Advent: Reflections on New Beginnings

It has been two years since the First Congregational Church of Lee had the opportunity to write its own meditations for the season of Advent.  This creative and challenging task was the idea of congregant, nurse and ordained (retired) minister Rev. Marilyn Rossier, who died in 2020.  Marilyn was an active spiritual presence in our midst since she and her husband Stan (who predeceased her) became members of our church in 2002.  She participated in many areas of our church's "Life in the Spirit" including taking on a leadership role at the second Women's Retreat in 2019.  Among her many volunteer activities include organizing community dinners, working with Volunteers in Medicine and with Berkshire Interfaith Organizing.  Her presence, her contributions, her thoughtful commentaries were felt and respected within the congregation.  Another of her many contributions was inspiring the church congregation to reflect on biblical readings throughout the Advent season.  Upon the suggestion of Mission and Ministry committee member Carol Blakeslee, we have decided to dedicate Advent reflections this year to her memory.