Youth Sunday 14 June 2020/Senior Address Merrill Garlington

I have been a member of Redeemer my entire life. This means I’ve experienced all of the wonderful things offered here such as VBS, choir, Seussical The Musical, mission trips where we accidentally were locked in a room, war stories with Father Marsden in confirmation and Saint Michaels conference.

When I was younger, I admit I had a difficult time listening during church and was more interested in those really cool coloring books you get. One Sunday, I heard Paige and Jane Lindsay singing the descant to the “Doxology” and I fell in love with music. Shortly after, I joined the Westminster choir directed by Dr. Ann Stevenson-Moe and Mrs. Marie Morgan. I was the only kindergartener in a sea of 5th graders. Music was the way I connected to God, and to the world. Whenever I struggle with my faith or anything troubling me, I can always come back to the music; the hymns and classic songs such as “Every Move I Make” and “Big House”. I am eternally grateful to Ms. Moe and Mrs. Morgan, thank you for showing me the gift of music, I will always come back to sing for the Christmas eve, I promise.

Being a member of the church of the Redeemer has shaped me into who I am today, and I am so grateful for all that I’ve experienced. I met my best friends at Redeemer and have countless role models including Ms. Moe, Mrs. Boedecker, Gloria and Kraig Koach, Father Chris, Christoph and so many others.

Next year I will be attending the University of Florida, studying psychology and specializing in behavioral neuroscience. I will be sure to remember everything I’ve learned at Redeemer and it will always have a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see you all again, thank you.