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.

(Almost) Everything I Need to Know About the Body of Christ I Learned at a YMCA Swim Meet

Posted on February 2, 2013 by smaxreisert

Lessons 1 and 2 (3 and 4 next week) Well, maybe not even “almost” everything, but important lessons about the Body of Christ, as envisioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, can be learned at a YMCA swim meet.  I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Leave a comment

Cautionary Tale #2: The Gardiner Congregational Church, UCC

Posted on January 26, 2013 by smaxreisert

The story of the Gardiner Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Gardiner, Maine, offers an important view into some of the very challenging issues facing many mainline churches, especially those churches located in places like central Maine. The Gardiner Congregational … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine Cautionary Tales | Leave a comment

Losing Religion?

Posted on January 18, 2013 by smaxreisert

This week, Morning Edition on NPR has been running a series called “Losing Our Religion,” focusing on all kinds of people who are struggling with religion in some way—some are younger people who are “spiritual but not religious,” some are … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc, My Life as Pastor | Leave a comment

Lord Grantham, I Know How You Feel

Posted on January 12, 2013 by smaxreisert

I’m a big Downton Abbey fan and have been since the very first episode.  How can you resist the love, lust, drama and back-stabbing all wrapped up in a charming English package? As the new season unfolds, I suspect that … Continue reading →

Posted in Popular Culture, Movies, TV | Leave a comment

Searching for Hope

Posted on January 4, 2013 by smaxreisert

Last Friday, I officiated at one of the largest memorial services that we’ve had at Old South during my tenure.  The sanctuary was packed with people—every pew space was taken and people lined the walls on the sides and along … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine Cautionary Tales | Leave a comment

Going Over the Religion Cliff

Posted on December 29, 2012 by smaxreisert

Last Sunday’s Sunday New York Times Book Review offered a cover story entitled, “Has Fiction Lost Its Faith?” (12/23/12)  In that article Paul Elie summed up his sense of the place of Christianity in contemporary fiction this way:  ““This, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy-Days | Leave a comment

God’s Birth Plan: What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Posted on December 22, 2012 by smaxreisert

I was just one week short of the due date for my second child when I woke up on a lovely morning in spring and felt a few mild cramps.  I might not have taken much notice, but then I … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy-Days | 1 Comment

Thoughts and Prayers

Posted on December 15, 2012 by smaxreisert

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Newtown, Conn.– with the families, the children, the responders, the teachers and administrators, community leaders,  and everyone who is helping that community.

Posted in Misc | Leave a comment

The Church in Decline: Weddings

Posted on December 15, 2012 by smaxreisert

In the gay marriage debates and voting seasons that have happened in Maine (we’ve voted on this issue twice in recent years), and elsewhere, I’ve noticed that those who are against gay marriage like to scare people—religious people—by telling them … Continue reading →

Posted in LBGTQ, Misc | 1 Comment

What If We Build It and They Still Don’t Come?

Posted on December 6, 2012 by smaxreisert

In Central Maine, churches face a very difficult reality.  A Central Maine mainline church may have great programming, a wonderful minister, meaningful worship, an enthusiastic Christian Education program, a heavenly choir, and a friendly, welcoming and open congregation.  And, yet, … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine Cautionary Tales | 1 Comment