Emily Maier
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Family: Married to Al Maier, mother of Alec who is attending Mt. Hood Community College, and Katelyn, who attends school in Camas. (Go Papermakers!) Yes! I live with two drummers!
How did you come to SV? About 13 years ago, Al and I had left a church that we had been a big part of for over six years. I was still mourning the loss of those relationships as we began visiting other churches. When we had been looking for about a year, Al bumped in to three people in one week who attended SV and really encouraged us to try it. Our first Sunday there felt like home and we’ve been here ever since! My first “Friendly Faces” at SV were Brenda Stuart, Cherryl Ruth, and Rose Galanter.
Role at SV: Administrative Assistant is my official title, but we all know my real job is making sure Charlie gets to all his meetings on time!
Favorite part of your role: Wow! There are so many it’s hard to choose just one. It’s a combination of the amazing group of co-workers I get to hang out with every day and how meaningful the work we do is. Our pastors do a GREAT job of reminding us of how our part of the job enables the ministry carried out by them, so to see how what you do at a desk translates in to a grieving person being comforted, hungry people being fed, or broken relationships being restored is absolutely the best job in the world.
Spiritual history: I have been a Christian for my whole life, but never really entered into the life of the church our family attended during my years at home. I thought church people were pretty phony, and boring. The messages were boring, the songs were terrible and the other kids in the youth group had known each other their whole lives and were not very welcoming. As a young adult I experienced a time of not following God. God got my attention by introducing me to a woman who was a great friend, fun, smart, talented…someone I wanted to emulate, who was also a Christian. I thought that if I could be that kind of Christian, I would try church again! I had just started checking in with God, when He introduced me to my husband! Our first date was going to church together. During that service I just sat there and cried the whole time. I don’t remember one word of what was said or any words to any of the songs, but I do remember the distinct feeling of my Father welcoming me back home. Al and I dated for three months and were engaged for another four. During that time he pretty much discipled me, and became my mentor! We read the Bible together and prayed and went to every church gathering we could! If you’ve met Al, you know there is nothing phony or boring about him! He is the real deal, and lives out the heart of the Father very organically as he goes about his life. 22 years later his example still challenges me in my faith walk.
Favorite warm drink: All of my Facebook friends already know this, but it’s a venti, skinny, hazelnut latte!
Favorite smell: There are a few scents that when combined, smell just like my grandma’s kitchen did: A sink of hot, soapy dish water (Palmolive), a fresh pot of coffee, and pancakes. Best smell ever.
Favorite form of exercise: Running with my ear buds in and some great music, walking with a friend/husband/son, or hiking with my family.
Favorite show/movie: The Gilmore Girls will forever be my favorite show. I own all the seasons on DVD and watch whichever show is appropriate for the time of year. I love the scenes in the kitchen at the bed & breakfast…so much productivity and good looking, colorful food always piled up on the huge, butcher block island!
