Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

To Keep the Weariness at Bay

Posted on October 25, 2021 by smaxreisert

During the first years of my marriage and when my children were young, part of our annual family vacation involved a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina to spend time with extended family.  Over the course of our … Continue reading →

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In Another Country

Posted on September 30, 2021 by smaxreisert

To prepare for a recent two-week trip to Italy, I tried to learn a little Italian.  Each day, I spent time with “the Owl” (aka Duolingo).  It didn’t help much.  When I got to Italy, I realized how little I … Continue reading →

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The Silencing

Posted on April 30, 2021 by smaxreisert

Over the many years I’ve been in parish ministry, it’s not uncommon to find myself in a particular situation that I find especially challenging:  dealing with adult children of a recently deceased church member whose spouse has already passed away … Continue reading →

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Bringing Thankfulness for Today into Tomorrow

Posted on February 11, 2021 by smaxreisert

Old South held its first ever virtual annual meeting this past Sunday.  It was a nice, neat and short meeting.  As with any normal annual meeting, we voted on a slate of officers and a budget for the coming year.  … Continue reading →

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Days of Our Nine Lives

Posted on December 16, 2020 by smaxreisert

At Old South, Advent season is also budget season.  Budget season coincides with preparation for our annual meeting that is held every year at the end of January.  On many occasions over the course of my long tenure at Old … Continue reading →

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The Toll

Posted on September 30, 2020 by smaxreisert

On a Saturday early in September, I got the call that the church matriarch was gravely ill.  On Sunday, I went to the hospital to see her and to be with her family.  On Monday, I was on the phone … Continue reading →

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For Louise

Posted on September 9, 2020 by smaxreisert

Like many churches, Old South had a matriarch.  I use the past tense here, as our matriarch passed away a few days ago.  It’s a very sad time for Old South.  In the midst of the many challenges we face, … Continue reading →

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The Looming Season

Posted on August 25, 2020 by smaxreisert

There always seems to be a certain moment, sometime in August, when the end of summer comes into focus.  I’m not sure what exactly happens, but it always feels like there’s a clear turn in the sense of the season.  … Continue reading →

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The Church in These Days—Hungering and Heartbreak

Posted on July 20, 2020 by smaxreisert

On July 8, the New York Times published a story entitled, “Churches Were Eager to Reopen.  Now They Are a Major Source of Coronavirus Cases.”  The article offered a litany of churches that reopened in various ways, some trying to … Continue reading →

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The Strange Case of the Unpopular Bible Study

Posted on May 8, 2020 by smaxreisert

In my long tenure as Pastor and Teacher at Old South, Bible study groups have never been especially well-attended.  Over the years, I’ve led short-term as well as long-term groups, on a range of topics.  I’ve offered studies that have … Continue reading →

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