An October of connecting

Give blood. Build a home. Share a meal. Care for a garden. Care for another. October is beautifully filled with ways to connect with and love others.

Train to become a Care Companion
Care Companions are not experts or counselors, but people who walk alongside and share a journey for a time. Friendship, presence, and prayer are their tools. Be part of this team of compassionate people.

Training is set for Saturday, Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m.-12 noon. It will be led by Lynn Batcher and Pastor Sara Olson-Smith. Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org.

Worship and share a meal at Golden Agers
St. Paul senior adults, 75 years and older, come together each October for the Golden Agers worship and luncheon. This year, Golden Agers will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with worship in the Chapel, including a hymn sung by St. Paul staff.

Then, it’s off to Fellowship Hall for a catered meal and more staff entertainment. Please RSVP to Jennifer Garvey, 563-326-3547, jennifer@stpaulqc.org.

Cleanup for St. Paul Community Garden set for Oct. 14
After a season of abundance in the St. Paul Community Garden, it is time for the soil to rest for the winter. A cleanup is set for Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-12 noon. Crews will clear the raised beds in the backyard of 2025 Main Street as well as the southern plot down the alleyway.

Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 15, 2-4 p.m.

This year, the garden provided produce for Café on Vine, the Madison Market, St. Paul neighbors and friends, and the annual Garden Share – the farmers market-like giveaway on a Sunday morning in August. Contact: Matt Schroeder, schroeder4rivermont@yahoo.com.

Habitat for Humanity house building continues
The Habitat for Humanity house that St. Paul is supporting with volunteers and benevolence funds is nearing completion – and you can help finish the build.

St. Paul people will gather on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m., at 901 Farnam St., Davenport. Dinner will be provided. No previous construction experience is necessary, only a willingness to learn. To sign up for the work crew, visit stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Pastor Katy Warren, katy@stpaulqc.org.

St. Paul pastors to host usher team Oct. 21
The St. Paul pastors will break out their breakfast-making skills for a time of conversation and togetherness with the St. Paul usher crew. It will be held
on Saturday, Oct. 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Ushers are the people who greet, seat, and care for worshipers and the Sanctuary every weekend. You know them by their green lanyards and big smiles as they hand out bulletins and help with offering. This breakfast is for seasoned ushers and anyone who is interested in being an usher. Children and adults can serve as ushers.

To RSVP, please go to stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Ann McGlynn, ann@stpaulqc.org.

Walking the Grief Journey
On Sundays, Oct. 22-Nov. 19, from 10:45-11:30 a.m., gather in the Church House Living Room. This supportive, compassionate series is for those who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. Explore and discover new strength for a hopeful future. Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Pastor Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org.

Give the gift of life on Blood Donor Day
Volunteer to help others battling serious injury and illness at the fall Blood Donor Day on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Blood donation is a simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Enjoy conversation and treats afterwards. Donations are utilized by the health care facilities in the region that receive blood from the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Pastor Sara Olson- Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org.