Your welcome to me into the community of Ascension and Holy Trinity has been warm and generous! I am grateful to you and look forward to a time of learning, reflection, and action as you prepare for the next big chapter in the life of this community. It has been roughly 15 years since you have had an interim, so it may take some time to get used to what we are doing together. 
 
Why Intermezzo?
Like the musical term, my call in life as an interim/transitional priest in charge is to be in between the acts of the particular church community that I am serving. Along with you, I get to reflect on the themes of what has happened before and prepare for what comes next. 
 
Also contained in this title is the notion of interrupting in the polite way. I do not wish to interrupt you as you speak! But part of my call is to observe patterns in the church, pray, discern alongside you, and lovingly interrupt old patterns when necessary. 
 
Sometimes I will ask a question which seems to have an obvious answer. Please bear with me. Speaking how and why something happens in this particular community is clarifying for everyone and may show places where it is okay to shift.
 
Finally, Intermezzo seems also to reflect where I am in voice and life. For you musicians out there, I used to be a lyric soprano in lots of choirs. As I mature, my voice is shifting, getting a little lower. I am choosing to hear this as a grace, a physical manifestation of my spirituality getting more grounded. May we all embrace the gifts of years and experience.
 
Why do you say Pastor, instead of Mother?
Many priests use the title Mother or Father, and I respect the choice of that tradition. But I am clear that my role in your life is not to be your mother. I am a pastor, trying to follow the Good Shepherd, walking beside you to the next good field. I look forward to our continued walk together.

 

Pastor Elizabeth