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

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

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

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...