Congregations Reach Out, Teach English

Area Congregations Host English Language Learners

One of the most direct ways in which local congregations welcome newcomers to our country is by hosting English as a Second Language, or ESL, classes. Throughout our conferences, many churches are active in this ministry. In opening doors, literally, and inviting immigrants into our places of worship, we open other doors both with increased job opportunities and connectional relationships. Below is a partial listing of area UM churches which offer ESL classes. Liz Shadbolt, Refugee and Immigration Coordinator (TN Conference Mercy and Mission Team)
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Belmont UMC (at the corner of Acklen & 21st Ave in Hillsboro Village) has an active ESL program. For more information, please contact either Mary Jane Duke 377-3138 or Mary Kaye Jordan 833-0685 who are both ESL teachers and Belmont members.

Brentwood United Methodist will be beginning an ESL program on June 16th that will launch a new Hispanic Ministry. Rev. Mack Strange is the staff person heading these efforts. You may reach him at mstrange@bumc.net.

Crievewood United Methodist hosts classes for refugees through Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Adult Education Department. To enroll, please contact Deborah Cohen at deborah.cohen@mnps.org. For more information on Crievewood’s outreach ESL program, please contact Linda R. Whited 615-749-6414 (day).

Donelson Heights United Methodist is a Pencil Partners with three schools their area and discerned that an ESL class would help local families. Class is offered one night a week (Tuesdays) to parents and child care is provided. Currently, the class is only for parents of McGavock Elementary students but there are hopes for expanding it. Dr. Kay Gray is the contact person at 883-6103.

First United Methodist in Murfreesboro proudly celebrated the completion of their ESL course by 40 students last spring. Classes there continue in both English and Spanish. Contact Carlos Uroza at 893-1322 or curoza@1stmethmboro.com.

Hillcrest United Methodist in South Nashville will resume classes in September. Contact Barbara Garcia, Associate Pastor, for details at 832-0157. Hillcrest also hosts ESL classes for refugees who must register through their resettlement agency and Metro Nashville Public with Deborah Cohen [deborah.cohen@mnps.org].

West Nashville UMC holds weekly sessions at Cockrill Elementary through their Community Ministries program. Call Sherry Woolsey at 297-3216 for more information.