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. 17)

Joan Carter *Betty Chatfield Larry Darnell *Midge Johnson Ashley Lammers *Mary Stark Gary Stodden

CALENDAR

staff connectionsDec. 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 1:39-55

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 19 & 20, 2015

today at st. paul

11am Bohnsack funeral6:30pm Open Spirit Christmas Eve rehearsal

MONDAY, DEC. 21

8:30am Madison Marketplace set up1pm Madison Marketplace6pm Blue Christmas worship7pm Private event7:30pm SNL Alumni

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

Office closed

FRIDAY, DEC. 25

5:30pm Worship

SATURDAY, DEC. 26

8am Worship9am Book Corner open9:20am Worship11:45am Worship

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 239:30am Staff meeting5pm Book Corner open6pm Adult Children of Alcoholics6pm All choirs rehearse

Death: Jim Steffen, Dec. 11 Joyce Bohnsack, Dec. 16

With sympathy: Stephanie & Robin Canterbury, her mother Joyce Bohnsack Randy & Victoria Miller, his father Dale Miller Delma Steffen, husband Jim Steffen

Dec. 26 & 27 - Christmas 1

Preaching:All services Liesebet Gravley

Worship notes:9:20 ChoraleCommunion served at all services

Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52RECENT ISSUES OF CONNECTIONS

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

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 over half a million dol-lars 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

THURSDAY, DEC. 24

1pm Holy Communion & Carols Worship3pm A Family Service for All5pm Holy Communion & Open Spirit8pm A Service of Lessons & Carols10pm Candlelight & Holy Communion

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.

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

thursday, 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 Sara Olson-Smith 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.

- He Came Down

SIMPLY CHRISTMASToday, Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

The angels, stars, and shepherds are all getting ready for the 2015 St. Paul Christmas pageant! Come and see the Christmas story, told through the eyes of children.

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 Saturday, Jan. 9, 9-11:30 a.m. OR Thursday, Feb. 11, 6:30-9:30 p.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

COME AND ENJOY A HEARTY LAUGH Sunday, Jan. 3, 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. 27 and Jan. 3. Classes resume Jan. 10.

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)

YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI: All college and beyond former Youth Choir singers are invited to join the current Youth Choir 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)

adults SIMPLER LIVING, COMPASSIONATE LIFE: A Sunday-morning series will explore the practice of voluntary simplicity — listening to our lives through a dialogue about time, money, food, spirituality, heritage, com-

munity. Led by Pastor Katy Warren and Ann McGlynn, director of communica-tion, this five-week series will meet in Luther Loft, 10:45-11:30 a.m., beginning Sunday, Jan. 10. The book of guiding es-says, Simpler Living, Compassionate Life, is available in the Book Corner and the St. Paul Library. It is not necessary, but is helpful in offering a deeper under-standing of simplicity. (Ann McGlynn, ann@stpaulqc.org)

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)

MISSION APPALACHIA: April 2-9, 2016, Chavies, Kentucky. Help make homes warmer, safer, drier. St. Paul people will meet a family and work on their home during this week-long trip to an Appalachia Service Project center. To sign up, visit stpaulqc.org/signups, or contact Pastor Katy Warren, 326-3547 x232, katy@stpaulqc.org.

children/families KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS PLAY: Today, Sunday, Dec. 20, 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 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 wel-come in worship.

FAITH MILESTONE: For families with babies born Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2015, Sunday, Jan. 31, 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 Pas-tor Sara Olson-Smith. Each family will receive an illustrated Bible storybook, a gift from the congregation. 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.)▶ 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: 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, Pastor Katy Warren will lead Moses’ Shining Face (34:29-35). In Room 208.

KID

S &

YO

UTH

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL), GRADES 9-12Tonight for SNL, ALL 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)

AD

ULT

S

For more info, visit stpaulqc.org/connect

NEXT SUNDAYLEARNING BREAK FOR ALL AGES: Except for Pastor Marty’s Jan. 3 session, The Year 2015 in Review - - New Yorker Cartoons, Sunday morning learning classes for all ages are on break Dec. 27 and Jan. 3. Classes resume on Jan. 10.

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

GRATITUDE FOR CORRINE: For years and years, Corrine Betcher has served as the one-person altar guild at St. Paul. Every Sunday, she prepared the com-munion wafers and wine for all services. She took care of the ordering of these items, and laundered the robes and linens. Today we celebrate her retirement from this role. We give thanks for her years of dedication, cheerfulness, and serving heart.A SMALL COMMUNION TEAM is being formed of individuals with interest in assisting with the set-up and clean-up of our altar table each Sunday. The prep work mostly involves care before and after our 9:20 a.m. service, as well as certain festival service days. If you have an interest in exploring what service on this newly forming team involves, we would love to hear from you. Contact Chris Nelson, music director, chris@stpaulqc.org.HOLY BAPTISM: Two children step into the embrace of the Christian faith through holy baptism this weekend during our 5:30 p.m. worship: Emma Peters, daughter of Kelly and John Peters, and Brooklyn Sciacero, daughter of Jaclyn Sciacero. We welcome them into the Lord’s family.THE POINSETTIAS in our worship space are thanks to the many individu-als 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.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! 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 for you as a convenient reminder of the faithful discipline of giving.

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. In the gather-ing darkness of December, anticipate Jesus, light of the world.

Tuesday, 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 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.

Sunday, Jan. 3, 10:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall