Minister's Words
Ripley United Church of Christ
As a Lay Minister in the United Church of Christ, it is my job to walk the delicate balance of offering leadership where it’s asked for, and service where it’s needed. I serve Ripley UCC. I exist in covenant with the congregation; the denomination; the God of my understanding; and you, my human sibling. As such, my first and most important duty is to help build a culture where all feel welcome, wanted, and hopefully challenged to dig deeper into their own understanding of how they are called to be in the world.
If you are seeking a progressive, supportive, loving church home to raise your family; to make social connections; to feel welcome and wanted; to serve others; and to study together Christ’s Gospel of love, grace, justice and inclusion, I encourage you to stop by any Sunday morning for worship, or during the week for any other event on our calendar.
Board of Deacons
Our Deacons work in tandem with the Pastor in ministering to the spiritual needs of the Congregation, whether in the sanctuary, online, or at home. In doing so, the Deacons assist with worship, communion, fellowship, and special events. This role is accomplished with the aid of The Church Clerk – our official record keeper, Christian Educators – the Vacation Bible School representatives, The Altar Committee – adorning the altar and pulpit with church paraments, and The Memorial Committee – managing financial gifts in times of remembrance or in honor of loved ones, as well as our Missions Committee – working diligently to determine missionary needs not only locally but also statewide and worldwide for Ripley to support.
Board of Trustees
Under the sacred trust of the Trustees, the care and custody of the Church property are maintained, as they plan for and meet the financial needs of the church. As part of the Trustees’ role, appointments are made to include The Treasurer – our official financial record keeper, and The Financial Liaison – maintaining contact with our investment firm.
Pastor-Parish Committee
Providing support for the pastor and their family is the key responsibility of this committee. The Pastor-Parish Committee also serves as a liaison between the church and The Iowa United Church of Christ Conference.
Women's Fellowship
As a longstanding organization within the church, the Women’s Fellowship committee creates opportunities for the women of Ripley UCC to deepen their understanding of God’s Word through fellowship during activities and special events. Such activities include meeting weekly through Patchwork Stitching and monthly for Soul Stitching, creating quilts for those in need in our local communities.
Treasurer
Appointed the by Trustees, the treasurer is responsible for all financial record keeping of the church.
Church Clerk
Appointed by the Deacons, the clerk maintains all official church record keeping.
Memorial Committee
Management of financial gifts in time of remembrance or in honor of loved ones.
Missions Committee
As a Global Missions Church, this committee determines missionary needs locally, state and worldwide.
Christian Education
Representatives are appointed by the Deacons to foster Christian education for the church’s and community’s youth in house or through Ecumenical Vacation Bible School.
Alter Commitee
Serves the congregation by adorning the alter and pulpit with church paraments appropriate to the church calendar. Maintains church banners and organizes congregation to decorate for holidays.