Category Archives: Holy-Days

125-48: You Do the Math

Posted on April 17, 2023 by smaxreisert

This year’s Easter Sunday worship service at Old South brought a total attendance of 48 people. That number includes guest musicians and guests of the guest musicians. Two days later, Old South “hosted” (I’ll get to the use that particular … Continue reading →

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The Mirror of Holy Week

Posted on April 7, 2023 by smaxreisert

When the crowds gathered on the very first Palm Sunday, waving palms or branches, and laying down still more branches or cloaks (the details differ among the Gospel accounts), it’s likely that at least some of those who were part … Continue reading →

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A Long December

Posted on December 31, 2022 by smaxreisert

And it’s been a long December and there’s reason to believe/Maybe this year will be better than the last/I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself/To hold onto these moments as they pass. “A Long December” by … Continue reading →

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We Will Worship on Christmas Day

Posted on December 22, 2022 by smaxreisert

The New York Times recently published an article entitled “O Come All Ye Faithful, Except When Christmas Falls on a Sunday.” (12/18/22) The article explored the various issues for Protestant churches regarding worship this year when Christmas falls on a … Continue reading →

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Crushing My Advent Dreams

Posted on November 21, 2022 by smaxreisert

My husband and I are on a cross country (and back) adventure this fall. Last weekend, we arrived in Moab, Utah and checked into our hotel where we would stay for a couple days while we explored Arches National Park. … Continue reading →

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The Women Around Jesus: In Remembrance of Her, The Anointing

Posted on April 27, 2022 by smaxreisert

Scripture:  Mark 14:3-9. This post is adapted from a sermon preached at Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Hallowell, Maine, April 10, 2022 (Palm/Passion Sunday). I apologize that this post, and its theme, is out of order with … Continue reading →

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Easter 2022: Mary Magdalene, Part 2

Posted on April 19, 2022 by smaxreisert

Adapted from the Easter Sunday sermon at Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Hallowell, Maine. Scripture: John 20:1-18 Many years ago, when I was a young adult, I found myself, for reasons that I don’t remember, home … Continue reading →

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Lent 2022, The Women Around Jesus: Mary of Bethany

Posted on April 13, 2022 by smaxreisert

From a sermon given at Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Hallowell, Maine. Scripture: John 12:1-8, Luke 10:38-42 (with reference to John 11 as well) My name is Mary and I was a friend of Jesus.  I’d like … Continue reading →

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A Different Lent

Posted on March 2, 2022 by smaxreisert

For Christians, Lent is the season in which we remember the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness while dealing with the temptations of the devil. Some Christians give something up for Lent, something that will require tests of … Continue reading →

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What’s There to See

Posted on December 31, 2021 by smaxreisert

At Old South’s 2021 Christmas Eve service, the featured speaking part was “The Shepherd” from Frederick Buechner’s The Magnificent Defeat. As the Shepherd reflects on his life, realizing that he’s the kind of guy who will eat muddy bread when … Continue reading →

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