Category Archives: Misc

For Prince

Posted on April 22, 2016 by smaxreisert

There are certain artist/celebrity deaths that make certain people feel especially sad—not to mention mortal. This can be particularly acute when the celebrity is one’s age, or thereabouts, and/or when the work of the celebrity is associated with special memories. … Continue reading →

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The Meaning and Value of Church Community

Posted on April 12, 2016 by smaxreisert

One of the more memorable family anthems for our family originally came to us somewhere along the New Jersey Turnpike, as we made the long journey from Maine to North Carolina in the summer of 2009. Our then young teenage … Continue reading →

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What We Do with What Remains

Posted on March 1, 2016 by smaxreisert

Old South held its annual meeting at the end of January. As has become our tradition, the meeting was well attended, informative, and thank goodness, free from controversy. We elected a new moderator and made adjustments to our new governance … Continue reading →

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The Peril of Politics and Particular Providence

Posted on February 22, 2016 by smaxreisert

Glenn Beck seems to think that God is so concerned about the United States that He decided to break one of his own “Big Ten” and killed Antonin Scalia, so that Americans would realize “how important their freedom is so … Continue reading →

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That Thing About Assumptions

Posted on February 12, 2016 by smaxreisert

Things get tense in my house every four years, around this time. As the presidential primaries and caucuses begin, my husband and I must renew the strange little political dance that gets us through these seasons, with our marriage intact. … Continue reading →

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Living Into Who We Should Be

Posted on January 22, 2016 by smaxreisert

The primary governing body at Old South is the Oversight Committee. Serving on the committee: church officers, three ministry team leaders, three at-large members and myself. The group meets monthly, usually with a lengthy agenda. This past Wednesday involved an … Continue reading →

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Perspective

Posted on January 9, 2016 by smaxreisert

The little boy—at least I think it was a boy—was throwing a tantrum, standing by the bank of elevators to the parking garage. Such an amazing loud noise came out of this tiny person, so tiny that it was hard … Continue reading →

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The Capacity for Peace

Posted on December 2, 2015 by smaxreisert

We—my husband, children and I—spent Thanksgiving in New York City, with my husband’s family. This is the second time we converged on the big city for the holiday weekend. It’s a convenient (and fun) gathering spot for the family, coming … Continue reading →

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This Writing Life

Posted on November 8, 2015 by smaxreisert

I spent last week at a clergy writing workshop, along with eleven other participants and a leader. It was an amazing gift to spend considerable time away from the usual routine of work and family and to engage in all … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc, My Life as Pastor | 1 Comment

In the News: Religion in American Public Life

Posted on September 26, 2015 by smaxreisert

Religion looms large in the news right now. The Pope’s visit, of course, offers a lot to think about and talk about. And, there’s presidential candidate Ben Carson’s comment regarding whether or not a Muslim should be elected president, ultimately … Continue reading →

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