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.
September 7
From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond
Doug Markward
After retiring as an Iowa public school administrator, Doug Markward traveled to Selma, Ala. in 2018 to mark the 53rd anniversary of Bloody Sunday by walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where it took place. The experience changed his perspective on race in America, leading to his publication of From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond in 2024. Dr. Markward will discuss his insights and sign books; all proceeds from book sales will go to the Davenport Community School District, at his request.
September 14
Preparing for the Elder Years
Barbara Edmondson, Iowa Legal Aid staff attorney
The network of laws and services that impact our lives in our “elder years” (which may be sooner than we think) can be confusing, leading to complications and missed opportunities. Barbara Edmondson offers an overview of the matters that are at issue and the ways we can best prepare for and navigate them.
September 21
Human Powers, God, and Lutheran Teaching
Duane Larson
Christian theology understands that God has two hands with which to rule creation. That presumes that God rules creation, including creation’s social and political character, which many people now question. How do we understand God’s relation to the powers that we exercise in nature and in political life? What might each of God’s hands be doing and how can we align our powers with God’s?
September 28
“This Is My Body”
Prof. M. Wolff, Augustana College
The body is a central image in Christian tradition, from the bread of Holy Communion to the church as the body of Christ. Based on research for a recent book, Prof. Wolff explores spiritual and ethical implications of the body and of particular bodies. As background, the Oscar-winning film, Conclave, will be screened with Prof. Wolff hosting a discussion.
Conclave film screening: Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Last Picture House
In advance of Prof. M. Wolff of Augustana College speaking at the Chapel Forum on Sunday, Sept. 28, come to our private screening of Conclave. Admission is $5 with discussion to follow. Sign up online at stpaulqc.org/signups.
October 5
Immigrant and Refugee Life Today
Ann McGlynn and the Tapestry Farms Community
The landscape that immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers navigate in the Quad Cities and in America is not what it was a year ago. What has changed? How are newcomers to our country coping with the present realities? What does daily life look like for these neighbors? From its on-the-ground accompaniment of the immigrant community, Tapestry Farms brings distinctive witness to this segment of our local world.
October 12
Mary Magdalene
Lynn Robinson
Mary Magdalene has drawn attention from Christians as a curious and contradictory figure for two millennia. Hailed by one gospel as the first witness to the resurrection, she has also been held up as a model of sin and repentance based on other gospel stories. Her identity in Bible and in legend, as well as the spiritual roles she has played, will be the focus of this presentation and discussion.
October 19 & 26
El Camino de Santiago: On the Land and In the Heart
Dr. Megan Rockwell and Prof. Jason Mahn, Augustana College
The pilgrimage network of routes leading to the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostelo, northwestern Spain, has drawn the devout since the 10th century, now numbering hundreds of thousands of people every year over the past decade. Long recognized as one of three major pilgrimages for Roman Catholics, in more recent times it has broadened its appeal to different spiritualities. In this two-part forum, Dr. Rockwell and Prof. Mahn undertook a pilgrimage with Augustana College students and here will offer insights into the experience itself and into the meaning of the experience in Roman Catholic and in Lutheran perspectives.
November 2
Lutheran World Relief and St. Paul’s Extravagant Generosity
Jaime Lennon, Lutheran World Relief
Join Jamie Lennon from Lutheran World Relief to discover how our generosity reaches neighbors near and far. We’ll explore how LWR responds to emergencies, supports sustainable development, and partners with local leaders to build healthy, resilient communities—breaking the cycle of poverty so people around the world can thrive.
November 9
Katharina von Bora: A Crucial Reformation Voice
Maddy Tyler, resident pastor
The nun who became Martin Luther’s wife was far more than a happy companion and mother of his children. As a reformer in her own right, she led the group of nuns who fled Nimbschen Abbey, created with Martin a strong and courageous model of marriage for the evangelical church, managed the Luther estates, and operated a hospital during times of plague. June 13 was the 500th anniversary of her marriage with Martin, whose birthday is November 10.
November 16
Let’s Faith It!
Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor
“Faith alone” is one of the slogans of the Lutheran Reformation Intentional Faith Formation is one of St. Paul’s five core values. What do we mean by faith? If holding it “alone” is crucial, what else should not be connected to it or substitute for it? How do we form it – intentionally or not? Explore this key element of the Christian – well (!) – faith and consider its place in our lives.
November 23
The Year of Matthew
Mark Niethammer, senior pastor
In the three-year cycle of readings for worship, this Advent season begins a focus on the Gospel of Matthew. Tracing the life of Jesus during the first six months and emphasizing the teachings of Jesus in the second half of the year, what will Matthew show us is important about the gospel that it preaches? How might we make a weekly encounter with this gospel into a year-long devotional experience that builds faith?
November 30
India: The Full(bright) Experience
Leigh Ann Schroeder
More information on this session coming soon.
December 7
Peshtigo: America Firestorm
Kelly and Tammy Rundle, Fourth Wall Films
More than 150 years ago, on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, Peshtigo WI fell victim to a much larger fire that claimed four or five times as many lives. The story of the fire goes beyond devastation to the “narrative of rebirth, rising up from the ashes,” in the words of film director Kelly Rundle. That story is in production by Kelly and his wife, Tammy, at Fourth Wall Films and will be the inspiring focus of this forum.
December 14
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Prof. Lisa Arnold-Powell, St. Ambrose University
The four Sundays in Advent have long been identified with different themes, and this 3rd Sunday focuses on Mary. She has become a devotional figure in her own right, as the mother of The Lord, and has been credited with a variety of gifts, miracles, blessings, and appearances down through the centuries. What can we learn from her heritage? What can we say about her today and how might we relate to her?
December 21
Children’s Christmas Program
Regular adult learning takes a break this Sunday. The children’s Christmas program is open to all in Fellowship Hall.
