Author Archives: smaxreisert

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.

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

Christmas Without Christians

Posted on December 2, 2012 by smaxreisert

I’m not much of a fan of the “War on Christmas.” In fact, I prefer “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas” as I offer greetings around town, in recognition that there are many religious holidays that take place during this time … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy-Days | 1 Comment

The Future of the Mainline Church in Maine: Cautionary Tale #1

Posted on November 22, 2012 by smaxreisert

Review the placement openings for the United Church of Christ, and one finds many references to the word “grow” or “growth”—like, “Come Grow With Us!” For many churches, growth is, and has been, a word of profound purpose. Most churches … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine Cautionary Tales | Leave a comment

The Separation of Church and Building

Posted on November 14, 2012 by smaxreisert

A recent issue of Portland magazine (October 2012) features a cover story on new uses for old churches called “Divine Intervention.” The cover photo displays a lively bar/restaurant with lots of people. It’s warm and inviting. It used to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings | Leave a comment

Life Among the “Nones”

Posted on November 8, 2012 by smaxreisert

“As Maine goes, so goes the nation” was once a notion that held some weight in presidential election cycles, as Maine found itself to be a bellwether for the general sentiments of the nation as a whole. While the phrase … Continue reading →