Raymond Maher has a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Masters of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry.
He served as a Lutheran pastor for over 20 years in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Prior to receiving the call, he taught public school for sixteen years, sharing his love of learning and his penchant for art with inner-city and special education students.
His column, Neighborly Advice According to Ed, has been published in various newspapers across Saskatchewan since 2009, contributing a humble yet entertaining perspective to the papers’ faith pages.
Through the easily relatable character of Ed, Ray’s alter-Ego and old neighbor in Saskatchewan, readers can take part in the wit, values and honest exchange of opinions between Ray and Ed. Their opinions present the different mindsets in our everyday world. Readers can enjoy a light-hearted attempt to highlight attitudes of those of traditional faith, and those of secular values, and those of individual self-reliance in spiritual matters. The column is food for thought and smiles with a few serious reflections sprinkled on top.
Ray retired from the full-time pastoral ministry in 2008. He and his wife Marilyn, of 48 years, lived in Melville, Saskatchewan until 2015. Then they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. Marilyn dreams of a complete retirement in B.C. that is centered in knitting, quilting and traveling. Ray hopes to continue to supply pastoral services to vacant congregations, to write, do art, and work a little part-time where he can talk with people in his work. Their cats, Bear and Sugar, have both Ray and Marilyn trained to give devoted attention to them wherever they live.
I absolutely love your column and look forward to reading it every week in the Battlefords News Optimist. I know God must speak to many people through it because both you and “Ed” are so real and easy to relate to. Keep up the good work and may God bless this unique form of ministry.
Sincerely in Christ,
Mary-Jean Dewald
Thank you for your kind words! Please advise the editor of Battlefords News Optimits that you look forward to reading the column each week. This helps the editor to be motivated to keep publishing the column. May God bless you for your kindness. Raymond Maher
Hello Pastor—
We would really be happy to get our hands on these books,also the poetry–they sound really good and know you are very knowledgeable on religion subject.Keep up the good work and please advise if we can obtain this material.All the best to you and Marilyn.
Your Ontario friends–Bill and RuthAnn.
Best regards to you both. Do you have an ebook reader? The book can be added to your computer. It is not in an actual book form except as an ebook. Click on Amazon, IBook/Itunes or Barnes and Noble on this site and it will take you right to where you can order the book. The price varies between $1.99 and $2.99. It can also be ordered through Lulu. I published it as an ebook as it is so much cheaper. It is intended for a computer or ebook reader/nook. Hope this helps you to obtain the book. Many thanks for your interest. I hope you are both well and enjoying summer. Blessings to you both and your families. Pastor Maher.
Ray
Just a note to say that I appreciate the clarity of your column’s message, for having the courage to lift Christ high. I, too, am a columnist for SK papers, and have written the News Review asking them to keep your column coming. If you ever need someone to write a column in your absence or as a guest, I’d love to talk with you: 306-272-3634.