~by Roy and Phyllis Bardole
Our church celebrated our 150th year with Perry and Fairview joining us for morning worship.
We had a combined choir of 26. We sang “The New 23rd” for our first song. Rick Fazel sang “This Train” accompanying himself on his guitar.
Pastor Jon’s sermon was “Praising God and Preparing to Move On”, and the parish choir ended the service with “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”
Kevin and Mary Hick and Haven and Lisa Hick were ready to serve our noon meal. We had Italian chicken, cheesy potatoes, and green beans with bacon and onion. Also, a large, decorated chocolate / white cake for dessert was available. People enjoyed visiting during dinner and before our afternoon program.
The opening hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” was sung by the congregation
Roy Bardole welcomed everyone with some early remembrances. Our father and grandfathers laid the groundwork for us continuing today. The choir sang “Wade on Out!”
Pastor Jon gave a brief history of the church. Rick Fazel sang another special song, “A Soulin’”.
Cassie Bardole put together a Powerpoint® program of pictures from the past. Those were enjoyable but many had tears in their eyes when it was over!
The Praise Power Trio, Mary Hick, Brenda Roberts, and Meladee Graven, sang “Find Us Faithful”. They found the pictures a tough act to follow!
Next we had communications from Pastors. Missy Brown Erickson sent a letter. She and her husband had a family reunion today. She shared many memories from her time here.
Eric Guy sent a note. They had originally planned to attend but in late June, they were in a head on collision. They both have serious injuries. Eric has a plate and several screws in his right ankle. Naomi Sea Young has ankle injuries also. Her left ankle has a torn tendon and the right ankle has two bones broken. He said they are a pair! He can’t walk until maybe early September and neither one can drive. He said he would be here in spirit. Eric was our minister when we had our 125th celebration.
Pastor Clare DeBoef had planned to attend but his wife Marian is in the hospital.
Pastor Deb Parkison was in attendance. Rippey was her first church. She had lots of happy memories to share.
Pastor Paul Burrow came and also brought his brother Steve. His wife Nancy passed away just last week so we mourn her loss. They were in Rippey for 10 years and that is a long time for a Methodist minister. Nancy was in the choir and on the library board. They were very much a part of the community.
Rev. Raymond Moore was here for four years, ending in 1961. His daughter Kathy, who is also a retired minister, spoke about their time here. Their other daughter Carol and her husband were here also.
Donald and Alice Bardole came from Williamsburg to celebrate with us. Donald was ordained by Bishop Thomas. There were actually a lot of ministers ordained while here, including our last minister, Catherine Stokes.
Pastor Jon closed the service. He had a lot of his family here. His wife Lana is a newly ordained minister in Ankeny.
There were a lot of people who helped make this day special! It was a day filled with memories!
