International Church Services
Cornerstone Lutheran Church
The First Thursday of the Month at 12:15 pm in the Chapel
Join us for Christian worship in English the February 2. These services are geared for people learning English. Learn how to pray and worship in English. We will have question and answer time to help understand ideas, beliefs and vocabulary. You don't have to be Christian to come. All people are welcome.
Future service dates:
March 2
April 6
May 4
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Gong Xi Fa Cai or Gong Hey Fat Choi, Friends.
Welcome to the new lunar year. It is the year of the chicken or rooster. In China (and other Asian countries) this is the important Spring festival that lasts until the 15th of the month. This time of year we are very happy to be thinking about and celebrating anything that has to do with spring!
This is not a usual celebration across the U.S., but we are happy to absorb this holiday and incorporate it into our repertoire of things to celebrate! Did you notice that in the United States we usually celebrate on one specific day? I love that in many other countries holidays are more like festivals: they last for days or weeks. Here in the States we use the word "festival" loosely to include all kinds of opportunities: there are music festivals, art festivals, international festivals, community festivals... None of these events are specific to a particular holiday or event; they can just be a reason for people to get together and celebrate or shop or eat or dance or ride rides. Churches, schools and communities will hold "summer fests" as a fundraiser for their organization or for a specific charity. In Indiana there are 640 festivals in January and February. There is no excuse to have the winter blues! You can always find something to do and something to celebrate. Check out the Indiana State Festival Guide.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
Welcome to the new lunar year. It is the year of the chicken or rooster. In China (and other Asian countries) this is the important Spring festival that lasts until the 15th of the month. This time of year we are very happy to be thinking about and celebrating anything that has to do with spring!
This is not a usual celebration across the U.S., but we are happy to absorb this holiday and incorporate it into our repertoire of things to celebrate! Did you notice that in the United States we usually celebrate on one specific day? I love that in many other countries holidays are more like festivals: they last for days or weeks. Here in the States we use the word "festival" loosely to include all kinds of opportunities: there are music festivals, art festivals, international festivals, community festivals... None of these events are specific to a particular holiday or event; they can just be a reason for people to get together and celebrate or shop or eat or dance or ride rides. Churches, schools and communities will hold "summer fests" as a fundraiser for their organization or for a specific charity. In Indiana there are 640 festivals in January and February. There is no excuse to have the winter blues! You can always find something to do and something to celebrate. Check out the Indiana State Festival Guide.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
The conversion of Saul (later known as Paul), who had been consumed with zeal to rid the world of the despicable followers of Jesus, is proof that God can change people! Our group enjoyed reading and discussing this astonishing story in Acts chapter 9.
Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, when suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around him, and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" It was Jesus, saying in essence that anyone who persecutes His people, persecutes Him. He gave Saul orders to go to Damascus, where a man named Ananias, following the Holy Spirit's leading, healed Saul's blindness and baptized him. Saul immediately began to proclaim that Jesus was indeed the risen Savior, the Messiah who had been sent to redeem us from our sins.
He did a 180! From passionate persecutor to inspired preacher! From hateful hunter of Christians to humble servant of Jesus! Even today God continues to call sinners to turn from their state of blindness and despair to a new life in Christ. He sends his Holy Spirit to those who believe and are baptized. The transforming effect of Saul's conversion gives us hope that God can and does change hearts. He uses us as witnesses to spread the message that God loves us!
January 31: Join us as we continue to read how the news of Jesus spreads through the world and the struggles of the people who spread the word.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
We were treated to okonomiyaki. What a delicious snack or dinner. These savory pancakes are so delicious and healthy. They are a wonderful way to serve your family vegetables! We made Osaka style okonomiyaki, where the ingredients are stirred into the batter. We learned that the Hiroshima style has the ingredients layered and includes soba noodles. The finished product is dressed with okonomiyaki sauce mayonnaise and dried fish flakes.
January 31: Join us as we wish Saori Davis Happy Birthday, talk about bad language and swearing (because you need to know what people are saying and what not to say) and Super Bowl.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We met and explored Popsockets. Do you know about this new product? You can attach this product to the back of your phone and it is a handle that pops out to prop up your phone or to help you hold it. This is the trendy craze that is cool and functional.
February 1: Let's talk about...Super Bowl at least!
chicken: delicious barnyard bird
rooster: male delicious barnyard bird
holiday: a day set aside by custom or law where normal business is suspended or reduced
festival: a community event that includes food and entertainment
States: capitalized this word is short for United States of America
loosely: not formally, flexibly
(...): three dots or periods are called an ellipsis. When you see this punctuation it means that the list continues in that manner
fundraiser: an event or product that raises money for particular cause
charity: a cause or organization that is funded by money the is given
winter blues: feeling lonely and depressed due to the cold weather and gray days
across: across the US means nationwide or everyone in the country
has to do with: related to
absorb: take in or include, assimilate
incorporate into our repertoire: include in our list of regularly performed events or activities
conversion: a change from one religion, political belief, viewpoint, etc
zeal: fervor for a person, cause,
despicable: deserving to be despised, or regarded with distaste, disgust, or disdain; contemptible
to persecute: harass usually used as a result of religious or political beliefs
to do a 180: to turn in the opposite direction
finished product: the final result
dressed: when sauce is added to finish a dish or food
trendy: fashional
craze: popular
Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, when suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around him, and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" It was Jesus, saying in essence that anyone who persecutes His people, persecutes Him. He gave Saul orders to go to Damascus, where a man named Ananias, following the Holy Spirit's leading, healed Saul's blindness and baptized him. Saul immediately began to proclaim that Jesus was indeed the risen Savior, the Messiah who had been sent to redeem us from our sins.
He did a 180! From passionate persecutor to inspired preacher! From hateful hunter of Christians to humble servant of Jesus! Even today God continues to call sinners to turn from their state of blindness and despair to a new life in Christ. He sends his Holy Spirit to those who believe and are baptized. The transforming effect of Saul's conversion gives us hope that God can and does change hearts. He uses us as witnesses to spread the message that God loves us!
January 31: Join us as we continue to read how the news of Jesus spreads through the world and the struggles of the people who spread the word.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
We were treated to okonomiyaki. What a delicious snack or dinner. These savory pancakes are so delicious and healthy. They are a wonderful way to serve your family vegetables! We made Osaka style okonomiyaki, where the ingredients are stirred into the batter. We learned that the Hiroshima style has the ingredients layered and includes soba noodles. The finished product is dressed with okonomiyaki sauce mayonnaise and dried fish flakes.
January 31: Join us as we wish Saori Davis Happy Birthday, talk about bad language and swearing (because you need to know what people are saying and what not to say) and Super Bowl.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We met and explored Popsockets. Do you know about this new product? You can attach this product to the back of your phone and it is a handle that pops out to prop up your phone or to help you hold it. This is the trendy craze that is cool and functional.
February 1: Let's talk about...Super Bowl at least!
chicken: delicious barnyard bird
rooster: male delicious barnyard bird
holiday: a day set aside by custom or law where normal business is suspended or reduced
festival: a community event that includes food and entertainment
States: capitalized this word is short for United States of America
loosely: not formally, flexibly
(...): three dots or periods are called an ellipsis. When you see this punctuation it means that the list continues in that manner
fundraiser: an event or product that raises money for particular cause
charity: a cause or organization that is funded by money the is given
winter blues: feeling lonely and depressed due to the cold weather and gray days
across: across the US means nationwide or everyone in the country
has to do with: related to
absorb: take in or include, assimilate
incorporate into our repertoire: include in our list of regularly performed events or activities
conversion: a change from one religion, political belief, viewpoint, etc
zeal: fervor for a person, cause,
despicable: deserving to be despised, or regarded with distaste, disgust, or disdain; contemptible
to persecute: harass usually used as a result of religious or political beliefs
to do a 180: to turn in the opposite direction
finished product: the final result
dressed: when sauce is added to finish a dish or food
trendy: fashional
craze: popular
Saturday, January 21, 2017
January Thaw
Hello Friends,
Saturday is a beautiful, warm day. This is what is known as a January Thaw. In Indiana (and the Midwest) we see a couple of warm days. You may be tempted to think that it is spring, but don't put away your coat and mittens, yet.
You can combat the winter blahs with activities and events. You can go to museums, and the zoo is particularly fun in the winter. Many animals love the cold and are active. You can also enjoy the indoor exhibits. The desert biome is like taking a quick vacation.
Don't forget about Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Your children can join the fun any time. Find a troop near you.
It isn't too early start looking for summer camps for your children. Many of the summer programs are announcing their openings. Popular camps fill early. Click this link for Summer Camps in the Indianapolis Area to find a list along with links to each program.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
Our story this week from Acts 8: 26-40 tells about the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit as he guided Philip to meet up with an Ethiopian eunuch who was an important official in charge of the treasury of the Ethiopian queen. He was in a chariot on his way home from worshiping in Jerusalem, and he was reading the prophesies of Isaiah. When Philip caught up with him, the eunuch invited Philip to explain the Scriptures to him.
Philip met this man where he was, answered his questions, and told him the Good News that Jesus had fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies by suffering and dying for our sins and by rising again. What an example for us!
Immediately, when the chariot came to some water, the eunuch asked Philip, "Why shouldn't I be baptized?" He couldn't wait! And Philip didn't get in his way! He baptized the man and then was transported by the Spirit to another town, while the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing!
We learned so much from this story about how the Holy Spirit uses believers to share the Good News with others. He will supplies the right words and He uses His Word to work faith in new believers. All we need to do is NOT get in the way!
January 24: Please join us for some great discussion of Acts chapter 9 with the block-buster story of the conversion of Saul (later called St. Paul) on the road to Damascus.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
This week we learned to make paper Valentine gifts out of paper. It was fun to compare how all the different combinations
January 24: Join us as we learn to make (and eat) okonomiyaki and talk about the Super Bowl.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
We are continuing to study English in our various classes. Join us!
put away: store
biome: similar habitat or environment and animals across different areas (for example a desert biome would include a variety of plants and animals that live in the desert)
eunuch: a castrated man, especially one formerly employed by rulers in the Middle East and Asia as a harem guard or palace official
transported: taken or carried from one place to another
get in the way: stop from happening
conversion: spiritual change or turnaround from a state of unbelief to belief or from sinfulness to righteousness
block-buster: a motion picture, novel, story, etc., that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal
Super Bowl: professional football play offs
Saturday is a beautiful, warm day. This is what is known as a January Thaw. In Indiana (and the Midwest) we see a couple of warm days. You may be tempted to think that it is spring, but don't put away your coat and mittens, yet.
You can combat the winter blahs with activities and events. You can go to museums, and the zoo is particularly fun in the winter. Many animals love the cold and are active. You can also enjoy the indoor exhibits. The desert biome is like taking a quick vacation.
Don't forget about Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Your children can join the fun any time. Find a troop near you.
It isn't too early start looking for summer camps for your children. Many of the summer programs are announcing their openings. Popular camps fill early. Click this link for Summer Camps in the Indianapolis Area to find a list along with links to each program.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
Our story this week from Acts 8: 26-40 tells about the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit as he guided Philip to meet up with an Ethiopian eunuch who was an important official in charge of the treasury of the Ethiopian queen. He was in a chariot on his way home from worshiping in Jerusalem, and he was reading the prophesies of Isaiah. When Philip caught up with him, the eunuch invited Philip to explain the Scriptures to him.
Philip met this man where he was, answered his questions, and told him the Good News that Jesus had fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies by suffering and dying for our sins and by rising again. What an example for us!
Immediately, when the chariot came to some water, the eunuch asked Philip, "Why shouldn't I be baptized?" He couldn't wait! And Philip didn't get in his way! He baptized the man and then was transported by the Spirit to another town, while the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing!
We learned so much from this story about how the Holy Spirit uses believers to share the Good News with others. He will supplies the right words and He uses His Word to work faith in new believers. All we need to do is NOT get in the way!
January 24: Please join us for some great discussion of Acts chapter 9 with the block-buster story of the conversion of Saul (later called St. Paul) on the road to Damascus.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
This week we learned to make paper Valentine gifts out of paper. It was fun to compare how all the different combinations
January 24: Join us as we learn to make (and eat) okonomiyaki and talk about the Super Bowl.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
We are continuing to study English in our various classes. Join us!
put away: store
biome: similar habitat or environment and animals across different areas (for example a desert biome would include a variety of plants and animals that live in the desert)
eunuch: a castrated man, especially one formerly employed by rulers in the Middle East and Asia as a harem guard or palace official
transported: taken or carried from one place to another
get in the way: stop from happening
conversion: spiritual change or turnaround from a state of unbelief to belief or from sinfulness to righteousness
block-buster: a motion picture, novel, story, etc., that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal
Super Bowl: professional football play offs
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Program Change
Hello Friends,
We are switching it up!
Tuesday, February 17 at International Friends we will make our Valentines (that way we will be ready for Valentine's Day).
Please bring
switching it up: changing things
that way: so
thimble: a device that protects your finger from poking while sewing
sweetie: a term of endearment
sweet: treat
We are switching it up!
Tuesday, February 17 at International Friends we will make our Valentines (that way we will be ready for Valentine's Day).
Please bring
- your paper scissors
- a thimble (if you have one)
- an ink stamp pad (if you have one)
- your sweetie's favorite sweet (we will have Hershey's Kisses)
switching it up: changing things
that way: so
thimble: a device that protects your finger from poking while sewing
sweetie: a term of endearment
sweet: treat
Friday, January 13, 2017
Congratulations: You are officially a Hoosier.
Hello, Hoosiers.
On the MLK Day, many museums and zoos are having a free admission day. If you have kids, seize the chance! Check our Things To Do page for some resources and information for summer camps and other programs for your kids.
Meanwhile, in case you don't know yet, the writing class on Thursday morning is a good choice for everybody who wishes to challenge him/herself in writing and deeper conversation. You are welcome to come and try it out!
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 in room 100
Who doesn't love a magician? This week we read the story of Simon the Magician in Acts chapter 8. He was one of the citizens of Samaria who believed what Philip proclaimed about the good news of the kingdom of God. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah and was baptized. Later he offered money to Peter and John if they would lay their hands on him and give him the gift of the Holy Spirit so that he, in turn, could lay hands on others and impart the Holy Spirit to them. Did he view this as a new, really impressive magic trick? Peter scolded Simon for trying to buy this gift. He urged him to repent of his sin and get rid of the bitterness in his heart. Simon asked the Apostles to pray for him.
The Holy Spirit's gifts are many, and we don't all manifest the same gifts. We may not, for example, have the gift of healing, but we can pray! If it is God's will He will heal in the manner and timing he knows to be best.
We also had a wonderful conversation about how often we pray. We talked about "formal" and "informal" prayer. Formally, we try to focus on prayer several times each day, when we wake up, at mealtimes, during our time of devotional Bible Study, and when we go to bed at night. Informally, we might pray hundreds of times a day: little conversations with God that go on all day long! What a privilege to be able to talk to our loving God at any time!
January 17: Please join as we finish Acts 8:26-40 with the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00 in room 100
This week we met to catch up with each other and to plan for the upcoming months. We had a great time coming up with ideas and sharing our interests and talents. Check our schedule to see what we will be up to over the next few months.
January 17: Join us for swearing class. Come and learn common salty and rude words and comments and join our discussions for words and phrases in your home languages that may sound similar to English speaking ears.
Open Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 in the upstairs classroom
try it out: attempt
in turn: also
lay hands on: give a blessing through touch
manifest: to make known; to show plainly
formal: being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.
informal: without ceremony; casual
devotional: used in religious worship
privilege: a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most
upcoming: occurring in the future
Yes it's official as of yesterday: people who live in Indiana are Hoosiers. The Federal government style manual. Since as early as 1826 written correspondence have referred to the people of Indiana as Hoosiers and not Indianians (I have only heard that from a friend who lives in Ireland--really?) To read more about this check this article in USA Today.
How have you been doing with the roller coaster temperature ride? Winter is a big season for all kinds of flu and sick stomachs. Every one, please stay warm and away from cooties...use your hand sanitizers! :)International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 in room 100
Who doesn't love a magician? This week we read the story of Simon the Magician in Acts chapter 8. He was one of the citizens of Samaria who believed what Philip proclaimed about the good news of the kingdom of God. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah and was baptized. Later he offered money to Peter and John if they would lay their hands on him and give him the gift of the Holy Spirit so that he, in turn, could lay hands on others and impart the Holy Spirit to them. Did he view this as a new, really impressive magic trick? Peter scolded Simon for trying to buy this gift. He urged him to repent of his sin and get rid of the bitterness in his heart. Simon asked the Apostles to pray for him.
The Holy Spirit's gifts are many, and we don't all manifest the same gifts. We may not, for example, have the gift of healing, but we can pray! If it is God's will He will heal in the manner and timing he knows to be best.
We also had a wonderful conversation about how often we pray. We talked about "formal" and "informal" prayer. Formally, we try to focus on prayer several times each day, when we wake up, at mealtimes, during our time of devotional Bible Study, and when we go to bed at night. Informally, we might pray hundreds of times a day: little conversations with God that go on all day long! What a privilege to be able to talk to our loving God at any time!
January 17: Please join as we finish Acts 8:26-40 with the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00 in room 100
This week we met to catch up with each other and to plan for the upcoming months. We had a great time coming up with ideas and sharing our interests and talents. Check our schedule to see what we will be up to over the next few months.
January 17: Join us for swearing class. Come and learn common salty and rude words and comments and join our discussions for words and phrases in your home languages that may sound similar to English speaking ears.
Open Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 in the upstairs classroom
We worked on some pronunciation and prepared for
English Classes: Wednesdays, 9:30-12:00 in the upstairs classrooms
This week we met to catch up with each other and to plan for the
upcoming months. We had a great time learning more about each other and our gifts and talents. Thank you to those of you who are leading us.
Thank you to our contributing authors this week: Fangling and Jan
_____________________________________________________________
upcoming months. We had a great time learning more about each other and our gifts and talents. Thank you to those of you who are leading us.
Thank you to our contributing authors this week: Fangling and Jan
_____________________________________________________________
roller coaster temperature ride: quick and varying ups and downs in temperatures
all kinds of: many
cooties: a fictional childhood "disease"
MLK: Martin Luther Kingtry it out: attempt
in turn: also
lay hands on: give a blessing through touch
manifest: to make known; to show plainly
formal: being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.
informal: without ceremony; casual
devotional: used in religious worship
privilege: a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most
upcoming: occurring in the future
salty: swearing, rude or bad language (not just too much salt in food)
check: look at
what we will be up to: what we will do
over (the next few months): occurring (during a stated time frame, in this case more than one month)
contributing authors: people who write articles
Friday, January 6, 2017
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
How was your holiday? Did you have a nice break? Did you go anywhere?
It was good to get together with you this week. I hope the cold and snow didn't scare you away. We are finally having some typical winter weather. Our policy is to meet when Carmel Clay Schools meet. If Carmel Clay Schools have a two hour delay or cancel classes due to weather, we will not meet. Of course, your safety is our first concern. Our street departments do a great job keeping our roads clear.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
As New Year 2017 begins we are jumping back into our study of the book of Acts. We had a wonderful discussion of the first eight verses of chapter 8, which tells about the persecution of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Saul, who had watched over and approved of the stoning of Stephen, soon made it his business to round up believers and put them into jail. These events caused many of the early Christians to flee from Jerusalem and settle elsewhere in Judea and Samaria. Verse 4 says, "those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Isn't it amazing how God used such a terrible situation as a way to spread the good news of Jesus the Messiah to more and more areas of the world? We talked about how this same phenomenon is taking place in China today, Christian churches have to register with the government and "home churches" are illegal (see more about this in this article in the Christian Science Monitor). The government requires all groups of more than fifty people at a given time and place to meet to register. What seemed at first like a cruel restriction has become a catalyst for deep and intimate teaching and discussion of God's word in these small group meetings. We praise God that through his Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, the Church continues to grow and spread throughout the world!
January 10: Join us as we read Acts chapter 8 about Simon the Sorcerer.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
Gaga and I missed you! Where were you? We had some great conversation about having babies and being a stay-at-home mom.
January 10: Join us as we plan our events for the winter. Do you have any great ideas? We need to fill our calendar.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We met to catch up for the year. We talked about small talk at the grocery checkout and different terms used for directions at stores.
January 11: Join us for some free flowing conversation. Bring your questions and observations
English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
I had a great time visiting the different classes this week. What fun discussions and conversation! We talked about family meals in Conversation. We came up with a whole list of names for sandwiches and talked about the different styles across the different countries. Interestingly enough, we represent many of these styles in the US. We got into a heck of a lot of slang and idioms in our Level 1 class including the reprimand to watch your mouth! And Level 3! Well, what a wide ranging discussion! You will have to ask Kris for the details! I was sorry to run out of time and not make it to Level 2.
January 12: Join us as we resume classes. A visit to Level 2 is at the top of my list!
International Church Services: The first Thursday of the month, 12:00-12:30 (or so)
Thank you Pastor Max for leading us in church services. Pastor used the church service from December 31 and January 1 as the basis for our meeting. You can watch the complete service on demand at CLC-TV.
we are jumping back into: continuing
persecution: a program or campaign to exterminate,drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious,ethnic, social, or racial group
had watched over: presided; been responsible for
made it his business: taken responsibility for something
round up: gather together, this action idea comes from "rounding up" cattle or sheep but now it can include any gathering including a gathering of ideas and information (a sports round up is the news coverage summarizing sports)
flee: leave quickly
phenomenon: a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable
sorcerer: magician
How was your holiday? Did you have a nice break? Did you go anywhere?
It was good to get together with you this week. I hope the cold and snow didn't scare you away. We are finally having some typical winter weather. Our policy is to meet when Carmel Clay Schools meet. If Carmel Clay Schools have a two hour delay or cancel classes due to weather, we will not meet. Of course, your safety is our first concern. Our street departments do a great job keeping our roads clear.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
As New Year 2017 begins we are jumping back into our study of the book of Acts. We had a wonderful discussion of the first eight verses of chapter 8, which tells about the persecution of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Saul, who had watched over and approved of the stoning of Stephen, soon made it his business to round up believers and put them into jail. These events caused many of the early Christians to flee from Jerusalem and settle elsewhere in Judea and Samaria. Verse 4 says, "those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Isn't it amazing how God used such a terrible situation as a way to spread the good news of Jesus the Messiah to more and more areas of the world? We talked about how this same phenomenon is taking place in China today, Christian churches have to register with the government and "home churches" are illegal (see more about this in this article in the Christian Science Monitor). The government requires all groups of more than fifty people at a given time and place to meet to register. What seemed at first like a cruel restriction has become a catalyst for deep and intimate teaching and discussion of God's word in these small group meetings. We praise God that through his Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, the Church continues to grow and spread throughout the world!
January 10: Join us as we read Acts chapter 8 about Simon the Sorcerer.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
Gaga and I missed you! Where were you? We had some great conversation about having babies and being a stay-at-home mom.
January 10: Join us as we plan our events for the winter. Do you have any great ideas? We need to fill our calendar.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We met to catch up for the year. We talked about small talk at the grocery checkout and different terms used for directions at stores.
January 11: Join us for some free flowing conversation. Bring your questions and observations
English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
I had a great time visiting the different classes this week. What fun discussions and conversation! We talked about family meals in Conversation. We came up with a whole list of names for sandwiches and talked about the different styles across the different countries. Interestingly enough, we represent many of these styles in the US. We got into a heck of a lot of slang and idioms in our Level 1 class including the reprimand to watch your mouth! And Level 3! Well, what a wide ranging discussion! You will have to ask Kris for the details! I was sorry to run out of time and not make it to Level 2.
January 12: Join us as we resume classes. A visit to Level 2 is at the top of my list!
International Church Services: The first Thursday of the month, 12:00-12:30 (or so)
Thank you Pastor Max for leading us in church services. Pastor used the church service from December 31 and January 1 as the basis for our meeting. You can watch the complete service on demand at CLC-TV.
we are jumping back into: continuing
persecution: a program or campaign to exterminate,drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious,ethnic, social, or racial group
had watched over: presided; been responsible for
made it his business: taken responsibility for something
round up: gather together, this action idea comes from "rounding up" cattle or sheep but now it can include any gathering including a gathering of ideas and information (a sports round up is the news coverage summarizing sports)
flee: leave quickly
phenomenon: a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable
sorcerer: magician
small talk: easy, light social conversation
at: prepositions are so tricky! you are at the checkout in line
checkout: where you pay for goods at the store. The person that rings up the prices and takes your money is the cashier (cash EAR)
came up with: made or generate
a whole list: a whole list is bigger that a list (😃😃😃); this refers to a complete list
a heck of a lot of: more than a few
watch your mouth: have polite language and attitude
top of my list: my priority
or so: approximately, about
or so: approximately, about
as the basis for: the foundation
on demand: watch something on tv when you want
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Welcome Back
Happy New Year, Friends:
I'm looking forward to starting my new year with you.
Tuesday, January 3 in room 100
International Bible Study, 9:30-10:30
International Friends, 10:30-12:00
Wednesday, January 4
Conversation Class, 4:30-6:00, in the upstairs classroom
Wednesday, January 5
English Classes, 9:30-12:00, in the upstairs classroom
International Church Services, 12:00-12:30 in the Hasse Chapel
I am looking forward to seeing everyone!
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