Good Morning!
Today I stand in front of you as I have countless Sundays before – only today, I do not hold my violin, 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 talent, 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!
One stage… all to myself… with every eye on me… and fingers so cold, they felt they might break off before I pick 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.
Senior address by Sommer J. Altier
Church of the Redeemer
Sarasota Florida
Youth Sunday
23 April 2017