International Student Ministry

St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel

Campus Ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod at the University of Iowa

Welcome

Women Waving We are glad you are here! For many years, we have worked closely with international students and families – just like you – who are new to the United States. It is not always easy to learn a new culture and language, and at times you may feel overwhelmed by all of the unfamiliar people, places and foods.

At St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City, we are here to help you adjust to life in your new home. Our International Student Ministry program is designed to support you in many ways through English conversation, social events and other learning experiences.

To receive the most current information, "Like" our International Student Ministry Facebook page. Click here to visit it.

English Conversation

St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel offers several types of English conversation classes to help you gain confidence in speaking and understanding English. Details on these classes can be found below, and please note that all classes are free of charge, so there are no costs to attend. They are led by local volunteers who enjoy helping international students and families.

Large Group Classes

Large group classes offer international students and families a chance to practice their English with native speakers in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Each class begins with a brief Bible reading before discussion on the main topic for the day. Discussions center on Bible passages, cultural similarities and differences, and any topic of confusion or interest that students raise.

Children are always welcome to come with their parents. To sign-up, please visit the chapel or call Deaconess Jeni Miller at (319) 337-3652 or via email at ismstpaul@gmail.com.

For a full schedule of current and upcoming classes, check out the calendar. Since classes are subject to change, please call ahead before arriving. Classes are at St Paul’s Lutheran Chapel, 404 E. Jefferson Street in Iowa City.

Conversation Partners

Women visitng These smaller groups or one-on-one sessions are designed to fit your schedule, so please contact us to set a time that will work for you. We will match you with an American conversation partner with whom you can meet weekly or as needed. Each class begins with a brief Bible reading before discussion on the main topic for the day.

To sign-up for a conversation partner, please visit the chapel or call Deaconess Jeni Miller at (319) 337-3652 or via email at ismstpaul@gmail.com

Bible Class

Women at Table This class meets weekly during the Fall and Spring seasons to discuss the basics of the Christian faith, using the Bible as the basis for conversation. Knowledge of the Bible and strong English skills are not needed for attending. For more information on meeting times, please view the calendar.

Social Events & Activities

These are scheduled throughout the year, so please check out the calendar for the latest updates.

Woman with plate Events often include cooking classes, shopping trips, local festivals and many other outings. Many of the events are geared towards sharing American culture with International students – or sometimes even sharing the native cultures of International students with Americans at St Paul’s Chapel. The Annual International Food Festival and the Thanksgiving Dinner are two examples of favorite events.

New ideas for events and activities are always welcome! If you would like to share your idea, or find out more about upcoming events, please visit the chapel or call Deaconess Jeni Miller at 319-337-3652 or via email at ismstpaul@gmail.com

Church Services

Palm Sunday Worship Service The International Student Ministry program at St Paul’s Lutheran Chapel is dedicated to sharing the Christian faith with International students and families at the University of Iowa. If you are interested in learning more or are looking for a church home in Iowa City, you are welcome at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel.

Our Sunday worship service is at 10:30am, with social time immediately after. Bible study (for adults) and Sunday School (for children) take place on Sunday at 9:15am. More information about worship at St Paul’s Lutheran Chapel can be found by clicking here.

Volunteers

The University of Iowa is host to nearly 3,000 international students and scholars representing more than 100 countries across the globe.

Through the International Student Ministry program at St Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City, local LCMS congregations are working together to share the Gospel and meet the needs of internationals by helping them adjust to life in the United States.

The International Student Ministry program at St Paul’s Lutheran Chapel is successful due to the many volunteers who participate. There are no special skills or qualifications needed – just a willingness to help. Both men and women are needed to be conversation partners, lead or host a cooking class, take students on a shopping trip, host international students for the holidays, and engage students in many other activities. Sometimes whole families will choose to volunteer together to host and befriend an international student or family.

We hope you’ll consider volunteering to be a part of this important and rewarding program! For more information about the International Student Ministry program and the volunteer opportunities that are available, please contact Deaconess Jeni Miller, Director of International Student Ministry for St. Paul’s at (319) 337-3652 or ismstpaul@gmail.com.

Links

For more information on International LC-MS ministries around the globe, you can check out the Lutheran Hour Ministries Website!

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