O Lord, Open Thou My Hands!

Sign Language and the Gospel

Dear Friends,

Many of you know that I serve two congregations, St Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX.

Jesus Deaf is a congregation that preaches and teaches in ASL, especially to serve the Deaf. When I accepted this call I had no experience in ASL, and it has been a wonderful surprise and a great joy to begin to discover this new language (really a new way of thinking and communicating).

In fact, a few times this last year, when preparing a sermon for St Paul, I’ve thought, “I wish I could preach this text in ASL.”

I would encourage all of you to consider studying ASL. There are a lot of on-line resources. Keri and I have enjoyed a few semesters of ASL at Austin Community College (Go Riverbats!).

Here’s a wonderful opportunity.

1/ Church Interpreter Training Institute, February 16-18, 2024, Austin, TX.

Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church along with her dual-parish, St. Paul Lutheran Church is hosting Church Interpreter Training Academy (CITA) on February 15th to 18th. Beginners (even those who do not know any sign language)  and Signers (of all levels) are welcome! For beginners, there will be classes about conversational signs and  signs in the church and Scripture. For signers, there will be classes about interpreting (signing) Scripture and hymns, and the Divine Service. There will be presentations on Deaf Culture/Ministry and on using the liturgy in the Divine Service. A special two-hour ASL class for K-12 students is being offered as well! For more information, please go to: jesusdeafchurch.com/cita2024austin.

(If you are in Texas, would you ask your pastor to include the above paragraph in your church bulletin announcements?)

If you know nothing at all about ASL or Deaf culture, not a problem. We’ll teach you the very basics.

2/ ASL Theology on-line

We’re working on producing some videos that get some good theology on-line. Here’s our first attempt on the distinction between Law and Gospel.

3/ Support Deaf Ministry

Thank you to everyone supporting Deaf Ministry in Central Texas. If you would like to join these supporters, please click here.

4/ The Enchanting Music of Sign Language

Here’s an interesting video that explores some of the 3-dimensionality of ASL.

Christ is Risen! PrBW