June 2017

The Pelican From the Rector’s Desk

We wish to thank each family and individual who has made a financial commitment to the “Christ Is Our Foundation” Capital Expansion Cam-paign, which totals over $4,227,576. Each Church of the Redeemer household will be contacted in the next few months by a fellow member for a personal visit regarding the Capi-tal Expansion Campaign. When your friend calls, we would be honored if you said "Yes" to the visit. Please ac-cept your personal visit from one of your fellow members whenever he or she calls. These visits are enjoyable and important. The visit allows every-one an opportunity to be updated on our plans, to give input, and to ask questions in the privacy of your home or view the 3-d model along with pic-tures and a nice brochure at Strawberry Hill. If you would like your visit sched-uled sooner rather than later, contact our consultant, Glendon Smith, at 502-445-0903, e-mail him at glendonsmith@jdklote.com, or visit the campaign office at Strawberry Hill. With every good wish for God’s continued blessing, I remain

Faithfully yours,

Dear People of God, We are extremely grateful for the prayerful, sacrificial, generous, and joyful support of our “Christ Is Our Foundation” Capital Expansion Cam-paign in these early days. It is both humbling and exciting to witness the response to building a new Center for Christian Education and renew other parts of our campus that will serve not only our needs, but also those of the community around us. By sup-porting this campaign, you are invest-ing in the present and future needs of our parish to welcome people and disciple them in the Christian faith. We encourage you prayerfully to consider supporting “Christ Is Our Foundation” with generous and joyful hearts. When we all come together in that spirit, God will surely fulfill the mission He has laid out before us!

The Church of the Redeemer

Campaign Prayer

THE PELICAN PAGE 2

deemer’s life of witness to God. We invite you all to become a part of this exciting venture of mission and ministry, for the future of God’s work in this broken and needy world. Your fi-nancial giving along with your time, and talent, will make a substantial dif-ference! No gift is too small (and none too large) to reach our goal. You will be blessed in giving, and God will be served in far greater ways than any of us can imagine. Faithfully in Christ, Father Milton and Lois Cheney Advance Team Members

Consider this: Church of the Redeemer’s building expansion is an act of love. We are called as Christ’s disciples to be known by our love. But, as the world often asks, what does love look like? Of the bricks and mortar we will pro-vide for construction, do new classrooms look like love, or clergy offices, what about a larger Music Room and a larger Nursery? In our parish life together, class-rooms are tables and chairs with people gathered: our youth and adults, learning and meeting

Christ. An office brings a priest to reach out to in times of grief, confusion, or the joys of baptism or marriage counsel-ing. Worship music is prayer, trans-cending ourselves to the foot of the Throne of Glory; for many it is the first words learned in adoration or request. Lastly, think of our Nursery providing rocking chairs where each tiny child of God can be cuddled. These rooms are more than places, they are opportuni-ties! I found Redeemer when I needed my first adult Bible study, and hearing God’s word in a way I never had be-

fore. I needed help with single-parenting, need-ed to sing in the choir when I would have cried in the pew if saying my prayers, needed participat-ing in welcoming ministries that brought me to a life centered in Jesus. As a stranger, like so many others entering Redeemer’s doors, I was wel-comed, encouraged, and formed. Thousands of strangers are coming to our doorstep in the near future; we want them to cross our threshold. We want to love Sarasota and beyond - we need to love them into the Kingdom. So, like our Lord, when the crowd gathered, they needed to be fed, and He multi-plied the small offering and provided enough for everyone, and then some. That’s what love looks like. Jeanne H. Lewis, The Spiritual Emphasis Committee

Since purchasing a home in the Meadows in 2013, we have been blessed by the worship and fellowship at the Church of the Redeemer. This year, Fr. Fred in-vited us to become part of Re-deemer’s “Christ is Our Founda-tion”, serving on the Advance Team under the leadership of Glendon Smith, a V.P. of the Klote Firm for Fund Raising. We made our own financial commitment for the next five years, and are happy to be a small part of this next chapter in Re-

Celebrate Redeemer Campaign Kickoff Redeemer members joyously celebrated faith and place in true Redeemer style on a perfect Sunday afternoon in late April. The start of the event brought the an-nouncement of the launch of the $6.5 million first phase building program to allow the church to meet the growing needs of the congregation over the next genera-tions. The project will be rolled out in three separate phases and in the end, will give the church much needed space for classrooms, music, youth, and areas for worship. Construction is expected to begin early in the new year Capital campaign chairman Robert Morris addressed the cost of the entire multi-year program of $13 million, with the first phase costing $6.5 million, and the need to seek widespread participation from all in the parish family. He surprised those gathered with a display of golden numeral balloons—held by children of the parish—showing early pledges and contributions to the kickoff of the campaign to be $4,021,345. The entire congregation rose to applaud their support. Mr. Morris said the out-pouring of 600 congregants for the event represents “a miracle in itself and shows the devotion and commitment of the church. I am touched by the turnout and have been encouraged by the generosity of the congregation.” The afternoon was a celebration of fellowship, an opportunity to preview the expansion plans and model, food and entertainment. Father Robinson, in his re-marks, thanked Andy Dorr and his team for time spent planning the project, Va-lerie Dorr and her committee for planning the kickoff event, and Morton's Market for providing the food. The spirit of the celebration was captured by photographer Wendy Dewhurst.

- Andy Dorr

Thoughts from the Capital Campaign Steering Committee

Brigham and Beverly Clegg are chairing the Spiritual Emphasis Committee

THE PELICAN PAGE 3

THE PELICAN PAGE 4

THE PELICAN PAGE 5

JUNE CALENDAR

Thursday, 1 June Baptism Rehearsal

Monday, 5 June 12:00 Accountability Group– Eva Pope Tuesday, 13 June 12:00 Lectionary Bible Study Room 205 Thursday, 15 June 10:00 Needlepoint Workshop-Eva Pope 4:30 Finance Committee Upper Room Monday, 19 June Accountability Group– Eva Pope Tuesday 20 June, Lectionary Bible Study, Upper Room Monday, 21 June Heart to Heart Bible Study

FROM THE PARISH REGISTER

Joining the Parish Family: Gilbert Colefield 1814 7th Street Sarasota, Florida 34236 Letters of Transfer Out Lee and Darlene Rodgers to Trinity Episcopal, Vero Beach FL Gloria Boyd to St. Peter’s Cathedral, St Petersburgh FL Marian Nikita to St. Mary Magdalene, Lakewood Ranch, FL Baptisms Merribeth Grace Brown Matthew David Wietzke Confirmations Matthew James Conklin Annabel M. Edwards Richard McLean Glass Nancy Hensley A. Leslie Holden Lorraine Murphy Colby Siljestrom Heather Wiley Suescun Amanda Simmons Anna Christine Teffenhart Thomas Joseph Teffenhart Susan Randolph Wyatt Stephen Thomas Bennett Christina Grace Brush Maximilian Strom Carey

Erin Rose Kaplan Alexander James Kempton Nevin Thomas Legare Amelia Katherine Menke Sterling Anne Michel Ansley Kathleen Morris Jonathan Pettey Anne Bagby Pollard Luke James Rozmus Ava Elizabeth Sepanski William Bradshaw Shoemaker Paul Benjamin Strom Andrew Lord Strong Receptions: Sharon Coleman John Mantle Edwards Jr. Zulay Gallagher Scott William Gonnello Lourdes Guerrero Antonio Leal-Olmedo Guadalupe Pozas Scott A. Schieb Marriages: “Those whom God has joined together…” Nathaniel Jordan Weber and Rachel Elizabeth Ledford 5 May 2017 Calvin Thomas Griffin and Adelaide Judson Boedecker 27 May 2017 Deaths: “Rest eternal grant unto them…” The Rev. William T. (Tom) Fitzgerald Ann M. Gray Vicki Myers

Worship Services Sunday 7:30 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 11:00 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 1:00 PM Spanish Mass

Monday 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 5:15 PM Evening Prayer

Tuesday 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 5:15 PM Evening Prayer

Wednesday 7:30 AM Holy Eucharist 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 5:15 PM Evening Prayer

Thursday 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 5:15 PM Evening Prayer 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

Friday 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing Service 5:15 PM Evening Prayer

Saturday 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Anointing 11:00 AM Confessions 5:30 PM Contemporary Mass

Weekly Schedule Sunday 2:00 PM Spanish Bible Study Thursday

10:00 AM Needlepoint Group

Friday 7:15 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Saturday 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Group

THE PELICAN

GATORS For ALL Redeemer Singles-GATORS (Gathering Adults to Redeemer Singles):

Don your "butterfly garden party finery," and honor GATORS first anniver-sary! Join host Becky Thornhill for a captivating catered cocktail celebration

at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd of the Arts, Friday, 2 June, 6:30-8 PM. Sip as you stroll through the beautifully cultivated tropical gardens, or

"step inside into the cool" to sample delectable delights, and marvel at demonstrations by Treasure Cove II floral designer Leonard Hendry, Bamboo

Gardens Tom Younkman's butterfly gardening, Morton's Market floral de-signer Rebecca Moss, Redeemer's Altar Guild Flower Committee's Harriet Stieff & Julie Eisele, acclaimed garden artist Charlotte Thomas, and orchid

presentations from "The Orchid Lady" at Southgate Mall, Doris Volk and Jim Wells. Music provided by Linda Lee Miska. Favors, door prizes, and FUN for all. It is IMPERATIVE THAT YOU RSVP by 30 May at redeemersarasota.org

Parish Family Prayer Chain

To request prayers, please contact Don Peet

at 954.1740.

We M our Pelican Crew!

Barbara & Jack Petrecca: Ronelle Ashby,

Mary & Noel Belcourt, Ruth & Frank Braden,

Charlotte Evans, Brenda Griffiths, Mary Lindamood,

Mae Miller, Helen & Ron Rayevich, Jane & Sam Skogstad,

and Regina Smith

The Church of the Redeemer 222 South Palm Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236-6799 The Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith The Rector The Very Rev. Fredrick A. Robinson Associate Rector The Rev. Richard C. Marsden Associate Priest/Evangelism, Parish Development The Rev. Charleston D. Wilson Associate Priest/Youth Ministry The Rev. Christian M. Wood Associate Priest/Hispanic Ministry The Rev. Mario Castro Associate Priest for Pastoral Care The Rev. Richard B. Lampert Adjunct Priests (retired) The Rev. Reinaldo Ayerbe The Rev. George Busler The Rev. A. Milton Cheney The Rev. C. Read Heydt The Rev. Clayton Knapp The Rev. Ralph W. Strohm The Rev. Robert E. Sullivan Director of Children’s Christian Formation Jacki Boedecker Organist/Choirmaster Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe Associate Choirmaster/ Director of Contemporary Music Daniel Cartlidge Organist in Residence Margaret Harris Smith The Parish Staff Cheryl Brodbeck - Parish Registrar Sexton- Rafael Gonzalez Sexton- Marc Lopez Caroline Chambliss-Publications Elaine Hedrick - Parish Nurse Carolyn Peet - Admin. Asst. to the Rector Angela Ward Saoud - Parish Secretary Carol Ward Trudeau - Secretary John Walsworth - Business Manager Steve Wernet - Facilities Manager The Vestry Augusta Haeffner - Senior Warden Kristin Morton- Junior Warden Hector Antezana Dr. Stephen Culp Raul Elizalde Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald William Mudgett Jim Powers Elizabeth Reuth Richard Scantlebury Charles Shugg James Sykes John Mercurio - Treasurer Carolyn Peet - Clerk

Father Andrew Sloane sent this photo by e-mail to thank the Men of Redeemer for the funding to purchase this generator which will gen-erate electricity for the Christian city of Sharafiah in northern Iraq. This picture was taken at the ceremony to install a commemorative plaque.

THE PELICAN PAGE 7

For Children and their Families this summer!

Redeemer welcomes summer seminarian intern Landon Moore

Welcome summer seminarian intern Landon Moore, who will be with us from May—. Landon is attending Berke-

ley Divinity School at Yale University. He will be part of both the middle school and high school mission trips. He

will help with Children’s Chapel in July, while Fr. Wood is on vacation, and will lead a Summer Sunday Special

series in July.

Originally from Saratoga Springs, NY, Landon graduated from Marist College, located in Poughkeepsie New York,

with undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He played varsity football while at Marist. After

graduating from Marist, Landon entered Yale, where he has completed his first of a three-year seminary study. Lan-

don has attended St. Michael’s Conference as a conferee and has been on staff at the conference for several years.

It’s coming soon!!! Vacation Bible School at Redeemer 7-11 August, Monday through Friday, 9AM – noon We want everyone to “Take Their Place” this summer as we look at “Windows to Jesus—His Ministry and Miracles” Redeemer’s VBS is always awesome, filled with fun, outreach, and seeing & making new friends. New fun is planned for this

year! Make plans now for this fun week of formation that includes bible study, water-play, art, music, five local outreach pro

jects, and more. And bring a friend to join us!

VBS 2017 runs the week before the start of Sarasota County Public Schools.

For children entering K—5th grade. $25 for first child in a family, $10 for each additional child (scholarships are available) Space is limited, so register today at redeemersarasota.org (secure online PayPal option for payment of registration fee).

Youth entering grades 6 and up: We need your help, too! And adults? We need lots of hands to make VBS run in the best possible way! For more information, text VBS 2017 Chair Stephanie Kempton, 941.587.6949.

Redeemer celebrates Carolyn Peet, Sunday, 11 June Who at Redeemer has not been blessed by Carolyn Peet in her capacity as Fr. Robinson’s Adminis-trative Assistant? As she retires this month from this position—which she has held for twenty years— the parish family wants to celebrate all that she has done for so many! We’ll gather at 10:10 AM, on Sunday, 11 June, in Gillespie Hall, to tell her just how much she has meant to so many/ Have no fear! Carolyn will continue to be a lay reader, sing in the choir, teach 5th grade Sunday School, Daughters of the King, Heart to Heart Book Club member, and so much more!

Summer Sunday Specials You Won’t

Want to Miss!

4 June— Pentecost Sunday 11 June— Carolyn Peet Sunday—reception in Gillespie Hall, 10:10 18, 25 June— 10:10 AM—Watch bulletin for details 2,9, 16, 23 July— 10:10 AM—Summer Sunday Series Children: Summer Sunday Specials with seminarian Landon Moore Adults: Two offerings. Watch bulletin for details.

NOTE: Children’s Chapel will continue throughout the summer months

Fourth of July at Redeemer

What’s the best spot in town to celebrate the 4th of July? Redeemer!

In addition to glorious music at Evening Prayer, Tom Younkman and his crew will be serving a fabulous barbeque dinner, following by the City

of Sarasota’s fireworks dis-

play—all from the best seats around!

For more information, watch the

Sunday bulletin, and the website. Dinner tickets are required.

THE PELICAN PAGE 8

1 Kelsey Burroughs, Joe Kles, Joe McSpadden, Tyler Rasmussen, Haley Reid

2 Price Hartenstine, Alex Nimz, Michelle Porcelli, Stuart Prall, Eliza Radford, Morgan Rivers

3 Blanca Diego, Ellie Fitzgerald, Cinzia Forbes, Richard Goddard, Karen Mann, Fred Powell, Pam Reynolds, Richard Ross, Jay Skip- per, Megan Trefry, Monica Van Buskirk

4 Kasandra Cruz, Kendall Hicks, Samantha Hunihan, Suzanne Jones, Brett Lawler, Bill Marshall, Austin McClung, Mitch Mitacchione, Sabrina Rivero

5 Marilyn Charlotte, Dick Diedrich, Edwin Giron, June Moore, Benja- min Tindal

6 Davis Dunlap, Phil Segerstrom

7 Alex Dorr, Marilyn Glandorf, Frank Robinson

8 Jake Altier, Bonny Connell, Erin Kaplan, Jo Ann McKinney,

Ella Men ke 9 Torin Culp, Elinor Garlington, Ralph Major, Chuck Miller, Vince Riva, Rita Roehr, Caroline Shoemaker

10 Victoria Chapman, Laurel De Lu- ca, Barbara Haskins, Bob Hulvat, Gretchen Lum, Niki Newall, Deanne Spoor, Hallie Zagrocki

11 James Lombard, Avery Marx, Ty- ler Pedrero, Larry Shedden

12 Daniel Aresery, David Calahan, Sara King, Morgan Marchiony, Ed- dy Phillips, Bruce Powell

13 Christopher Anderson, Garret Berkowitz, Chris Elser, Karen Mathis, Valeria Pankey, Jim Pow- ers, Yesica Sanchez, Amy Sullivan, Fr. Orley Swartzentruber, Andrew White

14 Alisyn Abney, Oliver Agren, David Couch, Kelly Gilliland, Steve Hunt, Sebastian Ramirez, Milt Rauch

15 Paul LeClair, Elis Lui, Jean Reagle

16 Maria Benavides

17 Judy Altier, Cathy Brush, Donna Dennis, Maureik Robison

18 Stephanie Cabrera, Carole Caldwell, Bill Chocallo, Eliza- beth Devitt, Lydia McIntire, Jennie

Whidden

19 Philip Ames, Carole Clipperton

20 Ben James, Janet Kerschner, Tim Ryan, Pat Silecchia, Mike Smith

21 Carl Curtiss, Penny Engels, James Hunt, Barney Salmon, Henry Shoemaker

22 Stacey Altherr, Cynthia Pond, Charleen Sessions

23 Stacey Dailey, Bill Engel, Lor- raine Murphy, Doug Spangler

24 Duncan Cooper, David Ezell, Lea Frizzell, Jan Gillett, Brian Guidroz, Grace Hamlin, John Haupt, John Powers, Joe Suriol

25 Phil Conover, Matt Latta Charles Riegle, Ona Thomas

26 Matthew Conklin, Blake Flint, Tim Gilliland, Marina Robin- son, Charles Sanders, Tam- my Jo Schieb, Mathew Shaf- fer, David Svenson

27 Laura Dierks, Curtis Hamlin, Evan Platt, Richard Scantlebury

28 Deedie Meetze

29 Pilar Faraone, Ann Fletcher, Tony McQueen

30 Darlene Abney, Patrick Brown, Eleanor Eastwood, Jenny Holt, Vivienne Lam- brecht, Gay Swain

1. Jim & Elsye Daugherty,

Mitch & Esther Mitachione

2 Barney & Gayle Salmon

3 Peter & Jennifer Weber

4 Champ & Mary Stopher

5 Russell & Carolyn Daniel, Frank & Cheryl Herbold, Andrei & Lisa Malaev, PJ & Kimberly Strom

6 Adam & Sue Armbruster, Frank & Marilyn Glandorf

11 Eric & Beth Bobb, Joe & Liz Reuth

14 Bill & Bonny Connell, Dale & Christine Mattern, David & Gay Swain, Jon Yenari & Karen Hamad

15 Christopher & Patricia Caswell, Werner & Karen Hartenberger

16 Robert & Jan Carson, Bryan & Sarah Wietzke

17 Pat & Susan Di Bernardo, Bob & Gussie Haeffner, Bob & Ricki Lindsay, Eric & Nancy Unsworth

18 Patrick & Christina Cun- ningham, David & Lauren Hunihan, John & Judy Kendall

19 Scott & Flo Ames, Jack & Barbara Petrecca

20 Forrest & Nan Bogart, Rich-ard & Amy Buck, Terry & Karen Fugate, Mark & Suzi Terres

21 Colin & Amanda Lyden, Wells & Marsha Purmort, Frank & Eleanor Roxby

22 Stan & Alma Abshier, Dick & Marion Almy, Von & Saman-tha Cook, Fr. Fred & Linda Robinson

23 Fr. George & Joy Busler, Ted & Elizabeth Huter

24 Nick & Sara Ferguson, Lorin & Harriet Stieff

26 Chip & Patty Bettle, Aaron & Karen Strand

27 Jimmy & Joyce Jewell, Alan & Leslie Jones, Ron & Mary Skweres

28 Jim & Martha Goebel, Jim & Marcia Malmfeldt, John & Arysol Niffenegger

29 Gil & Martha Heitman, Dave & Sue Matuszak, Chris & Valerie Montgomery, Ty & Terryann Reed

30 Neil & Beverley Georgi, Mark & Carol Lilly

THE PELICAN PAGE 9

Caroline Devitt

Good morning. My name is Caroline Devitt and I have been a part of the Redeemer family my entire life. Most of that time has been spent in the choir loft, but Redeemer is so much more to me than a place of fancy robes and music. It’s truly my home. I grew up here, not just physically, but spiritually through my walk with Christ. Redeemer has provided me with so many opportunities to love, serve, and strengthen my

relationship with God, like our mission work in the DR. I have fallen in love with the children we serve in the DR. Seriously, I want to bring them home with me. We have made so many incredible memories there, especially through games like mouse-mouse. The Saint Michael’s conference is where I have made some of my very best friends, even though we live in places all around the country. I always look forward to attending the conference and spending time with other Christian youth that are interested in the same things that I am. Also, fun fact, Father Fred is a total pro at square dancing. He’s taught me everything I know. My parents have always instilled in me the importance of going to church, and their constant love and guidance has shaped my entire life. Every person in this parish has made an enormous impact on my faith and the place I have taken at church from a very early age in one way or another. Ann Stephenson –Moe, you helped me find my voice. Since kindergarten, you’ve encouraged me through every singing endeavor imaginable, from quiet hymns, to thunderous choruses, and now through solo work many Sundays. Thank you for your guidance, love and trust. I have made some of my very best friends here, and I know we will stay incredibly close even after I leave for college. Finally, Father Chris Wood, thank you for being my youth minister and friend over the past 9 years. You completely turned our youth program around, and being able to learn and grow from you has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Thank you for helping me find myself and my purpose. You have no idea how much joy you, Kate, and the kids add to my life. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Florida and I couldn’t be more excited, but I am going to miss my involvement here. My one piece of advice to you youngin’s out there would be to get involved as much as you can while you’re here, and don’t blink. Let me say it again: GET INVOLVED. This time flies by, and the work and worship I have done here has been more rewarding than anything else I have ever done in my life. So, what does Redeemer mean to me? It’s home. It’s family. It’s where I found my love and passion for our rock and salvation Jesus Christ. Thank you for everything. Matthew Conklin

Three of our Graduating Seniors speak to the Congregation to tell of their love of God and the many ways their faith has been shaped by Church of the Redeemer.

Two years ago my Dad was given the opportunity to relocate to Southwest Florida for a position here with the same company he had been working for in Connecticut. He was given the option to live anywhere from Clearwater to Na-ples. We moved to Sarasota because of Church of the Redeemer. The spring break before we moved down to Sarasota we had been on vacation here and we had attended Redeemer as visitors. All five of us loved the church. There have been many people who have influenced my journey since I first arrived at Redeemer. Father Bumsted greeted my family while we were here the very first time on vacation. He invited me to go to a youth event on the beach the following Friday. Right away, I felt welcome and I had hoped that maybe there would be a place for me at Redeemer. I also had the experience of volunteering with him and Mrs. Strom at Bethesda House, a homeless shelter, which was an eye-opener.

Father Robinson has helped guide me in many ways. This year for my confirmation class, I met with him for spiritual direction. During these sessions, we talked about my spiritual life and how I can grow even more. He also helped guide me with deciding what major to pursue in college. Fr. Marsden also helped guide me during my road to confirmation this year. But I will never forget the immediate connection I made with him when we first met. He told me that he had not only heard of Oxford, Connecticut, my for-mer hometown, but had actually created some fond memories there, as well. Mrs. Koach, my Sunday School teacher, has taught me about the books of Philippians and Hebrews, during the last two years and she makes the best brownies I’ve ever tasted (sorry Mom!). Fr. Chris helped me become an acolyte at Redeemer and put me on the fast track to first server. He also gave me guidance and encouragement in hearing God’s call in my life, and future. During EYC, he not only provided delicious BBQ, but shared Christianity in a way that is relevant to my life right now. He also thankfully set up an individual confir-mation class for me this year, since I had not been confirmed when I was younger. Dr. Strom has been the Friday morning Bible Study teacher for the high school boys this year. He helped me along my journey during a tough senior year. Since our group consisted only of Laszlo, Zack, Dr. Strom, and me, we were able to have meaningful conversations about God and about the hardships of calculus. I have made many friends here at Redeemer, whom will be lifelong friends. Sunday nights at EYC, Vacation Bible School and St. Michael’s Conference have given us a chance to create great memories together. Last summer I went to Saint Michael’s conference for the first time and I had one of the best weeks of my life. During the week, the conferees were strongly encouraged to give their confessions. I gave mine on Thursday. After I had said all of my sins and I was being absolved by the priest, a strange feeling fell upon me and I felt like the sins that were tainting my soul were just lifted up off of me and given up to God. I tangibly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit while making my confession. If it weren’t for Redeemer, I likely would not have had that experience. So, I’d like to say thank you to all of the amazing people I have been influenced by here. Thank you

Sommer Altier Today I stand in front of you as I have countless Sundays before – only today, I do not hold my vio-lin, which puts me way outside of my comfort zone. So instead of speaking through my music this morning, I have prepared this speech. I always knew this day would come, not because my two siblings both spoke as seniors, but because I am one of a handful of students in possibly the SMALLEST Sunday school class ever! All jokes aside, though, I am here today to speak about what Redeemer means to me, which is a doozy! Redeemer isn’t just my Sunday morning venue. It’s where I learned ABOUT faith, and how to

HAVE faith. It’s the home to which my performance career blossomed. It’s the sanctuary where I found solace when my whole world was in chaos. It’s the center of some of my most treasured relationships. Redeemer is my home; and I consider myself extremely blessed to say I’ve been a member my entire life. I remember very clearly the day Ann Moe happened upon my house. She was delivering something to my sister, and when she came to the door she heard me in my room practicing my violin. Astonished to hear that I carried on my sister’s tal-ent, she had me perform for her. Shortly after that day, she gave me the music to “You Raise Me Up” so that I could play a duet with one of the senior girls at the Youth Sunday service almost six years ago. Before then, my violin career didn’t extend far beyond the practice room, and I had only ever performed a handful of times in a big orchestra, so you are free to assume that I was really nervous! On stage… all to myself… with every eye on me… and fingers so cold, they felt they might break off before I picked up the bow… a feeling which comes naturally to me now, but was quite daunting for a 12-year-old Sommer. I didn’t know then how that first performance would affect me. For all of you who don’t know, the acoustics in this church are magnificent! Hearing the sweet sound resonate through the sanctuary, so magically, completely enraptured me. The uneasy, nervous feeling that usually makes people crumble under pressure, excites and fulfills me. Performing in the church is the first time I’ve ever felt the Holy Spirit inside me. Performing brings me a joy that I cannot put into words. My chest swells, and a chill runs through my body. Every musical phrase that I struggled with suddenly makes sense. I feel God smiling down on me whenever I perform for you in church. Finding that profound comfort and acceptance has really shaped my faith. I guess that’s really what Redeemer means to me: Comfort. Comfort in knowing I have a whole other family for support. Comfort in the priests who would drop anything to talk to me about a problem I’m facing. Comfort in knowing there’s a God who loves me no matter how badly I mess up. Redeemer has helped me find comfort in music, turmoil, celebration, and change. After 14 years of Sunday school, I feel comfortable with Scripture, prayer – and dealing with the people who aren’t. I have learned to find comfort in the unanswered questions and ambiguities that come with Christianity. And I trust that God has big plans for me. Thank you.

PAGE 10 THE PELICAN

THE PELICAN PAGE 9 THE PELICAN THE PELICAN

The Goods on…

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER GIFT & BOOK SHOPPE

Shop hours: Wednesday 10-1:00 Sunday 8:30-1:00

All profits benefit the Rector’s Discretionary Fund

REDISCOVER YOUR PARISH BOOK & GIFT SHOPPE! If you've never been to the parish's book and gift shop, take the time soon to stop in for a browse. It is full of specialty gift items for the whole family, especially for sacramental

events like Confirmation and Holy Baptism. You also will find a complete stock of various versions of

The Holy Bible and of Church Publishing publications including The Book of Common Prayer. The shop is

located at the red door on Palm Avenue next to the valet stand.

Susie Shugg & Linda Robinson, Shoppe Managers Malacy Wilson, Stationery Shop Manager

222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida - 34236 www.redeemersarasota.org/wp/gift-shoppe/ * 941.955.4263

222 South Palm Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236-6799

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

Pack a bag...the 4th of July Is just around the corner!

Phone: 941.955.4263 Fax: 941.365.1379 E-mail: COR@redeemersarasota.org www.redeemersarasota.org

Where Jesus Christ is known, worshipped, and obeyed.

Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 971

Manasota, Florida

THE PELICAN

Spread a blanket on the lawn and watch the fireworks from the best spot in town. Enjoy Bar-B-Que and all the ‘fixins’. Plenty of room for all! Have time to help set up or to clean up while the traffic clears? Will you

help decorate? Volunteers are needed!

Contact Tom Younkman, 351.2858 if you have any ideas or want to help.