Author Archives: smaxreisert

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About smaxreisert

I'm a United Church of Christ pastor serving the small, faithful Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Hallowell, Maine. I was ordained in Massachusetts in 1995, moved to Maine in 1997 and have served the Hallowell church since 2005.

Next Holiday on the Chopping Block: Christmas?

Posted on December 16, 2025 by smaxreisert

The Trump Administration recently announced that, through the National Park Service, two days on the United States calendar that enjoyed “free admission” status have been removed. The two days that are now no longer free admission holidays for the National … Continue reading →

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Lessons I Should Have Learned in Divinity School: Mind Reading?

Posted on December 6, 2025 by smaxreisert

As Old South prepared itself for a major decision-making point and a special meeting of the congregation, the governing board thought it would be a good idea to offer a pre-game gathering, a time for people to ask questions and … Continue reading →

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Ridiculous, Stupid and Incredibly Scary

Posted on November 1, 2025 by smaxreisert

“We’re saving Christianity. We’re saving God. We’re saving the family unit. We’re saving the nation.” Eric Trump, on the podcast, “The Benny Show” (October 2025) It was a shocking moment, to be sure, when Eric Trump declared that the Trump … Continue reading →

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What Kind of “Christians” Are These?

Posted on October 15, 2025 by smaxreisert

There’s a certain pastor who’s having his big moment in the spotlight. I’m reluctant to spell out his name because I don’t want to add to that spotlight. But, what he is preaching and sharing is deeply disturbing and unsettling. … Continue reading →

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What Wondrous Hate Is This

Posted on September 24, 2025 by smaxreisert

At the five-hour mashup of memorial service, evangelical Christian revival, and political rally for Charlie Kirk this past Sunday afternoon, President Trump articulated several incredibly troubling sentiments. The most important of these: his musings on hate. As part of his … Continue reading →

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Fewer Buts Please

Posted on September 12, 2025 by smaxreisert

In recent weeks at Old South, as we contemplate yet another season without a viable offer for our real estate, there have been a number of discussions— large and small; formal and informal—about what to do next. Just keep on … Continue reading →

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Confession, What Is It Good For?

Posted on August 24, 2025 by smaxreisert

As any good Christian ought to know, confession is in integral part of the faith experience. While I don’t think confession ought to be focused on beating oneself up for every shortcoming, especially to the point of mental, emotional and/or … Continue reading →

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I Haven’t Felt So Much Like a Teenage Girl in a Long, Long Time

Posted on July 31, 2025 by smaxreisert

The sanctuary building of Old South has been for sale for more than a year and a half. Over this time, the building has been visited and examined by quite a few possible suitors. A few have visited on multiple … Continue reading →

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Let a Whole New Era Begin!?

Posted on July 12, 2025 by smaxreisert

“Pastors who endorse political candidates shouldn’t lose tax-exempt status, IRS says in filing” [AP, 7/8/25] “Churches can endorse political candidates to congregations, IRS says” [Reuters, 7/8/25] According to a story in the New York Times this past Monday, the days … Continue reading →

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The DEI Program Instituted by Jesus Christ

Posted on June 14, 2025 by smaxreisert

The current Administration in Washington appears to revel in dismantling DEI programs in as many aspects of American life as it can get its hands on— legitimately or not. Other conservative leaning politicians and leaders are also extolling the necessity … Continue reading →

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