Page 29 - Summer 2015 Contact issue 34

Occasionally, tutor and class meet in a local cofee shop. The excuse for this is to practice speaking English outside the class setting, but the truth is that they enjoy each other’s company and the treat! At Christmas and Easter we prepared materials that present the Biblical accounts and we explored the stories in simple English. Our celebrations have included food (mince pies, mulled fruit juice); “Silent Night” sung in English, Polish and Czech; volunteers reading the Christmas story in English; more food (Simnel Cake, hot cross buns) and the Easter section of the Jesus flm. What are we aiming for in this venture? We ofer kindness, hospitality and encouragement in the light of Jesus’ words “I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.” Certainly we aim to teach English and to do that well, but our cherished aim is that our words and actions will translate the good news of God’s grace and His love for us all. Marie Hamilton