Helping Faith Grow
On any given Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, there is a great deal happening behind the scenes before worship even begins. Nursery volunteers are coordinated. Acolytes are prepared. The PrayGround is ready for children and families. Sunday School plans are organized. Youth Group is being prepared for the evening. Emails and communication have already gone out to families. Confirmation lessons are taking shape. And preparations for ministries like Compassion Camp are continually underway.
Much of that work is coordinated and led by Abby Schondelmeyer, our Co-Director of Christian Education.
Abby serves in many different areas of ministry that help children, youth, and families feel welcomed, supported, engaged, and connected within the life of our congregation. Her responsibilities include coordinating our nursery staff and volunteers, organizing acolytes for worship services, and helping supervise the PrayGround – our child-friendly worship space within the sanctuary designed to help children participate more fully in worship.
She also helps supervise the Kirkwood choir, collaborates on Sunday School programming, leads our Confirmation ministry, and guides our Youth Group on Sunday evenings. Each week, Abby sends communication to children’s and youth families to help keep everyone informed and connected to the many opportunities for faith formation and community life at the church.
In addition, Abby partners with Marty Bowles Edwards in planning and leading our VBS:Compassion Camp, which has become an important and joy-filled part of summer ministry at First Presbyterian Church.
Abby brings both experience and theological grounding to her ministry. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and her background helps shape the thoughtful and compassionate leadership she offers to children, youth, families, and volunteers alike.
Ministry with children and youth is some of the most important work a church can do. It is not simply about programs or schedules. It is about helping young people know they are loved by God, welcomed in the church, and invited into a lifelong journey of faith and compassion.
We are grateful for Abby’s leadership, organization, care, creativity, and faithful presence within the life of First Presbyterian Church of Davenport. Her work helps create spaces where children, youth, and families can grow in faith, build relationships, and experience the love of Christ in meaningful ways.
As her husband, I may be biased, but I think she’s a great asset to our staff team.