Alive and Running

Today’s message is provided by Alive and Running.

Sept 20 2026 Bulletin

Message from Pastor Jim: 

Ripley Family,

As I write this, I am preparing to leave town for several days to attend the Joint Annual Meeting of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ.  I’ll spend part of the weekend learning and growing with my peers, and part of the weekend doing the work of the Conference- and TriConference-level committees I serve on.  I’ll also represent our church in all voting matters.

Unfortunately, this means it is very unlikely I’ll be back in time for worship Sunday.  I would have loved to share the story of Abram/Abraham’s call with you.  Instead, I sent out a link via email to insightful commentary by Prof. Song-Mi Suzie Park, so we can all stay connected to this moment in our lectionary.

I won’t try to type a whole sermon here, but one of the aspects of Abram/Abraham’s journey that I feel is most relevant to today’s guest presentation is that even when it was hard for Abram and Sarai to see, God was working in their lives.  There is always hope.

If you know someone who is losing hope, resources are available.  Some will likely be shared today.  I am also always available to our community.  My personal go-to resource for mental health and other community resources anywhere in Iowa is 211.org.  

Let’s work together to be the church that–as the old Psalm says–binds up the brokenhearted.

See you next week,
Pr. Jim

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH

Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:

• Quilting:  TBD @ 9:00 am
  • Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Oct. 10th @ 9:00 am
• Noisy Offering – Sept. 27th – Three House Collaborative Campus Ministries

Ripley Church Meetings:

• Mission Committee: Sept. 22nd @ 6:30 pm – Office
• Board of Deacons: Oct. 11th @ 10:00 am – Office
• Board of Trustees: Oct. 13th @  5:30 pm – Office

Alive and Running!

Today’s guest speaker is Troy Belmer from Alive and Running (https://www.aliveandrunningiowa.com/), a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness around suicide prevention.  Our Noisy Offering the first part of this year was collected to support them.  Because this can be a difficult and complex topic, all speakers outside of the sanctuary will remain off during the service.  If you need to be elsewhere during the message, the Fellowship Hall downstairs is available.

Thank you to Alive and Running for providing this very needed service in our area, and for being willing to come out and educate us.

Gratitude

Thank you to the Mission Committee and others who have put today’s service together, and who keep our church mission-oriented, year in and year out.

Mark your Calendars – Ripley’s Fall Gathering – Oct. 25th

Enjoy a celebration of Fall and Ripley followed by Fellowship that includes Trivia Activities and Brunch.  More details to follow.