Cooking with Elsa

leadership

  • The Rise of the Consultant 

    I can’t remember when I first heard the term. I do remember how I felt about it when I heard that there was such a thing as a church consultant. It was not pleasant. I was of the impression that… Continue reading

    The Rise of the Consultant 

  • Until Sunday

    Last month, when this video appeared on Facebook, I was amused. I laughed out loud but it didn’t feel like my story. Not anymore. There was a time in my ministry when I heard these comments said every single day.… Continue reading

    Until Sunday

  • Last Minute Plans for Lent

    Lent is just one week away. Most plans have already been laid out. It’s been printed in the newsletter and in the bulletin. Resources have been ordered. Palms have been burned. (I know because the traffic on this old post… Continue reading

  • More Questions Than Answers

    It wasn’t that long ago that started serving as an interim pastor at a small church celebrating 200 years amid questions of whether or not there will be a future beyond this anniversary. This morning, before worship began, one of the members… Continue reading

  • The Time Has Come

    As you may have seen over and over again, I have been filling in as Guest Minister at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ. I preached this past Sunday on John 17:1-24. You can find the audio — and even a video… Continue reading

  • Remain in Love

    As you may have seen over and over again, I’m filling in as Guest Minister at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ. I preached this past Sunday on John 15:1-8. You can find the audio of the sermon entitled Remain in Love on… Continue reading

  • Twelve Years

    As you may already know, I’m filling in as Guest Minister at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ. I preached this past Sunday on Mark 5:21-43. You can find the audio of the sermon entitled Twelve Years on the church website. Please… Continue reading

  • Our Inner Nature

    As you may already know, I’m filling in as Guest Minister at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ. I preached this past Sunday on Genesis 3:8-15. You can find the audio of the sermon entitled Our Inner Nature on the church website.… Continue reading

  • The Last Retreat

    Two years ago, I began this journey with four other women in a cohort group in College of Pastoral Leaders at Austin Theological Seminary. It all started with a group of women that I met as part of The Young Clergy Women… Continue reading

  • The Howling of a Fierce Wind

    This summer, I am honored with the opportunity to fill in as Guest Minister at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ. Their talented and dynamic Minister is enjoying a four month sabbatical. During that time, I get to fill… Continue reading