About the Bridgers
by Joanna Landsman
Abby Civiello and Anna Raley, you are bridging today. You are both remarkable young women who give me such hope for the future of our world. I have watched you both blossom from relatively quiet but inquisitive girls in Junior Youth, into thoughtful, funny, smart, compassionate young adults.
Abby – You are the best emcee ever for trivia night. You’ve been fearless, like the time that you saved us all from the poop in the pool during Jr Youth trip to Walden Pond! I love how willing you are to get things started, to go first, to be both silly and serious, and to share what’s on your mind or in your heart. The love you have for your family, and them for you, shines through in you.
Anna – You have been the best ‘front of the house’ coordinator at the holiday fair soup luncheon 2 years running! You are my favorite fisher-woman, and I hope Mia will sew you a special fishing outfit! I love that you’re inclined to activism and unafraid to take a stand. I admire that you always say yes and that you are a leader by example. The love you have for your family, and them for you, shines through in you.
Abby and Anna - you are both generous, eager and kind. You have each helped with the younger kids in the nursery and children’s chapel and have been wonderful role models for upcoming youth. I have loved watching you engage in the deeper, thought-provoking discussions in senior youth group, while still leaving room for games.
I am so honored to have been part of your coming of age and am so excited to see what life has in store for each of you as you cross over the bridge from youth to adulthood.
Today we applaud you
For all you have been
For all you are now
For all you will be…
