Rev. Dr. C. Maxwell Olmstead, Senior Pastor
I came to Dover in August of 2009 with my family, after serving three other churches in New England. Before that, I had been an academic, studying and teaching medieval Scandinavian subjects: Vikings, Icelandic sagas, Norse mythology, Swedish language, that sort of thing. In my spare time, I like to do with things with my family, fish and tie flies for trout and stripers, hike, and walk our dog.
If you would like find out what I preach on any given Sunday, you can visit my blog: maxolm.blogspot.com.
The thing that really turns me on about ministry is helping people with their faith journeys. It is my conviction that everyone's on one, even the folks who insist that they're not. I help people see where they are, how they're going about it, what opportunities might be winking at them, offer advice, and help with prayer. The formal term is spiritual direction, but I like to call it spiritual friendship.
I am a big believer in meditation and am leading sessions on this practice. Check out this video to see what it's all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc
Right now, I am in the midst of a multi-year pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Every summer, I spend a week walking on this ancient pilgrim trail. For a better idea of what this is about, go to: www.caminodesantiago.me.uk
Rev. Emilia Halstead, Associate Pastor
emilia@thedoverchurch.org
Hello! As the most recent addition to the Dover Church staff, I am delighted to begin my ministry at the church and in the community. I recently graduated from Andover Newton Theological School in 2010. During my three years of study and ministry I focused particular energy around worship and the arts. Previous to seminary, my normal day consisted of liquid nitrogen, rockets and defying gravity as a demonstrator/traveling educator with science museums in Cleveland and Philadelphia. I am a camping, singing and sailing enthusiast. During my spare time I enjoy being with friends and loved ones, reading, dancing, and cross-stitch.
“We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” --Arthur O'Shaughnessy
Anne Carter, Assistant Treasurer
Anne Carter has been a Dover resident for 20 years. She worked for over 20 years in the banking industry and now enjoys working with numbers at the church. Her husband Jeff is a computer consultant and she has a son and a daughter who both work in finance in Boston.
Michael Kraft, Director of Music
Michael joined the staff in June 1993, as organist, during the installation of the C.B. Fisk pipe organ. In September of 1999 he became the Music Director of the church. Michael works at C.B. Fisk organ builders in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he has been involved with the design, building and voicing of over 30 instruments, including the one at The Dover Church. His musical training began at age 6 and continued through his education at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of England, where he met his wife, Stacia.
Stacia Conklin Kraft, Resident Artist and Special Music Coordinator
Stacia joined the staff in September 1999. Trained as a singer at the New England Conservatory of Music, she has performed in opera, musical theatre, classical recitals, cabaret, and comedy improvisation. She and Michael are renovating an 18th century house in Salem, MA where they live with their three children, Jack, Ilsa, and Oskar and their standard poodle, Renne. Stacia is active in historic preservation and is an avid gardener.
Joan Whalen, Administrator
Joan Whalen, a native South African, lives with her husband and son in Newton, MA. Joan has an extensive background in working in churches in the MetroWest area. Prior to working at The Dover Church, Joan spent many years planning customized safaris to Africa. She holds dual graduate degrees in Intercultural Training and HIV/AIDS Management.
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