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.

Sorry, Viola Davis, But You Are Wrong

Posted on March 4, 2017 by smaxreisert

During last Sunday’s Academy Awards presentation, Viola Davis won an Oscar for her role in Fences. During her emotional acceptance speech, Ms. Davis declared how glad she is to be an artist because it’s “the only profession that celebrates what … Continue reading →

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An Interesting Time to Be Church

Posted on February 24, 2017 by smaxreisert

It’s an interesting time to be church. With immigration and refugee policies in the news, we can explore and talk about what it means to be neighbor, how the Judeo-Christian tenet of “love thy neighbor as thyself” influences, or not, … Continue reading →

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If Jesus Had Lived in Maine

Posted on February 14, 2017 by smaxreisert

Maine winters are long, and sometimes very challenging. This year, February has roared in with storm after storm. In Central Maine, we got about 8 inches last Thursday, 6 more on Saturday, and then the  “Snowpocalyse” set in. Between Sunday … Continue reading →

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Is the Church Ready for a Comeback?

Posted on February 7, 2017 by smaxreisert

Over the years, I have been known, on occasion, to use the New England Patriots to illustrate important church lessons. Almost every time, I’ve ended up regretting it. While I’m a long-time fan of the Pats, I also recognize that … Continue reading →

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What Films Can Do

Posted on January 28, 2017 by smaxreisert

It’s awards season, in the world of film. While I don’t hold any professional film critic credentials, I do find myself at this time of year trying to see at least a few of the films that receive a lot … Continue reading →

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This Is It

Posted on January 20, 2017 by smaxreisert

When my daughter was young, she had a pet betta fish. Like most betta fish, it didn’t live very long. But, when it died, Margaret was distraught. To help her deal with her considerable grief, I suggested that she organize … Continue reading →

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Dividing Lines

Posted on January 14, 2017 by smaxreisert

Just before Christmas, the New York Times ran a column by Nick Kristof in which Mr. Kristof asked the question, “Am I a Christian, Pastor Timothy Keller?” The column offered a conversation between Mr. Kristof and the Rev. Timothy Keller, … Continue reading →

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When Hope Is a Problem

Posted on January 7, 2017 by smaxreisert

An area church similar to Old South recently came to the end of a long journey through which the church seriously considered its future. Part of the process focused on the building in which the church meets. The church, decreasing … Continue reading →

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The March of Time

Posted on December 31, 2016 by smaxreisert

The end of the year has brought a lot of the usual—visits with family and friends, trying to figure out New Year’s Eve plans, recovering from the busyness of Christmas (and pre-Christmas), and contemplating what might be in store as … Continue reading →

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The Work of Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2016 by smaxreisert

By the time Christmas rolls around, most of us have probably had quite enough of Christmas. With Christmas music surrounding us in shops since well before Thanksgiving, the abundance of Christmas decorations, and our own sense of busyness of the … Continue reading →

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