On November 1st 2000, I was baptized just a few yards to my left. I have considered Redeemer to be my home for nearly 18 years, regardless of the fact that for nine of them I have been away at school most of the time.
In 2008, I joined Logos and the choir. While the children’s choir only sang an anthem once a month, I would vest anyway to join in the hymns and service music. I loved it so much, I ended up going to school for it. I spent five years in New York at St. Thomas choir school. From there I went to Austin Texas for high School. During this time, I have grown so much closer to Christ, thanks in no little part to this parish.
Ms. Moe, you have taught me so much about music, and if it were not for your kindness, patience, and love of music, I would not be here today. I will always cherish the hours we spent in the choir room, be it learning Bach’s B-Minor mass, or preparing for my St. Thomas audition.
Fr. Rick and Fr. Charleston, your sense of humor is brilliant. There have been countless occasions when, as first server, I have almost burst out laughing right next to Fr. Robinson because a pre-mass sacristy joke still lingers in my mind.
Fr. Chris, I always love chatting with you about the state of the church. Be it condemning cassock albs, discussing outrageous motions passed by General Convention, or arguing about the values of a fiddleback chasuble, I am grateful that you were my youth minister… Twice!
Fr. Fred, You are my role model. You effectively combine both liturgical expertise with outstanding pastoral care. You’ve always been there to support me and my family: you helped me with the transition to boarding school, you have aided me in discerning my calling, and even gave me recommendations for college courses. I say with confidence that there is not another priest out there who has the pastoral skills that you have.
A while back, I browsed through some old photos and there were a few I didn’t recognize. They were from my final Sunday at Redeemer. One of them was of me receiving a golden Redeemer cross. I cried when I saw the photo. I have worn that cross nearly everyday since I received it. It reminds me of two things, One: That I am Christ’s, and Two: where I came from: this parish. Whenever I thought about giving up and coming home, It was the prayers, support, and letters from my Sunday school class the kept me going. Everything I am, and everything I have, I owe to you.
Thank you.
D. Andrew Yow
Church of the Redeemer
Sarasota Florida
Youth Sunday
6 May 2018