week giving & vision series |
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2026-2028 |
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Committee |
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Upgrade/update Kitchen |
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Assess needs, fundraise, and complete renovation |
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2027-2029 |
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Committee |
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Seal Time Capsule |
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Identify items to include |
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Q1 2026 |
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Announcement as to date |
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Sew personal dignity kits for Midwest Mission |
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Recruit sewers or those willing to learn |
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Q2 2026 |
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Machines, sewing materials |