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

Our hospitalized: (*released as of Dec. 10)

Joyce Bohnsack Joan Carter Emily Hatch

Death: Rosemary Hebert, Nov. 4

CALENDAR

staff connectionsDec. 12 & 13 - 3 Advent

Preaching:5:30/11:45 Amy Diller8:00/9:20 Katy Warren

Worship notes:8:00 St. Paul Quartet9:20 Youth Choir; New membersCommunion served at all services

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

next weekend

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

COMMUNICATIONSAnn McGlynn Director of communicationLauren Brown Artistic directorBecky Harper Adm. asst. to sr. pastor Karen Holden Book Corner managerKayla Bushey Communications internTyler James 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 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 administratorKatie Hanson Beyond Words coordinatorTeresa Whitbeck Childcare coordinator

MUSICChris Nelson Director of music ministriesBill Campbell Contemporary music Jon Hurty Chorale directorDan Pepper Youth Choir directorLinda Allebach Children’s Choir directorRosita Tendall Children’s Choir directorMargaret Thompson Children’s Choir director

IN OUR PRAYERS

2136 Brady Street

Davenport, IA 52803

563.326.3547

www.stpaulqc.org

December 12 & 13, 2015

today at st. paul

8:45am Preschool6pm Monthly grief support6:30pm Membership inquiry class

MONDAY, DEC. 14

8:45am Preschool6pm Prayer Around the Cross7pm Congregation council

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

8:45am Preschool9:30am Moms’ Morning5pm High school girls’ night out6pm Nova Singers rehearsal7:30pm Nova Singers concert

FRIDAY, DEC. 18

8am Christmas pageant practice11am Hebert funeral4pm Private event5pm Book Corner open5:30pm Worship

SATURDAY, DEC. 19

8am Worship9am Book Corner open9:20am Worship10:45am Learning for all10:45am Kindergarten Christmas program11:45am Worship2pm Private event3:30pm Christmas pageant practice4pm Christmas pageant5:30pm 6-12th grade Christmas caroling

SUNDAY, DEC. 20

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 168:45am Preschool9am Staff Christmas party5pm Book Corner open5:30pm Christmas pageant singing practice6pm Adult Children of Alcoholics6pm All choirs rehearse6:15pm Men’s Bible study6:30pm Confirmation6:45pm Christmas pageant speaking parts practice

With sympathy: Lance & Jennifer Leslie, his mother Carol Mueller Deb & Greg Miller, her brother-in-law Fritz Buettner Diane Nauman, mother Rosemary Hebert

Dec. 19 & 20 - 4 Advent

Preaching:All services Peter W. Marty

Worship notes:9:20 Chorale11:45 JubilateCommunion served at all services

Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

“The people were filled with expecta-tion.” This phrase from Luke 3 sums up this time of year. We are filled with ex-pectation of what is to come in terms of celebrations these coming weeks. Often expectation can get a bad repu-tation of being impatient, but expec-tation is something deeper. It doesn’t have to do with wishing time will pass faster, or with rushing ahead. Expecta-tion is tied up with anticipation, with looking ahead. It is a belief that some-thing can and will happen. The people in Luke were expecting the arrival of the Messiah, the same thing we are eagerly expecting. We can be joyful during this holy time of expectation, for something has happened — God has come into the world.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17

8:45am Preschool9:30am Heart.Soul.Mind. Bible study10:45am Preschool Cookies & Carols3pm Madison Marketplace Christmas gathering5pm KnitWits6pm Mental health awareness team6pm Centering Prayer6:30pm 2136 TED Talks/GOD Talks6:45pm Open Spirit ensemble

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. 22, 6 p.m.

The costumes are ready. The lines are prepared. The singing voices are all warmed up. The 2015 St. Paul Christmas pageant, Simply Christmas, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m., in the Sanctuary. Written by Minnesota resident Cathy Skogen-Soldner, the pag-eant tells the tale of Jesus’ birth. It includes the singing of traditional Christmas carols and a few new tunes, short scripture readings, and the familiar words that tell the story of this extraordinary birth so many years ago. Led by Margaret Thompson, St. Paul’s Alleluia Children’s Choir director, St. Paul children invite you to come along on the journey to Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary.

Christmas Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m.Thank you, St. Paul people, for your generosity all year long. 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 2015 strong.

Noon on Dec. 31 is the moment by which to share any remaining 2015 gifts. Online users please note: Contributions must be made by 3 p.m. Dec. 30. If you are a St. Paul member who hasn’t yet pledged for 2016, please do so online ASAP at www.stpaulqc.org/pledge-2016. Thanks.

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. Special bulletins are available from an usher. Worship bags for chil-dren 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 areinvited 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 stations. Grape juice is available on Sundays in the pottery 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 Monday, Dec. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. OR Saturday, Jan. 9, 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.

NEW TO ST. PAUL?

THIS SUNDAY

adults MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT meets the second Mondays of the month, next gathering on Dec. 14, 6 p.m. in the Church House Living Room. Drop in to share with others who are experiencing grief. Move through important dates – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays – and the everyday of discerning a new nor-mal. (Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org)

2136 TED TALKS, GOD TALKS: For adults in their 20s and 30s, join us for our next TED Talks, GOD Talks on Thursday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. in the Li-brary Commons. We’ll start with a short TED Talks video then dive deep into faith-based conversation. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. (Larissa Biscoe, laranvek@gmail.com)PRIME TIME: Saturday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. Prime Time brings together folks who are 50/60/70-something. In January,

come for a fun evening of chili and Bunco in Fellowship Hall. Sign up at the Info Center by Jan. 3 to bring a pot of chili, veggie tray, or dessert. There will be a freewill offering for drinks. (Jim & Linda Hoepner, 386-6737; Karen Huber, 386-5071)

youth CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Sunday, Dec. 20, 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 (and returning college students): Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., gather at Azteca on North Brady Street for appetizers, reconnecting, and telling stories about college. (Andy Langdon, andy@stpaulqc.org)

children/families KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS PLAY: Next Sunday, Dec. 20, during the learn-ing hour (10:45-11:30 a.m.), the kinder-garten Sunday school students will put on a Christmas play, an annual tradition at St. Paul. In the Chapel.FAITH MILESTONE: For families with babies born Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2015, Sun-day, Jan. 31, 10:45-11:30 a.m. in Fellow-ship 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 and other parents of 2015 babies. Each family will receive an illustrated Bible storybook, a gift from the congre-gation. Advance registration helps with planning. Sign up online: stpaulqc.org/signups. (Michelle Juehring, michelle@stpaulqc.org)

OF SPECIAL NOTE

LEARNING FOR ADULTS (10:45-11:30 A.M.)▶ Joy to the World! The Nativity through the History of Art, part

3 of 3: The final class will help ring in the Christmas season! Examples of major works of art depicting the Nativity will be examined chronologically. Aesthetics, style, and symbolic contexts will comprise some of the key facets to be con-sidered. Cathy Goebel, professor of art history, Augustana College. In the Chapel.

▶ My Story. Our Faith.: Hear the story of St. Paul member Craig Hellyer’s faith journey. In the Luther Loft.

▶ Origins of liberation – A Study in Exodus: Examine the Book of Exodus, thinking together about God’s liberation of the Israelites, and Moses leading the people out of slavery into freedom. This week, Amy Diller will lead Golden Calf (32:1-14). In Room 208.

KID

S &

YO

UTH

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL), GRADES 9-12 (7:15-8:30 P.M.)SNL gathers every Sunday night at St. Paul. It’s a strong framework for high school youth to live, grow, and serve joyfully. (Andy Lang-don, andy@stpaulqc.org, 326-3547)

AD

ULT

S

NEXT SUNDAY▶ There’s Something about Mary: Mother of God? Mother of

Believers? More than just another piece in the manger scene on the mantle, there really is something about Mary. Learn how Christians have viewed Mary over the centuries and how her story can help us respond to God’s call today. In the Luther Loft.

▶ Origins of liberation – A Study in Exodus: In Room 208.

A MARVELOUS GROUP OF NEW MEMBERS joins today, Dec. 13, at the 9:20 a.m. service. Look for 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.MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY CLASS: Join a group of others Monday, Dec. 14, 6:30-9 p.m., exploring life and faith in this place. Find out what the commit-ments, values, and directions are for this congregation. Sign up at the Info Center or online at stpaulqc.org/signups. (Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org)CHRISTMAS EVE HOSPITALITY: Dec. 24 at St. Paul is an afternoon and evening of five full services. Yet, our welcoming ranks are thin as people tend to their own Christmas. If you’re open to the joy of welcoming others, even for only a 30-minute slot, that would be an awesome Christmas gift of its own. Contact Jennifer Garvey to offer your willingness: jennifer@stpaulqc.org, 326-3547.YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI: All current and former Youth Choir singers are invited to join in song for worship on Sunday, Jan. 3. 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)THE BOOK CORNER is stocked with Advent calendars, devotional booklets for all ages, 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.

CAMP SHALOM CHRISTMAS: Looking for gift ideas for the campers in your life? The Camp Shalom Store may have what you’re looking for. Stop by the camp store on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6-8:30 p.m. The store is located at 960 E. 53rd St., Suite 1B, Davenport. 2016 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 a convenient reminder of the faithful discipline of giving. EFT envelopes will be arriving soon.

LEARNING FOR KIDS & YOUTH (10:45-11:30 A.M.)

▶ Ages 3 & Pre-K: Main Level▶ Grades K-2: Upper Level, Friendship Hall▶ Grades 3-5: Lower Level, Faith Trek area▶ Grades 6-12: Lower Level, Youth Rooms

TREASURE & PONDER:ADVENT DEVOTIONSThe December season of waiting and watching is here. Read short stories and meditations written by 27 St. Paul people: www.stpaulqc.org/blog

Prayer around the crossTuesday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m.In this time of waiting and anticipation, we prepare for Jesus’ birth. Take a moment out of the busyness of the season for quiet, reflection, and peace.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24

1 p.m. | Holy Communion & Carols

3 p.m. | A Family Christmas Service

5 p.m. | Holy Communion with Open Spirit

8 p.m. | A Service of Lessons & Carols

10 p.m. | Candlelight Holy Communion

Christmas ConcertNova Singers

Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.Tickets sold online and at the door.