While Rev. Ruth Morrison listens and remembers, Mark Braun reads his original poem about Ruth's 40 years of ministry work.

Forty years of ministry work

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Rev. Ruth Morrison will likely look back to Jan. 31, 1972 and reflect, reminisce, and remember.

The date marks 40 years of Ruth having served thousands through ministries in Baptist and United Methodist churches, including the past eight years with the Cape Elizabeth UMC. It all began as an associate minister with the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Portland.

On Sunday, Jan. 29, the congregation listened while Mark Braun read his original poem, touching on Ruth’s path through these 40 years: the light moments, the challenges, the successes, and the indelible influence Ruth’s words and actions have left on every congregation of which she has been a cornerstone.

Thank you, Ruth — from us all!

With assistance from Eric Higley Parker, Rev. Ruth Morrison cuts a cake recognizing her 40 years in the ministry. Ruth asked Eric to assist because Eric's 17th birthday falls on the same day -- Jan. 31 -- as Ruth's 40th anniversary.

Sunday School Superintendent Carol Hubbard and some members of her class present Rev. Ruth Morrison with a creation from that morning's class to recognize Ruth's 40th anniversary.