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.

You Can’t DIY Everything

Posted on July 9, 2015 by smaxreisert

One of my “younger” parishioners (just a bit older than I am)—I’ll call him Henry— came to chat with me a couple of weeks ago. Part of our conversation included the sharing of information regarding yet another Old South member—“Sally.” … Continue reading →

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Roots in the Rainbow

Posted on June 27, 2015 by smaxreisert

On this day after a very big day, as I reflect on the SCOTUS decision in favor of marriage equality, I can’t help but consider what an amazing change that has taken place in this country in such a relatively … Continue reading →

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Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Posted on June 19, 2015 by smaxreisert

Darling you got to let me know Should I stay or should I go? If you say that you are mine I’ll be here ’til the end of time -The Clash Last week, I read a blog post called “Letter … Continue reading →

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The Concern on the Other End

Posted on June 12, 2015 by smaxreisert

I ran into an older friend of mine at the gym the other day. I hadn’t seen him in a little while. He recently had some significant health problems, but is now well on his way to recovery. For a … Continue reading →

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Upending the Tyranny of the Popular Girls

Posted on June 4, 2015 by smaxreisert

My daughter is graduating from high school this week. “Tradition” brings us a full four-day palate of activities and festivities. Last night was Class Night, an evening of graduating seniors giving thanks (to teachers, administrators, and parents) as well as … Continue reading →

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On Trinity Sunday and the Gloria

Posted on May 29, 2015 by smaxreisert

I grew up in a very congregational church, in a church that kept its attachment to the wider church, the United Church of Christ, in parentheses (literally) and in small print, left to languish at the bottom of the front … Continue reading →

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How Can We Compete?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by smaxreisert

Last Sunday was a busy day, so I was looking forward to curling up in bed and sparking up the DVR to watch the season finale of Call the Midwife. When I got ready for bed and turned on the … Continue reading →

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The Reality of the Tide

Posted on May 12, 2015 by smaxreisert

A few years ago, during a vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (a place where my family and I go every couple of years), my children were playing with their cousins on the beach. I was taking photos … Continue reading →

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It’s a Shame We’ve Become Such Rare Birds

Posted on May 8, 2015 by smaxreisert

As the committee members gathered in the church parish house, one committee member came through the door from the parking lot and addressed one of the other committee members in a voice that conveyed a bit of shock and alarm, … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Hopeful Side | Leave a comment

When the Message Is Not Enough

Posted on May 2, 2015 by smaxreisert

When I arrived at Old South Church about a decade ago, I was fortunate to have found a church home that, though it had never had a female pastor, was well-acquainted with the leadership of women. The organist/music director was … Continue reading →

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