Deaf Ministry - Current Sign Classes

Mondays, 6 - 8 p.m.
Start September 14, 2009
- Level 1
Teacher Ken Mack
Room 1, LL
Course covers Lessons 1-8 from the optional book "A Basic Course in American Sign Language," available for $35.
- Level 3
Teacher Tammy Mack
Room 3, LL
Course covers Lessons 17-22 from the optional book "A Basic Course in American Sign Language," available for $35.
- Conceptually Correct Sign
Teacher Pam Helton
Room 6, LL
Continuation of what sign to use when a word has more than one meaning.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - Noon
Start September 19, 2009
- Level 1
Teacher Sam Postoloff
Room 1, LL
Course covers Lessons 1-8 from the optional book "A Basic Course in American Sign Language," available for $35.
- Level 2
Teacher Tammy Mack
Course covers Lessons 9-16 from the optional book "A Basic Course in American Sign Language," available for $35.
Room 3, LL
- Signing Naturally 1
Teacher Pam Helton
Room 9, LL
No voice sign class to improve receptive sign.

For information regarding ASL or the above Sign Classes, please contact Pam Helton (925.4417), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (908.5168) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (908.7045).

Do I need to Register?
Letting us know you're coming helps, but is not required.

Is there a cost for the classes?
Level 1-3 classes are free, although there is a freewill offering taken. Money received is used so teachers can receive additional training and also cover any expenses in the Deaf Ministry. An optional book used for levels 1-3 is available for $35. Level 4 classes may have an occasional cost, but these costs are always kept as small as possible.

What if I would like a Sign Book but don't know if I can afford it?
Talk to your teacher about a payment plan or renting the book.

Where do I enter the building?
Come to the east doors (when looking at the building, it is the left end). As you enter the door the stairs are on your left to take you to the Lower Level. There is also an elevator available through the door (toward the Sanctuary), down the hall on your left, across from the drinking fountain.

We of the Deaf Ministry are here to serve you to the best of our ability. We know that often people are confused over how things are done in a new church. So we would like to answer some of the most common questions.

What services or activities do you interpret?
The 10:30 a.m. worship celebration is always signed. Wednesday nights Kids Club (Sept-May) has someone signing the opening but only interprets in the classroom if there is someone who needs an interpreter. The 10:30 a.m. High Point has an interpreter on stand-by to interpret if needed. For all other activities we try to be on call. Please remember there may be times no interpreter is available.

Where may the deaf sit?
You may sit where you feel comfortable. The interpreter, for most services in the sanctuary, sits facing the row of seats to the right of center. At the 10:30 a.m. worship celebration, we save eight seats for your convenience. (This is based on average need and can change). In other activities the interpreter may sit in the front for a formal teaching time or sit with you for a less formal time.

You mean I can attend any of the activities here at the church?
Yes, as long as you fit the requirements for the activity and an interpreter is available.

How do I go about having an interpreter for activities without a scheduled interpreter?
You or the person over the activity needs to see Tammy or Ken Mack. Tammy heads up the Deaf Ministry and scheduling. For emergencies, the pastors and office staff know interpreters willing to come in when and if they are available. The only exception is for counseling. As this is a very sensitive area, your comfort comes first. If you should wish to call in someone who is not on the sign team you can discuss this with the pastor with whom you are counseling.

What if I have a preference in who will be interpreting or have a problem with one of the interpreters?
See Tammy Mack. But please keep in mind the schedule is made out one-two months ahead, so it may not be until the next schedule that the change occurs. Also the biggest reason for the collapse of deaf ministries is because one person is carrying too much, resulting in burn-out. We don't want this to happen with our ministry. To help protect the signers on our team, we try to rotate them. Especially if we have any teens, since if they burn-out now we lose our future leaders in the Deaf Mnistry. Also we have a need and desire to help new interpreters get started. Though we provide classes to teach them, there is a time when they need to start putting those skills to work. We try to start them in easier and less demanding areas of ministry. (We know that all areas and ages are important.) Please be patient with them as they are just learning .

You teach sign language?
Yes! We have ASL courses 3-4 times a year. The classes normally run for 10 weeks. The fall classes start in September and end just before Thanksgiving. The winter class normally starts in January, and if possible ends a little before Easter. The spring session starts normally after Easter and continues until completed. Sometimes a summer session is done, but only if there is a great demand and there are teachers available. If you want more information see Tammy Mack, Pam Helton or Ken Mack.