Privacy laws prevent hospitals from automatically in-forming churches of members admitted. You can eas-ily notify our pastoral care staff of a hospitalization: 563-326-3547 x211 or becky@stpaulqc.org.

Hospitalized: (*released as of 12/5)

*Stephanie Aitken *John Berry *Amy Hansen *Bridget Ihrig Nancy Marker Jayne Schroeder

Birth: Oliver Ihrig, son of Bridget & Chad Ihrig

staff connections

Dec. 7 & 8 - 2 Advent/Choral Advent

Preaching:5:30/9:00 Peter W. Marty7:45/11:15 Katy Warren

Worship notes:7:45 St. Paul Quartet9am All choirsCommunion served at all services

Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Romans 15: 4-13; Matthew 3: 1-12

next weekend

PASTORSPeter W. Marty Senior pastorSara Olson-Smith Associate pastorKaty Warren Associate pastorPeter Pettit Teaching pastorHayden Kvamme Pastor in residencyRon Huber Visitation pastor

COMMUNICATIONSAnn McGlynn Director of communicationLauren Brown Artistic directorBecky Harper Adm. asst. to sr. pastor Destiny Ellingsworth Communications intern

OPERATIONSTodd Byerly Operations directorPaula Durham Business managerJennifer Garvey ReceptionistCarrie Bowman Business office assistantMarcia Robertson Giving ministry coordinatorHarris Schneekloth Campus and groundsMatt Spencer Building managerJim Akright Custodial/MaintenancePaul Caldwell HostTerry Haru HostRon Mullen Host Terry Ousley HostDana Taylor Host

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTKaren Holden Book Corner managerBeth Laureijs Pastoral residency administratorAngie Vaaler Social worker/counselorDana Welser Neighborhood school

LEARNINGKendra Thompson Pastor of children & family lifeKaren Strusz Preschool directorAndy Langdon Director of youth ministriesErika Lindebraekke Children’s ministries assistantTeresa Whitbeck Childcare team leaderHaley Rhoads Youth ministries intern

MUSICChris Nelson Director of music ministriesBill Campbell Contemporary worship directorDon Gustofson Contemporary worship assistantLinda Allebach Assistant organist Nathan Windt Chorale director Dan Pepper Youth choir directorKatie Casey Children’s choir directorSara Harless Children’s choir director Margaret Thompson Children’s choir director

2136 Brady Street

Davenport, IA 52803

563.326.3547

www.stpaulqc.org

December 7 & 8, 2019

today at st. paul

8:45am Preschool9:45am Madison Market setup6pm Friends & Family7pm Nominating committee

MONDAY, DEC. 9

7:30am Madison Market setup8:45am Preschool10am Office volunteers Christmas cookie reception12:30pm Madison Market6:30pm Women’s Bible study7pm Personnel meeting

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

7:30am Executive committee8:45am Preschool6pm Nova Singers rehersal7pm Book Corner open7:30pm Nova Singers concert

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

7:45am Worship8:15am New members gather8:30am Book Corner open9am Worship10:20am Sunday morning learning for all11am Private event11:15am Worship3pm Pastor Ron’s farewell reception5:30pm 6-12th grade Christmas caroling

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

8:45am Preschool9:15am Staff meeting/Christmas party5pm Book Corner open5:30pm Adult children of alcoholics6pm All choirs rehearse6:30pm Confirmation6:45pm High school midweek recharge

Dec. 14 & 15 - 3 Advent

Preaching:5:30/9:00 Sara Olson-Smith7:45/11:15 Peter A. Pettit

Worship notes:9am ChoraleCommunion served at all services

Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10; James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11

SATURDAY, DEC. 148am Second Saturday Men9am Motherless Daughters10am WELCA Advent luncheon1:30pm St. Paul at the Figge Museum5pm Book Corner open5:30pm Worship

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

8:30am Youth suicide prevention task force8:45am Preschool9am Moms’ morning9:30am Heart.Soul.Mind. Bible study11am Piano tuning6pm Theology Pub6pm Centering Prayer6:30pm Membership inquiry class6:30pm 2136 young adults Christmas party6:30pm Open Spirit rehearsal

LIGHT FOR THE DARKNESSWhen the sun is shining in December, we feel great, even if the temperature is brisk. When the sun fails to shine, we don’t feel so hot. Life seems dull. The days appear colorless. It doesn’t help that December days get shorter, and many of us wake up in the dark, or have kids who must walk to school in the dark.

All of this only makes us appreciate light all the more. In our most reflective moments, we find the significance of light to be simply awe-some. Where would we be without light?

Two small candles in front of the pulpit have no candlepower to help you read your bulle-tin. But, in a strange way, they possess power to light up your inner life. That’s spiritual truth. Christians profess that without a light external to the bulb of their own wits, and the wattage of their own ingenuity, they are people most to be pitied. So enjoy the spiritual blessing of Christ’s Advent light assisting you with navi-gating the dark places of your soul.

With sympathy: Joyce Briggs & Brent O’Malley, her father Van Floyd Kaitlyn & Hans Schnekloth, her grandfather Van Floyd Jessica & Shawn Mask, her father John Riedesel Will, Emma & Claire Mask, grandfather John Riedesel Janelle & Wayne Goldensoph, her father John Riedesel

St. Paul members: Have you pledged for 2020? Thank you for taking care of this commitment as soon as possible. With hearts of faith, we enter the coming year enthusiastic for serving in Christ’s name. The financial pledges of every St. Paul household make 2020 possible. Think as generously as your faith and blessings allow.

To pledge yourself to St. Paul’s Daily Ministry, please direct your blue pledge card in envelope to Marcia Robertson, giving ministry coordinator, or make your pledge online at stpaulqc.org/pledge.

Sunday school Advent gathering | Sundays, Dec. 8 & 15Children & youth are invited to participate in a sock ingathering (both adult and kid sizes) to be distributed to shelters around the QCA. Collection tables will be placed in the Education Wing. On Dec. 15, wear silly socks to church in the spirit of thanksgiving and generosity. We’ll bless the collected socks in worship as we prepare to send them out into the community.

Youth Christmas shopping for HDC | Today, Sunday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. High school students will meet at Target on Elmore and 53rd to shop for Christmas gifts for the residents at the Handicapped Development Center. Bring $5 to donate. Leaders will transport students back to St. Paul to wrap gifts during Sunday Night Live.

Youth Christmas caroling | Sunday, Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m.Students in grades 6-12 will gather at church for a pizza dinner followed by an evening of Christmas caroling around the community.

Preschool Cookies & Carols | Thursday, Dec. 19, 10:45 a.m.Preschoolers have a jolly time singing songs on this joyful morning. This fun morning is a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Pageant | Sunday, Dec. 22, 10:15 a.m., SanctuarySt. Paul stars, shepherds, and sheep will sing and tell the story of Jesus’ birth at the 2019 Christmas pageant.

Singing, acting, serving, treats, and joy are part of what it means to be young at St. Paul at Christmas time. Experience some of the upcoming

events for children and youth (but adults are invited, too).

1, 3 , 5 , 8 , & 10 P M

FRIENDS & FAMILY is a drop-in group for people whose loved ones are impacted by mental illness, next meeting Monday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m., in the Church House Living Room. Led by mental health professionals and Pastor Sara Olson-Smith. No need to sign up, just come. Pastor Sara, sara@stpaulqc.org

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Second Tuesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m., next gathering Dec. 10 in the Library Com-mons. Scripture will serve as a taking off place as we discuss how to make space in our lives for rest, prayer, play, and more. All women of St. Paul are welcome. Child-care available. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org

THEOLOGY PUB: Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m., in the lower level of at Front Street Brewery’s Pub & Eatery, Davenport, Theology Pub offers a rich mix of people, pints, and perspective, as we explore in-formally the many ways in which our faith intersects with our lives and the world. Peter Pettit ppettit@stpaulqc.org

2136 HOLIDAY PARTY: Folks in their 20s and 30s gather for a holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Fel-lowship Hall. Come for hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and holiday movie watching. If you can, bring diapers, feminine hygiene products, or toiletry items to donate to Bethany for Children and Families. Pastor Hayden Kvamme, hayden@stpaulqc.org

MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY CLASS: Join a group of others Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30-9 p.m., exploring life and faith in this place. Explore what the commitments, values, and joys are for this congregation. Sign up at the Info Center or online at stpaulqc.org/signups. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org

ADVENT LUNCHEON: All women of St. Paul are invited to gather for an Advent celebration Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. An Advent devotional and the singing of Advent hymns in the Chapel will be followed by a salad luncheon. Bring a salad, quick bread, or dessert if you’d like, and bring a friend! Childcare will be available. Sign up at stpaulqc.org/signups or at the Info Center. Contacts: Carol Moeller, 563-391-3790 or Jan Melvin, 563-332-3665.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TEAM: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m., in the Library Conference Room. The St. Paul Mental Health Awareness Team, through edu-cational offerings and events, strives to increase understanding of mental health issues. Help us continue to create a sup-portive, caring, compassionate community for people affected by mental illness and those who care about them. Beth Laureijs, beth@stpaulqc.org

QUILTERS: Tuesday, Dec. 17, any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This devoted group of caring quil-ters, beginners and experts alike, gathers monthly to sew, tie, cut and piece together beautiful works of art that are donated to those in need. Cathy Hagglund, crh4quilts@msn.com or Karin Hanson, 563-528-2064

AND A LITTLE CHILD WILL LEAD THEM - AN ADVENT DOODLEBOOK: A children’s Advent book, created by Lauren Brown, St. Paul’s artistic director, and Kendra Thompson, pastor of children and family life, will be available for free (one per child, please) in the St. Paul Book Cor-ner and the Info Center. The book tells the story of Advent through colorful design and fun activities.

DISCOVER & CONNECT

SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP: Please join others for coffee, doughnuts, juice, and conversation in the gathering areas on the main level.

A BLUE BOOK, “Welcome to St. Paul,” is situated in every pew near the aisle seat. Please take a moment to share your name and pass the book. As it returns to you, glance at other names and look for your chance to greet one another after worship. The warmth of your greeting can brighten the whole day.

NURSERY: We believe children belong in worship. But if your child needs a break, please assist other worshipers and seek out our staffed nursery in the “Kid’s Corner” in the Library Commons. Silent pagers available. For nursing moms, a designated room is available to you, just 20 feet left of the elevator.

CHILDREN: Children’s messages are a part of our Sunday services at 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. Special bul-letins are available from an usher. Worship bags for children are at entrances to the Sanctuary.

PASTORS & STAFF SOCIAL WORKER are available to members and guests for appointments.

COMMUNION: The Lord’s Table is open to believers of all Christian traditions.Adults and children who do not commune are invited to come forward, crossing arms upon the chest for a blessing. Communion is distributed by a practice called intinction; please touch your wafer lightly to the wine. Gluten-free wafers are available at all sta-tions. Grape juice is available on Sundays in the pot-tery chalice at the station furthest left.

FAITH RESOURCES: A library and the nonprofit Book Corner on the main level provide wonderful re-sources for growing your faith. Check them out.

THE PRAYER CHAIN: If you have a prayer request, contact the church office, 326-3547. No request is too small. Requests are worded for confidentiality.

MEMBERSHIP: A one-session Membership Inquiry Class is offered once a month for those interested in exploring what membership at St. Paul involves. The next opportunity will be Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30-9 p.m. OR Saturday, Jan. 25, 9-11:30 a.m. Childcare is available on request. Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups, at the Info Center, or call 326-3547.

OF SPECIAL NOTESEARCH FOR VISITATION PASTOR, or non-ordained person with prior expe-rience in visiting for ministry purposes, is now open at St. Paul. Following the retirement of Pastor Ron Huber at the end of 2019, this 20-hour-per-week appoint-ment focuses on ministering to seniors in nursing home, care center, and hospital settings. Eligible candidates are invited to send a detailed letter of interest and resume to: visitationsearch@gmail.com. See a member of the pastoral team with any questions.

CELEBRATING THE MINISTRY OF RON HUBER: After 28 years of ministry at St. Paul, the last decade of which he served as visitation pastor, Ron Huber is retir-ing at the end of 2019. Prior to their move to Minnesota, the congregation has the opportunity to express gratitude to Ron and Karen Huber at an open house reception on Sunday, Dec. 15, 3-5 p.m., at the church. Cards are welcome and may be dropped in a basket at the farewell celebration. To give towards a congregational purse for Pastor Ron, please make checks out to St. Paul with “farewell gift” in the memo line, and place in a separate envelope directed to St. Paul.

THE BOOK CORNER is stocked with Advent devotionals and calendars, as well as nativities, ornaments, children’s Christmas books, chocolate, and lots of gift ideas. The Book Corner will be open at 5 p.m. every Saturday and Wednesday during Advent. Check the sign on the door of the Book Corner for extended hours.

LAST CALL FOR CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS which will decorate the front of the Sanctuary as Christmas approaches. If you would like to donate a plant in memory or in honor of a loved one, orders may be placed in the church office or by mail no later than Friday, Dec. 13. The cost for each plant is $8. Pick up specially marked envelopes at the Info Center. Payment is due at the time of order.

SOCIAL WORKER AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS: St. Paul’s social worker, Angie Vaaler, is available to supplement the counseling services of our pastors, free of charge. Her service to St. Paul members and the Madison Elementary School community assists those who may be going through a difficult transition, strug-gling in relationships, experiencing depression or anxiety, working through some trauma, or in need of a listening ear - especially during the holidays. On staff part-time, Angie is available for appointments: 563-326-3547 ext. 312.

THIS SUNDAY

LEARNING FOR ADULTS (10:20-11:05 a.m.)▶ Matthew and prophecy: The Gospel of Matthew, particularly during Advent, fre-

quently tells us that something “took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” Explore what it means to “fulfill” something spoken centu-ries before and how it helps us to understand what Matthew says about Jesus and the community who follows him. Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor. In the Chapel.

▶ “Portrait of Maquoketa” and The Storytelling Tree: “Portrait of Maquoketa” is now a part of the permanent collection at the Figge Art Museum and is in exhibition at the Figge together with Chuck Morris’ illustrated book, The Storytelling Tree. Come learn about the story behind the art with Cindy Cavanagh, Figge inter-preter, in the Luther Loft. Join a St. Paul visit to the exhibition next Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:30 p.m.

▶ For God so loved the world, and other 3:16s: John 3:16 is one of the most familiar verses in the Bible. Explore the contexts, meaning, and significance of other 3:16 verses. Proverbs 3:16 with Pastor Sara Olson-Smith. In Room 208.

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▶ Portraits and stories: Rose Frantzen, a local artist, and Chuck Morris, author of “The Storytelling Tree.” In the Chapel.

▶ Martin Luther on Advent and Christmas: Peter Pettit, teaching pastor. In Luther Loft.▶ For God so loved the world, and other 3:16s: Exodus 3:16 with Pastor Peter Marty.

In Room 208.

NEXT SUNDAY

LEARNING FOR KIDS & YOUTH (10:20-11:05 a.m.)

▶ Ages 3-Pre-K: Main Level▶ Grades K-2: Upper Level, Friendship Hall▶ Grades 3-5: Lower Level, Commons area ▶ Grades 6-8: Lower Level, Youth Rooms

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL), GRADES 9-12 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)SNL gathers most Sunday nights at St. Paul. Tonight, Dec. 8, youth will meet at Target on Elmore and 53rd to shop for Christmas gifts for the residents at the Handicapped Development Center. Bring $5 to donate. Leaders will transport students back to St. Paul to wrap gifts during SNL. Andy Langdon, andy@stpaulqc

This service of longing and hope, designed for anyone who may not feel like celebrating this season. During the holidays, grief, illness, loneliness, and loss can be magnified. The Blue Christmas service acknowledges this pain, while offering hope and comfort for the broken-hearted. In the gathering darkness of December, anticipate Jesus, light of the world.

Sunday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.

WOULD YOU BE A CHRISTMAS GREETER? Welcome people into the warmth of St. Paul on Christmas Eve. As people flow into church, a handshake, a smile, and a cheerful greeting mean so much.

Could you spread some Christmas joy for about 30to 45 minutes of your time before a particular worship service? Please contact Jennifer Garvey,563-326-3547, jennifer@stpaulqc.org.

LIGHT AND LIFE:ADVENT DEVOTIONSThe December season of wait-ing and watching is here. This Advent, read short stories and meditations written by St. Paul people. Sign up to receive these daily devotions by email at: www.ow.ly/TGYC5.