Dear Talmadge Hill Family,

This week, I am in Minnesota to officiate at the wedding of my stepson, Harrison Wood, and Alayna Gifford. For Beth and me, this moment feels especially meaningful given our journey together as a blended family.

Harrison and I have navigated our share of challenges over the years as we have worked to build trust and understanding. Family blending is not always smooth, and we have had our moments of struggle. Yet, through it all, I am deeply grateful for how our relationship has been forged into a stronger and more resilient bond. This journey has taught me so much about how a deeper connection can emerge from moments of struggle. It is a parallel to a congregation's interim time, reminding us that everything cannot be solved immediately and that transition takes time.

Thank you for graciously allowing me this time away, especially so soon after I began my ministry here. The wedding date was set long before I knew where I would be serving this September, and your understanding and support are invaluable to me. Beth and I are so looking forward to being with all of our five children this weekend: her three from a previous marriage and our two boys, whom we adopted together from Ethiopia.

While I am away, you are in excellent hands with our guest preacher, The Reverend Dr. Daniel Lee. Dr. Lee brings a unique perspective, being both a fourth-generation Presbyterian minister and a third-generation concert violinist. He currently teaches baroque performance practice at Yale University and has served congregations across Connecticut, Missouri, New Jersey, and New York. He beautifully explores how arts and spirituality intersect to inspire harmony in our communities, something I know will resonate with many of you.

I look forward to returning to Talmadge Hill next week and will be attending the Bible study on Thursday morning, September 25th, and co-leading worship on Sunday, September 28th.

Mooi Loop,

Dries