Adult learning

Intentional faith formation

At St. Paul, we take lifetime faith formation seriously. We’re lifelong learners who delight in growing our relationship with God. We ask the right questions rather than presuming to have all the answers, especially on complex issues. There are all kinds of ways to grow in faith.

Sunday morning adult learning

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. Contact: Pam Garrett, pam@stpaulqc.org.

In the Chapel

Oct. 25 – Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb
Sarah Yotter, St. Paul pastoral intern
Nature imagery is bountiful in the bible, but one setting helps provide the backdrop to some of the most well-known stories in the biblical narrative. Join intern Sarah Yotter to dive into the gardens of scripture. Journey with Jesus and the disciples, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden Tomb of the Resurrection.

Nov. 1 – Christian Nationalism
Eric Stewart, Professor and Chair of Religion, Augustana College
Christian Nationalism merges political ideology with faith in ways that distort Christian teaching and undermine religious freedom. Eric Stewart examines what Christian Nationalism is, why it has gained traction in recent years, and its corrosive effects on both church and democracy.

Nov. 8 – Our Neighbors, then and now
Julie Nelson, Site Services Specialist I, Black Hawk State Historic Site
The Indigenous peoples of the Quad Cities region have deep roots here stretching back centuries, yet their history and ongoing presence often remain unknown. Julie Nelson shares the story of the tribes who first inhabited this area and the living Indigenous communities here today — crucial context as St. Paul works to build relationships grounded in truth, healing, and genuine partnership.

Nov. 15 – Advent organ devotional 
Chris Nelson, St. Paul director of music ministries  
The Advent Organ Devotion is a musical journey through the season of Advent. Twenty-seven organ works, spanning more than four centuries, trace Advent’s inner movement from listening and waking to warming, radiance, and ultimately the joy of Christmas. Each piece is paired with a brief reflection, not as an explanation, but as an invitation to deeper listening. Together, the music and reflections offer a space to dwell within the season, learning to wait, to notice, and to remain open to what is quietly drawing near. 

Nov. 22 – Mark in a hurry: An introduction to Mark’s gospel 
Mark Niethammer, St. Paul senior pastor
In the three-year cycle of readings for worship, this Advent season begins a focus on the Gospel of Mark.  Come for a conversation and introduction to the shortest, most urgent, and most surprising of the four gospels. We’ll take a sweeping look at the whole story and explore what sets Mark apart: its fast-moving pace, a Jesus who keeps telling people to be quiet about what they’ve seen, and parables that read less like lessons than like riddles to be lived with rather than solved. No background is needed, only curiosity. Come meet Mark on its own terms, so that when it is read aloud in worship this year, you’ll hear it with fresh ears. 

Nov. 29 – Matthew and Luke at the manger: Two different stories
Eric Stewart, Professor and Chair of Religion, Augustana College
As Advent begins, the stories of Jesus’ birth take center stage. The Gospels of Mathew and Luke tell slightly different stories, highlighting the meaning of Jesus’ birth and life in different ways. These stories highlight themes in each Gospel that give us a richer picture of how early Christians understood Jesus.   

Dec. 6 – Life in Bethlehem: Stories from the Holy Land
Amer Hannunah, Xian Community, Bethlehem
Christian families in Bethlehem and Jerusalem live at the intersection of faith, culture, and political upheaval. Amer Hannunah shares stories of families whose lives have been fundamentally shaped by ongoing conflict and the collapse of tourism that once sustained their communities, offering a direct window into the lived experience of Christians in the Middle East.

Dec. 13 – No Chapel learning, Please enjoy the St. Paul Christmas pageant!

Dec. 20 – A safe haven: Clock, Inc. 
Mary Francis, Event & program coordinator community outreach 
For many LGBT+ people, finding true community feels risky. Clock, Inc. creates a space where that changes — where people can be fully themselves while accessing mental health support, practical resources, and advocacy rooted in lived experience. Mary Francis shares how Clock moves beyond mere acceptance to genuine belonging, and why safe community centers matter for healing and resilience.

Dec. 27 & Jan. 3 – Chapel learning is on winter break and returns Jan. 10.

Bible studies

Fed on Scripture-Lunchtime Series
Mondays, 12 noon, Library Commons
Spend your lunchtime in conversation about Jesus and his teachings. Using a contemplative practice of Bible study called Lectio Divina, we read, share and pray through Jesus’ words from the Gospel of John. No experience necessary, just an open heart and your own lunch if you want it. Each week covers a new passage, so come when you can! Mondays, 12 noon. Library Commons Contact: Sara Olson-Smith, sara@stpaulqc.org. 

Bible Study: Heart|Soul|Mind 
Thursdays, beginning Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall  
Dr. Lisa Powell explores the book of Genesis to discover how God is a God of covenant. From creation and the garden to Abraham and Sarah, from the flood to the captivity of the Hebrew people, explore what God’s promises and relationships teach us about faithfulness, trust, and belonging to God’s story. Whether you’re familiar with these stories or encountering them for the first time, this study invites you to ask questions, engage deeply, and encounter the God who calls us into covenant relationship. Contact: Lisa Powell, PowellLisaD@sau.edu  

Learning Groups

Cinema and Spirituality
Guided by the book Films for All Seasons by Abby Olcese, explore themes of waiting, celebration, revelation, sacrifice, resurrection, and growth through cinematic storytelling.
Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.,
The Last Picture House, Davenport
Upcoming films include:
▶ Oct. 20: Coco (Legacy)
▶ Nov. 17: The Bishop’s Wife (Faith)
▶ Dec. 15: Children of Men (Hope)
Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups. Sign ups go live the first Thursday of each month. $5 tickets (cash preferred). Contact: Tim Suddarth, timsuddarth@yahoo.com

Conversations of faith and culture 
On the first Thursday of each month, come together with Pastor Mark to discuss select articles from the Christian Century magazine and similar publications and blogs. Articles will be available in the library two weeks prior to each gathering. Contact Mark Niethammer, mark@stpaulqc.org. 

Theology Pub
Third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., 
Boozies, 421 W. River Dr., Davenport
Word has it that some of the best theology has been fashioned over tables loaded with good food and drink, and an atmosphere of strong friendship. Come to enjoy a rich mix of people and perspective, as we informally explore the many ways in which our faith intersects with our lives and the world. Contact: Justin Marquis, justinmarquis@stpaulqc.org