Thank you and God Bless

Dear Emmanuel Community:

It is hard to sum up our feelings of gratitude for the gift of time spent together this summer in Dublin with you, but they are immense. When the COVID crisis hit this March, we did not know, nor did any of us, that it would last this long. As it progressed and spread, we wondered what summer would mean for us all - but especially for our shared ministry in Dublin and for our kids mental health.

I was so pleased to join and lead worship for our beloved Emmanuel Church this summer. Every part of it has been uplifting and rewarding. From Bible Study, through our book group, through the production of the services - all speak to our communities journey of faithfulness in following Jesus. Thank you for making that journey with me.

Our shared time away as a family with all of you was spiritually restorative. Coming on the heels of a minor health crisis, the time away in the shadows of Mount Monadnock was healing for all of us. Shared conversation, shared walks, shared meals, shared coffees on the porch - life together with you, dear friends - all masked and appropriately distanced was life giving.

Finally, we also want to say thank you on behalf of our beloved children. This spring has been hard on all of us, but from the moment we arrived in Dublin we could see their spirits rise and return to normal. We cannot thank you all enough for saving the summer with us.

As we take our leave and hand on this ministry to John and the rectory to John and Judyth, our prayer for you all is continued grace and peace in the name of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yours,

Gideon for all the Pollachs: Sarah, Abigael, Wood, Peyton and Byrd.