Category Archives: Misc

Let Go, But Hang On

Posted on September 11, 2015 by smaxreisert

It’s back to school time and time, in our household, to settle into a new routine. Our daughter is off at college, for her first year. Our son is a sophomore in high school.   And, my husband is getting back … Continue reading →

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Where Have All the Organists Gone?

Posted on September 5, 2015 by smaxreisert

At Old South, we are in search of a new organist/choir director. Our search is now several months old. In the first round, we had only a few applicants and only two that we thought were good candidates for Old … Continue reading →

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A Partially Unwrapped Gift

Posted on August 29, 2015 by smaxreisert

I don’t remember who suggested it first. It was at a church budget meeting, a few years ago, and we were analyzing the church budget, trying to figure out what we could cut or trim at a time when it … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc, On the Hopeful Side | Leave a comment

Getting Out of the Bubble

Posted on August 7, 2015 by smaxreisert

In the minor news this week is the continuing drama of Caitlyn Jenner, whose “docu-series” is currently showing on E!. The second episode of the series was shown this past Sunday and featured, among other things, Jenner’s more conservative, Republican … Continue reading →

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When They Don’t Come to Us

Posted on August 1, 2015 by smaxreisert

Old Hallowell Day is a big deal in this little city just south of the state capital. Every year, on the third Saturday of July, Hallowell swells with, it seems, just about everyone who was born here or ever lived … Continue reading →

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Upending the Tyranny of the Popular Girls

Posted on June 4, 2015 by smaxreisert

My daughter is graduating from high school this week. “Tradition” brings us a full four-day palate of activities and festivities. Last night was Class Night, an evening of graduating seniors giving thanks (to teachers, administrators, and parents) as well as … Continue reading →

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A Few Thoughts on Ferguson

Posted on November 26, 2014 by smaxreisert

As I watched the “Breaking News” Monday night, and listened to the long introduction that offered increasingly obvious clues that the grand jury had voted not to indict the white police officer, Darren Wilson, in the shooting death of the … Continue reading →

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Will Anyone Pay to Visit My Church?

Posted on September 2, 2014 by smaxreisert

This year’s summer vacation included a two-week trip to Europe. The family and I started in London, a familiar place where we lived for a few months about ten years ago. Then, we were off to Portugal for a week, … Continue reading →

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A Short Trip to a Distant Place

Posted on August 9, 2014 by smaxreisert

I’m about to go on vacation for a couple of weeks and will take a break from blogging during that time.  Here are few thoughts from the first few days of my vacation this year.  Thanks for reading and enjoy … Continue reading →

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When the Meeting Is the Meaning

Posted on July 25, 2014 by smaxreisert

The Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ is in the midst of considering a new governance and staffing model. A “New Dimensions Team,” of which I am part with other clergy and lay people from around the state, … Continue reading →

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