Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

Labels

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 →

Posted in Misc, My Life as Pastor | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in My Life as Pastor, On the Hopeful Side | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Holy-Days, My Life as Pastor | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Perils in the Small Church

Posted on January 30, 2016 by smaxreisert

One of the first goals I had when I began my work with Old South Church, about ten years ago, was to lead the church through an Open and Affirming process. This was particularly significant for Old South, as it … Continue reading →

Posted in My Life as Pastor | Leave a comment

At the End and In the Beginning

Posted on December 31, 2015 by smaxreisert

The end of the year brings the opportunity for reflection, and I have certainly found myself thinking about the year that is about to end. For my family, the big event of the year was my daughter’s graduation from high … Continue reading →

Posted in Doomed, My Life as Pastor | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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

Do I Hear the Fat Lady Singing?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by smaxreisert

In my last post, I wrote about a sermon that I wished had been preached at the recent Maine Conference United Church of Christ Annual Meeting—but was not. The scripture was Sarah laughing at the prospect of having a child … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Doomed, My Life as Pastor | Leave a comment

The Unexpected Consequences of New Life

Posted on October 3, 2015 by smaxreisert

I spend a fair amount of my time as a pastor thinking about the significant challenges of being church in the middle of Maine in the 21st century, while also considering what it means to lead a local church in … Continue reading →

Posted in Doomed, My Life as Pastor | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Younger People Problem

Posted on September 17, 2015 by smaxreisert

Old South is an older congregation. Average age is probably somewhere in the low 70s. Like other congregations of its age and size, there is a general sense of fretfulness about our circumstances. How long will we be able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Doomed, My Life as Pastor | Leave a comment

I Am Not on Vacation!

Posted on August 22, 2015 by smaxreisert

I’m on sabbatical this month. Although the pace and nature of my working is a lot different than when I’m not on sabbatical, I’ve had to make something of an effort to make it clear that I’m not on vacation. … Continue reading →

Posted in My Life as Pastor | Tagged | Leave a comment