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.

Worship Illiteracy

Posted on October 5, 2013 by smaxreisert

There are some Sundays when my thirty-minute commute home after worship is a difficult, disheartening experience. Last Sunday was one of those days, a commute that included an internal debate on why I do this work, as a pastor of … Continue reading →

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Faith and Country, Eggs and Ham

Posted on September 28, 2013 by smaxreisert

Last week, gun control, so why not health care this week? Let me begin with one complaint that really doesn’t have anything to do with faith or Christianity: why is it that health insurance is treated differently than other forms … Continue reading →

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Why Bother?

Posted on September 21, 2013 by smaxreisert

In the aftermath of the Washington Navy Yard mass killing, I heard one of the investigators talk about the thorough investigation that was in process—that law enforcement was committed to finding out everything it could about why Aaron Alexis chose … Continue reading →

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Is It All About the Buildings?

Posted on September 14, 2013 by smaxreisert

Sacred Heart Church, the Roman Catholic church in Hallowell, just around the corner from Old South, is likely to close soon, probably at the end of next month. It’s really no surprise. Everyone in town seemed to be aware that … Continue reading →

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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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