First Baptist Church of Dubuque

Hi All

Attached is your FBC@home.

If you are planning on attending the Sunday cookout, please bring a lawn chair.

Hope to see you Sunday.

My cousin, Karen McNickle, has been extremely ill with a very rare and dangerous condition. She isn't out of the woods yet. Karen has been in the hospital since 5/10 and will probably go to long term rehab hopefully by the end of week in Springfield mo. She has a very rare and serious infection called Necrotizing Descending Anterior Mediatinitis. She has had 3 surgeries to clean out the infection and had a vac therapy pack that will be on for 6 to 8 weeks along with antibiotics IV through until every thing is healed. (She has more then beat the odds! Her survival rate was only at 20% at first. She is at 60%+ now.) I would ask you to keep her, her medical team, and her family in your prayers.

Thank you.

Candi

Hello Friends,

What a blessing to celebrate Pentecost Sunday this week! This is the week we focus on the Holy Spirit moving and working in our lives. Some faith traditions recognize this as the beginning of the Church as we know it today. So come, wear your red and join the Worldwide Church in celebrating God's love for us!

Love & Blessings,

Christine

Hi All

Along with your attached fbc@home, I am sending a beginning list of things we will need to collect for our 2023 Operation Christmas Child. If you should see any of these things on sale or other items you think would be nice for a Christmas box please pick up a few to add to our collection. Thanks.

For OCC

toothbrushes

Crayons

markers

wash cloths

bar soap

pencil sharpeners

cloth napkins

Stuffed animals and pencils are not needed. We have plenty from last year.

Hi All

Just letting all of you know Bob is home and doing better. I just spoke with him and he said he is doing better and working on getting his strength back. This is good news but continue to pray that he returns to good health soon. Thanks.

Hi All

Enclosed is your weekly fbc@home.

If you are receiving this newsletter but prefer not too, please email me back and ask that your name be removed. Thanks.

Hope you are enjoying the on again/off again spring weather. See you soon.

_________________

Hi All

Prayers are requested for Bob Happ who was admitted to Finley Hospital yesterday with pneumonia. Please pray for Bob. Thanks.

Hi All

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers.

Attached is your weekly FBC@home. ( at bottom of newsletter)

Also the May newsletter from NightLight, one of our FBC missions.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Hi All

Please pray for Amanda and family. Amanda's grandfather has passed away.

Hi All

Attached is this week's FBC@home. Please note: This Sunday is our monthly potluck. We will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo which means 5th of May in Spanish, is also more formally known as the anniversary of the battle of Puebla. It is a holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the U.S. in honor of a Mexican military victory in 1862 over French forces of Napoleon 3rd.

FYI

Sunday's Cinco de Mayo potluck will be held in the lower level fellowship hall. Hope to see you there.

Hi All

Attached is your FBC@home for this week. Hope you are all well.

Update on Hank: He is still in need of prayer. More testing will be done next week to try to discover what, if anything, can be done about his partial loss of vision in one eye. He is very tired and hoping to recover a bit of his energy after having a small stroke. Thank you for all the prayers and do keep remembering him. Love to you all. Linda

Vera Louise Tippe had surgery on her tongue yesterday. Biopsy results are due in 10 days. She still has to take lozenges after meals, which tends to kill taste. She said other than the stress of waiting on results she is doing fine. Please keep Vera Louise and the Tippe family in your prayers.

Rod Matthew's Mother had a minor stroke yesterday. She was kept in the hospital overnight and returned home today. said she had a major stroke a few years ago and recovered. Please keep Rod's mother and the Matthew's family in your prayers.

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Matt and Amanda received some bad news a few days ago. Matt’s father has cancer that has spread throughout his body and the prognosis is not good.

Amanda said they held a gathering of friends and family at their home to spend time together before this opportunity passes them by.

Amanda has requested prayers from the FBC Community.

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Hank had a stroke on Tuesday that affected 1-side of his head and face. Linda said Hank's head was still feeling funny on Wednesday and they were waiting for the doctors call and decisions on more test.

Linda asked the FBC Community to pray for both her and Hank.

Grace

Ernest

Hi All

Hope you all had a good Easter and our enjoying our brief early summer. Attached is our weekly FBC@home.

I hope to see lots of you at church this coming Sunday.

" Nails didn't hold God to a cross. Love did." Max Lucado

Hi Everyone

He is Risen, Hallelujah! Happy Easter to all of you.

I am including the email addresses for Nightlight. If you want to keep up with what is happening there, you can request a newsletter be sent to you. This is for the newsletter - bkk@nightlightinternational.com

This is for their jewelry selections - jewelry@nightlight.com

Easter Blessings

Linda

Hi All

I hope all of you are doing well and will be able to join with us at any or all of the following Easter services. Please make note of the dates in FBC@home for Palm Sunday Services, Maundy Thursday Services, Good Friday Services at United Methodist Church, Easter Sunrise Services at the Grand River Center and Easter Sunday Services at FBC.

Attached is your FBC@home.

Hi Again

It has been decided that because of the FBC meeting following church on Sunday and also because a light meal will be served at the Maundy Thursday Service that this Sunday's potluck will be canceled. No Sunday potluck this month. Please alert others who might not read this. Thanks.

Hi All

I hope you are all doing well. I am waiting, not so patiently, for Spring. Hopefully it will be arriving soon.

Included today are some upcoming events and your fbc@home attachment.

112th Annual Community Worship

Good Friday

The Seven Last Words of Christ

April 7th, 2023/11:45 AM - 3:00 PM

Hosted by St. Luke's UMC

1199 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

Accessible Entry via Back Alley

Online Worship at: stlukesdbq.org

Worship online or in person for as long as you like.

Service is in 20-minute segments.

Led by local religious leaders and musicians.

Service is in 20-minute segments.

Led by local religious leaders and musicians.

(Pastor Tim Bees will be leading a segment)

Hi Team

Attached is your FBC@home. I am also adding some important upcoming activities for you to make note of.

April 2 - Rescheduled Special Building Improvements Meeting following church

Hi All

Are you all ready for our last (hopefully) big snow of the season?

Please note that we will be having a meeting right after church on Sunday to discuss church business.

Also don't forget to turn those clocks back for Daylight Savings Time!

Please keep my son-in-law, Geoff and daughter Elizabeth in your prayers. Geoff went out to shovel snow this morning in Minneapolis and fell on the ice and broke his leg in two places. They’re going to need surgery to fix it.
Thank you, LA

Hi All

I am back from my Florida snow birding and would like to say a great big thank you to Christine for taking on some of my duties while I was gone. She did an excellent job. Thank you, Christine.

Attached is your weekly FBC@home.

We have several extra 2022 FBC annual reports. This report includes church leader's reports on their past yearly programs and progress. If you didn't receive one but would like to have one, please let me know and I will send one to you.

Don't forget that this Sunday is our monthly potluck. All are welcome to attend.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Linda

Hello Church,

Hope you are enjoying the warmer temperatures today. What a beautiful sunrise this morning!

I have attached the FBC @ Home for the upcoming week. We will be having Communion this week. It's also Potluck Sunday, so if you can, bring a dish or two to share with everyone. We will be dining upstairs in the foyer area.

See you soon.

Blessings,

Christine

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Hello again,

Please be aware that we are setting up the stage for the upcoming play. Please use the side or front entrance when you arrive at church if possible. If you need to use the back entrance, be careful. There are play props in the back stair area.

Thank you.

Christine

Wayne and Janice Lewis‘s daughter Stephanie is having brain surgery today to remove a tumor. The Lewis Family has requested prayers from the FBC Community. Please keep them in your prayers.

Grace

Ernest Jackson

FBC Community,

Denise Matthew's mother, Arlene Brown passed away early this morning. Denise and Rod are in Marion, Iowa with her stepdad.

Prayers for Denise and family are greatly appreciated.

God's Grace!

Ernest

Hello everyone,

I just spoke with Vera Louise. Her tongue surgery went well. She is a little sore but seems to be doing well. They did a biopsy on the growth and sent it off to Iowa City.

Please continue to lift her up in your prayers.

Take care.

Christine

Hello everyone,

Hope this finds you well on another chilly day.

I have an update on Rev. Johnson's daughter, Kara. Her surgery went very well and the surgeon was pleased with the results. She has been home since Friday. She has even signed up for Goldie's ten mile run on April 2nd. Pastor Johnson says that he will be running the 5K! The medical team is amazed by her progress. Pastor Johnson says "The amazing one is our Lord who answers prayers and heals." Amen.

Continued prayers are much appreciated.

Also, Pastor Tim will be preaching on February 26th for the TBA date.

I have attached the FBC @ Home.

Hope to see you on Sunday! Don't forget it's the Annual Meeting so plan to stay after church if you can.

Blessings,

Christine

Hello Friends,

Here is the preaching schedule for February.

February 5- Rev. Loren Shellabarger

February 12- Rev. Timothy Bees

February 19- Rev. Loren Shellabarger

February 26- TBA

Peace,

Christine

FBC Community,

I have sad news to pass along today.

Please see note from Ron Brass below;

Rose’s brother, Robert (Bob) Renken, passed away early this morning, after several years of battling cancer. He and wife, Marsha, have been living in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was 86. We were fortunate to spend time with Bob and several family members yesterday.

Prayers for Rose and family would be much appreciated.

Hello Church,

What a little storm we had last night! But, oh what a beautiful scene this morning! Aren't you glad we know the One who calms the storm and brings the joy of the morning?

I've attached the FBC @ Home as I'm filling in for Linda while she's on vacation. This week we will be continuing The Factory Series. If you'd like to read the scripture before Sunday, it will be Galatians 5:19-23.

Hope to see you soon.

Blessings,

Christine

Hello Church,

Attached is your FBC @ home for this week. We have had a prayer request from Pastor Johnson. Kara is going in for surgery on the 17th to have part of her liver removed. Please continue to hold her up in your prayers.

Blessings,

Christine

Hi All

Just letting you all know that Candi Kamm's mother, Dorothy Rathbun, passed away yesterday morning. Dorothy was the wife of Rev. Bill Rathbun. Bill was one of the first pastors at the newly built FBC on Judson Dr. Please keep Candi, Mark and the family in your prayers.

Hi All

Hope you are enjoying this nice winter reprieve.

Attached is your weekly newsletter.

Hope to see many of you Sunday.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Service 6 p.m.

Christmas Day Service 10 a.m.

January 1st Service 10 a.m.

There will be no Discipleship/Sunday School classes on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. There will be no Potluck on New Year's Day.

Dear Friends,

Attached is the last FBC@Home I’ll be sending you.

Blessings

Pastor Johnson

The Westminster Food Give Away is tomorrow morning, Saturday December 17th.

FBC Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:30 AM.

Thanks to all who are willing to volunteer!

Ernest

Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful reception on Wednesday Evening.

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

Attached is next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

Attached is next week’s FBC@Home.

Our main worship service for Christmas will be our Christmas Eve Service on Saturday evening. We will also have a service on Christmas Morning.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends

Happy Thanksgiving! Attached is next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Hello everyone,

On Friday, we had several members from Great Adventure Church volunteer at collection week. And today, we were very blessed to have Coach Rick and the Swim Team members load the truck of boxes for us! Many hands make light work.

After Saturday’s collection time ended, the count for Operation Christmas Child boxes was up to 1228. This is always a special week of meeting new friends, greeting returning friends & churches, and working and praying together for the children.

Remember every box we share equals a child who comes to know that they are loved by God! So keep lifting up this special mission in your prayers at home!

Love & Blessings to You All,

Christine

Hi All

Attached is this week's FBC@home.

As of early Friday morning we have collected 1135 OCC boxes.

Thank you to all who have helped with this great project. The boxes leave for Manchester mid morning on Monday. Thanks again for all your help.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Dear Friends,

Attached is next week’s FBC@Home.

With Gratitude

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

It’s good to be back and I had a good break.

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Hi All

Attached is your weekly FBC @home.

FYI - Pastor Johnson and Geri will be returning to Dubuque Tuesday, November 1.

Hope you all are doing well and getting ready for winter. See you Sunday.

Hi Everyone

Your weekly fbc@home is attached.

This week our worship service schedule will be changing a bit. We have decided to try doing some things a bit differently. The church bulletin will have the new order. Let us know what you think of the changes.

Enjoy the nice weather that's coming up. Hope to see many of you on Sunday.

Hi All

Hope you have had time this week to observe the beautiful fall colors.

Attached is this week's FBC@Home.

Please note: The 5:30 potluck, before our of Future Focus meeting, will be held in the church foyer. Food for the potluck will be on a table in the church library. We hope to see many of you attend.

Hi All

Attached is your weekly FBC@Home. Be sure to check out the October 16th Future Focus meeting. It is an important meeting for our church and it's future direction. Hope many of you can be there. See you Sunday!

Hi All

Attached is your weekly FBC@home.

This Sunday we will be having our first Sunday of the month potluck. There will be plenty of good food and desserts. Please join with us. Hope to see you Sunday.

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home. Please invite everyone who has a connection with First Baptist to attend the meeting on the 16th of October.

Blessings

Pastor Johnson

Hi All

Attached is your weekly FBC@home. Please note the Cemetery Walk in Galena this weekend. Ernest Jackson will be part of the cast.

Hope to see many of you Sunday at church.

Dear Friends,

Attached is next week’s FBC@Home. Tomorrow I’m starting a series on How to Have Joy in Your Life.

Blessings,

Pastor Johnson

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 2143 Judson Dr, Dubuque, IA, followed by an open house reception at the Luther Manor Communities Clubhouse at Grand Meadow Dr. and Waterview Ln, in Asbury, IA. Attendees are invited to wear a splash of aqua or teal, Char’s favorite colors.

Flower arrangements and mementos are welcome. In addition, donations in Charlotte's honor may be made to the Charlotte Happ Memorial at the following organizations close to her heart.

Quilts of Valor, c/o Cindy Billmeyer

18836 Breezy Ridge Rd.

Dubuque, IA 52002

First Baptist Church of Dubuque

2123 Judson Dr.

Dubuque, IA 52001

You may visit Charlotte Elaine DeClue-Happ  to leave a tribute, gift or message for the family. 

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that our sister in the Lord, Char Happ has passed on.

She is now with our Lord.

Please continue to pray for her family.

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Hi Again

Just wanted to let you all know, the family of Char Happ is requesting no visitors at this time. We will keep you updated as we get word. Thanks.

Hi All,

Please find attached the current fbc@home.

There will be a potluck on Sunday. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided.

Dear Friends,

It will be good to meet against with you tomorrow. Thank you for all your prayers. And thank you, Pastor Tim.

I’ve decided to postpone the Honest and Healing Conversations about race until the second Sunday in September.

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Johnson

Hi All

As some of you may know, Char Happ is in the hospital. The family would like prayers for Char as she continues to face various medical issues. Thanks.

Dear FBC Family,

Pastor Johnson and Geri have just received word that their daughter Cara, who has been undergoing tests, has Stage 4 Liver cancer. Pastor and Geri are asking us all to prayer for Kara, her three children and also for pastor and Geri. Cara is 45 years old.

Thank you.

The Honest and Healing Conversations about Race will be cancelled this Sunday, August 21.

Also, I have attached an abbreviated version of FBC@home.

Hi Again,

I just received word from Ron Brass that Rose's brother Bob, who has been in cancer treatment, lost his balance and fell last night. Early diagnoses suggests a possible stroke. Please add Rose's brother Bob to your prayer list. Thanks.

Dear Friends.

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

We received news that the Covid virus has hit the Quintana family again. Hector Jesus and Christine tested positive, Bella and Hector so far are negative. Please pray for that family, asking God to rid their bodies of the virus, and to give them patience through all the troubles regarding quarantine.

For safety’s sake, and because Hector was going to grill the meat for potluck, I’m asking to cancel the Pot Luck.

I’ve attached a copy of next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached a copy of next week's FBC@Home.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached a copy to next week’s FBC@Home.

I’ve included information about the Honest and Healing Conversations about Race. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please contact me. I have asked for prayer.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached next week’s FBC@Home. I’ve included one of Geri’s devotions from her devotional book, A Closer Walk.

See you Sunday.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached a copy of next weeks FBC@Home. I’ve also attached a larger copy of the photo that’s in it.

I’m still recovering from a bike ride I took yesterday. I went from the parsonage, to Arterial, to Heritage trail for a mile, and returned. My bike has 21 speeds, but I only would have needed two… one for going 20 miles an hour… and one for going 3.5 miles an hour. There is one hill that goes on forever.

Tomorrows message comes from the Psalm 82. It’s been called the most challenging chapter of the Bible, and it has also been called the most important chapter in the Bible. Jesus quoted from it. Please read and contemplate on that passage in preparation for worship tomorrow.

Blessings and Peace
Pastor Johnson

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow should be a beautiful day for worship. It will be sunny and warm. We’ll be outside celebrating Christian freedom, Baptist Freedom, and gifts of freedom we have in our country.

Bring lawn chairs if you have them.

I’ll be presenting a special children’s message and I hope you’ll find my sermon enjoyable and meaningful.

Attached is next week’s FBC@Home.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Johnson

Hello everyone,

Here are the lectionary links for next Sunday:

Lectionary Reading Links for the Upcoming Week, July 3rd

2 Kings 5: 1-14, Psalm 30, Isaiah 66:10-14, Psalm 66:1-9, Galatians 6:1-6, 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Blessings,

Christine

Hi All,

As you know Pastor Johnson is on vacation this week. I was unable to open the pages he left me for FBC@home so there is one blank page. I am sending what I do have. It has all the pertinent information. Sorry.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached the FBC@Home for the coming week.

Blessings and Peace

Pastor Johnson