Category Archives: Misc

Way Too Many Names

Posted on October 28, 2023 by smaxreisert

I’m not sure when I started this practice, but whenever there’s a mass shooting, I look for the names of the victims and I read through them. If there’s information on each individual’s life, I read that too. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Holy-Days, Misc | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Safety and Security?

Posted on March 18, 2023 by smaxreisert

Last week, I attended a workshop on “Protecting Houses of Worship,” offered by various state and federal entities in the state of Maine. The workshop included a whole lot of information on different aspects of safety in light of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , | Leave a comment

I’ve Got that Guilty Feeling, or Maybe Not

Posted on March 1, 2023 by smaxreisert

Western religious practice and guilt have what might be called a cozy relationship. For some forms of religious practice, guilt is an important motivator for good works and for an approach to at least some relationships. Rather than seeking good … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , | Leave a comment

My Business Plan

Posted on December 7, 2022 by smaxreisert

I think I might try to start a business. It’s something I’ve never done, so maybe it’s time to give it a try. I’m not sure what kind of business exactly— there are so many options— but I do know … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Misc | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Crowds and Community

Posted on August 31, 2022 by smaxreisert

My husband and I live in one of Maine’s lovely lake areas, a group of lakes and ponds known generally as the “Belgrade Lakes.” In the midst of this area is Belgrade Lakes Village, about a half hour drive northwest … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Man Who Made Such a Difference

Posted on August 19, 2022 by smaxreisert

In my many years of pastoring and preaching, whenever I’ve experienced difficulty in getting into a passage, searching for the kernel that would get a sermon going or help in wrapping things up, I’ve almost always turned to one person: … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged | 1 Comment

Screaming My Way Through Lent

Posted on March 19, 2022 by smaxreisert

At Old South this Lent, we are focusing on the women around Jesus. We are exploring stories about the women who worked with and were friends with Jesus. We are also considering stories of women, like the Samaritan Woman at … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

I Can See You

Posted on February 17, 2022 by smaxreisert

A very good friend of mine writes fairly regularly for a major newspaper. In a recent column, she included a brief reference to a trip to a museum and made note of an exhibit that she saw with her wife. … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged | Leave a comment

Telling Our Stories

Posted on September 10, 2021 by smaxreisert

I just returned from a two-week trip to Italy. The travel blog starts here: https://smritaly21.travellerspoint.com/1/ It’s a very interesting time in which to travel. My travel companions and I hatched the plan to go to Italy in late spring, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment