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
OCTOBER NEWS
The new OU academic year is upon us, and the ESL conversation group volunteers are gearing up for a great year! This past Sunday we held a meeting of the ESL volunteers to plan our fall 2025 semester presentations and activities. We had 11 people present and we have many great ideas for this year’s group. Everyone there was ready to sign up for cultural presentations or conversation groups – or both.
We would love to have all of you that are interested in this outreach join us, and, what’s even better, you don’t have to commit to being there every Saturday morning in order to be a part. What are our main needs?
- We always need volunteers to sit with conversation groups. This helps us to keep the groups small and allows for better conversation practice. No prior experience or special skills needed. Training and mentorship are provided.
- We also are always interested in new presenters. You would be surprised at what might be of interest to students from other countries. In the past, presentations have included country music, hiking, Route 66, the Land run, and beards and facial hair. You, too, probably have ideas that could become an interesting presentation.
- We also need volunteers to help on special occasions in these areas:
- Cooking for food events (Thanksgiving or other food events)
- Transportation to activities and field trips
- Planning activities for children of attendees.
- Most of all, we need prayer. Prayer for each of our group’s student members and prayers for the group:
- That students will come to the group
- That relationships will form, and community will grow among group members and volunteers
- That the relationships formed will grow into conversations and spiritual questions.
- That God will give good answers to those questions in the moment
If you have questions or need more information, come by the table in the narthex after the church services over the next few weeks. One of our team will be there and will be available to answer your questions. You will also be able to fill out a prayer or involvement card.
If you just want to see what we do, we would love to have you attend and sit in on our Saturday morning “culture and conversation” time. We meet most Saturdays from 10:00 – 12;00 noon on the OU campus in Cate Center Building One, room 174. Feel free to just drop by, no obligation. If you know you are planning to come, email us at vickieloemker.1@gmail.com or john.p.zubialde@gmail.com , We will answer any questions and help you to be sure of the location (we occasionally meet off-campus, especially on home game days).
