Rooted in Faith, Preparing for the Future
from our leadership
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we enter another season of stewardship, we find ourselves at a meaningful crossroads, looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. This fall marks nearly one year since we returned to worship in our beloved sanctuary. After our time away, we were reminded that the church is far more than bricks and beams. It is us- people gathered, growing, and grounded in faith.
We also stand on the threshold of a new chapter as we prepare to welcome our Interim Pastor, Jill, this November. In this time of transition, we give thanks for the steady leadership, shared vision, and Spirit-led guidance that have carried us to this point and will continue to lead us forward.
Our 2026 stewardship theme is not only about sustaining what we have; it is about investing in our shared future as a church community. We believe God is calling us to be a church that cares deeply for our neighbors in need, supports mental health and emotional well-being, nurtures our children and youth with love and purpose, and builds stronger community both inside and outside our church walls. Your time, talents, and financial support make all of this possible.
Looking ahead, we know that resources will be stretched thin in 2026 as we finish construction and complete our applications for Historic Tax Credits and Grants. As our Finance Team has projected, the budget will be challenging. That is why this year, we are asking members to prayerfully consider increasing their pledge by 10% over last year’s commitment. This faithful step, made by each of us together, will provide the stability and strength our church needs to continue our mission with confidence and hope.
This campaign is an invitation to be part of the continued renewal of our congregation, not only through giving, but also through dreaming, serving, and praying together. We’ve already ventured so far, just imagine what we can do next! Together, rooted in faith and preparing the church for the future, let us give generously.
Our stewardship campaign concludes on October 10, 2025, please return your your pledges confidentially to Nikki Ketchum by that date. This year’s form includes both our annual pledge section and an opportunity to support our ongoing Capital Campaign. If you were unable to give in previous years, or wish to increase your prior gift, this is a wonderful chance to do so. Capital Campaign pledges can be fulfilled over 12, 24, or 36 months in addition to your 2026 annual commitment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Nikki at [email protected].
With gratitude and hope,
The Finance Team
Merle Santjer, Chair, Tami Ryan, Treasurer, Josh Weidemann and Mark Johannsen
As we enter another season of stewardship, we find ourselves at a meaningful crossroads, looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. This fall marks nearly one year since we returned to worship in our beloved sanctuary. After our time away, we were reminded that the church is far more than bricks and beams. It is us- people gathered, growing, and grounded in faith.
We also stand on the threshold of a new chapter as we prepare to welcome our Interim Pastor, Jill, this November. In this time of transition, we give thanks for the steady leadership, shared vision, and Spirit-led guidance that have carried us to this point and will continue to lead us forward.
Our 2026 stewardship theme is not only about sustaining what we have; it is about investing in our shared future as a church community. We believe God is calling us to be a church that cares deeply for our neighbors in need, supports mental health and emotional well-being, nurtures our children and youth with love and purpose, and builds stronger community both inside and outside our church walls. Your time, talents, and financial support make all of this possible.
Looking ahead, we know that resources will be stretched thin in 2026 as we finish construction and complete our applications for Historic Tax Credits and Grants. As our Finance Team has projected, the budget will be challenging. That is why this year, we are asking members to prayerfully consider increasing their pledge by 10% over last year’s commitment. This faithful step, made by each of us together, will provide the stability and strength our church needs to continue our mission with confidence and hope.
This campaign is an invitation to be part of the continued renewal of our congregation, not only through giving, but also through dreaming, serving, and praying together. We’ve already ventured so far, just imagine what we can do next! Together, rooted in faith and preparing the church for the future, let us give generously.
Our stewardship campaign concludes on October 10, 2025, please return your your pledges confidentially to Nikki Ketchum by that date. This year’s form includes both our annual pledge section and an opportunity to support our ongoing Capital Campaign. If you were unable to give in previous years, or wish to increase your prior gift, this is a wonderful chance to do so. Capital Campaign pledges can be fulfilled over 12, 24, or 36 months in addition to your 2026 annual commitment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Nikki at [email protected].
With gratitude and hope,
The Finance Team
Merle Santjer, Chair, Tami Ryan, Treasurer, Josh Weidemann and Mark Johannsen
from our members
Dear friends in Christ,
We will never forget the first time our family came to First Congregational Church. It was in the winter of 1980 and we had just relocated to Dubuque for work and didn’t have any family or friends in the area. But, somehow even with the snow piled so high, we found our way to the church. Once inside, we were welcomed and accepted just as we were and from that moment we knew we were home and didn't have to visit any
other churches. When a tragedy hit our family, everyone in the church rallied around us
and took care of our little children so we could be at our oldest child’s hospital bedside.
To us, being a Christian means doing our part to help others needing an extra hand and being welcoming to all people that walk through our beautiful sanctuary’s doors just like we were. Over the years, we have watched our children be baptized, confirmed and grow in their faith. Our faith has allowed us to give back financially and uphold our Christian values in so many forms - serving on boards and committees, volunteering for 28 plus years at Cafe, offering rides to those unable to drive to church, grocery shopping or doctor appointments, being a listening ear, and teaching Bible Study and Sunday School. Now, over 40 years after becoming part of this family and finding our church home, we get to see our granddaughter grow in her faith, learn who her church family is, and understand what being a part of this faith community will mean to teach future generations.
~Gary & Terry Wilson
We will never forget the first time our family came to First Congregational Church. It was in the winter of 1980 and we had just relocated to Dubuque for work and didn’t have any family or friends in the area. But, somehow even with the snow piled so high, we found our way to the church. Once inside, we were welcomed and accepted just as we were and from that moment we knew we were home and didn't have to visit any
other churches. When a tragedy hit our family, everyone in the church rallied around us
and took care of our little children so we could be at our oldest child’s hospital bedside.
To us, being a Christian means doing our part to help others needing an extra hand and being welcoming to all people that walk through our beautiful sanctuary’s doors just like we were. Over the years, we have watched our children be baptized, confirmed and grow in their faith. Our faith has allowed us to give back financially and uphold our Christian values in so many forms - serving on boards and committees, volunteering for 28 plus years at Cafe, offering rides to those unable to drive to church, grocery shopping or doctor appointments, being a listening ear, and teaching Bible Study and Sunday School. Now, over 40 years after becoming part of this family and finding our church home, we get to see our granddaughter grow in her faith, learn who her church family is, and understand what being a part of this faith community will mean to teach future generations.
~Gary & Terry Wilson