Author Archives: smaxreisert

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.

The Ties that Bind, to a Building

Posted on July 20, 2021 by smaxreisert

In Colonial New England, the first public building erected in a settled town was usually something called a “meetinghouse.”  This building was used for gatherings, especially gatherings of the faithful for regular worship.  The concept of meetinghouse was intended to … Continue reading →

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Tending to the Aggression

Posted on June 26, 2021 by smaxreisert

But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive language from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8) This aggression won’t stand, man. (The Dude, The Big Lewbowski) I live in a part of the world … Continue reading →

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Give Me a Groan!

Posted on May 31, 2021 by smaxreisert

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our … Continue reading →

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Switches, Cameras, and Platforms, Oh My

Posted on May 24, 2021 by smaxreisert

Like many other churches, Old South has been an online church during the pandemic.  Worship, meetings and other gatherings have been almost entirely on Zoom.  And, for the most part, this approach has worked well for us.  Also like many … Continue reading →

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The Silencing

Posted on April 30, 2021 by smaxreisert

Over the many years I’ve been in parish ministry, it’s not uncommon to find myself in a particular situation that I find especially challenging:  dealing with adult children of a recently deceased church member whose spouse has already passed away … Continue reading →

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Among the Exclamation Points

Posted on April 10, 2021 by smaxreisert

Any normal Easter Sunday usually involves a fair number of exclamation points:  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!  Etc. As I prepared for Easter Sunday worship this year, it felt like the exclamation point had run amok, taking … Continue reading →

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As Holy Week Begins 2021

Posted on March 29, 2021 by smaxreisert

I have unexpectedly mixed feelings as we embark on this year’s Holy Week.  Holy Week is usually a week that I look forward to.  It’s a time to think deeply about important theological issues, and a time when there are … Continue reading →

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The Covid Year

Posted on March 13, 2021 by smaxreisert

Over the last few days, lots of people, news outlets and other organizations have been spending time in reflection mode.  It’s been a year of dealing with Covid.  A whole year. Where were you when you heard the news that … Continue reading →

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Please Don’t Try to Curate My Faith Experience

Posted on February 27, 2021 by smaxreisert

The word “curate” (and its relatives) seems to be everywhere.   Playlists are “curated,” as are skin care products, vacations, restaurant menus, and just about everything else.  For those of us who’ve been around for a while, “curate” (and its relatives) … Continue reading →

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Bringing Thankfulness for Today into Tomorrow

Posted on February 11, 2021 by smaxreisert

Old South held its first ever virtual annual meeting this past Sunday.  It was a nice, neat and short meeting.  As with any normal annual meeting, we voted on a slate of officers and a budget for the coming year.  … Continue reading →

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