AREA COMMUNITY NEWS: Crawfordsville

By Billy Jo Rose, Union correspondent

The family of the late Walter 'Doc” and Helen Rugg held their annual Christmas/reunion Monday, Sept. 2, at the United Church of Crawfordsville. Many years ago, Doc Rugg decided the family would get together on Labor Day. With 10 children and many grand- and great-grandchildren, it was better weather for traveling in September than in December. Each child from the oldest to youngest would take their turn in rotation for hosting. This year's hosts were Sanford and Nancy Rugg. There were 40 in attendance and one special guest, Santa. Each family with little ones was told to get their Christmas lists ready. After a potluck dinner, Santa made his appearance to hear what was on those lists. Those in attendance were Judy Carney of Williamsburg, Don and Mary Richardson and Robert Rugg of Omaha, Nebraska; Kent and Shelley Herren of Waubeek; Lauren Bickford and Bridger of Springville; Meghan Lightner, Carson and John Luke of Monticello; Ethan Herren, Kayla Wilson and Collin of Albia; Jordan and Katie Vradenberg of Quad Cities; Sara Rugg, Iowa City; Ceirra, Kayla and Lane Pierce, Jacayla Vradenberg, Gary and Laura Hill, Merrill and Sue Cheney, Chelsea Rugg and Clarissa Rugg, all of Washington; Merle and Sherrie Rugg, Beryl and Donna Rugg, of Wayland; Nick, Natasha, Amelia and Jocelyn Schmitter of Brighton; Uriah, Shannon and Sawyer Rugg and Sanford and Nancy Rugg, of Crawfordsville.

The United Church Women met at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Crawfordsville with 11 ladies and Pastor Jason Collier present. Billie Jo Rose gave the meditation from the book 'Moments of Peace in the Presence of God.” President Debbie Lowe called the meeting to order and the Opening Creed was read in unison. The minutes of the July 9 and the Aug. 25 meetings were approved as read. Pat Miller, treasurer gave the treasurer's report and it will be filed for audit. There were thank-you notes from the Helen Lease and Brenda Davey families, and a newsletter from Bidwell Riverside.

Discussion was held concerning possibly labeling drawers in the kitchen, with nothing decided at this time.

Wilma reported 11 ladies plus Jason attended the Dorcas sewing meeting Sept. 9. Fourteen bags were finished and two baby quilts.

The usual cards, flowers and gifts had been sent.

The regular offering and Least Coin Offering were taken and the Fellowship of the Least Coin was read together. Clarissa reviewed the prayer calendar and there were three missionaries with birthdays this month. The World Than Offering was also taken and she gave the message 'Let your light shine before people.” The 2020 program material was passed around and everyone was encouraged to sign up for hostesses and meditation.

The rummage sale committee, and all those who helped, was thanked. This was a highly successful event.

It was mentioned that Jeff Johnston is supplying paper products, which is much appreciated. Ladies were reminded that the Blessing Boxes need to be brought to the November meeting. The slate of officers for 2019-20 were presented: President-Debbie Lowe; Vice President- Cathy Williams; Secretary-Billie Jo Rose and Treasurer- Pat Miller. Committees: Study and Devotions-Mission Outreach- Margaret Patterson, Pauline Richardson and Clarissa Malmberg. Local Activities- Donna Fletcher, Ann Lewis and Carol Steele. Dorcas- Wilma McAllister. Nominating Committee- 1 Year- Linda Wiltfang, 2 Years-Pauline Richardson and 3 Years- Billie Jo Rose. Cards, Flowers and Gifts- Billie Jo Rose and Cathy Williams. Executive Committee Meetings- Meetings will be called as needed by the president. All officers and committees were elected by a unanimous ballot.

The 2020 pledges to UMW and UPW were decided. Harvest Sale Supper plans have gone forward. Jason brought concerns for the backpack program/food pantry to the group. More discussion is needed.

The next regular meeting will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. There is no October meeting. Pat Miller will be hostess. Deb Lowe will have meditation. The treasury will be assessed, and ladies are to bring Blessing Boxes.

Dorcas meets Oct. 14 and 28 and Nov. 11.

Work committees are: October: Cathy and Billie Jo; November: Rachel and Pauline.

Following a motion to adjourn, the Closing Creed was read in unison.

Deb thanked Ruth for hostessing and closed with the following quote: 'Give your troubles to God. He will be up all night anyway” and also with Psalm 12:3.