cross Archives

These three days

Posted March 15th, 2023

Maundy Thursday was the start of what is known as the Easter Triduum — triduum, which is Latin for “three days.” Three days, which include Good Friday and Holy Saturday, in which before we get to the joy of the resurrection, we are reminded how quick we are to betray, to cry “crucify him” and to sink into the depths of despair when we are left in the limbo of loss.

Divisions die on the cross

Posted June 23rd, 2022

In the beginning was an idyllic garden — till Eve listened to the beguiling serpent and invited Adam to join her in eating the fruit that God had forbidden. Because they disobeyed God, the couple was expelled from the Garden of Eden and made to face the harsh, uncertain world. Surely, they thought, they could cope, especially with the help of their sons, Cain and Abel.

These three days

Posted March 23rd, 2022

Maundy Thursday was the start of what is known as the Easter Triduum — triduum, which is Latin for “three days.” Three days, which include Good Friday and Holy Saturday, in which before we get to the joy of the resurrection, we are reminded how quick we are to betray, to cry “crucify him” and to sink into the depths of despair when we are left in the limbo of loss.

Eco-Palms: Creativity and caring for Creation in trying times

Posted February 16th, 2021

I recently learned a new word that I thought was appropriate for the year we have all just navigated together: Tohubohu toh-hoo-BOH-hoo a state of chaos; utter confusion.

A woodcarver’s ministry of welcome

Posted August 21st, 2019

The Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw in Florence, Oregon, displays a large Celtic cross on its property. That cross inspired a unique ministry for longtime church member Andy J. LaTomme Jr. For nearly three decades, the 99-year-old has been giving out wooden replicas of that cross to church members and visitors alike.

Putting the cross in CrossFit

Posted August 18th, 2017

The Rev. Michael Plank is a half-time pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls, New York, and cofounder of a self-sustaining new worshiping community. In 2014, he and his spouse, Lauren Grogan, opened a gym named Underwood Park CrossFit in Fort Edward, New York. Now more than 100 members pay a monthly fee to work out physically and spiritually there.

Minute for Mission: Christ the King/Reign of Christ

Posted October 25th, 2016

“When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.” Luke 23:33 Even in today’s era of constitutional monarchies, royalty look to project power. They seek to rise above political skirmishes and to stay above the fray. Their thrones and crowns remind us commoners that we do not live in their rarified world. Kings and queens strive to project a non-anxious, detached calm from whatever troubles might be assailing their subjects.