Category Archives: Misc

As Maine Goes? Heaven Help Us

Posted on November 14, 2016 by smaxreisert

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Ephesians 4:26 A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 But now you must get rid … Continue reading →

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The Day After: 11/9/16

Posted on November 9, 2016 by smaxreisert

In the last couple of weeks, as I listened to more than a few parishioners share their worry and concern not so much about Election Day itself, but its aftermath, I scheduled a prayer circle for Election Day at noon. … Continue reading →

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The Ugly Reality of Sexism

Posted on September 26, 2016 by smaxreisert

There’s something about presidential campaigns—no matter who’s running—that causes me to want to stick my head in the sand, or to go to a faraway place (which I have done—in 2004 and 2008), just so I don’t have to witness … Continue reading →

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The Christian and Days of National Tragedy

Posted on September 8, 2016 by smaxreisert

When my daughter was very young, it was not uncommon for older adults, in places like church, to engage in a little conversation with her. These adults asked questions that are often asked of small children— about how old she … Continue reading →

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The Dismay of Convention Season—2016

Posted on July 23, 2016 by smaxreisert

Perhaps because I am part of a fairly well-known (locally) dual political party couple, I occasionally receive the odd, whispered confession. Usually it is from a woman, who wants (or needs?) to share with someone that she’s not a Republican, … Continue reading →

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Lessons on Race at Divinity Hall

Posted on July 13, 2016 by smaxreisert

“First of all,” he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] … Continue reading →

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Posted on June 28, 2016 by smaxreisert

During my annual visit to the doctor’s office not long ago, I was asked if I had any interest in getting connected with their new online “patient portal.” Sure, I told them. When I finally went to check it out, … Continue reading →

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After Orlando

Posted on June 18, 2016 by smaxreisert

I’ve been experiencing a sort of numbness this past week—a weariness, lurking around the edges of despair. When I heard about the shootings in Orlando last Sunday, and then the number of people killed, I felt outrage and horror. Before … Continue reading →

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Nick Kristof Could Be Writing About the United Church of Christ

Posted on June 2, 2016 by smaxreisert

Over the last few weeks, Nick Kristof has written at least twice in the New York Times about the lack of ideological diversity on college and university campuses in the United States. Most colleges and universities seem to place diversity … Continue reading →

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Politicians, Christians and Bathrooms

Posted on April 25, 2016 by smaxreisert

It’s hard to know how to make sense of the recent brouhaha around bathrooms that has taken hold in a number of state legislatures and on the presidential primary trail. During a rally in Maryland, Ted Cruz asked if we … Continue reading →

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