Highland Avenue United Methodist Church

Members of our church joined in our Fellowship Hall for a Farewell Gathering for Pastor Ruth and Dick on June 11. We were treated to a delicious luncheon put on by the United Women in Faith and shared gifts and memories with them. Jaye Trimm hosted the gathering. A slideshow of memories and original music from Ralph Cheney played in the background (click on the link below to see the slide show).

It was a time to show appreciation for all that Pastor Ruth and Dick have done for our community of faith in these two years since Pastor Ruth was appointed as interim pastor for Highland Avenue United Methodist Church. We were indeed fortunate to get a bonus year since she was originally appointed for one year. And although officially considered a “half-time” pastor, she put in “full-time” plus hours. Not only did she serve two churches (Randolph UMC and Highland Avenue UMC) this last year, but she visited former parishioners as far away as Madison and Cape Elizabeth, not to mention those in the local area. She planned birthday surprises, visited senior living facilities, the hospital, worked at the Clothes Closet, planned a Ukrainian Festival, and so many other things that are too numerous to list.

Dick helped with the “technical” side of things. He helped create a new website for us (and taught the Church Administrator how to use it- no easy task), created an online church directory, helped with the Zoom worship, and many of the District forms needed for Church Conference and beyond.

Together, they make quite a team and we will definitely miss them. We wish them the best in their future appointments.