Druid Hills UMC reaches out to neighbors through ESL classes

In Druid Hills UMC’s intentional effort to connect with their Hispanic neighbors, the congregation launched English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in September 2017.

In the last week of August they held in-person registration at the church and registered 42 people. Most of those registered attended the first day of class.

After two months, there are just over 25 regular students among three class groups. The groups include a beginner class on Monday nights with eight students, a Tuesday mornings beginner class with 12 students and a Tuesday morning intermediate class with 8 students.

To make this possible, there are seven volunteer teachers.The teachers come not only from Druid Hills UMC, but also from other neighboring United Methodist Churches. Volunteers include Marie Bingam, Terri Noland, Faye Teat and Tyler Smoot from Druid Hills UMC; Nancy Campbell and Bobby Ray Hicks from Forest Lake UMC; and Jenny Benefield from Tuscaloosa First UMC.

Additionally, there have been five other volunteers from the Druid Hills congregation who help with snacks and hospitality. The congregation is also offering childcare during classes paid for by grant funding.