Deaf Ministry

A Spiritual Connection for the Deaf
The Deaf Ministry is one of the newest focus ministry groups at Lovers Lane, a special ministry that has grown over the past three years into a vital spiritual connection for Deaf and hard of hearing persons in our community.
At Lovers Lane, we are committed to helping those who seek the fellowship of a church family and weekly worship, yet feel separated from traditional services because of their communication needs.
If you are seeking a church family and want to see God's word expressed in American Sign Language, our Deaf ministry offers you a warm welcome.
To learn more about United Methodist ministry with those who are Deaf, Hard of hearing, Deafened, or Deaf-Blind, go to http://www.umcsignsofsolidarity.org/.

Reverend Tom Hudspeth, D.Min leads this ministry group in study, worship, and outreach activities. Reverend Hudspeth has received his Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary for his project, "American Sign Language as a Means of Grace."
We welcome you to visit us any Sunday for a worship service and class. You can also contact Reverend Tom Hudspeth by email to learn more about the activities of this dedicated ministry group at Lovers Lane.
Lovers Lane has a Videophone, 214-265-0496, that you may use to contact Reverend Hudspeth.

SUNDAY WORSHIP WITH ASL INTERPRETATION
11:00 am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
Every Sunday, the worship services at Lovers Lane include an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for the 11:00 traditional morning service. We are blessed with two talented and committed interpreters, Charlotte Winters and Kathy Peacock, who enjoy expressing the worship service through their artful and animated signing. For the best view of the interpreters, come down to the front pews near the pulpit. Family, friends, and students who are learning ASL are welcome!
11:00 am Contemporary CrossWalk Service in Asbury Hall
For a more visual and contemporary experience of worship, the CrossWalk service in Asbury Hall also includes sign interpretation in ASL. If you are new to the church or seeking faith, this service offers a less traditional worship experience. Five large screens display visuals and words to music and scripture, and a special spotlight shines on the interpreter throughout the service. Every service ends with the celebration of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion). This is a joyful worship service that our families and young people enjoy.
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Sunday Classes
9:30 am Sunday School Classes in ASL for Children and Youth
We often have interpreters for the children's and youth classes that meet at 9:30 am For more information about ASL interpretation at one of these classes, please contact Reverend Tom Hudspeth.

9:30 am Sunday School Class in ASL: Cross-Heart-Hands - Epworth 218
	In addition to Sunday worship, the Cross-Heart-Hands class meets every week in Epworth 218 for fellowship and Bible study, led by Rev. Hudspeth.
	The class focuses on bible study as well as contemporary topics. At times we host special guests who share their experiences, such as living in Palestine and Israel, Kenyan culture and history, ministry in Nigeria, and Deaf church and culture in Baltimore, Maryland.
	During the summer of 2003, we visited a Deaf Mission in Quito, Ecuador.
	In 2002, three class members attended a Deaf Mission trip to Meru, Kenya.
	The Cross-Heart-Hands class communicates in ASL and voice.
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Sign Choir

Lovers Lane Sign Choir signing "The Lord is my Light" at the
11 am worship, June 27, 2004.
Special guest, Amos Muyambo, (just left of center), is a Deaf minister from Zimbabwe and student pastor from Africa University.

The Sign Choir at Lovers Lane had its first appearance during the Brush Arbor services in August 2001. The choir signs periodically for regular worship services as well as for special worship services, such as at Christmas Eve Easter and Brush Arbor. Both Deaf and hearing people are welcome to participate in the choir. Practice times are scheduled as needed. If you are interested, contact the director of the choir, Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth.

Sign Choir Rehearsal

Deaf Ministry in the Community

Our Deaf ministry group also participates in community events, outreach opportunities, and special meetings for the Deaf. For more information about upcoming events, watch Lovers Lane Alive or the Outreach Calendar.

Volunteer in the Deaf Ministry and Learn ASL

If you are interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL), you are welcome to join our ASL classes at Lovers Lane. These classes meet several times during the year. You can also contact Reverend Tom Hudspeth to place your name on the list for the next class.

If you are interested in learning more about the Deaf Ministry, contact Reverend Tom Hudspeth at 214-256-0496 (Videophone) or contact him by email at thudspeth@llumc.org.


Copyright 2001-2008 Lovers Lane UMC, Dallas, Texas. All rights reserved.
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