A few words from Elizabeth+ to introduce herself:

              Born in Milford, DE, I grew up in Georgetown and lived there until I left for college. My father owned a jewelry and gift business, and my mother taught English and Latin.  We attended a Methodist church, and most Sundays found us worshipping there.

              I became interested in the Episcopal Church through campus ministry when I was an undergraduate.  I was confirmed in my mid-twenties and became an active layperson.  I sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, wrote curriculum and taught Confirmation classes, served on Vestry, and served on two search committees (one for rector and one for bishop).

              I received a call to the ordained ministry during my time on the Bishop Search Committee here in Delaware.  St. Thomas’s, Newark, was my home parish. My process from call through becoming a priest took about seven years.  I studied at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and at General Seminary in New York City.  I served two churches as a seminarian:  St. James, Millcreek, in Delaware and Holy Apostles, Ninth Avenue, in New York City.  My Clinical Pastoral Education internship took place at Christiana Care here in Delaware.

I was ordained a priest at St. Nicholas’ parish in December, 2006, and have served there for three years.

              Before I became a priest, I worked as a special educator.  I spent a few years teaching English, reading and social studies.  But most of my career was spent as a case manager, counselor and diagnostician for children with learning and emotional problems.  I have worked in hospital and governmental settings, as well as in public school.  It is through my work with children and youth that I came to understand the meaning of the word “vocation.”  I believe God calls us all to serve others in many different ways.

              My family is small.  My husband, Fred, retired after many years of teaching at the University of Delaware in the Psychology Department.  He specialized in teaching statistics, learning and motivation, and cognitive models.  I also have two adult children. First, my son, Rusty, a professional geologist, works with environmental problems for a private firm in Baltimore.  He is married to Sarah, an attorney in Baltimore who develops estate plans for clients.  Second, my daughter, Sarah [yes, both daughter and daughter-in-law have the same name] is a teacher who hopes to find job teaching social studies very soon.  She is engaged to Mike, who recently received his doctorate in math and is also looking for work.  My mother lives in Seaford, DE, at the Methodist Manor House and celebrates her 101st birthday in July, God willing.

              I look forward to getting to know each of you better as I begin my work with Good Shepherd parish in August.  I appreciate the warm welcome I have received and look forward to sharing in ministry with you as we worship God and seek to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.