Sunday morning learning

Deep roots in faith

On Sunday mornings, you’ll find a variety of presenters and topics for adult classes, 10:15-11 a.m. Meet up with God’s word, some riveting ideas, and interesting people. No need to register in advance. Grab your cup of coffee and settle in.

January 11
The Flourishing Witness of Lutherans in Tanzania
Sara Olson-Smith, associate pastor
In October, Pastor Sara and her family traveled to northern rural Tanzania with others from Zion Lutheran Church, here in Davenport. Organized around the 50th anniversary of the Pare Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, they spend time with Zion’s partners in Kirangare, along with connecting with leaders from Empower Tanzania, an organization St. Paul supports. Learn about the vibrant Lutherans in Tanzania who live their faith not just through worship and prayer, but in generosity, care for their neighbors, and acts of social transformation.

January 18
The Alchemy of Connection: Turning Dialogue into Community Wealth
Dr. Gauri Pitale, VP of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Augustana College
As humans, we are all storytellers attempting to make sense of our experiences. But how do we truly hear a story that sounds different from our own? Dr. Gauri A. Pitale leads a contemplative session on the transformative power of participatory dialogue.

Drawing from her expertise as a cultural anthropologist and her personal journey navigating new cultures, Dr. Pitale invites us to view dialogue as a spiritual vocation. This session moves beyond mere “tolerance” to explore the cultural value of Radical Grace and Inherent Dignity. Together, we shift our mindset from ethnocentrism to curiosity, learning how to “dig to the root” of beliefs to find shared goals. Attendees walk away with both a heart-centered perspective and practical tools to build a community where every individual’s divinity is recognized and celebrated.

January 25
Who is My Neighbor? Why Following Jesus Means Climate Action
Everett Hamner, professor, Western Illinois
As the Good Samaritan parable demonstrates, Jesus’ ministry was big on breaking stereotypes, and it’s time to join him in breaking another. Everett Hamner is just back from the annual UN climate conference in Brazil; he has also taught seminary courses on ecology, theology, and storytelling in Canada. The bad news (spoiler alert) is that such international contexts do not paint Americans (especially white Christians) in a particularly good light, as we are currently exacerbating a global reputation for exploiting other peoples, species, and their homes. The good news, though, is that the new energy habits we must adopt are increasingly available, even economically advantageous, which is why most other nations are embracing them with shocking speed and benefit. Come join in the discussion to reimagine earthkeeping not just as one good activity among others, but as foundational to every corner of our personal and professional lives.

February 1
Seeing Beyond the Screen: How films make meaning
Francis Agnoli, film scholar and professor
Like all artforms, films create and communicate meaning; film scholars seek to understand how and by what means those meanings are created and communicated. This presentation and discussion will provide an overview of film studies and what the discipline offers us as filmgoers. Through this field of study, we can better recognize how films link to the past, introduce us to new worldviews, and generate empathy for others. By becoming more active readers and listeners, we are able to develop a clearer understanding of the world around us.

February 8
Congregational Annual Meeting (no regular adult learning)

February 15
Meet St. Paul intern, Sarah Yotter 
Sarah Yotter, St. Paul intern with Pam Garrett, pastoral residency administrator 
Gather for a fireside chat with Sarah Yotter, who serves St. Paul as a pastoral intern for the coming year. Pam Garrett, pastoral residency administrator, leads a conversation that offers a chance to get to know Sarah and her journey. Guests will have time to ask questions and connect with Sarah personally. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to welcome Sarah into the life of St. Paul.

February 22
Project Renewal
Ann Schwickerath, Executive director
Through educational programs, recreational activities, and positive mentorship, Project Renewal helps children build strong foundations for healthy, productive lives while serving as a stabilizing force in the community. Learn how this impactful organization creates opportunities for youth and families, and discover ways you can support their mission.