Category Archives: Other Denominations/Christians

Is It Time for a Break Up?

Posted on March 29, 2024 by smaxreisert

My last blog post focused on ghosts, those people who attend worship for a few weeks, a few months, even a couple of years, and then suddenly disappear, without notice, without trace, without explanation. I usually reach out to these … Continue reading →

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Hey! Different Kind of Church Here! Part 2

Posted on July 18, 2023 by smaxreisert

I don’t keep my profession a secret, but there are times when I wish I could. One recent example involves a little monthly pampering that I give to myself: I get a pedicure about once a month. I’ve seen the … Continue reading →

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Blurred Lines

Posted on February 10, 2023 by smaxreisert

I recently spent most of a day driving one of our family vehicles that I don’t use very often. Since I didn’t have a way of using my phone for entertainment or access to Sirius XM, I engaged in one … Continue reading →

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To Be Welcomed, Or Not

Posted on January 18, 2023 by smaxreisert

The death of Pope Benedict XVI several weeks ago propelled me into a memory— a couple of memories, actually— about my experiences of welcome, or unwelcome, in the Roman Catholic Church. I’ve had a decidedly mixed experience. In reflecting on … Continue reading →

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Lent 2022, The Women Around Jesus: Mary Magdalene, Part 1

Posted on March 30, 2022 by smaxreisert

Adapted from a Sermon preached at Old South Church, Hallowell, Maine. Scripture: Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:33-41 Mary Magdalene.  Mention her name and you might remember that she was present at the empty tomb on Easter morning.  But, it’s also likely, … Continue reading →

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In These Difficult Days

Posted on March 4, 2019 by smaxreisert

The news from Christendom these days isn’t good. The seemingly endless parade of revelations from the Roman Catholic Church is heartbreaking and disturbing. The recent signs of serious rifts in the United Methodist Church are also distressing. The Southern Baptists, … Continue reading →

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My Struggle with Public Prayer

Posted on March 11, 2017 by smaxreisert

I serve on the board of a local homeless shelter. We recently developed new program space and hosted a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate. During the planning of the ribbon cutting ceremony, I sent out to the planning … Continue reading →

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When the Bible Gets in the Way

Posted on August 9, 2016 by smaxreisert

During a recent trip to the grocery store, I bumped into a former parishioner from a former church. I had not seen the man in many years, but I had heard long ago that he, along with his family, had … Continue reading →

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The Light of Spotlight

Posted on February 6, 2016 by smaxreisert

I recently went with a friend to see Spotlight, the film that focuses on the Boston Globe’s uncovering of clergy abuse of children. I wanted to see the film for several reasons—to see how the story would be portrayed on … Continue reading →

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How Can We Compete?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by smaxreisert

Last Sunday was a busy day, so I was looking forward to curling up in bed and sparking up the DVR to watch the season finale of Call the Midwife. When I got ready for bed and turned on the … Continue reading →

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