Elsa Anders Cook
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6 Ways for Congregations to Care for Grieving Families
Last week clergy did all that they could to proclaim the greatest mystery of Christian faith. They preached with all that they had in them. They led beautiful, inspiring liturgies throughout the weekend — some did so all week long.… Continue reading
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Affirmation of the Resurrection
The Narrative Lectionary on April 12, 2015 is Matthew 28:16-20. It feels so odd not to share in the story of Thomas. I want to stick my fingers in that story. I want to wonder about my doubt. But, that’s not what happens… Continue reading
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Good Friday Reads
Last night, in a darkened sanctuary, I was called to worship with these words: On this day Christ the Lamb of God gave himself into the hand of those who would slay him. To this, the people were meant to… Continue reading
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Let It Live
After that last supper, after the disciples have deserted and one of them has betrayed all that he once believed to be true, after the one they had been following died the most horrible death one might have imagined then,… Continue reading
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They Were Innocent
I don’t know why my daughter was killed. She was innocent. I can’t get these words out of my head. Surrounded by cardboard boxes that seem to never quite get unpacked, I keep thinking about these words spoken by the… Continue reading
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Palm Parade
This Sunday brings the palms. Call it a parade.Call it a procession.Call it a protest. People expect to wave palms happily in the air before the resurrection is proclaimed next week. Pastors struggle with this. This is the week that… Continue reading
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Blurring the Lines
So often, when we hear these words in Matthew 25:31-46, we focus on the actions for which we might be judged: the feeding, the visiting, the quenching of the thirst, the caring for the sick. We focus on the least… Continue reading
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Cleft of the Rock
This morning, I sat in the cleft of the rock beneath Turret Arch in Arches National Park. The sun made its gradual appearance without dazzling colors. There was nothing dramatic about the rising sun as the light around me slowly… Continue reading
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Open the Door to Us
Toward the end of my last call, I stopped writing liturgy. There were so many other things to do. So very many things. I just didn’t have time. Or I didn’t make time. Because writing liturgy takes time. Lots of… Continue reading
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In the Middle of the Story
The question always comes up in Bible Study when we find ourselves talking about Jesus. Somewhere in the middle of the Gospel, no matter which Gospel we’re reading, we find ourselves studying a particular passage after he’s born and before the… Continue reading
