Trinity Lutheran Church offers an “English as a Second Language” conversation group. Every year students, researchers, and visiting professors from all over the world (and their families) come to Norman and to the OU community. On Saturday mornings, volunteers from Trinity present talks on topics of interest from Oklahoma and American culture, followed by English language practice in small groups. A Bible study is also offered, and there are wonderful opportunities to make friendships along the way. Join us for one Saturday or for more – no obligation. You’ll be glad you did!
For more information, including times and locations, e-mail us at esl.trinity@gmail.com
JANUARY NEWS
The ESL semester has ended by the time you read this, but as I type it, we are in the midst of preparing for our ESL Christmas event with a presentation about Christmas and an international holiday foods potluck. And as you read this, we are probably asking some of you if you would be interested in presenting on a topic related to American or Oklahoma culture.
Maybe you remember my comments last month about the importance of setting aside expectations for “success” and putting the focus on faithfulness. Recently, we had a great conversation with our ESL group members about what would be most helpful to them as we planned the upcoming semester’s group meetings. Should we change anything?
They told us that they have many opportunities for English classes on campus. Our group, they said, offers some unique opportunities to
- Learn about “how Americans think” (via the presentations) and
- Opportunity to practice their English in a low-key, friendly environment and
- Opportunity to build community with other group members and with our volunteers
“Don’t change anything” was the message.
This was reinforced as one of our members came this past Saturday to say goodbye. She had just successfully defended her PhD dissertation, and she and her husband are moving away. Her repeated “thank yous” and her remarks about how important the group had been to her and the support she had felt form us were really unexpected and heartwarming. We told her we had been praying for her, and she replied, “I know; I could feel it” (she is Muslim).
If we approach you about making a presentation, we would love to have you consider it. If you ever want to visit the group on a Saturday, you are welcome to join us. (You’ll be glad you did.) And if you have any questions about the group, don’t hesitate to ask one of us.
