Crossroads – English Studies

CROSSROADS ministry offers internationals in the Capital District the chance to learn more about American language, culture and friendships. As you stand at a new crossroads in your life, we are here to serve you. Primarily, CROSSROADS offers Conversational English classes in different venues. All English classes are taught by caring volunteer teachers from the community. The school year is divided into two terms: Fall and Winter/Spring. Class sizes are usually small, most having fewer than 10 students. Maximum class size is 15 students.

Our students come from all over the globe. Some are international students and scholars or family members, others are immigrants and refugees. Everyone is welcome.

Conversational English Class The Conversational English classes at CROSSROADS are useful to anyone seeking to improve their English conversation skills. We provide 4 levels of English—so, at time of registration, you will be placed into a class level according to your current English fluency. All students must register before participating in class. Spring 2010 Classes Semester: January 18 – May 17 Schedule: Monday Nights, 7-9PM Cost: $40 per person (includes the textbook) ($20 for returning students who own the textbook) Registration: Monday January 11, 7-9pm (late registration Jan. 18 & 25 @ 6:30 pm) Location: Pineview Community Church, 251 Washington Ave Ext., Albany, NY 12205 Rides are available.  Please contact us to schedule a pick-up. Childcare is available for $2 per class. For more information, contact the church at 456-6777 or ferguson.wm@gmail.com

English Club CROSSROADS English Club provides an opportunity for students and scholars at SUNY to practice their English with friends and native English Speakers in an informal environment. Each week we host a topical discussion (family, food, etc.) with everyone encouraged to participate. All levels are welcome. Spring 2010 Schedule Semester: Start date TBA Schedule: TBA Cost: Free Location: SUNY Uptown Campus, Room TBA For more information, contact Rick at 847-7756 or rvanluik@yahoo.com

English Cafe CROSSROADS English Cafe allows English language learners the chance to practice their English during the daytime with friends and native English Speakers. Come enjoy a cup of coffee/tea and conversation in an informal environment. Each week we host a topical discussion (family, food, etc.) with everyone encouraged to participate. All levels are welcome. Spring 2009 Semester: Jan. 7 – May 27 Schedule: Thursday mornings, 9:30-11:00 am. Students can stay for the International Bible study at 11am if interested. Cost: Free Location: City Harvest Church, 585 Central Ave (the corner of North Main & Central), Albany Childcare is provided For more information, contact Tracy at mtvincent@verizon.net

Other Events

Through out the school year, CROSSROADS offers social events for our students and their families, like apple pie baking, game nights, Christmas cookie decorating, picnics and more.  We also pair interested students with American Friendship Partners so they can celebrate traditional American holidays and hobbies. We want to give our students the chance to fully participate in American culture, and make new friends from the USA and all over the globe.

Financial Peace University

You may be surprised to know that God is interested in your money, but not how to get it out from your wallet! There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that talk about wise choices with money, and it’s worthwhile to see what God might say on how to handle our finances.  There is a better way!!!  Would you like to experience financial peace? Sign up today for Financial Peace University (FPU), a 13 week course beginning Wednesday January 13. You’ll be glad you did!!!

Cost: $93 per person (we’ll help with shipping your member’s kit.)
How To Register:  Come to one of the “Preview Nite”s on Wednesday January 6 at 7:00 pm or Sunday January 10 at 6:00 pm.

Let us know you are coming and fill out the form below:

The Aftermath

When all the paper is strewn around your living room and the boxes are empty and the dinner is gone…. is there anything after Christmas?  After the rush of the season has finished, what is next?  Is there anything left?

When you don’t have anything left, you often remember what is most important.  A great gift you can give to yourself is the gift of rest.

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The Best Gift Of All

What do you do when you get the best gift in the world?  Leave it to some outcast shepherds to get it right and show us the way!

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Christmas Scrooge-onomics

A great gift to give to someone is forgiveness.  But are there some things that are just so big or happen so often that there might feel like you’ve beyond forgiveness.  Forgiving won’t cut it!  What then?

When we think of forgiveness in these terms, we miss out on why we can forgive no matter what or who or how often.

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Christmas Economics

This Christmas, what gift can you give to someone in light of the gift God has given you?

Great gifts are ones that are given generously.  But what does giving generously mean?  Jesus says it’s actually more than the size of the gift, it’s the attitude of the giver.

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