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Prayers for Palm and Passion Sunday
Years ago, when I was still pastoring in Maine and also writing liturgy for the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways, I wanted to find some way to honor both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. The church was accustomed to… Continue reading
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Self-Care is Not Just for Clergy
In the wake of the presidential inauguration, with the tsunami of executive orders that immediately followed, I have watched as my friends on social media have retreated. One by one, they’ve announced they are taking a break. They need to… Continue reading
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Good News for Today
It has been a long time since I was in the pulpit. My friend Elizabeth Hagan reminded me of this fact in her recent inquiry into why preachers should be political. It’s something I’ve wondered often. If I were to… Continue reading
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Sweet Baby Jesus
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father… Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding… Continue reading
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Everything is New
Last week, I had an interview with a church seeking an interim pastor. I knew what would happen even before that meeting. I knew it because it’s what always happens. As I sat there talking to these faith-filled, hopeful people, I came… Continue reading
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Solitude on the Road
“Our language has wisely sensed the two sides of being alone. It has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word solitude to express the glory of being alone. “ — Paul… Continue reading
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The No Plan Plan
I don’t get to my home church very much. In fact, I’ve only been for worship twice in the past year. Once was my first official visit. The next Sunday I joined as a member. Since then, I’ve been busy… Continue reading
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How We Write Clergy
I am a character in a book. I learned of this news from a Facebook message. A member of the community had written a book and he wanted to know if it was alright to name the church in the book.… Continue reading
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The Only Hope for America
Most everything I know about democracy I’ve learned in church. It is in my particular tradition of being church that I’ve had the chance to practice all of the values and ideals that democracy claims. Mine is the tradition that birthed… Continue reading
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Officially Mrs. Cook
There are still so many thank you cards to write and I still have no idea how to sign my new name but one month ago, I got married. It really happened. It doesn’t feel like it now because my husband and… Continue reading
Cooking with Elsa 