Category Archives: Other Denominations/Christians

When the Message Is Not Enough

Posted on May 2, 2015 by smaxreisert

When I arrived at Old South Church about a decade ago, I was fortunate to have found a church home that, though it had never had a female pastor, was well-acquainted with the leadership of women. The organist/music director was … Continue reading →

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Thoughts About Christians Far Away

Posted on March 19, 2015 by smaxreisert

For Lent this year at Old South, we are “Walking and Praying with Christians of the Middle East” through a study offered by Churches Together Britain and Ireland. A small group from Old South gathers for Bible Study on Tuesdays and … Continue reading →

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The Flight From Church

Posted on March 11, 2015 by smaxreisert

I was having dinner with some friends recently. Part of the conversation over our Mexican entrees involved the tale of a visit of a distant cousin, with whom one of my friends had recently connected. During the reunion of these … Continue reading →

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In Sheep’s Clothing?

Posted on June 19, 2014 by smaxreisert

In its little corner in the extreme northeast, Maine is, at least in terms of a U.S.-centric point of view, at the “end of the road” or on a “road to nowhere” (apologies to my Canadian friends, just to the … Continue reading →

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The Church in Decline: The Southern Baptists Show How Unchristian Christians Can Be

Posted on June 12, 2014 by smaxreisert

The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant group in the United States, recently approved a resolution regarding transgender people. In this resolution, Southern Baptists affirmed such things as: “Gender identity should be determined by biological sex and not by one’s … Continue reading →

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Is It All About the Buildings?

Posted on September 14, 2013 by smaxreisert

Sacred Heart Church, the Roman Catholic church in Hallowell, just around the corner from Old South, is likely to close soon, probably at the end of next month. It’s really no surprise. Everyone in town seemed to be aware that … Continue reading →

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Churches, Pastors, Marriage and Bylaws—Oh, My

Posted on August 31, 2013 by smaxreisert

The Huffington Post recently published a story on conservative Christian churches that are enacting bylaw changes to guard themselves from possible lawsuits when they turn away same sex couples who wish to be married. [“DOMA, Gay Marriage Rulings Prompt Churches … Continue reading →

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When a Church Falls, What Sound Does it Make?

Posted on June 8, 2013 by smaxreisert

A Roman Catholic church in Waterville, Maine (where I live) was torn down recently. It had been closed as a church several years ago and then put up for sale. Although some suitors came along to consider buying the building … Continue reading →

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The Pope and Memories of the Vatican

Posted on March 2, 2013 by smaxreisert

For the purposes of this blog, I was thinking that I should just ignore the resignation of the Pope. The Pope isn’t an authority figure for me, although he is for some in my family, and I can’t say I’m … Continue reading →

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