“Like a Thief in the Night…”
2025-11-30 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Nov 30 2025 Bulletin

Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Dec. 2nd @ 6:30 pm – Office
● Board of Deacons: Sunday – Dec. 14th @ 10 am – Office
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting – Thursday Dec. 4th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Dec. 13th @ 9:00 am
● Adopt-A-Family / Giving Tree:
○ Return to Ripley on or before Dec. 7th
● Noisy Offering – today: “PS” – Project Share – TMU
Sunday School!!!
● Volunteers are still needed to help facilitate Sunday school at least
one Sunday a month. Please see Jim for details.
Advent 2025 – Nov. 30-Dec 24 – Theme: Angels
● Christmas Church Decorating today after service – Everyone is invited to
participate and then enjoy lunch downstairs together.
● Sponsor a Poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one to adorn our altar.
○ $16.00 each – Coordinate with Patty
■ 319-269-7286 or pattycalderwood@gmail.com
● Dec 7th Cookie Swap – see below for details
● Dec 14th – Ecumenical Christmas Caroling w/United Presby. approx. 1:00 –
details TBA
● Dec. 21st – Christmas Tea provided by the Deacons
Cookie Swap! – Sunday, 12/7 @ 2:30 – The Parsonage
● Bring a plate with cookies, and a spare. Fill the second plate with all
the flavors of the season.
● Be sure to sign up for fabulous door prizes!
Fundraising Opportunity
● Farmer’s State Bank will again be donating $3 to the church of choice
for each person who registers at their open house on Friday,
December 5, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Advent 2025 "Angels"
2025-11-30 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Advent 2025 – Nov. 30-Dec 24
Theme: Angels

The Congregation is welcome to bring a special Angel to put on display for the season. Please share the story behind it.
Bring Your Angels on Nov. 30th or anytime thereafter.
Advanced notice to a Deacon that you plan to bring an Angel would be appreciated, but it’s not required. Advanced notice will let us plan display
Angel Ornaments that are brought to put on display will decorate our Giving Tree this year after our Adopt-A-Family and Food Pantry Tags disappear

Decorating for Advent 2025 "Angels"
2025-11-30 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Decorating for Advent 2025
Christmas Church Decorating – Every
one is invited to participate

November 30th – Sunday after Church
Fellowship with meal afterwards
Dessert – sign up to share in the kitchen

How does this look? Cindy advises as Josh makes adjustments.
Checking the wreath lights.

Patchwork Warms Hearts
2025-12-04 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Ripley Stitchers are making a difference for those in need. They take small pieces of fabric and stitch them together with a purpose! Be a part of their mission as they bring warmth – peace and love of community to those in need.
The stitchers start to gather at 9 am and enjoy fellowship over a sack lunch.
Enter at the North door.
Questions? Contact Jane Knoop at 319-478-8156

The top – the tools – the results!

FSB " In the Spirit of Giving"
2025-12-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, 611 Second Street, Traer, IA, 50675
In the Spirit of Giving 2025

Greetings from Farmers Savings Bank & Trust,

In 1984 we began a tradition of donating to the church of their choice for each
person who registers during our Christmas Open House.

In the “spirit of giving”, we will donate $3.00 to the church of choice for each
person who registers this year.

We want to include your church in our area wide Traer Holiday Happenings Open
House on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Everyone attending will be given the opportunity to register and indicate a $3.00
contribution to be made by Farmers Savings Bank & Trust to the church of their choice.

At the end of the day the number of registrations for your congregation will be
tallied and a check payable to your church will be mailed as a gift to your
congregation in time for Christmas.

Thank you and may you have a blessed Christmas.

Darlys M. Hulme
President

...With One Voice”
2025-12-07 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Dec 07 2025 Bulletin with communion
Announcements
Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Deacons: Sunday – Dec. 14th @ 10 am – Office
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Jan. 11th @ 5:30 pm – Office
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting – Thursday Dec. 11th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Dec. 13th @ 9:00 am
● Adopt-A-Family / Giving Tree:
○ Return to Ripley on or before Dec. 7th
● Noisy Offering – Dec. 28th: “PS” – Project Share – TMU
Advent 2025 – Nov. 30-Dec 24 – Theme: Angels
● Sponsor a Poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one to adorn our altar.
○ $16.00 each – contact Patty – 319-269-7288/pattycalderwood@gmail.com
● Dec 7th Cookie Swap – see below for details
● Dec 14th – 2:45 pm – Ecumenical Christmas Caroling – Meet @ UPC for
community stops, then gather at Sunrise Hill @ 4:00.
○ Return to UPC for Snacks and Fellowship – bring a snack to share
● Dec. 21st – Christmas Tea provided by the Deacons
● Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services @ 7:00 pm
Cookie Swap! – Sunday, 12/7 @ 2:30 – The Parsonage
● Bring a plate with cookies, and a spare. Fill the second plate with all
the flavors of the season.
● Be sure to sign up for fabulous door prizes!

Giving Tree Due Date
2025-12-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Today is the day!

All packages are to be returned to the Church by today for the Giving Tree recipients. Today is the last day.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to provide gifts for our community members in need this Holiday Season.
We are truly blessed in so many ways!

The Parsonage Cookie Swap hosted by Jim and Lindsey Coppoc
2025-12-07 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Parsonage, 513 4th Street, Traer, IA, 50675, United States
The theme for Ripley United Church of Christ for the new Christian year is “Who Is Our Neighbor.”

We’d like to start by inviting our neighbors over for a “Cookie Swap” on Sunday, December 7th at The Parsonage.
Bring a plate of cookies to share and an empty plate.
By the time you leave, your empty plate will be filled with all the flavors of the season.
Your hosts: Jim and Lindsey Coppoc
Fabulous Door Prizes – Holiday Cheer ! We hope to see you there!
The Parsonage Cookie Swap

Cookie Swap
2025-12-07 14:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | The Parsonage, 513 4th Street, Traer, IA, 50675, United States
Holidays are coming up. There is a lot of joy and connection this time of year for some. For others, it can be a struggle. Here is your reminder that you are not alone.If you need a church community during this time, Ripley United Church of Christ meets at 9:00 am every Sunday. For those who would like to get to know us outside a worship setting first, we are also hosting a Cookie Swap at the Parsonage (513 4th Street) at 2:30 pm on Sunday, December 7th. Bring a plate to share, and an empty plate to fill. Or just show up, and there will likely be plenty of extra.And of course, I am always available here. Bridge Minister Jim Coppoc

Soul Stitching
2025-12-13 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Our Alter Committee utilized the Quilts made by the Ripley Stitchers to decorate the Pulpit for The Blessing of the Quilts 11 02 25

Ripley Stitchers are making a difference of those in need. Small pieces of fabric stitched with purpose. Be a part of their mission as they bring peace through patchwork to warm the hearts of those in need. Today !!

Soul STitching is the 2nd Saturday of the month. Starting at 9am. Enter at the North door. 400 S Main Traer. Questions? Contact Jane Knoop at 319-478-8156

Homily: “The Magnificat”
2025-12-14 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Dec14 2025 Bulletin
Announcements
Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Jan. 6th @ 5:30 pm – Office
● Board of Deacons: Sunday – Jan. 11th @ 10 am – Office
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting – Thursday Dec. 18th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Jan 10th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Dec. 28th: “PS” – Project Share – TMU
Advent 2025 – Nov. 30-Dec 24 – Theme: Angels
● Sponsor a Poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one to adorn
our altar.
○ $16.00 each – contact Patty –
319-269-7288/pattycalderwood@gmail.com
● Dec 14th – Today – 03:50 pm – Ecumenical Christmas Caroling – Meet
at Sunrise Hill @ 4:00.
○ Return to UPC for Snacks and Fellowship – bring a snack to share
● Dec. 21st – Christmas Tea provided by the Deacons
● Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services @ 7:00 pm
● Dec. 28th – Worship with UMC at Ripley!

**CANCELED** Board of Deacons Meeting
2025-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley South Office, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Board of Deacons meeting has been canceled as we welcome baby Ruthie Rae Flamme to the world!

**UPDATE** Community Caroling led by Traer United Presbyterian Church AS OF 12/13/25
2025-12-14 15:50 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunrise Hill Care Center, 900 6th Street, Traer, IA, 50675
AS OF 12/13/25 UPDATE FOR COMMUNITY CAROLING

Due to the dangerously low temperature and wind chill temps predicted for the day of this event – Community Caroling is being amended .
The group will only be caroling at Sunrise Hill Care Center. Please gather at the care center at 3:50 pm.

Bring Joy to those in our Community this holiday season with the gift of song.
Carri Holst – music director for Traer United Presbyterian Church is leading those in the community that wish to go a caroling !

After caroling at Sunrise Hill Care Center – the group will meet back at United Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in the lower level.
Hot drinks – snacks and fellowship to be shared…who knows – maybe even a game of Bingo!

More info to follow!

Merry Christmas!
2025-12-17 | IA

Happy New Year!
2025-12-17 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | IA

Patchwork Warms Hearts
2025-12-18 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Our Alter Committee utilized the Quilts made by the Ripley Stitchers to decorate the Pulpit for The Blessing of the Quilts 11 02 25

Ripley Stitchers are making a difference of those in need. Small pieces of fabric stitched with purpose. Be a part of their mission as they bring peace through patchwork to warm the hearts of those in need. Today !!

Starting at 9am. Enter at the North door. 400 S Main Traer. Questions? Contact Jane Knoop at 319-478-8156

Can’t make a week day? Non problem! Soul Stitching is the 2nd Saturday of the month. Same routine! Potluck lunch.

RUCC Christmas Tea
2025-12-21 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Christmas Tea – A special time at Ripley

Ripley United Church of Christ Christmas Eve Service
2025-12-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
12 24 2025 Christmas Eve Bulletin

In Memory of:
Maggie, Jolie, Gerry and Jim Youel
by Josh and Cindy Youel and Family
In Memory of:
Roger and Inis Winklepleck
Theodore Bishop
Barbara Adams
by Denis and Rose Winklepleck and Family
In Memory of:
Hugh Sr. and Rhea Calderwood
Fred and Edna Stoakes
by Hugh Jr. and Ruth Calderwood and Family
In Memory of:
Ruth Ann Stoakes
Wanda Mae Stoakes
Eleanor Eggleston
Doug Livy
by Hugh Jr. and Ruth Calderwood and Family
In Memory of:
Juanita and Roger Becker
Lynn Becker
Cindy (Becker) Jepsen
by David and Patty Calderwood and Family
In Memory of Glen Gaston
by Becky Gaston and Family
In Memory of Kathy Stammer
by Becky Gaston and Family
In Memory of Darrell Sivertsen
by Kathy, June, Kayla and Family
In Memory of:
David Weston, Dan Corbett, Bill Coppoc,
Jen Barnes-Seger and Evelyn Miller
by The Coppoc and Bagenstos Families
The Norfolk Pine that graces our sanctuary is in Memory of Rodger Knoop
by Jane Knoop & Family

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
2025-12-25 | IA
Merry Christmas from all of us at Ripley UCC! May you all have a blessed Christmas with family and friends.

Joint Worship with TUMC : “The Gift” - Pastor Mark Keefer
2025-12-28 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Joint Worship with TUMC
Ripley UCC and Traer UMC share Sunday Service at Ripley Sunday December 28th., 2025
Ripley Church Meetings:

Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Jan. 6th @ 5:30 pm – Office
Board of Deacons: Sunday – Jan. 11th @ 10 am – Office

Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:

Quilting is on Christmas break, see you in the new year !

Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Jan 10th @ 9:00 am

Noisy Offering – Dec. 28th: “PS” – Project Share – TMU

Happy New Year!
2026-01-01 | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Ripley UCC
Happy New Year! May the year 2026 be filled with the promise of hope, peace, love and joy !

Ripley UCC is a member of the congregation of the United Church of Christ.

Our Purpose is “to serve God by serving others.”

Services are at 9:00 every Sunday morning, with fellowship(coffee and treats) to follow.

You can connect to us virtually on Facebook, or at www.ripleyucc.org.

Opportunities to get involved include quilting groups, concerts, mission events, child and adult Christian Education, special music, and the chance to volunteer for a variety of roles during worship. Talk to any member to learn how.

Prayer requests can be submitted on line https://tinyurl.com/3n324nvk , in person to Pastor Jim or any Deacon.

Bridge Minister Jim Coppoc is available to our community at:
515-708-4343 (text is best)
jimatripley@gmail.com
Facebook.com/jim.at.ripley

“Being the Light”
2026-01-04 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Jan 04 2025 Bulletin with communion
Please join us as we wish Arlene Schmidt a very happy 94th Birthday today!
Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Jan. 6th @ 5:30 pm – Office
● Board of Deacons: Sunday – Jan. 11th @ 10 am – Office
● Mission Committee: Wednesday – Jan 14th @ 6:00 pm – Office
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting: Thursday Jan. 8th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Jan 10th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Jan. 25th: Project to be Announced
Ripley Annual Meeting: Feb. 8th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports are due to the Trustees by Jan. 18th
○ Reports can be turned in to Josh Youel, preferably by email to:
youelcj@gmail.com
● Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow
research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th
Future Dates:
● Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026
● Easter: April 5th, 2026

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests can be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/3n324nvk, in person to Jim or any Deacon

Board of Trustees Meet
2026-01-06 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley South Office, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675

Soul Stitching
2026-01-10 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
The Ripley Stitchers are an amazing group. On the 2nd Saturday they gather to “Soul Stitch”.
Did you know??? Ripley Soul Stitching begins its Fourth Year in 2026!

Mary Ann Steffeny, Jane Knoop, Gayle Hansen and Myla Hansen.

North Tama Telegraph article announcing Ripley Soul Stitching in March of 2023 :
https://www.northtamatelegraph.com/news/local-news/2023/03/23/ripley-ucc-quilters-mark-national-quilting-day-with-new-soul-stitching-group/

The group gets their day started at 9am by entering through the North door to the Fellowship Hall in the Church Basement.

Quilts by size , go to Cedar Valley Hospice, Black Hawk Veterans, AFIL, Mercy One, Salvation Army, Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, The Stork’s Nest, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace…..just to name a few of the recipients of their work!

Veterans Home receives quilts from Ripley Stitcher Becky Gaston.

Americans for Independent Living

Not only do they stitch fabric pieces, but they stitch meaning through fellowship.

We invite all to pop in through the North door and see what they are up to! OR – grab a needle, pull a stitch and bring joy to those who are covered in the warmth of a quilt loving constructed by the Ripley Stitchers.

Contact: Jane Knoop
319-478-8156
janekoop13@gmail.com

“Sacrament and Covenant”
2026-01-11 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Jan 11 2025 Bulletin
Announcements

Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Deacons: Sunday – Jan. 11th @ 10 am – Office
● Mission Committee: Wednesday – Jan 14th @ 6:00 pm – Location TBD
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 10th @ 5:30 pm – Office
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting: MONDAY Jan. 12th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Feb. 14th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Jan. 25th: Project to be Announced
Ripley Annual Meeting: Feb. 8th, 2026 after worship
Weather Make Up: Feb. 15th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports are due to the Trustees by Jan. 18th
○ Reports can be turned in to Josh Youel, preferably by email to:
youelcj@gmail.com
● Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow
research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th
Future Dates:
● Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026
● Easter: April 5th, 2026

Board of Deacons Meet
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley South Office, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675

Patchwork Warms Hearts
2026-01-12 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
The Ripley Stitchers are meeting on Monday this week . Enter at the North Door. Starting at 9am.
Questions: Contact Jane Knoop at 319-478-8156 janekoop13@gmail.com

Missions Committee Meets
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | IA
Missions Committee to meet – location to be determined.

Church Reports due for Annual Meeting
2026-01-18 | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Annual Reports are due to the Trustees by Jan. 18th

Reports can be turned in to Josh Youel, preferably by email to: youelcj@gmail.com

Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th

“Come and See”
2026-01-18 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Jan18 2025 Bulletin

Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Deacons: Monday – Feb. 9th @ 6:00 pm – Fellowship Hall
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 10th @ 5:30 pm – Office
Hymn Refresh
It’s a brand new year, and a brand new opportunity to liven up our worship! If you have a hymn you love and haven’t heard in a while, or a new one you want to try, please let Pr. Jim know or write the title on the sheet at the back of the
sanctuary. Let’s sing something fresh together!
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting: Thur. Jan. 22nd @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Feb. 14th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Jan. 25th: Project to be Announced
● Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st – Details TBD
Ripley Annual Meeting: Feb. 8th, 2026 after worship
Weather Make Up: Feb. 15th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports are due to the Trustees Today – Jan. 18th
○ Reports can be turned in to Josh Youel, preferably by email to:
youelcj@gmail.com
● Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow
research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th
Lenten Plans 2026 – More details to come:
● Lenten Project: Storks Nest
● Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026 – Details TBD
● Wednesday Night Meal and Reflections – Fellowship Hall
○ Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25
● Men’s Lenten Breakfasts – Details TBD
○ Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1st
● Maundy Thursday April 2nd
● Good Friday April 3rd
● Easter: April 5th – Details TBD
