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.

The Religion of Youth Sports

Posted on September 7, 2013 by smaxreisert

In the last couple of decades, it’s been an often heard complaint in churches in the United States that many children, young people, and parents have been lost to sports. Sunday morning sports practices, in particular, are pointed to as … Continue reading →

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Churches, Pastors, Marriage and Bylaws—Oh, My

Posted on August 31, 2013 by smaxreisert

The Huffington Post recently published a story on conservative Christian churches that are enacting bylaw changes to guard themselves from possible lawsuits when they turn away same sex couples who wish to be married. [“DOMA, Gay Marriage Rulings Prompt Churches … Continue reading →

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An Experience Thing

Posted on August 17, 2013 by smaxreisert

Last Sunday’s New York Times “Sunday Review” section highlighted an opinion piece on the new dimensions of activity and experience offered at art museums and other cultural institutions. The essayist was not especially enthusiastic about these new opportunities, reflecting that … Continue reading →

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Did the Dinosaurs Know that Extinction Was on the Way?

Posted on August 9, 2013 by smaxreisert

Maybe I just need a vacation, but I’ve been wondering and thinking a lot about the sense I have that my profession, as a clergyperson, is not long for this world. Not in Maine, anyway. A long time ago, I … Continue reading →

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Does It Matter that Church is Good for You?

Posted on August 3, 2013 by smaxreisert

Slate.com recently ran an article about scientific research that indicates that singing in a choir is good for people. The article, written by a woman who’s recently published a book on the subject, began with a statement that she had … Continue reading →

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What Happens When Someone Dies?

Posted on July 27, 2013 by smaxreisert

Many years ago, when I was still in divinity school, an old friend from college called me to tell me that her father had died. After sharing my condolences, my friend launched into something of an angry tirade. “Do you … Continue reading →

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Can My Soul Be Nurtured by Cookies?

Posted on July 19, 2013 by smaxreisert

I love cookies. I love eating them and I love making them. But, a few days ago, I found myself needing to buy some cookies. An old favorite came to mind—Milano, made by Pepperidge Farm. I had no idea that … Continue reading →

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The Things We Don’t Talk About

Posted on July 13, 2013 by smaxreisert

My sermon series at Old South this summer is focusing on evil. Where does it come from? How does it interact with our faith? What does it mean to say that God is good? Why do bad things happen to … Continue reading →

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Flag Waving in Church

Posted on July 6, 2013 by smaxreisert

I like the 4th of July . . . when it lands in the middle of the week. That way, I can fairly easily get away with not including any patriotic songs during worship on one of the Sundays closest. … Continue reading →

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A Big Week?

Posted on June 29, 2013 by smaxreisert

On Wednesday morning, as I was helping my daughter with the last of her packing for summer camp, we were watching the coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision to end the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). My 16-year-old daughter asked … Continue reading →

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