Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

What Is Church For?

Posted on May 8, 2017 by smaxreisert

It’s been an interesting week in the office of Old South, with two particular occasions that got me thinking, once again, about the church and its purpose in these days. The first occasion involved a visitor, whose presence was announced … Continue reading →

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An Unaccustomed Silence

Posted on April 9, 2017 by smaxreisert

Holy Week has begun and for the first time in many years, I feel completely unprepared. Usually, by the time Palm/Passion Sunday (we observe both at Old South) rolls around, I have at least a good idea (in my head, … Continue reading →

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My Life in Exile

Posted on March 21, 2017 by smaxreisert

Maine can be a challenging place to live, and work, especially for those of us “from away,” and sometimes even more so for those from Massachusetts. Perhaps owing to complications from their past of once being one state, Maine and Massachusetts … Continue reading →

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The March of Time

Posted on December 31, 2016 by smaxreisert

The end of the year has brought a lot of the usual—visits with family and friends, trying to figure out New Year’s Eve plans, recovering from the busyness of Christmas (and pre-Christmas), and contemplating what might be in store as … Continue reading →

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Clergy Get Over Yourselves!

Posted on November 26, 2016 by smaxreisert

“Do you read the sermons ahead of time?” was one of the first questions that was asked. It was a surprising, unexpected question. It was asked almost tentatively, cautiously, but directly at me. I was sitting at the front of … Continue reading →

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This Writing Life, Part 2

Posted on November 2, 2016 by smaxreisert

Last year, at about this time, I wrote a blog post on my wonderful experience at a weeklong clergy writing workshop. I had the great privilege to attend this year as well. Different characters this time around, but the same … Continue reading →

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The Significance of Saying Good-bye

Posted on August 1, 2016 by smaxreisert

At Old South, we seem to say good-bye a lot. Occasionally, it’s in the form of a funeral. But, more often, it’s because a person (or a couple or a family) is moving. Most people are nice enough to inform … 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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The Strength in Small Numbers

Posted on May 26, 2016 by smaxreisert

Every year, during commencement weekend at Colby College (where my husband is a professor), there’s a dinner to celebrate those receiving honorary degrees from the College. Faculty and administrators gather for this festive evening, during which each degree recipient has … Continue reading →

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When Silence Is the Guide

Posted on March 20, 2016 by smaxreisert

I’ve been in the ministry long enough that I’m rarely truly surprised by something church-related. But, today was one of those rare days of blessed surprise—on one of the saddest days of the Christian year. A few years ago, I … Continue reading →

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