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.

March 22 – From stigma to hope: Understanding addiction and recovery
Jenny Halupnik, director of engagement, One Eighty
Nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend who has struggled with addiction. Jenny Halupnik offers an insightful look at addiction and how One Eighty’s whole-person recovery approach, which addresses mental health, trauma, spirituality, and workforce development, helps rebuild lives. Hear directly from a One Eighty graduate about their journey from addiction to a life of freedom, purpose, and hope. 

March 29 – Guiding principles: Curating art in the hospital setting
Anna Villareal, Collections coordinator, UI Health Care
Explore University of Iowa Health Care’s extensive art collection of over 7,000 pieces, designed to create aesthetic, contemplative, entertaining, and visual thinking experiences for patients and staff. Anna Villareal discusses how the department’s guiding principles for artwork selection are informed by their mission and input from patient representatives and medical staff to ensure thoughtful placement throughout healthcare spaces. The presentation showcases diverse artworks ranging from whimsical and storytelling pieces to works focused on rehabilitation, resilience, and reflection, including those in non-denominational meditation spaces and specialty areas like orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics. Villareal also addresses the unique considerations for installing artwork in behavioral health spaces, which require different physical installation requirements for safety. 

April 5 – Learning is on break for Easter

April 12 – Caregiving and the sandwich generation
Steve Kalber, St. Paul counselor
Nearly a third of American adults find themselves in the “sandwich generation” — simultaneously raising children while caring for aging parents. It’s a role that can be exhausting, expensive, and emotionally draining. St. Paul counselor Steve Kalber explores the unique pressures facing sandwich-generation caregivers and offers practical strategies for managing competing demands without losing yourself in the process.

April 19 – The Nicene Creed: what does it mean?
Winston D. Persaud, professor emeritus of systematic theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary
Read and ponder how the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed contains essentials of the Christian faith which spoke to crucial questions that arose by the fourth century of the Common Era. Together, we will ponder and interpret the confession, “We believe in one God…,” the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God alone is the source of life, healing, and forgiveness. Whether you’ve recited it hundreds of times or are hearing it fresh, come ready to explore what we believe, why it matters, and what it means for how we live.

April 26 – The state of the schools
Kathryn Kunkle, Kent Barnds, and Karen Kline-Jerome, school board members
What’s happening in our local schools — and what does the future hold? School board members from Davenport and Pleasant Valley join together for a panel discussion on the state of education in the Quad Cities. Hear about the challenges they’re navigating, the wins worth celebrating, and the exciting changes on the horizon. Come curious, come with questions, and discover how you can play a part in supporting our community’s kids and schools.

May 3 –
Sarah Yotter, St. Paul pastoral intern