The mission of this ministry is: Expand God’s kingdom by helping our non-English speaking neighbors learn to speak, read, and write in English so that they can participate more fully with their families, with the community, and to the glory of God.

H.E.L.P. classes are currently offered on Tuesday mornings from 9:00am to 11:00am during the school year.  Anyone interested in signing up to take classes may contact us at anytime for more information.  We provide childcare at no additional cost so that parents can participate in classes.  Bus transportation is also available for those who need a ride to and from classes.  The tuition for enrollment in classes is $25 for the first semester, and $5 per semester after that.  This tuition helps to cover the cost of books and supplies.  Scholarships are available.

This ministry is staffed by volunteers, who are members of the church.  To ensure the safety of all participating, volunteers are required to be verified through the Safe Sanctuary program.

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On May 7, 2013 we celebrated the completion of our 2nd year of English Learning classes in H.E.L.P. (Hermitage English Language Program).

With 30 adult students enrolled in classes and 12 children to care for while their mothers were in class, we had a lot to celebrate. The 20 volunteers who came every Tuesday to “make it happen” included: Teachers, Teacher Helpers, Children’s Teachers, Welcome Center Receptionists, Hospitality Hostesses, Bus Drivers, Administrators, Translators and Advisors.  It is because of these loyal and caring volunteers that the program is successful.

We also celebrated the HUMC staff and congregation for the support given this ministry.  At every step along the way, the church staff has been key to developing and sustaining H.E.L.P.   What a blessing to have such devoted staff to inspire, guide, and support HELP and its volunteers, and that the congregation supports us through their prayers, presence, gifts, services and witness!

Our students had an opportunity to share their thoughts with us at this celebration—in English!  You can imagine their nervous excitement as they stood before the crowd… What a wonderful testimony and what encouragement to hear from them the positive impact of this program on their lives.  From better communication with their doctors, children’s schools, and at the grocery store… to being able to help their children with their homework… to feeling more involved in their community… to hearts full of thanks for this church and for the H.E.L.P. volunteers who have given their time to help them.   Beautiful friendships have blossomed across language and cultural boundaries.  Praise the Lord!

Want to be a part of this ministry?  Our next semester begins on August 20th.  We invite you to join in this ministry and share your gifts of hospitality, child care, teaching, translating, leadership, administration, or maybe something else.  Contact Paul Henrie (883-3918, ext. 106 or paul@humc.org) or Mary Humber (975-4215 or mrandmrshumber@yahoo.com) to find out more!

For pictures from the celebration, click on this link: H.E.L.P. Celebration Pictures

To view testimonies from four of the H.E.L.P. students, click on this link: H.E.L.P. Student Testimonies