I Belong

Leslie Ross

"Hi. I'm Leslie Ross. You may have seen me around town, playing softball or volleyball, or on the Dickinson Public School Board. I began participating in St. John's Community on Easter Sunday of 2006, and have found a place where all people are worthy of respect and honor; because all are created in the image of God, and all can respond to the love of God. I invite you to join me in God’s garden at St. John's where we plant and grow in understanding, gratitude, service and peace. I'm here most Sundays at 9:30 for Sunday mass, and again at our study and prayer group when it meets, usually every other Monday night in the Rectory."

Biography

Leslie Ross has been a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church since 2006.

She happened to be at a social event on St. Patrick’s Day that year and chatted with Dr. Doug Rowe, a member of the church. He invited her to ‘check out’ the new priest and the folks at St. John’s Church – and that’s what she did on Easter Sunday, 2006.

She liked the church’s inclusiveness and found that what the Rev. Bruce MacDuffie preaches is exactly what he believes. She added, “Bruce goes out of his way to make people feel welcome – no matter what their religious convictions may be.”

Leslie is a convert, raised in another faith. She and her two sons, Kirk and Kyle, are now confirmed Episcopalians.

She retired from the United States Air Force, moved to Dickinson in 1996 and now operates her own security company.

There’s something “almost” new at the church, thanks to one of Leslie’s visions. She knew that the St. John’s Church was a place where anyone could come each day until 10 p.m. – to pray, reflect and find peace. She envisioned a rocking chair in the church, a perfect piece of furniture to sit on while finding comfort in God’s house.

She identified that need and found that a ‘not so new’ rocking chair would be put on the auction block. She and a friend, Beth Hilty stood for quite a while in the rain, waiting to bid on the chair. She did purchase the chair and later had it repaired. She contacted another friend, Linda Little who made cushions for the chair.

A mother with a new baby, a grandmother who is perhaps frail – anyone and everyone is invited to enjoy the comfort of that rocking chair in the church.

Active in the church, Leslie is a member of the Vestry, Christian Formation Coalition and is involved in worship leadership.