Studying abroad can be both an exciting and bewildering experience at times! Each year approximately 2,000 international students, visiting scholars, and their families make Athens their temporary home while attending The University of Georgia. Our church's International Student Ministry seeks to create a welcoming environment that provides opportunities for scholars and their families to become better acclimated to American culture, to experience Christian hospitality through regular social events, and to learn more about the Christian faith as desired. (All our activities are open to international students and visiting scholars regardless of race, nationality, or religious preference.)
We do this through a variety of activities:
Beginning August 5, 2011, International students and their spouses are invited to join us weekly for Bible study on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in room 255 on the second floor of the main church building. A light dinner will be served each week. After dinner and a general assembly, the group will divide into two classes. One class will focus on basic Christianity and is geared toward those who are interested in learning more about the Christian faith, while the other class is for believers who desire to grow in their faith while living in another culture.Once a month during the school year, a special social event called "Snack and Chat," featuring dinner and fun cultural activities, occurs instead of Bible study classes. "Snack & Chats" also begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evenings but are purely social in nature! They are held in the church's fellowship hall (Hancock Hall) on the second floor.
The dates for "Snack & Chat" during fall semester are:
- December 2—Traditional Christmas Dinner & Tree Trimming Party!
International students and their families are also invited to participate in the following weekly worship services:
- Our Regular Services are held in the main sanctuary at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., or 11 a.m. These are traditional worship services with a message by our senior pastor.
-
UGA Wesley Foundation at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at the Tate Center Grand Ballroom on the 5th floor. This is a service of worship, fellowship, prayer, and teaching for all UGA students.
(Nursery care is provided for children ages infant to four-years-old during each of our Sunday morning worship services. Childcare is not available during the evening services held at the Wesley Foundation each Wednesday.)
- Invite their new international friend to meals in their home, to favorite restaurants, to cultural events, to observe an American church service, or just to spend time doing things they enjoy on a regular basis.
- Maintain phone, email, or Facebook contact regularly throughout the school year.
- Accompany their international friend to "Snack & Chat" events at the church.
To download an application form for international students, please click on the link provided under "forms and resources" at the bottom of this page. Return completed forms to Lynn Bryant at Athens1stISM@aol.com or mail them to her at P.O. Box 1109, Athens, GA 30603.
Note for American Friendship Partner Volunteers: Church members and UGA Wesley Foundation students may obtain a volunteer application form by emailing Lynn Bryant at Athens1stism@aol.com or calling the church at 706-543-1442. Special Note: Friendship Program Orientation for American volunteers will be offered on Sunday evening, August 21 and September 11 this fall. You may register through the church's website or contact Lynn for additional details. After these dates, training is offered on an individual basis.
International Students are invited to join us for trips to nearby areas of interest. Details and dates are provided in the column on the right. Pre-registration is required. Contact Lynn for additional information.
International Students are encouraged to join the International Student Ministry (ISM) list serve in order to stay informed of upcoming trips, social events, and special opportunities! Write to Lynn at Athens1stism@aol.com to sign up.
Students are also encouraged to stay in touch with us through FaceBook!
Are you a first-time visitor to our site? If you are a UGA international student, please complete our Semester Survey (click here). If you are a community volunteer who desires to serve international students through our church's hospitality outreach, please complete our Volunteer Survey (click here). Volunteers will be screened and trained to ensure agreement with our church's philosophy of ministry. Thanks so much!
For additional information or assistance, please contact:
Mrs. Lynn Bryant, Director International Student Ministry
327 North Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30603
706-543-1442
E-Mail: Athens1stism@aol.com
IMPORTANT FORMS AND RESOURCES
International Student Friendship Partner Application.pdf
Church/Community Member Application