July, 2009

Dear People of St. Andrew’s,

             What an honor, and a real pleasure, to have been called to be your rector. At the heart of my theology is the conviction that God invites us out on new journeys where, in partnership with each other and the divine self, we discover who we are called to be and how we are called to serve in the world. It is with a sense of gratitude, and even awe, that I prepare to embark on this journey with you.

             Some of you are old friends, including a few people I met when I first moved to Denver 20 years ago.  Others among you are new friends from the search process. Such a time of mutual discernment and deep conversation binds us together in a short span of time, and I feel I have gotten to know some of you well in the past year. And many of you are friends waiting to be discovered; one of the things I look forward to most is the chance to hear your stories and your hopes, and to share mine with you.

             I was delighted to meet some of you on Sunday, May 31, after the 11 am service. Between June 7, when I left St. John’s, and August 1, when I take up my call as your rector, I will be taking some long-awaited time for rest, reflection, and fun with my family. Between now and August 1, Tim Croasdaile remains in charge of the parish. I am grateful to him for all the help he has offered me already, and for the support of the clergy and staff.  And I give thanks for all of you, and look forward to beginning our partnership in ministry.

Peace,

Elizabeth Randall

P.S. Some of you have already been wondering what you will call me.  Here is my initial response: throughout my ordained ministry, I have been addressed by most people as simply “Elizabeth,” and that is my personal preference. However, I am mindful of the tradition at St. Andrew’s of addressing clergy by a title, and I know that it is important to some to be able to continue that tradition. So, I would invite you to call me “Elizabeth,” and at the same time assure you that if you prefer to address me as “Mother Elizabeth” I will answer readily.