Pronunciation Class

I was asked to teach and English Pronunciation at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell to Vietnamese nuns and brothers and Colombian brothers. I had previously set up a program at Covenant Village of Cromwell where I live. The sisters would come over on the bus and I paired them up with residents so they could practice conversational English with a native speaker. They now wanted a pronunciation class that would be specific for the Vietnamese speakers. I was happy to oblige but when the Colombian brothers heard about the course they wanted to come too. No problem! I used Pronunciation Contrasts in English by Nilsen and Nilsen from Waveland Press. The course was for 10 weeks with an hour for class and an extra half-hour for individual or small group work. We had an amazing time.

The last day of class was November 20th and this was Teachers' Day in Vietnam. What a coincidence and the students were so proud to share this honor with me.

ABC Mission Summit

Here is a video of the 200 - 250 voice Karen choir that sang at the ABC Mission Summit last Saturday. They came from 10 or so states across the US and sang to the accompaniment of a Karen drum and Karen style horns. We wanted to point out how special this was for the Karen and how much of themselves went into this one song. The large brass drum along with the water buffalo horns used in the beginning may not be melodic to western ears but they are the symbols of the Karen people. The large drums are very rare now-a-days. I was told the drum used last Saturday was recently found in Burma and shipped to the US which cost thousands of dollars.

The song they sang is a medley consisting of the Karen national anthem and a special song written just for the Judson 200th anniversary. The drum, gong and horns were used to introduce the national anthem which was sung at the beginning and end. In between was the newly written song thanking God for sending Judson and the Gospel to the Karen people 200 year ago. They ended with the last verse of the Karen national anthem which was written in 1928, long before there was any idea the Karen would be settled around the world. Yet this verse is quite prophetic. A rough translation would be: O God our father, Our ancient hope, We worship you so we can be your disciples and take your Good News around the world.

With the special drum and special music, they were giving us and the Lord the best they have to offer.

Credit to Duane Binkley June 29, 2013 via Facebook

Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarships

'Loaves and Fishes' backdrop
Children's Sunday

On Sunday, June 16th the Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Elizabeth Htoo and Mission Paw during Children’s Sunday. Elizabeth was the First Winner and received a check for $1000 and Mission Paw received $500 as the Second Winner. Both girls will be attending Manchester Community College in the fall. The scholarship founded by Thomas J Foran is for Karen youth at Central Baptist Church graduating from high school and attending a further education site. The scholarship was originally called the Karen Youth Scholarship and was renamed in honor of the departed Hser Nay Chris who was instrumental in the development of ESOL classes for Karen adults. In their essays the girls wrote on the subject: 'What Further Education Means to Me'. Mission Paw says: 'Many children my age are unable to achieve an education because society requires them to find a job that would help support themselves and their families.' Elizabeth writes: Society values educated people because they are the ones that will better their communities in the future.'

Vivienne Bell Funeral Service

Vivienne C. Bell nee Maxwell, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 25, 2013) at Hartford Hospital. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 7th. This was a wonderful reunion of her family and friends. The church sanctuary was packed and the singing was, I am sure, wonderful to her ears.

Along with many floral tributes, this bamboo plant was given by the Karen community. "Being generous, just helping one’s relatives and being blameless in one’s actions; this is the best good luck." This saying attributed to Buddha surely gives an insight into Vivienne's life. She will truly be missed.

Doris Brown Memorial Service

Today was the Service for the Worship of God in Memory of Doris Brown. The church was full of friends and family for the sendoff of a wonderful woman to her rightful place in heaven. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which The Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.'

Hser Nay Chris Funeral

A Service for the Worship of God 'Celebrating the life of Hser Nay Chris' was held this morning in the filled sanctuary. So many people turned out to honor her. There was music by Kari Miller, prayers by Rev. John Endler, Rev. Nguyen Duc Ich and Pastor Gie Dor, Meditation by Rev. Daniel, a reading by Pastor Taw Nay Moo and a Remembrance by Maw Lay for the family. Music from members of the Karen Community was heartfelt.

My fondest memories of Hser Nay Chris are of her sitting in front of me on the floor in Pastor Gie Dor's apartment during the first two years of the Karen community arrival. That is where we started the English classes that outgrew that apartment into the church library. She was always ready to help by organizing groups, passing out papers, translating and making sure that I did a good job. I will miss her very much as will the rest of the Central Baptist congregation.

I have renamed the Thomas J Foran Annual Karen Youth Scholarship to the 'Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarship' in her honor. May her legacy live on!

Patricia Vanette Dodge Memorial Service

Attended a beautiful memorial service today for Pat Dodge. She was a good friend and a wonderful person. The service here at her Central Baptist Church was well-attended and the speakers were all very thoughtful. The hymns and music were especially poignant. She will be remembered by all.

CELEBRATING OUR MINISTERS of MUSIC

Wonderful program today at church: Celebrating Our Ministers of Music. Kari Miller, Director of Music, gave an overview of the history of music at Central Baptist Church. Then three former music directors/organists spoke and played for us. Such a powerful program in the sanctuary. After the musical portion of the program, there was an unveiling of the pictures of all nine former organists. Then a wonderful reception in the church parlor where everyone got a chance to renew old acquaintances.

Four of the Music Directors/Organists that were present:

William R Gable
1953-1974

Lois Jungas
1974-1975

Bruce Henley
1983-1995

Richard Matteson
1996-2006

Karen 5th Anniversary Celebration

Wonderful celebration today at Central Baptist Church in honor of the arrival of the first Karen families five years ago. This was a blended service in English, Vietnamese, French, Spanish and Karen. Many visitors were present. A large contingent of Karen brothers and sisters from Albany, NY sang for us. This was truly a joyful day!

Church Clean-up Day

Getting Central Baptist Church ready for the Lenten Season and Easter, a small group this morning cleaning up the church. This is an annual event and very well organized.

cleaning supplies are ready

Ten Things to Know about American Baptists

Ten Things to Know...

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