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.

I Can See You

Posted on February 17, 2022 by smaxreisert

A very good friend of mine writes fairly regularly for a major newspaper. In a recent column, she included a brief reference to a trip to a museum and made note of an exhibit that she saw with her wife. … Continue reading →

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Under the Cover of Covid

Posted on February 2, 2022 by smaxreisert

Old South, like many churches, has been on something of a Covid-induced roller coaster ride. First, we learned Zoom and how to make it work for the church as a whole. Then, we learned hybrid, which has been more complicated … Continue reading →

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WWJD? Covid Vaccine Edition

Posted on January 19, 2022 by smaxreisert

French President Emmanuel Macron recently made headlines for suggesting— using a vulgar French term— a new strategy for “encouraging” the unvaccinated to get the jab. Essentially, he called for making the lives of the unvaccinated so miserable that they would … Continue reading →

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What’s There to See

Posted on December 31, 2021 by smaxreisert

At Old South’s 2021 Christmas Eve service, the featured speaking part was “The Shepherd” from Frederick Buechner’s The Magnificent Defeat. As the Shepherd reflects on his life, realizing that he’s the kind of guy who will eat muddy bread when … Continue reading →

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Advent Lessons: Companionship

Posted on December 16, 2021 by smaxreisert

This coming Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary selections include Luke 1:39-45[46-56], where Mary offers her song of praise, aka The Magnificat. The relatively short passage (even with the additional verses) provides a treasure trove of preaching options. It’s a passage focused … Continue reading →

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When Patience Isn’t Enough

Posted on December 1, 2021 by smaxreisert

I’ve started to notice, here and there, in little remarks or responses, the revealing of the idea that patience is the key to how we, as a church, will get through the pandemic. And, in that idea, the exposure of … Continue reading →

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In a Quiet Moment

Posted on November 11, 2021 by smaxreisert

I’ve always been fascinated by certain moments of quiet, like during a worship service in a sanctuary with a bunch of people in it and everything becomes so hushed, as if a veil of silence has descended. It’s not just … Continue reading →

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To Keep the Weariness at Bay

Posted on October 25, 2021 by smaxreisert

During the first years of my marriage and when my children were young, part of our annual family vacation involved a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina to spend time with extended family.  Over the course of our … Continue reading →

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In Another Country

Posted on September 30, 2021 by smaxreisert

To prepare for a recent two-week trip to Italy, I tried to learn a little Italian.  Each day, I spent time with “the Owl” (aka Duolingo).  It didn’t help much.  When I got to Italy, I realized how little I … Continue reading →

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Telling Our Stories

Posted on September 10, 2021 by smaxreisert

I just returned from a two-week trip to Italy. The travel blog starts here: https://smritaly21.travellerspoint.com/1/ It’s a very interesting time in which to travel. My travel companions and I hatched the plan to go to Italy in late spring, when … Continue reading →

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