Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

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 →

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Let Me Entertain You?

Posted on July 20, 2015 by smaxreisert

Last month, I attended the bat mitzvah service for the daughter of a close friend. As we were assembling at the synagogue, another good friend came in and sat down with us. I noticed that she was alone, so I … Continue reading →

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Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Posted on June 19, 2015 by smaxreisert

Darling you got to let me know Should I stay or should I go? If you say that you are mine I’ll be here ’til the end of time -The Clash Last week, I read a blog post called “Letter … Continue reading →

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We Must Sing a New Song

Posted on January 29, 2015 by smaxreisert

The Maine Conference United Church of Christ is the midst of implementing a new governance and staffing structure. I recently attended a meeting of the new Mission Council, which is intended to serve as the leadership council of and for … Continue reading →

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Leaning In, Church Style

Posted on November 8, 2014 by smaxreisert

A long time parishioner came by to visit me in my office a few days ago. He wanted to share some complaints with me and to let me know that, though he likes me personally, he is frustrated by some … Continue reading →

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The Impossible Job

Posted on November 1, 2014 by smaxreisert

I can’t say that I wasn’t warned. It shouldn’t surprise me that my job is starting to feel like an impossible job. I grew up with parents who were champion church complainers. There was hardly anything that the minister did … Continue reading →

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What’s Your Status?

Posted on October 4, 2014 by smaxreisert

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the efforts that Old South—the church I serve in Central Maine—has engaged in order to support and encourage new members and friends. I’ve especially been thinking about the time I’ve spent with new … Continue reading →

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Are You Serving Cheese with that Whine?

Posted on July 11, 2014 by smaxreisert

At a lot of church related meetings, with both clergy and lay people, on the local level but especially when more than one church has gathered, I hear a fair amount of whining: Why don’t people go to church anymore? … Continue reading →

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Speaking of Preaching, Or Not

Posted on April 12, 2014 by smaxreisert

In this holy season of Lent, when we should be focused on a prayerful and thoughtful approach to our faith, when we should have the courage to examine our faithfulness, I find myself in a difficult place. For the first … Continue reading →

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Career Day

Posted on March 29, 2014 by smaxreisert

Recently, Waterville Junior High held “Career Day.” As co-chair of the PTO, I was asked to help get some parents to speak on various careers. I was even given a list—Health Care, Veterinary services, Finance, Human Resources, Arts & Communications, … Continue reading →

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