JUST ADD SPICE

Cooking is always about imagination and possibility. It’s about what these things can become together and I don’t think using words to attempt to approach God is any different. 

We need each other to find inspiration. We share recipes and try new things. We wonder about what else could work even when don’t feel the least bit creative. 

These pages are all about helping each other to cook up some good trouble.  If you don’t find what you’re searching for above, please drop me a line to see if we can stir up some goodness together.

WELCOME TO MY KITCHEN

There are stacks of cookbooks in my actual kitchen and probably a sink full of dirty dishes leftover from another delicious feast but my virtual kitchen is full of liturgies and resources to pepper the worship experience in your congregation with love and hope. Find something new over in my kitchen.

COME ON IN

“Cooking [up good worship] is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” 

— Harriet Van Horn (adapted)

  • Keep Awake

    We’re only at the beginning of the journey.  It’s only the second day of Advent but the call is persistent. In the meditations arriving daily in my email, I’m being asked to name what it is that I need to… Continue reading

  • Black Friday

    The clock has just turned.  It is Friday. I’m sure there are many of my fellow citizens at the mall but I have found myself catching up on thoughtful words from friends and strangers connected to me through my Google… Continue reading

  • How to Give

    An old friend was visiting me this weekend while she interviewed for her possible residency at the local hospital.  She entered medical school while I was in seminary.  We lived in New York City at the same time.  But, our… Continue reading

  • Sighing and Praying

    All shall be well,and all shall be well,and all manner of things shall be well. I keep trying to remind myself of these words.  My first spiritual director seemed to think that I would enjoy Julian of Norwich.  She thought… Continue reading

  • Why Can’t I Be a Damn Sheep?

    I picked a text.  Of all of the texts that I could have chosen to focus upon this week, I chose this lesson which seems to be picking at my very soul.  That happens from time to time.  There are times when… Continue reading

  • Searching for Text

    I will be preaching again on Sunday. My colleague is still healing from his recent surgery so I will be back in the pulpit on Reign of Christ Sunday.  Or Thanksgiving Sunday. Or Friends Sunday, as it is in our… Continue reading

  • New Meaning

    This week, I decided I would try to make friends with Paul.  Let’s call it research — as you may know, I’m trying to write a book about how we might read the Bible.  (I’m supposed to be doing that… Continue reading

  • God’s Justice

    I’m trying to pray my way through today’s lection.  It’s about justice for the widow.  She’s supposed to get the protections of marriage by her husband’s brother (after her husband has died of course).  But, he doesn’t want to marry her.… Continue reading

  • Can You Reap What You Didn’t Sow?

    Luke 19.11-27 by Elsa A. Peters I’m puzzled by this question.You might know the context of this strange little parable where a nobleman seems to flaunt his extravagant wealth all over the place. He rewards the “obedient” slaves who make… Continue reading

  • Good News

    A long time ago, I was a missionary.  I didn’t convert souls for Christ.  That’s not our common understanding of mission in the United Church of Christ.  Instead, I hosted church group after church group in the small town of… Continue reading

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