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, 2026-02-10 17:30 - 19:00 (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

Noisy Offering Sunday
2026-01-25 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | IA
Missions project to be determined

“Fishing 101”
2026-01-25 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Jan 25 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. Feb. 5th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Feb. 14th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Today – Jan. 25th: Project to be Announced
● Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st – Details TBD

Ripley Annual Meeting: Feb. 8th, 2026 after worship with Baked Potato Bor
to follow in the Fellowship Hall
Weather Make Up: Feb. 15th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports were emailed out this week. If you did not receive one or
would like a printed copy please let Josh Youel know.
>There is a limited quantity in the rear of the church.
● Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow
research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th
● Sign up in the Kitchen to help provide for our Potluck Potato Bar
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
○ Sign up for meal prep in the kitchen.
● 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

Annual Church Meeting Report Q&A due
2026-02-01 | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Please review Annual Reports and submit all questions to the individual reporting by today. Thank you!

“The Beatific Roadmap”
2026-02-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Feb 01 2026 Bulletin with communion

Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Deacons: Monday – Feb. 9th @ 6:00 pm – Fellowship Hall
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 10th @ 5:30 pm – Office
● Mission Committee: TBD
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. Feb. 5th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Feb. 14th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Feb. 22nd: Project to be Announced
● Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st Details noted below
Ripley Annual Meeting: Feb. 8th, 2026 after worship with Baked Potato Bor
to follow in the Fellowship Hall
Weather Make Up: Feb. 15th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports were emailed out. If you did not receive one or would like a
printed copy please let Josh Youel know.
● Question to Report Contributors should be asked by Feb. 1st to allow
research and possible resolution before the meeting on the 8th
● Our Potluck Potato Bar will follow the meeting in the Fellowship Hall
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
○ Sign up for meal prep in the kitchen.
● 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

March 21st – The Traer Quilt Experience
Binding Faith and Community through Patchwork
Past – Present & Future
The Ripley Stitchers are working with the Traer Historical Museum and the Traer Public Library to bring a Quilting Experience to the community in honor of National Quilting Month-March & National Quilt Day – March 21st.

Ripley UCC Quilt Show and Exhibit 10am – 4pm

The Quilters will be showcasing their mission work.
The Ripley Family is invited to bring “special” quilts to share with the community as part of our quilt show and include the story of the quilt.
Exhibits will be featured throughout the church showcasing patchwork.
Children’s activity / Make and Take is in the planning stages.
Quilt recipients are being invited to participate (Sleep in Heavenly Peace , C.H.A.T. etc)
Donation Drive for unwanted fabric and sewing supplies.
Missions Committee organizing lunch sales 11am – 2pm

The Traer Historical Museum is participating 10am – 4pm

Will be featuring quilts in windows for month of March rotating often
Opperman Quilts and additional quilts on display
Quilt process exhibit
Quilt block coloring contest in collaboration with Traer Public Library.
The library will be handing out and collecting entries

The museum and Ripley will be displaying entries on March 21st
Voting guidelines TBD
Hosting speaker Cherie Dargon at 1:30pm. Author of the “Grandmother’s Treasure’s” Series

The Traer Public Library is participating 10am – Noon

Sponsoring a Wooden Quilt Block Painting contest
Handing out and collecting Coloring Contest Entries
Additional quilt related options in the planning stages.

Patchwork Warms Hearts
2026-02-05 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
The top – the tools – the results!
The Ripley Stitchers have a simple mission. Take scraps of fabric and sew them into quilts of warmth for those in need.

The group meets at 9 am on Thursday mornings.
Questions: Contact Jane Knoop 319-478-8156
Our Alter Committee utilized the Quilts made by the Ripley Stitchers to decorate the Pulpit for The Blessing of the Quilts 11 02 25

“Salt and Light”
2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Feb 08 2026 Bulletin

Ripley Church Meetings:
● Board of Deacons: Monday – Feb. 9th @ 6:00 pm – Fellowship Hall
● Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 10th @ 6:00 pm – Office
● Mission Committee: Tuesday – Feb. 24th – 6:30 pm – Google Meet
CE Volunteers!
As we start to attract more children and families, our Christian Ed. ministry
becomes more and more important all the time. We still need volunteers to
help. So much more than child care–this is a chance to engage and guide and
support–to “be the church” our children grow to love. Please talk to Pr. Jim if
you are interested in learning more.
Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:
● Quilting: Thur. Feb. 12th @ 9:00 am
○ Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday Feb. 14th @ 9:00 am
● Noisy Offering – Feb. 22nd: Project to be Announced
● Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st
Ripley Annual Meeting: Today after worship – with a Baked Potato Bar to
follow in the Fellowship Hall – Please join us for lunch.
Weather Make Up: Feb. 15th, 2026 after worship
● Annual Reports were emailed out. If you did not receive one or would like a
printed copy please let Josh Youel know.
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
○ Sign up for meal prep in the kitchen.
● 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

Annual Church Meeting
2026-02-08 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
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

Board of Deacons Meet
2026-02-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675

Patchwork Warms Hearts
2026-02-12 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
The Traer Quilt Experience Ripley

March 21st – The Traer Quilt Experience
Binding Faith and Community through Patchwork
Past – Present & Future
The Ripley Stitchers are working with the Traer Historical Museum and the Traer
Public Library to bring a Quilting Experience to the community in honor of National
Quilting Month-March & National Quilt Day – March 21st.
○ Ripley UCC Quilt Show and Exhibit 10am – 4pm
■ The Quilters will be showcasing their mission work.
■ The Ripley Family is invited to bring “special” quilts to share with
the community as part of our quilt show and include the story of
the quilt.
■ Exhibits will be featured throughout the church showcasing
patchwork.
■ Children’s activity / Make and Take .
■ Quilt recipients are being invited to participate: Sleep in
Heavenly Peace , C.H.A.T. , Americans for Independent Living,
Cedar Valley Hospice, Maternal Health and Wellness(formerly the
Stork’s Nest)
■ Donation Drive for fabric and sewing supplies no longer needed.
■ Ripley Missions Committee along with the Traer United Methodist
Church will be organizing lunch. serving 11am – 2pm
● Lunch for Purchase includes:
○ Choice of Chili, Chicken Noodle or Creamy Chicken
and Wild Rice Soup
○ Ham and Turkey Sandwiches
○ Pie/Bars for dessert – See a sign up in the Kitchen
○ The Traer Historical Museum is participating 10am – 4pm
■ Will be featuring quilts in windows for month of March
■ Opperman Quilts and additional quilts on display
■ Quilt process exhibit
■ The Quilt Block Coloring Experience
● Art project for select grades at NT and Hudson
● The museum and Ripley will be displaying entries on March
21st
■ Hosting speaker Cherie Dargon at 1:30pm. Author of the
“Grandmother’s Treasure’s” Series
○ The Traer Public Library is participating 10am – Noon
■ Sponsoring a Wooden Quilt Block Painting contest
■ Quilt show honoring the late Cynthia Stary Dranja’s quilts.
■ Additional quilt related options in the planning stage

Soul Stitching
2026-02-14 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Gather to Stitch from the Soul! North door is open at 9am. Fellowship over a potluck lunch and around the quilt top.
All are welcome to join or just visit!
Contact Jane Knoop with questions at 3319-478-8156
The top – the tools – the results!

"That of God"
2026-02-15 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Sunday Service at Ripley UCC, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Feb 15 2026 Bulletin

Ripley Church Meetings:

Mission Committee: Tuesday – Feb. 24th – 6:30 pm – Google Meet
Board of Deacons: Monday – March 8th @ 10:00 am – Office
Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 19th @ 5:30 pm – Office

CE Volunteers!
As we start to attract more children and families, our Christian Ed. ministry becomes more and more important all the time. We still need volunteers to help. So much more than child care–this is a chance to engage and guide and support–to “be the church” our children grow to love. Please talk to Pr. Jim if you are interested in learning more.

Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:

Quilting: Thur. Feb. 19th @ 9:00 am

Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday March 14th @ 9:00 am

Noisy Offering – Feb. 22nd: Project to be Announced
Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st

Lenten Plans 2026 – More details to come:

Lenten Project: Maternal Health – Tama County
Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026 – imposition of ashes @ 6pm
Wednesday Night Meal and Reflections – Fellowship Hall

Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25
6:00 meal followed by 6:30 devotion
Sign up for meal prep in the kitchen.

Men’s Lenten Breakfasts – Details TBD

Feb. 25: Traer United Methodist
March 4: St. Lukes Lutheran
March 11: St. Paul Catholic
March 18: United Presbyterian
March 25: RUCC
April 1: Clutier Community

Maundy Thursday April 2nd – TBD
Good Friday April 3rd – TBD
Easter: April 5th – Details TBD

Breakfast at 8:00 am followed by worship at 9:00 am

Ash Wednesday
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Ripley UCC Lenten and Spring Plans – 2026
● Lent 2026 Activities:
○ Lenten Project: Tama County Maternal Health (formerly the Storks Nest)
Focusing on anyone who is pregnant, postpartum, or for a child 1 year
old or less.
○ We are donating items or dollars for infants and toddlers
■ Donated items and a donation basket will be set up in the Sanctuary.
Leave your donations anytime during the Lent season
○ Their new initiative is called the Family Cabinet
■ They hope to provide community support for expectant mothers,
caregivers, and growing families in need. Their gifted items are
focused on pregnancy through first birthdays, and available at no
cost to the community.
■ Hoping for new and like new items. Learn more by picking up a
brochure in the Sanctuary.
○ Any Free Will Offering funds leftover from our Wednesday Night Meals
will be donated to our Lenten Project.
○ Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026 – Sanctuary – 6:00 pm
○ Wednesday Night Meals and Reflections – Fellowship Hall
■ Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25
● Supper starts at 6:00 pm followed by a devotional at 6:30 pm
■ Sign up in the kitchen to provide the meal
■ Enjoy the food and fellowship for a free will donation – but don’t let
that stop you from coming. If you don’t have any extra to give, come
and enjoy supper anyway.
● Cooks are welcome to take any or all their expenses for the meal
from the free will donation basket
● Remaining free will donations will be given to our Lenten Project.
○ Men’s Lenten Breakfasts – Details TBD
■ Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1st
■ Ripley is signed up to host March 25th
● David Calderwood will organize the morning
● If anyone would like to give the message please let him know
○ Maundy Thursday April 2nd – Details TBD
○ Good Friday April 3rd – Details TBD
○ Easter: April 5th – Breakfast at 8:00 am and Service at 9:00 am
March 21st – The Traer Quilt Experience
Binding Faith and Community through Patchwork
Past – Present & Future
The Ripley Stitchers are working with the Traer Historical Museum and the Traer
Public Library to bring a Quilting Experience to the community in honor of National
Quilting Month-March & National Quilt Day – March 21st.
○ Ripley UCC Quiltshow and Exhibit 10am – 4pm
■ The Quilters will be showcasing their mission work.
■ The Ripley Family is invited to bring “special” quilts to share with
the community as part of our quilt show and include the story of
the quilt.
■ Exhibits will be featured throughout the church showcasing
patchwork.
■ Children’s activity / Make and Take .
■ Quilt recipients are being invited to participate: Sleep in
Heavenly Peace , C.H.A.T. , Americans for Independent Living,
Cedar Valley Hospice, Maternal Health and Wellness(formerly the
Stork’s Nest)
■ Donation Drive for fabric and sewing supplies no longer needed.
■ Ripley Missions Committee along with the Traer United Methodist
Church will be organizing lunch. serving 11am – 2pm
● Lunch for Purchase includes:
○ Choice of Chili, Chicken Noodle or Creamy Chicken
and Wild Rice Soup
○ Ham and Turkey Sandwiches
○ Pie/Bars for dessert – See a sign up in the Kitchen
○ The Traer Historical Museum is participating 10am – 4pm
■ Will be featuring quilts in windows for month of March
■ Opperman Quilts and additional quilts on display
■ Quilt process exhibit
■ The Quilt Block Coloring Experience
● Art project for select grades at NT and Hudson
● The museum and Ripley will be displaying entries on March
21st
■ Hosting speaker Cherie Dargon at 1:30pm. Author of the
“Grandmother’s Treasure’s” Series
○ The Traer Public Library is participating 10am – Noon
■ Sponsoring a Wooden Quilt Block Painting contest
■ Quilt show honoring the late Cynthia Stary Dranja’s quilts.
■ Additional quilt related options in the planning stages

"Dust to Dust"
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Ripley Church, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Febr18 2026 Bulletin Ash Wednesday
Ripley Church Meetings:

Mission Committee: Tuesday – Feb. 24th – 6:30 pm – Google Meet
Board of Deacons: Sunday – March 8th @ 10:00 am – Office
Board of Trustees: Tuesday – Feb. 19th @ 5:30 pm – Office

CE Volunteers!
As we start to attract more children and families, our Christian Ed. ministry becomes more and more important all the time. We still need volunteers to help. So much more than child care–this is a chance to engage and guide and support–to “be the church” our children grow to love. Please talk to Pr. Jim if you are interested in learning more.

Ripley Mission/Church/Community Involvement:

Quilting: Thur. Feb. 19th @ 9:00 am

Saturday Soul Stitching – Saturday March 14th @ 9:00 am

Noisy Offering – Feb. 22nd: Project to be Announced
Ripley Quilt Show – March 21st

Lenten Plans 2026 – More details to come:

Lenten Project: Maternal Health – Tama County
Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18th, 2026 – imposition of ashes @ 6pm
Wednesday Night Meal and Reflections – Fellowship Hall

Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25
6:00 meal followed by 6:30 devotion
Sign up for meal prep in the kitchen.

Men’s Lenten Breakfasts – Details TBD

Feb. 25: Traer United Methodist
March 4: St. Lukes Lutheran
March 11: St. Paul Catholic
March 18: United Presbyterian
March 25: RUCC
April 1: Clutier Community

Maundy Thursday April 2nd – TBD
Good Friday April 3rd – TBD
Easter: April 5th – Details TBD

Breakfast at 8:00 am followed by worship at 9:00 am
