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Author Archives: smaxreisert
Getting My Non On
At some point during this year’s annual meeting at Old South, I experienced a moment—an instance that I can only describe as almost terrifying. I was looking out at the assembled group of good, dedicated church folk and realizing that … Continue reading
Identity Crisis
Last Sunday’s sermon was on unity, focusing on the lectionary passage from the beginning of First Corinthians. The title of my sermon was “Give Me a U.” The plan was to talk about Paul’s encouragement regarding unity, to remind us … Continue reading
Posted in Doomed, My Life as Pastor
Tagged Christian unity, United Church of Christ, Unity
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Don’t Sit There!
And you may ask yourself, well How did I get here? —Talking Heads, Once in a Lifetime During my homily last Sunday, on our first winter worship service of the season in Old South’s parish house (where worship is a … Continue reading
Posted in My Life as Pastor, On the Hopeful Side
Tagged Church decline, Epiphany, Holy Spirit, hope in the midst of church decline, Signs, Stars
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The Heartbreak of Christmas 2019
At Old South, Christmas Eve has become the most unwelcome and dire of bellwethers. When I began my ministry with Old South, in 2005, I heard quite a lot about the annual Christmas Eve service. The bell choir would play … Continue reading
Posted in Holy-Days
Tagged Christmas, Christmas Eve, Church decline, least religious, Maine, Old South Church Hallowell
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Do I Need to Write About This?
Do I Need to Write About This? That was the first thought that entered my fuzzy head when I woke up to the news that the President had been impeached. I don’t want to write about this. It’s Christmas; I’ve … Continue reading
Posted in Holy-Days
Tagged Christmas, impeachment, Old South Congregational Church Hallowell, President Trump
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The Neighborhood that Wasn’t Allowed in My House
We are in the throes of a renewed consideration, examination and all-around reminiscence of (and perhaps yearning for) Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, the children’s show that ran on PBS from 1968 to 2001. Last year, there was a documentary on the … Continue reading
This Writing Life 3: Creating Community
At first I wasn’t sure how they all seemed to know who I was. I was greeted by name by more than one person. One reached out a hand, “Susan, it’s nice to meet you,” before I uttered much more … Continue reading
