Elsa Anders Cook
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Psalm for the Second Sunday after Pentecost
In these early days of summer when school has not yet released, the church calendar is so often filled with all the celebrations. Pride. Graduations. Confirmation. Every Sunday it seems like there is a really good reason to have cake.… Continue reading
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One Worship Bulletin for the Whole Summer
When I was writing pandemic prayers, I thought to offered this blessing. I thought I did but I can’t find where I mentioned it even if I never offered a resource. That changes now because this is such an easy… Continue reading
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Psalm for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Lent has felt like a wilderness this year. It began without ashes for me and I haven’t found a rhythm to the living of these days. Two weeks ago, I wandered through the streets of Cologne with one of my… Continue reading
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Starry Christmas Morning Worship
Christmas morning falls on a Sunday this year. Just a few hours after the good news of Christ’s birth is shared at the late, late service on Saturday night, a few of the faithful will gather again to share in… Continue reading
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Candlelighting in the Shadows of Advent
Advent begins with one candle flickering in the shadows. It is then that we start to pay attention. It is when that match strikes that we start to notice the fullness of the shadows. It is not just dark or… Continue reading
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Lovely Dwelling
As summer fades, our churches are preparing for the same rush that school teachers are imagining with great anticipation and joy. There are lots of events and details for which pastors and teachers are eagerly planning. You, dear pastor, are… Continue reading
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Post-Pandemic Home Blessing
My home church called it Homecoming Sunday. I never thought anything of it because the same verbiage was used in my first call too but I’ve heard that other places call it Rally Day or Kick Off Sunday. Maybe there… Continue reading
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Prayers for the Incomprehensible Ascension
A dear friend asked what it’s like to be here in Germany now. Another assumed that the news cycle most familiar would be the one that surrounds my physical place but it’s not true. We might live in Germany worlds… Continue reading
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Prayers in Church on Mother’s Day
As a motherless daughter, I have some strong feelings about one of the celebrations that comes again this Sunday. I have not been quiet about it either and people have been less than kind about this particular opinion. People in… Continue reading
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Maundy Thursday Still in Coronatide
This season has not yet ended though mandates are changing. There are enough voices that is saying it’s over even when another wave lurks. Here in Germany, it’s already here and it’s so hard to know what will come. There… Continue reading
Cooking with Elsa 