Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church —Seminole, Florida
During Sunday morning worship, as the pastor I use lots of spoken words – but that is just fine for our deaf population, because an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter stands right beside me in the sanctuary to be sure everybody gets the message. The hearing admit they find themselves mesmerized by the signs and gestures illustrating what is being said.
The church has taken community building a step further by offering weekly ASL classes, taught by deaf church member, Robert Steward. Each week, students learn 20 more words for communication and have time to practice conversation. Participants from the church and community are learning ASL for many different personal reasons. As classes continue, the “wall” dividing the hearing from the deaf is disassembled, the communication gap is bridged and the room is filled with laughter and understanding.
– Kitty Hahn-Campanella, pastor
