Tag Archives: Jesus

A Bit of Wisdom for Times of Darkness

Posted on September 29, 2026 by smaxreisert

[Adapted from a sermon preached at Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Hallowell, Maine, September 27, 2026.] Psalm 23, A psalm of David. [Common English Bible] The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.He lets me rest in … Continue reading →

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In the Farewell

Posted on September 3, 2026 by smaxreisert

Old South finally sold its sanctuary building, after a very long, arduous process. The closing was yesterday. In anticipation of the sale, I spent some time alone in the sanctuary Tuesday afternoon. I had a Spotify playlist of traditional Protestant … Continue reading →

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May the Words of My Mouth Land Maybe Sometimes Somewhere Near Your Brain

Posted on August 31, 2026 by smaxreisert

There’s a small bit in Monty Python’s Life of Brian that shows the crowds gathering to hear Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. The Python gang, including the titular Brian, are in the back of the crowd and can’t hear very … Continue reading →

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The Public Face of Faith

Posted on April 17, 2026 by smaxreisert

I recently found myself in a lengthy conversation with a former parishioner, a man who left Old South in response to my “politics.” In the conversation, which was actually much less a conversation and much more of a monologue, this … Continue reading →

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Mercy for Me, But Not for Thee

Posted on January 31, 2026 by smaxreisert

In our current state of affairs in the United States, it’s hard to know how to make sense of it all, in striving to appreciate various facets and layers of what makes it into the news, and in attempting to … Continue reading →

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Lessons I Should Have Learned at Div School: Cheerleading?

Posted on January 10, 2026 by smaxreisert

Many years ago, when Old South was set to embark on a process to discern whether or not to pursue “open and affirming” status (public welcome of those in the LBGTQ+ community), I gave a sermon or two in support … Continue reading →

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Next Holiday on the Chopping Block: Christmas?

Posted on December 16, 2025 by smaxreisert

The Trump Administration recently announced that, through the National Park Service, two days on the United States calendar that enjoyed “free admission” status have been removed. The two days that are now no longer free admission holidays for the National … Continue reading →

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Ridiculous, Stupid and Incredibly Scary

Posted on November 1, 2025 by smaxreisert

“We’re saving Christianity. We’re saving God. We’re saving the family unit. We’re saving the nation.” Eric Trump, on the podcast, “The Benny Show” (October 2025) It was a shocking moment, to be sure, when Eric Trump declared that the Trump … Continue reading →

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What Kind of “Christians” Are These?

Posted on October 15, 2025 by smaxreisert

There’s a certain pastor who’s having his big moment in the spotlight. I’m reluctant to spell out his name because I don’t want to add to that spotlight. But, what he is preaching and sharing is deeply disturbing and unsettling. … Continue reading →

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Confession, What Is It Good For?

Posted on August 24, 2025 by smaxreisert

As any good Christian ought to know, confession is in integral part of the faith experience. While I don’t think confession ought to be focused on beating oneself up for every shortcoming, especially to the point of mental, emotional and/or … Continue reading →

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