Nesin to retire from Houlton’s Church of the Good Shepherd

    HOULTON, Maine — After leading the congregation at the Church of the Good Shepherd for seven years the Rev. Leslie Nesin is planning a retirement. She recently celebrated Easter with her congregation and will retire at the end of May.
Nesin was born in Ohio. Her father was in the Air Force, so her family moved around a lot. They lived in a variety of places, including Alabama, Germany and Virginia. Her mother enjoyed living wherever they lived. Nesin went to high school in Georgia and then attended a nursing school in Baltimore.
    Nesin was a nurse for 30 years, working in intensive care, cardiac care, and then as the director of nursing at the Lincoln hospital.
Nesin was between jobs when the bishop called to say she should expect a call from the senior warden.
“They explained to her that they were looking for someone to fill a spot in Houlton for a few weeks while she decided which way to go. Nesin signed up to be a supply for six weeks, she would end up staying for seven years.
Nesin went in not wanting to change many things, which she said is probably a good way to start anywhere. After a few months she was asked to do more.
“I came on Wednesdays and then I said I needed a place to stay so they said ‘use the rectory.’ Before you knew it I was the pastor,” said Nesin.
Nesin explained why she decided to retire after being the church’s priest for seven years.
“I haven’t had more than two weeks off at a stretch for a long time. I’m ready to spend time with my family. When you work every weekend and your family all works through the week you don’t see much of them,” Nesin shared.
“I think it’s time and I think we’ve done most of what we’re going to do. I think they need someone new to come in and maybe take them in another direction.”
After retiring, Nesin plans to spend time gardening, camping with her dog, and traveling overseas to visit relatives.
One thing Nesin loves is being a part of the community. She said that she often goes out to lunch, and always wears her collar. She also got to know people in the community by working with the SAMA (Southern Aroostook Ministerial Association) through hosting events at the church.
The church also helps the community by giving to those in need.
“We always tithe 10 percent of any fundraiser that we do. We give it to a need in the community. We make sure that that’s known because if you’re going to come to our things some of what you give us is going back to the needy. I think all of those things raise consciousness,” said Nesin.
Another thing that Nesin contributes to the changes in the church is a greater emphasis on visiting people in their homes. “That seems to make everybody happy and more willing to participate,” she said.
Nesin added that one of the best aspects of her church is good lay leadership.
“This church has a long history of lay leadership. They can undertake almost anything and carry it through. They’re very capable people,” she said.
According to Nesin the revival of the Houlton Episcopal church was in part from the success of the “Houlton Plan.” The plan was borrowed from another church where it had been unsuccessful. Nesin and the congregation planned it out and every six months they would see where they were with their goals. Nesin said that they more than met their goals.
The “Houlton Plan” involved increasing attendance, improving children’s programs, using their building for community outreach, refurbishing signs, and implementing a “bring a friend to church day.” They also developed a website and started a newsletter. Nesin said that all of it was part of the plan and she thinks it was very successful.
When asked what impact she has had in the history of the church, Nesin doesn’t take credit for its revival.
“I was here for its rebirth or resurgence or whatever you want to call it. I wouldn’t say I was responsible for it but I was a part of it. That was really exciting,” she said.
Once Nesin retires this month, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Houlton is going to have a hiatus until the middle of July, when a half-time priest in charge will arrive. Until then there will be services led by members themselves. Additionally, a priest who summered in Hodgdon will step in to do some services in June.