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 Dec. 15)

Ida Winckler

Death: Michael Brown Marbach, Dec. 12

With sympathy:▶ Family of Michael Bewley, Sr.: Son Mike (Jody) Bewley Granddaughter Meagan Bewley▶ Family of Pierce Cordle: Sister Paige Cordle Aunt & Uncle Shelli & Darin Engelbrecht Cousins Dylan & Nolan Engelbrecht

staff connectionsDecember 17 & 18 - Advent 4

Preaching:5:30/8/11:45 Peter W. Marty9:20 Sara Olson-Smith

Worship notes:9:20am Youth Choir; ChoraleCommunion served at all services

Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-16; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1: 18-25

next weekend

PASTORSPeter W. Marty Senior pastorSara Olson-Smith Associate pastorKaty Warren Associate pastorAmy Diller Pastor in residencyRon Huber Visitation pastor

COMMUNICATIONSAnn McGlynn Director of communicationLauren Brown Artistic directorBecky Harper Adm. asst. to sr. pastor Karen Holden Book Corner managerAllison Adams Communications intern

OPERATIONSTodd Byerly Operations directorPaula Durham Business managerJennifer Garvey ReceptionistTessa Hahn Business office assistantMarcia Robertson Stewardship coordinatorHarris Schneekloth Campus supervisorMatt Spencer Custodial managerJim Akright Custodial/MaintenancePaul Caldwell Weekend hostRon Mullen Weekend hostJoe Wollett Evening hostRick Ybarra Outdoor host

LEARNINGRyan Bailey Director of faith formationJoanna Roland Preschool & kids’ learningAndy Langdon Director of youth ministriesMichelle Juehring Children & family lifeDana Welser Neighborhood schoolsTammy Hermanson Residency administratorTeresa Whitbeck Childcare coordinator

MUSICChris Nelson Director of music ministriesBill Campbell Contemporary musicLinda Allebach Assistant organist Nathan Windt Chorale director Dan Pepper Youth choir directorSara Harless Children’s choir director Rosita Tendall Children’s choir directorMargaret Thompson Children’s choir director

2136 Brady Street

Davenport, IA 52803

563.326.3547

www.stpaulqc.org

December 17 & 18, 2016

today at st. paul

8:45am Preschool9am Preschool Rainbows Nativity dress rehearsal

MONDAY, DEC. 19

8:15am Madison Market8:45am Preschool (last before winter break)9:30am Preschool Rainbows Nativity play10:45am Prechool Cookies & Carols1:30pm Madison Market4:30pm Preschool staff Christmas party6pm Blue Christmas

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

Book Corner closed10am Worship

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 219:30am Staff meeting5pm Book Corner open6pm All choirs rehearse6pm Adult Children of Alcoholics 6:30pm Confirmation6:45pm High school small group8pm SNL Alumni gathering

December 24 - Christmas Eve

Preaching:1pm Katy Warren3pm Family Service5/8/10pm Peter W. Marty

Worship notes: See front cover

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-14 [15-20]

December 25 - Christmas Day

Preaching:10am Ryan Bailey

Worship notes: See front cover

Readings: Isaiah 62: 6-12; Titus 3: 4-7; Luke 2: [1-7] 8-20

RECENT ISSUES OF CONNECTIONS are available at the Info Center and online at www.stpaulqc.org/connections-flyer.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

6pm Centering Prayer6:30pm Open Spirit ensemble practice

SATURDAY, DEC. 24Book Corner closed1pm Holy Communion & Carols Worship2:30pm Kids choir rehearsal3pm A Family Service for All5pm Holy Communion & Open Spirit6:45pm Chorale rehearsal8pm A Service of Lessons & Carols10pm Candlelight & Holy Communion

▶ Rob & Beth Johnson, his father Clarence Johnson▶ Family of Michael Marbach: Parents Julia & Lee Marbach Sisters Kelsey & Lisa Marbach▶ Family of William Martin: Daughter Patty (Jeff) Herzberg Grandchildren Billy, Danny, & Sara Herzberg▶ Family of Leslie McIntire: Brother Joe (Tracy) Elceser Nieces Abby, Emma, & Olivia Elceser ▶ Family of Ron Medd: Sister-in-law Jean Medd Nephew Scott Medd Nephew Gary (Jean) Medd

DEAR ST. PAUL PEOPLE:

Thank you for everything you’ve done this year to make the ministry of this congregation flourish. The Lord is praised for every bag of food you give, mile you drive, hour you commit, of-fering you pledge, and act of love you undertake on behalf of the church. We have enjoyed an extraordinary year of life and spirit. Your generosity is part of our giving away more than half a million dollars to important causes and people of need. That’s awesome!

Now, with Christmas at hand, I hope you will delight in the simple joy of God’s decision to be born of our skin. Compli-cated for Mary, perhaps, in birthing this little one; but simple for God to come to the decision that we need divine love and mercy in a serious way.

God bless your heart of faith –Peter W. Marty, senior pastor

For information on Advent and Christmas happenings: www.stpaulqc.org/christmas

saturday, december 24

1 p.m. | Holy Communion & CarolsAll the glory of Christmas Eve in an early-afternoon option. Scripture and hymns tell the story of this holy night. Pastor Katy Warren preaching.

3 p.m. | A Family Christmas ServiceA participatory service for all ages, with traditional carols and a lively children’s message. Children and youth choirs sing.

5 p.m. | Holy Communion with Open SpiritThe Open Spirit ensemble leads Christmas singing with a contemporary flair. Pastor Peter Marty preaching.

8 p.m. | A Service of Lessons & CarolsMusic by the Chorale with candlelight.Pastor Peter Marty preaching.

10 p.m. | Candlelight Holy CommunionThe evening concludes with Silent Night in a darkened Sanctuary lit with candles. Pastor Peter Marty preaching.

God camedown that

we mayhave love...

Hallelujahforevermore.

From a hymn

10 a.m. | A Service of Lessons & CarolsRyan Bailey preaching.

Christmas Eve parking: In addition to St. Paul parking lots & side streets, Madison School lots across Brady Street are available.

Childcare: During all services, the childcare room will be open for parents to use as needed. Childcare staff will not be present. Children are always welcome in worship.

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

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

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 9:20 and 11:45 a.m. Special bul-letins are available from an usher. Worship bags for children are at entrances to the Sanctuary.

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.

MEMBERSHIP: A one-session Membership Inquiry Class is offered once each month for those interested in exploring what membership at St. Paul involves. The next opportunity will be on Saturday, Jan. 7, 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 NOTEA MARVELOUS GROUP OF NEW MEMBERS joins today, Dec. 18, at the 9:20 a.m. service. Find them in the Gathering Area after worship. Be part of their welcome through your own hospitality. Thanks for doing the favor of wearing a name tag and taking an interest in others you may not know.

THE ST. PAUL BOOK CORNER is open for extended hours this weekend. Awaken your mind with Christian books of enduring significance, browse gifts and products that provide fair income for the world’s less privileged – chocolate and granola bars make perfect stocking stuffers!

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE IN and lined up alphabetically in the Elevator Commons this weekend. St. Paul members, please stop and pick up your personalized box. These envelopes are for you as a convenient reminder of the faithful discipline of giving.

THE POINSETTIAS in our worship space are thanks to the many indi-viduals who honor or remember loved ones with these gifts. We rejoice in all gifts of love. You may pick up a copy of the list of contributors at the Info Center. Thank you all.

PARKING ON CHRISTMAS EVE should not be a problem. If it snows, our crews will be working overtime to keep the lots clear. Additional parking is available across Brady Street at Madison Elementary School. Lighting is dim there; use extra caution when crossing Brady.

COME AND ENJOY A HEARTY LAUGH Sunday, Jan. 1, 10:45 a.m., as Pastor Marty reviews the year through the New Yorker cartoons. All other Sunday morning learning classes (for all ages) are on break Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Classes resume Jan. 8.

children/families KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS PLAY: Today, Sunday, Dec. 18, during the learning hour (10:45-11:30 a.m.), the kindergarten Sunday school students will put on a Christmas play, an annual tradition at St. Paul. In the Chapel.

CHILDCARE: During all Christmas Eve and Christmas morning services, the childcare and nursing moms’ rooms will be open for parents to use as needed. Childcare staff are given the day off. Children are always welcome in worship.

FAITH MILESTONE: For families with babies born Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2016, Sunday, Jan. 29, 10:45-11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. This faith milestone moment is a chance to share some ways that you can pass on your faith to your child from the very beginning, with Pastor Sara Olson-Smith. Each family will receive an illustrated Bible storybook, a gift from the congrega-tion. Advance registration helps with planning. Sign up online: stpaulqc.org/signups. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.

org

youth CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Today, Dec. 18, 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. Andy

Langdon, andy@stpaulqc.org

SNL ALUMNI GATHERING! Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 21, for a little reunion of our previously graduated students. We’ll meet at 8 p.m. at St. Paul and have some classic SNL wor-ship in the youth room before heading out for a slice of pie at Village Inn. Andy

Langdon, andy@stpaulqc.org

YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI: All col-lege and beyond former Youth Choir singers are invited to join the current Youth Choir for worship on Sunday, Jan. 8. Gather to rehearse a favorite anthem, Who Is the Lamb?, at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel. The choir sings during the 9:20 a.m. service. Dan Pepper, pepper@

stpaulqc.org

adults MEN’S BIBLE STUDY will not be meeting on Dec. 21. Our next gather-ing will be Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:15 p.m., in the 129 House on the St. Paul campus corner of Lombard and Main Streets. Our upcoming focus will be the prophets, beginning with Micah. Jeff Keller, jeff.keller@aol.com

MEALS FOR MOMS: St. Paul’s Moms’ Morning group is inviting individuals to join in their effort to bring meals to St. Paul members who are new parents. To be a part of this flexible opportuni-ty, contact Christine Lassers, christine.lassers@gmail.com. CENTERING PRAYER: Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., Upper Level Room 203. Prac-tice an ancient prayer form in which you will experience God’s presence within. Centering prayer does not replace other kinds of prayer, but is a discipline that allows a person to move beyond conversation to resting in God and communion with Christ. Dick Jensen,

rrjensen65@gmail.com

THIS SUNDAY

LEARNING FOR ADULTS (10:45-11:30 AM)

▶ Parenting with hope: Jesus was born in a time of great anxiety to parents who had every reason to be fearful for their family’s future. That means the hope we can draw from the story of his birth can offer real hope for those starting and raising families in a world where sometimes overwhelming anxiety and pain are present. St. Paul member and author Leslie Klipsch. In the Luther Loft.

▶ The word for today - imagination: In this weekly Bible study, consider passages of scripture in light of current circum-stances, listening carefully for God’s living word for us today. Pastor Katy Warren. In Room 208.

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LEARNING BREAK FOR ALL AGES: Except for Pastor Marty’s Jan. 1 session, The Year 2016 in Review — New Yorker Cartoons, Sunday morning learning classes for all ages are on break Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Classes resume on Jan. 8.

LEARNING FOR KIDS & YOUTH (10:45-11:30 AM)

▶ Ages 3 & Pre-K: Main Level▶ Grades K-2: Upper Level, Friendship Hall▶ Grades 3-5: Lower Level, Commons area▶ Grades 6-12: Lower Level, Sanctuary

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL)Tonight for SNL, ALL middle and high school youth, 6-12 grade, are invited to gather at church at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner followed by an evening of Christmas caroling around the community. Andy Langdon, andy@stpaulqc.org, 326-3547 x228

This service of longing and hope is 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.

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

NEXT SUNDAY

Sunday, Jan. 1, 10:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

We share our lives and our resources as a way of loving and thanking God. Together, we make the ministry of this place alive! Every year-end offering and completion of a pledge commitment card is beautiful. Thank you for helping us finish 2016 strong.

Noon on Saturday, Dec. 31 is the moment by which to share any remaining 2016 gifts. If you are a St. Paul member who hasn’t yet pledged for 2017, please do so online ASAP at stpaulqc.org/pledge-2017. Thanks.

Thank you, St. Paul people, for your generosity all year long.