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Sarasota church celebrates Fourth of July with special gathering


  • By Carlin Gillen
  • | 10:59 a.m. July 5, 2025
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Pride, faith and music echoed the halls of Church of the Redeemer as members all stood together and sang classic American tunes.

On Friday, July 4, Church of the Redeemer held a Fourth of July concert and fireworks viewing celebration. The event, catered by Mission Barbeque, included pulled pork, mac and cheese and rolls. The event began in prayer, led by the Church's newest priest, Rev. Andrew Yow.

“We want to have people here and not just be limited to what we do on Sunday mornings. We have a variety and really rich community being formed here.” said Rev. Andrew Yow. 

The concert was led by Choralmaster, Sam Nelson who played American classics.

“People grew up singing these songs, and it’s a way to just bring us all together and do something we can all understand and appreciate,” said Nelson.

Fireworks and independence weren’t the only celebration. The heart of the night was the community and family that was created along the way. 

Members of Church of the Redeemer all stand together to sing American Classics led by Choralmaster, Sam Nelson.
Members of Church of the Redeemer all stand together to sing American Classics led by Choralmaster, Sam Nelson.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Monica (Moonie) Friedrich poses with her homemade Uncle Sam Hat.
Monica (Moonie) Friedrich poses with her homemade Uncle Sam Hat.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Members gather together to end the night with fireworks viewing from Bayfront Park.
Members gather together to end the night with fireworks viewing from Bayfront Park.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
John Meyer, Scott Ferguson, Cady Ferguson, Cathie Meyer.
John Meyer, Scott Ferguson, Cady Ferguson, Cathie Meyer.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Left:John Solhan, Stephanie Solhan, Ronelle Ashby, Debbie Ayers 
Right: Carol Oram, Bob Oram, Tom Tanzosh, Becky Tanzosh (not pictured).
Left:John Solhan, Stephanie Solhan, Ronelle Ashby, Debbie Ayers Right: Carol Oram, Bob Oram, Tom Tanzosh, Becky Tanzosh (not pictured).
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Rev. Andrew Yow leads the Fourth of July celebration in prayer.
Rev. Andrew Yow leads the Fourth of July celebration in prayer.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Fireworks viewing from Bayfront Park, Sarasota.
Fireworks viewing from Bayfront Park, Sarasota.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Everyone is lined up for food catered by Mission Barbeque.
Everyone is lined up for food catered by Mission Barbeque.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Spirits are high while singing American classic tunes.
Spirits are high while singing American classic tunes.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Choralmaster, Sam Nelson leads concert sing-along dressed as Uncle Sam.
Choralmaster, Sam Nelson leads concert sing-along dressed as Uncle Sam.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Christine, Green, Della Sweeney, Joseph Sweeney and Mary Andersen all dressed in their red, white and blue.
Christine, Green, Della Sweeney, Joseph Sweeney and Mary Andersen all dressed in their red, white and blue.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Musician Mike Sudderth and wife Jill Sudderth are all smiles at the Redeemer Fourth of July celebration.
Musician Mike Sudderth and wife Jill Sudderth are all smiles at the Redeemer Fourth of July celebration.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Lourdes Guerrero, Ana Jaramillo and Lorena Luts.
Lourdes Guerrero, Ana Jaramillo and Lorena Luts.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Members all join together to sing the National Anthem.
Members all join together to sing the National Anthem.
Photo by Carlin Gillen

 

author

Carlin Gillen

Carlin Gillen is an intern reporter for the Observer. Originally from Lakewood Ranch, she studies journalism and English at the University of Mississippi. She loves photography, writing and finding a story to tell within everyone.

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