Friday, December 16, 2016

Happy Holidays and See you next year!

Dear Friends,

What a great week we had! The White Elephant gift exchange was so fun and so funny. It is always amazing to see what becomes the coveted treasure. I enjoyed singing carols with you and sharing delicious treats.

Wednesday conversation had a full house and it was nice to stop to visit the classes on Thursday.

I hope you have a warm, safe, peaceful, joyful, fabulous winter break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,
Carolyn

coveted: something that is wanted but not owned
full house: everyone was there

Monday, December 12, 2016

Our last meetings this year!

Hello Friends,

I get to make my annual joke: it's our last meetings this year! This joke has always tickled me ever since I was in elementary school when it was first sprung on me. And speaking of surprises, what do you think about waking up to snow? It really was beautiful to drive home from a school concert featuring the Nutcracker Suite to snow and homes lit up with Christmas lights. 

There are so many great opportunities to experience Christmas traditions including a live nativity (where the Christmas story is acted out with people and animals found in the Biblical stories). CLC in Fishers is beginning a tradition of a live nativity: join 6:00-9:00 pm December 10, 13450 116th St., Fishers. Don't miss the Cristkindl Village December 16 and 17 a traditional German market and live nativity on Georgia Street in Indianapolis. And to the South the Greenwood Baptist Church will have a live drive through Nativity December 22 and 23. 

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
This week we studied the dramatic story of the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 (you can read this as CliffsNotes to the first four books of the Old Testament). Brought before the Sanhedrin, accused of attacking the temple, the law, Moses, and ultimately God, Stephen reviewed the history of the Hebrew nation beginning with Abraham and the covenant God had made with him. He reminded the Jewish religious leaders of the story of Joseph and the 400 years of Jewish enslavement in Egypt. He then discussed Moses and how God used him to lead his people out of captivity. He pointed out that their Jewish forefathers had so often rejected the prophets God sent to them and insisted on doing things their own way. He also pointed out that in the book of Isaiah they were told that all of God's creation is His temple, not just buildings made by human hands. Finally, he scolded the Sanhedrin members for resisting the Holy Spirit and for crucifying Jesus. Furious, they dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him. As Stephen "fell asleep" he saw heaven open and saw the Son of Man (Jesus, the Messiah) standing at the right hand of God. His final words were a prayer that God would not hold the sins of the Jewish leaders against them, a prayer that reminded us of Jesus praying that God would forgive the men who crucified Him. Stephen is remembered as the first reported "martyr" of the Church. May we always be imitators of Christ who is our Strength and our Redeemer!

December 13: Join us as we read the Christmas stories from the Bible and sing the traditional Christmas songs.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
We met and baked Christmas cookies. We had to wing it when the vanilla bottle got broken and discovered that Hazelnut Creamer makes a delicious substitute! We learned to make icing glaze from store bought icing

December 13: HOLIDAY PARTY!!!!
Join us as we celebrate the end of the year! Bring party food to share and a White Elephant gift for our gift exchange. 

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
We welcomed some new friends to conversation and caught up with each other. It was fun to compare language notes.

December 14: Be ready to talk about the Easy English News. 

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
We missed a lot of you. Did the cold and snow drive you away? I hope that you are not under the weather!


December 15: Be sure to join us as we meet for the last time this year!

tickled: amused, think something is funny
sprung on me: revealed, surprised
acted out: performed as opposed to a temper tantrum
Biblical: of the Bible
CliffsNotes: famous study guides that summarize great works of literature
covenant: a solemn agreement between God and His people
enslavement: being made a slave
forefathers: ancestors
scolded: repremanded
White Elephant: something that you don't want; don't go out and buy something new...look around your house, wrap it beautifully. You will get to choose a gift or "steal" a gift. This is a fun holiday party game.
store bought icing: premade decoration for cakes available at the grocery
drive you away: keep you from attending
under the weather: ill

Friday, December 2, 2016

December 2016

Happy Holidays, Friends!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Have you taken a drive to see the light shows in the neighborhoods? Some homes have their lights synchronized to music on the radio; you can tune in to a channel and listen while you watch the show. Look for signs in the front yard of these homes.

Have you seen any of the Holiday programs at the schools? Carmel High School Holiday Spectacular and orchestra programs are two that I never want to miss. These programs are a little tricky to see because if you don't have a student in school you may never know when the performance is.

Don't forget the shows: the Nutcracker at Clowes Hall, and the Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society (and visit free on December 3!).

Where will you get your Christmas Tree? You can visit any Christmas tree lot around town (and support the Boy Scouts or other organizations) or you can start tradition of cutting your own tree! Click here to get a list of the tree farms in the Indianapolis area,

Most importantly, tune in to the music on your radio and get into the Holiday Spirit and practice your English singing skills!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
We met a leader in the early Christian Church named Stephen in Acts 6:8-15. He was a man full of God's grace and power, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, he was able to perform miracles. His teaching got him into trouble with the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious rulers. They plotted against Stephen and found people willing to commit perjury that would incriminate him. These false witnesses said that Stephen had been speaking against the Temple and the laws of Moses. The Sanhedrin had become enamored with the importance of the temple in Jerusalem and with their religious rituals. Stephen taught that Jesus, the Messiah, was the Savior, and that those who believed in Jesus would have eternal life with Him in heaven. Jesus had set them free from their sins. Stephen quoted Jesus (see John 2:12-23 where Jesus clears the temple and tells them that they would kill Him, His body is the temple). You don't have to go to Jerusalem to worship God! God is with you wherever you go!

December 6: Please join us. We will be discussing Acts chapter 7, the story of Stephen. Read his story.
December 13: Join us for lessons and carols at Carolyn's house.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00
We made beautiful wreaths. Thank you Debi for the lesson. It was fun to see how each wreath turned out to be unique. If you want to see the pictures, friend me on Facebook and I will add you to our private page.

December 6: Let's make Christmas cookies! We will meet in the big kitchen off of the gym. Bring your apron, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. We will make Gingerbread, sugar cookies, spritz cookies, peanut butter kisses. We will have a cookie walk and then leave our leftovers for the church to use for their annual cookie walk. I will pick up the groceries.
December 13: Let's have a party. Join us at Carolyn's house for our annual Holiday Party. Bring your favorite holiday dish. Bring a white elephant gift for our gift exchange.

Casual Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
Elizabeth Spiller joined us as a drop in guest.

December 7: Join us for casual conversation and we will go over the Easy English News.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
I am so happy to get to visit your classes. What cool conversations you are all having! I am so glad that we continue to have new students join us. People come as students and remain our Friends. This is so important to helping us grow in our language learning. The more comfortable you are with each other and care about talking to each other, the faster you will improve your English skills. Isn't that a crazy idea! It isn't just study, it is caring enough to talk and to listen to each other.

December 8: We only have two more classes this year! My how time flies!

International Church Services: the first Thursday of the month, 12:00-12:30
This Thursday Pastor Paul Borg and Barry Bobb from Cornerstone Lutheran Church led a Christmas service for us. The church has answered request from our Friends for the opportunity to learn how to worship God in English.

January 5: Our next service is January 5. Join us for a new year message.

synchronized: two things that are matched to perform together
tune in: pick a station to listen to a show on the radio
commit perjury: lie under oath in court
incriminate: appear to be guilty; implicate
enamored: filled with love
friend me: ask someone to be your friend on Facebook
martyr: a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her beliefs
cool: interesting, trendy


Friday, November 25, 2016

Happy Holidays!

Hello Friends,

I hope you are enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday and the grand opening of the winter holidays.
Did you get out and shop for Black Friday. I stayed in and had a feasting "cool down" and worked on the leftovers from our Thanksgiving.

Just a little reminder for our upcoming week's schedule:

Tuesday, November 29
International Bible Study: 9:30-10:30, room 100. We will continue reading Acts.
International Friends: 10:30-12:00, room 100. We will make wreaths. Bring a wreath to decorate and $5.00 to cover supply costs. (A 25 inch wreath is a good size and available at Hobby Lobby and Michael's)

Wednesday, November 30
Conversation: 4:40-6:00 in the upstairs classrooms. Let's plan for a light show tour.

Thursday, December 1
English Classes: 9:30-12:00, in the upstairs classrooms. Join us to practice our English.
International Church: 12:00-12:30, Haase Chapel. CLC is hosting an Christmas service us in the chapel at the church to help us get ready for the season. Come to hear the story of Christmas and sing traditional Christmas songs. You don't have to be Christian to come. Everyone is welcome.

grand opening: the official opening of a business or other location; this is a little joke...
stayed in: not go out, stay home
leftovers: food that remains after a meal; in the U.S. leftovers can become new meals like chilies, stews, casseroles
week's: yes, there is an apostrophe for the word week when it refers to things happening during the week. Another example is when you quite a job you give two week's notice.


Saturday, November 19, 2016

Hello, Friends.

We got a great example of the changeability of Indiana weather. It was 80 degrees on Friday, then we had spectacular storms followed by snow flurries. You can guess why a favorite topic of conversation is the weather after the last 24 hours.

The upcoming weeks will be very exciting! Time passes very quickly between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This week we only meet on Tuesday for our feast. In the upcoming weeks we will prepare for Christmas and celebrate the holidays.

I hope that you have a fabulous break. Feast. Enjoy the Macy's Day Parade. Watch the football games (or let your husband watch and go out and experience Black Friday shopping).

Happy Thanksgiving!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
What a wonderful discussion we had this week as we finished the fifth chapter of Acts! Once again the Apostles found themselves in front of the Sanhedrin, accused of ignoring the Jewish religious leaders as they continued to teach about the Messiah Jesus. Peter spoke for them all when he said, "We must obey God, rather than human beings." The religious rulers were furious! But Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, warned them to let the situation play out. If it was a human plan, he predicted, it would fail. However, if it was God's plan, they would not be able to stop it.

The Apostles then were flogged and released. Their reaction? They REJOICED that they were worthy to suffer for proclaiming the name of Jesus! May we likewise be willing to speak up for Jesus, no matter what the consequences!


November 22: We will begin Acts 6.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
We talked a bit about winter weather and driving. This is just in time, since the weather turned tonight! Did you see the news with the blizzard in Minnesota? We did a bit of planning and talked about what to expect in our meetings over the next few weeks.

November 22: Join us for our feast. Bring a dish to share!
November 29: Let's decorate wreaths. Debi got ribbons and other supplies (the cost will be about $5 per person for these). All you need is your wreath. In case you don't have one yet, all Hobby Lobby Christmas decorations are on sale 50% off. The 25 inch plain wreaths cost $5! Please RSVP if you intend to come so we can be sure to have enough supplies (indyintlfriends@gmail.com)
December 6: Let's bake Christmas Cookies!

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
We had great conversations.

November 23: No class Happy Thanksgiving!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
I was so glad to get to drop by each of the classes and invite you to the feast.

November 24: No class Happy Thanksgiving!
December 1: CLC is offering a Christmas service in English for people new to the English language. Join us after classes to sing Christmas songs and hear the story from the Bible. Your children are welcome to come.

changeability: likely or liable to change
flurries: when it snows just the tiniest bit
furious: extremely angry
play out: come to a conclusionflogged:  whipped
in case: as a precaution you will often hear just in case as in take an umbrella just in case it rains

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Reminders and something big

Hello Friends,

Some reminders and something notice:

EVERYONE is invited to our International Friends Feast November 22 beginning at 10:30 for some preparation. Bring a dish to share. Send me your recipe to be included in our annual cookbook to indyintlfriends.blogspot.com by November 17.

We will be decorating wreaths on November 29: you can find your wreath base at Michaels for half price this weekend:

http://www.michaels.com/christmas-wreaths-by-ashland®-and-celebrate-it/cmas-wreaths?cm_mmc=EMAIL-_-Circular-_-1113Circular-_-Wreaths&cm_lm=INDYWILLARD@ATT.NET&cm_mmca2=38761942424

And. It's s super moon. Be sure to see it at the height at 6:22 EST Monday, when it is the closest to the Earth. Enjoy the show! Check out this article in the International Business Times for more information and videos.

Have a great weekend!


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Hello, Friends.

Many people wondered about our elections and the Electoral College. The Electoral College is defined in the 23rd Amendment of the Constitution. Each state has the same numbers of electors as it's Congressional delegation (one for each member in the House of Representatives and two for the Senators). This is allocation is based on the Census. Each candidate running for President has his or her own group of electors that are chosen by the candidate's political party. Electors pledge to follow the popular vote for their party. The Electoral College vote for each state follows the majority vote for each state. What does this mean? The Electoral College ensures that there is representation for states with lower populations. It also requires that candidates must build a popular base that is geographically broad and diverse in voters (rather than concentrating campaigns in the large cities and majority population types and ignoring minority demographics). There have only been five election of 58 elections where the Electoral College did not match the popular vote. Check out this USA Today article explains how this works in light of our most recent election.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
We began our morning with some lively Election Day 2016 discussion about the best ways to research candidates' qualifications. Sometimes it's difficult to know what sources we can trust to give us the truth. Thanks be to God that He has given us the Truth about His love for us in the Bible! We continued our study of the early church in Acts 5 where the church grew. Many people were healed simply by having Peter's shadow fall on them. The apostles were jailed for preaching about the Messiah Jesus, but an angel opened the doors, let them out, and then relocked the jail! Imagine the surprise of the Jewish leaders when the apostles showed up at the temple! (Acts 5: 17-26)

November 15: Let's read the last part of Acts chapter 5.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
We enjoyed playing some parlor games and talked about others. We talked about elections in different countries and what it is like to vote in the United States.

November 15: Let's talk about Winter Weather and driving. We will also talk about getting ready for our Feast on November 22.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
Following the election, we talked about elections practices in the United States and in Germany. We enjoyed exploring the new vocabulary that helps us to communicate our ideas in a productive way. We talked about the difference between arguments and debates. Do you know the difference?

November 16: Bring your newspapers. Do you have any questions?

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
It was good to pop in and visit some of our classes. It is nice to hear what you are learning and sharpen my English skills. It was interesting to compare vowel sounds. As you learn English, compare how you think English words should sound in your home language and then compare that with the way they are pronounced in English. Can you hear a difference? Also, remembering that American English (like many other languages) has so many influences from other languages (that are pronounced in an "American" way). Listen carefully and compare how you think something should be pronounced and how it really is pronounced to quickly improve how people hear you pron

November 17: I am looking forward to visiting you classes and learning more!

allocation: share or portion
pledge: (pronounced pleg) promise
census: count of people
demographics: populations, groups of people
broad and diverse: large and very different
five of 58: five is written out but 58 is numerical, this is a rule that numbers less than 10 are always written as a word but numbers greater than ten can be written as a number
in light of: considering
qualifications: qualities, accomplishments, etc., necessary for function, office, or the like
shadow fall on them: when a shadow crosses over something
sharpen...skills: improve ability to do something
influences: something that causes change

Friday, November 4, 2016

Welcome November!

Welcome to November, Friends.

I hope you had a great time entertaining the children on Halloween! We had beautiful weather for this fun holiday! 


This weekend we "fall back" and recapture that hour we lost in the spring. Daylight savings time was established to save electrical energy and the idea was first presented by Benjamin Franklin. Your phones and computers will automatically change, but be sure to manually change any clocks you have. Also, this is the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.


The big holiday for November is Thanksgiving. Mark your calendars to us on Tuesday, November 22 at the church for our annual Thanksgiving feast. Everyone is welcome. And in the spirit of the holiday, bring your favorite feasting dish to share. Please send me your recipes in advance to indyintlfriends@gmail.com so that I can put them in a recipe book for all of us to enjoy and make at home.


International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100


Halloween is a perfect time to share scary stories around a bonfire, but this week in Bible Study we discussed a frightening story from the early church about a couple named Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5: 1-11). They had sold property and brought money from the sale to the apostles. They hoped to be admired like Barnabus in the previous story (see Acts 4: 36-37) who sold a field and gave the money to the church to help other people. However, Ananias and Sapphira pretended to give all of the money from the sale, when they secretly kept some of it for themselves. The church leader, Peter, confronts them: "you have not lied to men but to God." When they were confronted with their deception they fell down and died. We also read other similar stories from the Old Testament. We learned some important things about the character of God:


  • He cannot be lied to, tricked, or cheated
  • He is faithful and just
  • He defends and protects
  • He will not be disrespected

There are consequences for our actions against God and other people. God is not to be taken lightly, but we can trust that He ALWAYS has our best interest at heart. He loves and cares for us, but if you think you can pull one over on God, you better think again! Deceptions will always be uncovered and will always be met with justice.

November 8: Let's read about how the apostles heal many people in Acts 5.


International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100



We made chocolate chip cookies using the recipe for Toll House cookies on the back of the Nestle Chocolate Chip package. If you have the crave, just pick up a package of the chips at the store!

Cookies are warm out of the oven with a glass of cold milk are best! We tasted other classic cookies: peanut butter and oatmeal raisin. 





November 8: It's election day! Let's talk about customs related to elections in our home countries. And, we will play some parlor games.


Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, room 100

We had many little conversations on Wednesday. Jane brought in an ad for necklaces with Chinese characters and birthstones. We talked about big box stores and how they are unique to the United States. We wondered about the time change (who is looking forward to falling back?).

November 9: Bring your newspapers and your questions about the articles. Make sure you have your crossword puzzles finished!


English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms

Join us for our classes. If you have missed a few weeks, we have missed you! 

bonfire: it is fun to build a big outdoor fire when it is chilly and share songs and stories

confronted: asked about and caused to account for or explain
deception: misleading, lying
When attention to a list, add a colon (:) and then add bullets (or dots) in front of the list

  • just and right: morally good manner, fair
  • disrespected: insulted

taken lightly: disregard, considered 
pull one over: trick
better think again: reconsider

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Happy Halloween!

Boo! Friends.

I hope you have some great plans for the weekend. I am sure that many of you are wrapping up your costumes for Halloween. The weather looks like it will be fabulous. The meteorologists are going crazy over their forecasts. Everyone should be happy!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 in room 100
This week we discussed Acts 4:23-31. Once they were released from jail, Peter and John went back to the group of believers and reported everything that had happened. Faced with religious and political adversaries, they prayed that God would grant them the power to speak boldly about Jesus and to perform miracles in His name. They praised God that He used the conspiracies of Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Jewish leaders to advance His plan of salvation for all people through the death and resurrection of Jesus. When we are distressed by events in this world that seem to be evil and chaotic, we need to remember that God is in control and that He has promised to be with us always. May we also speak boldly of what Jesus has done for us!

November 1: Let's begin Acts 5.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00 in room 100
We carved pumpkins into Jack o Lanterns and roasted our pumpkin seeds. To help preserve your pumpkins, be sure to give them a good spritz of bleach water on the inside. This will keep the mold and bugs from growing.

To roast pumpkin seeds, simply clean off the major goo. You can wash them and drain them. Debi shared that she leaves some of the pumpkin meat on them for the extra flavor (We tried this, and it was nice). You can toss the seeds in oil and your favorite seasonings or simply spread them on a sheet and sprinkle with a little salt. Toast them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned to your taste. We tried tandoori seasoning this year. Other options are: cinnamon sugar, taco seasoning, chinese five spice, garlic salt, or any other seasoning mixes. 

This is a simple, healthy treat that is enjoyed in many countries. In the middle east, they simply wash and then spread seeds to dry (they use pumpkin and other squash and melon seeds) and then save them in a jar or other airtight container and toast in a pan on the stove throughout the year. Some people don't eat the shells, but use their teeth to crack the shells and then eat out the meat.

November 1: Let's make traditional American Toll House chocolate chip cookies.
Join us as we make this very traditional American treat. Debi and I will bring other homemade classic cookies for you to sample.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 in the first classroom on the right upstairs
Jane caught us up on her visit to her family. As usual, our conversation turned to food (this is probably since it is around supper time). 

November 2: Join us as we plan ahead!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00 in the upstairs classrooms
I heard some great conversations about Halloween in the United States. This informal holiday used to be only for children, but has become a very popular holiday for all ages. Everyone loves dressing up and getting together for fun. Since Halloween falls on a Monday this  year, we get to celebrate all weekend with parties, parades and fun runs. We can have three days of fun!

November 3: Classes continue. New students are always welcome!

wrapping up: finishing
meteorologists: the scientists on tv news that report and predict the weather
going crazy: excited
forecasts: predictions
adversaries: enemies, opponents
conspiracies: plots and evil plans
give them a good spritz: spray generously
major goo: goo is a sticky mess. In this case, major goo means to clean off most of the mess, but don't worry about washing them thoroughly
meat: the flesh or edible part of the pumpkin
to your taste: how you like to eat something
airtight container: a container that seals the air in
our conversation turned to: our topic changed to the new topic
homemade: made with love and care at someone's home to share with friends and family
classic: traditional, old style

Happy Halloween!

Boo! Friends.

I hope you have some great plans for the weekend. I am sure that many of you are wrapping up your costumes for Halloween. The weather looks like it will be fabulous. The meteorologists are going crazy over their forecasts. Everyone should be happy!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 in room 100
This week we discussed Acts 4:23-31. Once they were released from jail, Peter and John went back to the group of believers and reported everything that had happened. Faced with religious and political adversaries, they prayed that God would grant them the power to speak boldly about Jesus and to perform miracles in His name. They praised God that He used the conspiracies of Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Jewish leaders to advance His plan of salvation for all people through the death and resurrection of Jesus. When we are distressed by events in this world that seem to be evil and chaotic, we need to remember that God is in control and that He has promised to be with us always. May we also speak boldly of what Jesus has done for us!

October 1: Let's begin Acts 5.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00 in room 100
We carved pumpkins into Jack o Lanterns and roasted our pumpkin seeds. To help preserve your pumpkins, be sure to give them a good spritz of bleach water on the inside. This will keep the mold and bugs from growing.

To roast pumpkin seeds, simply clean off the major goo. You can wash them and drain them. Debi shared that she leaves some of the pumpkin meat on them for the extra flavor (We tried this, and it was nice). You can toss the seeds in oil and your favorite seasonings or simply spread them on a sheet and sprinkle with a little salt. Toast them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned to your taste. We tried tandoori seasoning this year. Other options are: cinnamon sugar, taco seasoning, chinese five spice, garlic salt, or any other seasoning mixes. 

This is a simple, healthy treat that is enjoyed in many countries. In the middle east, they simply wash and then spread seeds to dry (they use pumpkin and other squash and melon seeds) and then save them in a jar or other airtight container and toast in a pan on the stove throughout the year. Some people don't eat the shells, but use their teeth to crack the shells and then eat out the meat.

November 1: Let's make traditional American Toll House chocolate chip cookies.
Join us as we make this very traditional American treat. Debi and I will bring other homemade classic cookies for you to sample.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 in the first classroom on the right upstairs
Jane caught us up on her visit to her family. As usual, our conversation turned to food (this is probably since it is around supper time). 

November 2: Join us as we plan ahead!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00 in the upstairs classrooms
I heard some great conversations about Halloween in the United States. This informal holiday used to be only for children, but has become a very popular holiday for all ages. Everyone loves dressing up and getting together for fun. Since Halloween falls on a Monday this  year, we get to celebrate all weekend with parties, parades and fun runs. We can have three days of fun!

November 3: Classes continue. New students are always welcome!

wrapping up: finishing
meteorologists: the scientists on tv news that report and predict the weather
going crazy: excited
forecasts: predictions
adversaries: enemies, opponents
conspiracies: plots and evil plans
give them a good spritz: spray generously
major goo: goo is a sticky mess. In this case, major goo means to clean off most of the mess, but don't worry about washing them thoroughly
meat: the flesh or edible part of the pumpkin
to your taste: how you like to eat something
airtight container: a container that seals the air in
our conversation turned to: our topic changed to the new topic
homemade: made with love and care at someone's home to share with friends and family
classic: traditional, old style

Friday, October 21, 2016

Getting Ready for Halloween

Hello, Friends.

This week is your last chance to get ready for Halloween. If you haven't experienced a Hoosier Halloween before, you are in for a treat! Get ready to welcome your neighborhood children: Decorate your house. Prepare your costumes. Get your candy to give away!

There are plenty of other fun and spooky activities around town: don't miss the fun and check out our Things to Do Page.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
We continued our study of Acts in chapter 4,  where the Sadducees and the captain of the temple guard seize Peter and John, who had been teaching the good news of Jesus Christ at the temple, and put them in jail overnight. (The Sadducees were a sect who opposed the idea of resurrection.) Peter quotes a verse of Psalm 118 in defense of his preaching, a psalm with which all Jews were familiar. He stands up to the religious authorities and "calls them out" for crucifying Jesus. They can't deny the miraculous healing of the man who had been crippled from birth, and they don't know what to do. 

October 25: Let's finish this exciting story of the message of God's love and salvation being proclaimed by the early Church.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
We made our decorator pumpkins out of reuseables. I have to say that they turned out beautiful. We had everything from paint shirts to a lovely ultra suede top (from Goodwill for 99 cents! What a find!) 

October 25: Let's carve pumpkins and roast pumpkin seeds!
Bring a large pumpkin (you can get them from Kroger for a couple of bucks).
Bring a knife or your pumpkin carving tools.
Bring a large spoon to scoop with.
Bring some newspapers to absorb the liquid.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
Wow! We had some interesting conversations about world affairs that were punctuated by storm warnings for other counties. We learned that Germany is 'multi culti'  as they say for multicultural  (It is so much fun to say it with the right accent).

October 26  Veronica, you are on to keep the conversation going

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classroom
Thank you for your wonderful singing of God Bless America. The story behind the tune is an interesting one? It was originally written in 1918 by Irving Berlin as a patriotic song for a musical review to raise money for a community building for an Army camp. The song wasn't used then, but Berlin later made some changes and it became a peace song after World War II. It was sung by Kate Smith in the 1930s. Here is the video that gives you a feel for the original sentiment after the war. This song continues to be a popular opening for sporting events. 

October 27 Join us to study English. Bring some good questions for your teachers.

sect - a religious group within a larger religious body or group that holds a different set of beliefs from the mainstream
resurrection - when something or someone returns bodily from the dead
ultra suede - a fabric that feels like suede leather and is usually used in jackets ad for upholstery
top - shirt or blouse
What a find! - good shopping treasure
couple of bucks - inexpensive
world affairs - current events
punctuated - accented or highlighted
you are on - it is your turn to lead
keep...going - continuing 
original sentiment - the feeling and thought behind an idea or act

Friday, October 14, 2016

Hello, Friends,

We were back to the church for our meetings this week.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
What do you do when confronted by a beggar? Most of us admitted that such a confrontation makes us uneasy. Should we give money? Will the money be misused? In the third chapter of Acts, Peter and John come face-to-face with a beggar who has been crippled since birth.  Peter gives him the best gift, healing him in the name of Jesus. It was a spectacular moment that changed the beggar's life. Onlookers were amazed! To them Peter repeated his message: repent, turn to God for the forgiveness of sins, and believe in Jesus, the Messiah sent from God.

How can we help others in need? We discussed the value of praying for them, perhaps giving them tracts describing God's love and care for them, and food or money, as we deem appropriate. May God's love for us inspire us to love others!--Jan Heimann

October 18: Let's read Acts 4

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12-00, room 100
We made applesauce and potato pancakes (or latkes) this week. Both of these dishes are classic, midwestern comfort foods. Conventional wisdom holds that applesauce is perfect for an upset stomach (the BRAT diet). You can also enjoy it as a side dish or as a substitute for oil in baking.


Here is Mrs. Ott's recipe for potato pancakes (made in the blender!):
2 eggs
1/2 small onion
1 tsp salt
2 T flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 Cups cubed raw potato

Put eggs, onion, salt, flour, baking powder, and 1/2 cup potato cubes in blender. Cover. Process at 3 just until potatoes go through the blades. Add remaining potatoes. Cover. Do not over blend. Pour onto a hot well-greased griddle. Drain on absorbent paper.

October 18: Let's make "decorator" pumpkins.
Bring your scissors, several plastic grocery bags, and an old t-shirt to cut up (or get a t-shirt from Goodwill). We mock up some designer pumpkins. Once you learn how to do this you can invest in some fancy fabric...



Casual Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
We has some great casual conversation. Lisa stopped by and shared that she has to replace her furnace; it isn't heating. Do you think you might need to test your furnace before it gets cold? At the end of our conversation, the chimes at the church played God Bless America. This patriotic song is sung at many gatherings including the Indy 500. We will sing it next week!

October 19: Join us as Veronica leads the conversation!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
We are continuing to grow. We are happy to settle three new Friends in their classes.

October 20: Sing God Bless America with me!

God Bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains
to the prairies
To the oceans
white with foam

God Bless America
My home sweet home
God Bless America
My home sweet home

confronted, confrontation: app
BRAT: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast; a bland diet for people with an upset stomach
absorbent: soaks up; paper towels are a good example
mock up: practice
designer: for decoration
settle: make comfortable

Friday, October 7, 2016

What an exciting week behind us and an even more interesting week ahead of us!

Dear Friends,

This week was so much fun. We had a great time meeting at different locations. This weekend looks like the weather will be beautiful. I noticed the geese were flying south and my mother in Colorado had snow overnight. This is the time of year to see the Sandhill Cranes at Jasper Pulaski Park. As these cranes migrate they stop in Indiana to gather for a big reunion and then they all head south. The best time to see these birds is at dawn and in the evening. The park is only about an hour's drive north. Put it on your fall to do list along with the pumpkin farm, apple picking and haunted houses!



International Church Service: October 8 (the second Saturday of each month) at 6:15 in the Haase Chapel (enter door 6, turn right at the small kitchen, turn left at the next hall)
Join Pastor Borg for a Christian church service for people new to the English language. Everyone is welcome, you do not have to be Christian. There will be time after the service to have questions about vocabulary answered or to discuss concepts and ideas. The nursery is available for small children.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9;30-10:30, room 100
This week we met at my house to and finished chapter 2. The last few verses contain a beautiful description of life in the early church. The new Christians' days were filled with Apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. Although "breaking of bread" is a phrase that can refer to simply eating a meal together, in these verses it seems to refer to the celebration of the Lord's Supper when the believers gathered together to worship and pray. Man of the traditions of the early church have been passed down through the centuries to us. Traditions are important because they bring us comfort and connect us to those who have gone before us. The tradition of welcoming people of all backgrounds to come and be cared for is an important mission of the Christian Church today, too.

October 11: Let's start chapter 3 in Acts
Please notice the time change to 9:30.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
Our field trip this past week was to Stuckey Farm to pick apples. We enjoyed cider slushies. Be careful! You can get a brain freeze. There were plenty of yellow jackets at the farm. They can be a nuisance this time of year. I would tell my children to let the bees smell them, they would figure out they weren't delicious! Just let them check you out and then they will move on. If you swat at them they may get upset and sting. Yellow jackets can sting more than once, so you want to avoid that!

October 11: Let's make apple sauce and potato pancakes.
Join us as we learn to make apple sauce and potato pancakes. This is a very traditional, midwestern German dish.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classroom
What a great time we had on Thursday at Founder's Park. This is a great place to visit and meet other people. You can book many of the park shelters for a fee, but unfortunately, this shelter isn't available for booking. We couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. I am glad that everyone mixed and had conversation with people in their classes and got to know other class members. The food was delicious! It was so good to taste classic dishes. I do have to apologize: I told you we had tea eggs when, in fact, they are "brown eggs." These are made with soy, Chinese five spice and other spices. As far as the tea goes, I used Tazo Passion Tea and mixed it 3:1 with lemonade (lemon juice, sugar and water).

October 12: Planning session
With respect to next week's meeting, we will have regular classes. Meet at the church and go to our regular classroom.

Chinese Brush Painting and More: October 15, 2:30-4:30 in the upstairs classrooms
Join us the third Saturday of each month to try Chinese Brush Painting or to explore your own style of painting. Bring your brushes, paints, papers (or I'll share mine!) Artists and non-artists are welcome!

overnight: when something happens in the night; you might have rain overnight or have an overnight guest
gather for a reunion: when families, classmates, etc. meet socially to eat and share experiences after a time apart.
service: in this case, service means the ceremony of worship (prayers,confession of sins and forgiveness of sins, songs of prayer and praise to God, Bible readings, a message to meditate); Christians go to worship God and God in turn blesses the people with peace and grace.
overnight: something that occurs during the night time
it seems to refer: it appears; in the Bible we can confirm these things by looking at other verses to confirm our ideas when we aren't sure
looks like: appears
locations: places
cider: a juice made from pressed fruit, apple cider is a fabulous fall treat
slushies: frozen juice drink
brain freeze: a headache from drinking icy drinks or eating ice cream
nuisance: pest, a bother, annoying
check you out: look at you
upset: afraid, sad
ramen: Japanese noodle dish
unfortunate: unlucky, regrettable (add -ly to the end of the word when used this way, therefore, unluckily and regrettably-notice that you drop the "e" and add -ly or change the "y" to "i")
mixed: when you mix socially, it means that you have conversation with other people that you may ot know well.
with respect to: this in an introductory phrase that means that the details about the topic follow.
when in fact: when actually
as far as the tea goes: the recipe for the tea is...

Friday, September 23, 2016

Welcome to Autumn

Hello, Friends.

Thursday was the first day of fall. Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Indiana. The leaves begin to turn and the weather turns crisp. Watch for your gutters to become clogged with the leaves. Make sure to clean them out or have them cleaned later in the season so they don't back up and make ice dams that can cause damage to your home.

Looking ahead to October, we will meet off campus October 4-6. The church is hosting a conference.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays 9:30-10:30, room 100

We began our reading of the second chapter of Acts and discussed Pentecost, the "Birthday of the Church." The Holy Spirit came to the disciples with the sound of a violent wind, and tongues of fire rested on each of them! They were given the ability to speak in other languages. How did this gift play out? In this cacophony of sounds, people from all over the world were able to understand the message of the Good News in their own language. Peter spoke to the crowd, and his reference to the prophecies of Joel in the Old Testament gave him  "cred"  (credibility) with the Jews in the crowd who knew this text. He told them that Joel's prophecies were coming to pass. What an amazing day! 

September 27: Join us as we read the rest of Peter's sermon in Chapter 2.

International Friends: Tuesdays 10:30-12:00, room 100

We enjoyed a wonderful tailgate in the back parking lot of the church. It was fun to play corn hole and enjoy snacks. Yes! It was hot and sunny. That is the best thing about tailgating early in the year. In a few weeks the weather will be colder and rainy! But that won't stop die hard fans.

September 27: Join us as we talk about festivals and holidays and other fun social events.

October 4: Join us as we go apple picking at Stucky Farms.
October 11: Join us as we make applesauce.
October 18: What do you want to do? What do you want to talk about?
October 25: Join us as we carve pumpkins for Halloween!

Conversation: Wednesdays 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroomJane Kuba is leading our conversation class on Wednesdays. We talked about using Facebook, we talked about our children, we talked about manuu

September 28: Join us as we talk about festivals and holidays and other fun social events.

October 5: Join us at church to carpool down to Ramen Ray for an early dinner or meet us there!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
Welcome to our Conversation teachers: Susan Copsey and Sylvia Swanson! We are so glad to have you join us this year. We are off to a great start this year and are happy to welcome new students.


October 6: Join us at the Lawrence Inlow Park for a morning of social fun. The weather promises to be beautiful that day: sunny and 75!


fall: the Autumn season; when the leaves change from green to reds and oranges
Autumn: notice that Autumn is 
time of year: season
turn: change color
turns crisp: gets cooler; jacket weather
ice dams: water freezes and blocks water from flowing and causes flooding
off campus: not at the school or  site
play out: what was the result
cacophony: noisy
coming to pass: happening
sermon: speech at a religious worship
die hard: hard core; enthusiastic

Friday, September 16, 2016

Hello Friends!

There is so much to do this weekend and over the next few weeks in the greater Indianapolis area!

The Indy Irish Fest is in Military Park, Indianapolis
Koi Show in Carmel: Saturday 9:00-5;00 and Sunday 10:00-2:00 at the Gazebo at City Hall
Carmel International Arts Festival: September 24, 10:00-6:00 and September 25, 10:00-5:00, Main Street, Carmel

Get out and have some fun. Fall is on it's way.


International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, Room 100
We read about Jesus' ascension into heaven and then after He left, what did the followers do? They appointed a successor for Judas (the disciple that turned Jesus over to be killed and

Tuesday, September 20
Let's read Acts 2. In this story the Holy Spirit comes to Jesus' followers and they can speak in other languages. We are looking forward to reading this story in our home languages and talking about it in English. Join us!

International Friends: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, Room 100
We talked about "common sense" when it comes to our children visiting with their friends after school: it isn't necessary to bring or send snacks with them, birthday gifts for friends shouldn't cost more than $25 but be sure to read the invitation, many families are requesting donations of food or a book exchange or other options rather than gifts or that no gift be given. We will continue this topic on September 27.

Tuesday, September 20
Let's Tailgate! Meet us in the back parking lot to try tailgating. Dress in your team's spiritwear. Bring a drink. Bring a chair. Bring a snack to share.

Here is a list of the Top 50 tailgate recipes.

Casual Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We chatted on many topics. Join the conversation!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classroom
Our classes continue to move forward.

it's: belonging to something in this case Fall. Fall is coming!
ascension: lifting up into the air
appointed: a person that is placed in a job or position
successor: someone to take over the job of another
to move forward: proceeding in a positive way

Friday, September 9, 2016

Our first full week of meetings!

Hello Friends.

It is so good to meet everyone and to be back into the swing of things! It is fun to get to know our new Friends and catch up with our old Friends. I hope that you are enjoying this year as much as I am!

This Sunday is the 15th anniversary of September 11. You can read about this Britannica. There is a good documentary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. 3000 people were initially killed in the attacks. Since then, many first responders have gotten sick and died from their exposure to the rubble. Brigadier General J. Stewart Goodwin, the executive director of the Indiana War Memorial sums up the feeling of most Americans:

"It didn't matter about our religion, it didn't matter about our politics, it didn't matter about our race. We should never forget the fact that people took control of airplanes and they purposely killed people without regard for human life."

Goodwin will be the keynote speaker at the  remembrance Sunday, September 11 at 3:30 at the 9/11 Memorial at 421 West Ohio Street in Indianapolis. Read the story.

International Church Service: September 10, 6:15 in the Haase Chapel.
Join us at our Church Service for International Language Speakers. We will follow the regular service format in English.Come worship or come to learn more about Christian worship. Stay for a discussion after the service to go over words or concepts that were difficult to understand or pronounce. All people and ages are welcome and the nursery is available for very small children if necessary. You don't have to be Christian to attend.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, room 100.
We read and discussed Acts 1: 1-8. Jesus meets with the apostles over a period of 40 days to give them some final instructions. He tells them what to expect. They ask for specific dates and times. Jesus' answer is that this is not for them to know. Why?

September 13: Let's continue to read Acts and see how Jesus returns to heaven. Let's catch up on the story of what happens to the disciples.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12;00, room 100.
We met each other and learned more about each other. We tasted great food and discovered more about each other. We will have to take a visit to Bath Junkie! They host parties!

September 13: Let's talk about American Common Sense. Is it different from common sense in your country? Let's plan our tailgate and choose our party at Bath Junkie. Check out the party pages and come ready to pick which party would be the most fun for us.

Casual Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 in the upstairs classrooms.
Are you ready to join the conversation?

What is wrong with this sentence?
The green great dragon played in the field.

Can you tell why it is wrong? Join me in the upstairs classroom to find out the answer!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00 in the upstairs classrooms.
It was great to welcome more new students. We are very happy to have all our our classes up and running. It's never too late to join us!

back into the swing of things: back on a regular schedule
anniversary: a particular date that is remembered every year for
first responder: this is a new slang/vocabulary word the people who arrive to help at the scene of an accident; usually this is the police, firefighters and EMTs, but it can also be bystanders
sums up: summarizes
"....": quotation marks are essential when you write what another person has said.
keynote speaker: the person giving the main address or speech at an event