LOOK OUT! It's October.

Hello Friends,

October has some weird and wild dates that are observed and obscure (Check out this article from USA Today to add some fun and fest to the month). Plan to meet with us in-person for some fun:

October 31: Happy Halloween: Pumpkin Carving and Tailgate in the Cornerstone parking lot 9-11:00 AM

Weathering the Weather

Fall brings changing weather conditions. Indiana is land locked, but we still feel the effects of hurricanes, which is surprising since we are land locked. This past weekend we could smell the Gulf air while we picked up sticks, leaves and other debris from our yards. 

The rain didn't dampen the fun at Cornerstone's Oktoberfest or at the Carmel International Art's Festival. I hope that you got out and enjoyed the weekend.

Meanwhile, being prepared for bad weather is important. Makes sure you are prepared because fall brings quick changes. Here is a page in our Quick Start with advice.

Fall Book Sale at the Carmel Clay Main Library

Discover great bargains on used books (and more) during these special sale dates. Just $10 for a bag of books. Presented by the CCPL Foundation Friends.

Friday, October 4, 9am–5pm
Saturday, October 5, 9am–4pm
Main Library Community Room

Glimpses: Best Practices in the Heartland Conference

Free three day conference hosted at Cornerstone Lutheran Church October. Click here to register. Click on "Get the App" and then click the cover to see the events and break out sessions. The "context" of the conference is Lutheran Christian and will communicate with that language set and feeling. There are many topics that are relevant to all people, not just church workers and Christians.

International Friends is having a breakout session and hosting an informational table. We are also Zooming from the conference so other communities can learn more about what we do and see us in action. 

Register and participate (for American English and Culture grade points)

• Improve your conversation skills and help communicate what we do: help host the information table.
• Come to our breakout session and talk to interested people and contribute to the presentation.
• Attend interesting breakout sessions and learn more about the American Christian culture.
• Eat with other people and practice your conversation skills. Meals are

American English

Have you ever....

The question phrase, "Have you ever ...?" Trips people up (and not just people new to English). This 5 Minute English Lesson gives an explanations, exercises, and examples. Don't miss the common questions at the end.

Something that always causes confusion for listeners is the question is phrased as a negative: 

"You haven't been to the Mexican restaurant on Main Street, have you?"

Many people new to English answer "Yes." or "Yes, I haven't." The correct way to answer is to answer "No." or "No, I haven't." The simple question is "Have you ever..."

Meeting and Class Notes

Register and join us in our classes!

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM. Zoom

We started with Psalm 19. This beautiful song  

We then read and discussed Genesis 15-17. God seals the deal with Abram who is renamed Abraham following a practice that seems odd to us in this modern day, but was common in the early days. The article What was a blood covenant? explains verses 9-21 in chapter 15. The stories in these chapters were sometimes difficult to read because of the topic and content. We find that God does not play favorites, but cares for everyone in a way that is unique to their situation and to their special needs.

September 30: Psalm 121 and Genesis 18 and 19 the famous story of Sodom and Gomorrah

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

Our conversation revolved around social events and about gaining vocabulary. Vocabulary is not limited to words, it also includes phrases. 

We talked about how adult brains love the comfortable paths and that information that is not regularly accessed will "grow over" and fill in as other information takes precedence. The more you "play" with information, the more

October 3:  Pick a word or phrase from your lists and set your mind free and follow the connections. Freely write, sketch, use colors…..

American English and Culture: Beginning October 17 Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Room 102

In person meetings begin Thursday, October 17 in room 102. Enter door 6. Register today. If you have already registered for our classes. Join us if you have already registered for classes, but not this one.

October 17: First meeting. 

American English For Kids: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM, Private Zoom Link

What do you love to do? Tennis is a sport enjoyed by many. Tennis has a special language of its very own. It also has its own counting system. Talking about how to play can be complicated. Diagrams and practical examples are necessary.

October 4: Come prepared to talk about the big school event for the week.

Words and Phrases

The Gulf: The Gulf of Mexico; sometimes we shorten a name of a common reference. Sometimes we add "the" as to refer to a specific thing or place the Meijer on Meridian. Sometimes we add "the" as an honorific: "We love the Goodwill for bargains."

land locked: surrounded by land (not sea)

play favorites: 

revolved around: discussion or topic covering multiple facets

seal the deal: an official act to confirm an agreement or sale of a major purchase. "We shook hands to seal the deal."