CHINA
@ FRIENDS
UGA
Current classes and Upcoming events
Here is a link to photos from Low Country boil and Charleston trip and other resources! https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive
We con't update this regulary anymore, so The best way to find out ABOUT our activities is to Join our Wechat group. Make Wechat friends with Joe May (ID: maydaysasia) and I'll add you to the group. You can also Check out our Wechat group:
'2022CF@佐治亚大学UGA OR QQ group: 2020佐治亚大学-COM@UGA- # 293763743
email: joemay@uga.edu; text for cell phone 706-410-7457
Below are Examples of Past Events, many of which are being repeated
Join us on Wechat to get up to date information on events
Below you will see examples of what we have normally done, but since this is a special year many activities have changed and are now online. There are group classes on ZOOM Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Those classes have people participating from around the US and China. You will need the zoom ID numbers to join.
We can offer English and Culture classes in afternoons and evenings as well. We also meet with individuals or small groups on ZOOM as well. We plan on offering some 30 minute classes that explore various dimensions of cultures and look at the differences between Eastern and Western cultures.
If you'd like to join one of these events, or have some individual time with one of our staff, contact us using the information above or on the Home page. We'll try to post new events here, but Wechat is still the best way to stay informed.
WE DON'T KNOW WHAT MANY EVENTS WILL LOOK LIKE IN THE '21-'22 SCHOOL YEAR BUT BELOW YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE'VE DONE IN THE PAST. CLASS TIMES AND LOCATIONS WILL LIKELY CHANGE. WE ARE STILL WAITING TO SCHEDULE ACTIVITIES. BEING CONNECTED ON WECHAT WILL BE THE BEST WAY TO STAY INFORMED.
PREVIOUS EVENTS ARE BELOW
There are various Meeting times for Classes/Study groups:
1. English and Culture classes will be held beginning Aug 14 on Tuesdays from 9:00 am-11:30 am at the University Village Community (Formerly Family /Graduate Housing)community room -710 E Campus Rd, Athens, GA. Come for any or all of the class as your schedule allows. The UGA UVC bus goes by the Family Housing office. If you need a ride call Joe May @ 706-410-7457 or email-joemay@uga.edu we'll see what we can do to help you.
2. During the regular school year There is Women's Program on Fridays at 10 am at the community room. See the Calendar of events below for dates
3. In the FAll and Spring semesters I try to an English class Wednesdays @7-8pm in the Argo/Moose Club apartments area. IT'S near Fook's Foods in the Shops of South Athens Shopping Center 2026 South Milledge, Athens, GA 30605. Athens city bus #14 goes right to the shopping center and it's very close to the bus stops on Milledge Ext. on the University Village Housing bus route. Rides home can be given afterwards!
4. I also started a group on Thursday evenings on the East side of town near Kroger. Contact me for details.
5. I am available to meet to help you improve English and gain a better understanding of American culture on almost any afternoon Tues-Fri at the Georgia Center coffee shop/cafe. If you are interested, contact me about this-joemay@uga.edu. Often, I'm even available after 5 pm to meet; let me know if you'd like to meet so we can confirm place and time.
Contact joemay@uga.edu if you need information about any of these classes/study groups.
The BEST way to be connected is to sign up for our, Wechat and QQ groups listed above.
IN ADDITION TO CLASSES WE HAVE THESE UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR FALL SCHEDULE: as we get closer to the special events sign up sheets will be created.
August 2018
Friday 17 Welcome event
Tuesday Aug 14, 21,28- English classes @UVC 9-11:30 am
Friday Aug. 24,31 - Women’s program @UVC 10 am-12pm
September 2018
Sun Sept. 2 -Pig Pickin’- A PORK BBQ Dinner at a
local farm; delicious FOOD and beautiful farm.
Sat. Sept. 29- UGA Football pre-game activities: sign up https://tinyurl.com/y8xapcum
Tues. Sept. 4,11,18,25-English class @ UVC 9 am-11:30
Fri. -7,14,21,28- Women’s program @UVC 10 am-12pm
October
Tues Oct.-2,9,16,23, 30 English class @ UVC 9-11:30 am
Fri. Oct. 5,12,19-Women’s program @UVC 10am-12pm
Oct 6-Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. Details and sign up : https://tinyurl.com/yaj8qrhw
Oct. 20 Hiking Tallulah Gorge (day trip)
November
Nov. 3,4- North Carolina Overnight mountain trip
Tues. 6,13,20,27-English class @ UVC 9-11:30 am
Fri. 2,9,16,30- Women’s program @UVC 10 am-12pm
Nov. 5 (probable)- Hayride, Bonfire, square dance at
local farm.
Tues. Nov. 20st- Thanksgiving dinner at local Church
December
Tues Dec. 4,11,18-English class @UVC 9-11:45 am
Thurs Dec 6 Athens Christmas Parade of Lights
Fri. 7th Women’s program 10 am-12 pm@ UVC
Wed. Dec. 12- COM Christmas Program
Below are some past events
Our March 16-18 trip to Charleston, SC is full.
March 24: a day trip to the China museum at Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia. This is where the Soong Sisters studied for a short time. Then we go into Macon for the Cherry Blossom Festival and to see some grand old homes. It’s a nice day trip!
https://1drv.ms/w/s!AjyGS0cE1lv4g-sgTF2MQnMZr1Pc3Q
We also hope to present a “Creative Writing” seminar presented by Dr. Liz May, PhD in Education. We are still seeking to finalize a date for this.
‘17 Welcome to Athens Welcome Dinner Program
Friends, China Outreach Ministries is contacting local American Friends to invite them to be a part of our Welcome to Athens Hosting
program. The program will match host families and International students/scholars for a dinner during August and September. It will not
necessarily be a dinner on a weekend, but just some time during that period. We have just begun this so currently we only have a few families
involved but think more will sign up soon.
If you are interested in being a part of this, just sign up and as we get hosts signed up, we’ll try to match you up.
sign up for this opportunity https://tinyurl.com/yav6bozr
Tuesday Aug 15, 22,29- English classes- (UVHC formerly FGH)
Friday Aug. 18,25- Women’s program 10 am-12pm
September
Fri Sept. 1 large group at Carlson’s
Sat. Sept. 2- UGA Football pre-game activities
Sun Sept. 3 -Pig Pickin’- A church’s PORK Dinner at a
local farm; delicious FOOD and beautiful farm.
Tues. Sept. 5,12,19,26-English class @ FGH 9 am-11:45
Fri. -1,8,15,22- Women’s program 10 am-12pm
October
Tues Oct. 3,10,17,24-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Fri. Oct. 6,13,20-Women’s programs 10am-12pm
Oct 14-15 -Georgia National Fair and overnight home stay in Perry, Ga.
Oct. 21 Hiking Tallulah Gorge day trip
November
Tues. 7,14,21,28-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Fri. 3,10,17,24- Women’s program 10 am-12pm
Nov. 5 (probable)- Hayride, Bonfire, square dance at
local farm.
Nov. 11-12- North Carolina Overnight mountain trip
Tues. Nov. 21st- Thanksgiving dinner at local Church
December
Tues Dec. 5,12, 19-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Fri. -1st, 8th, 15 Women’s program 10 am-12 pm
Wed. Dec. 13- COM Christmas Program
Creative Writing Seminar Feb 18th taught by Liz May, PhD Education. Liz taught ESL for many years at an International school in China. Place To be determined (probably at Family Housing Community Room) for details go to
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cC0-LXcYEZ6D2DXtqeQ_qLPTJ3-A5HS3JHK4uKR69xY/edit?usp=sharing
Trip to Charleston, SC and two night stay in American homes.
March 17-19 2017 Trip to Charleston, SC
COM is planning a trip to beautiful Charleston, SC for the weekend of March 17-19. It's a great trip and I know you will enjoy it. We are limited to ~15-20 Chinese guests and you are getting the first opportunity to sign up. We need to have sign up complete by Friday March 10 if possible..
For full details and to sign up GO TO THIS GOOGLE DOC
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12OK0AkWHC5S8PSN50NyMzfX9wwXlol5AfOt44qpujr8/edit?usp=sharing
-either click on link or cut and paste.
You will need to fill out a Liability Waiver 2015 which can be found on the "Documents" page of this website.
March 25 Trip to Macon, GA to see Wesleyan College, Hay house, St. Joseph's Church and perhaps some Cherry Blossom Festival activities.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1imW-A9we9t9yGtAzAXfxHorldIziWcyrPPq45DBJLAI/edit?usp=sharing
We also hope to schedule a tour of local Historic homes and perhaps weekend trips to Savannah, Ga and to the NC mountains this spring!
Past events Spring and Fall 2016 (see what you missed):
We are arranging for an overnight trip, and a stay in an American home the weekend of October 8-9,2016. We will go to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. to have an afternoon/evening at the Fair and then stay in homes of our hosts. http://www.georgianationalfair.com/ It’s like a big Spring Festival eventwith rides, games, music, animal shows, etc.
Sun Sept. 4 -Pig Pickin’- A church’s PORK Dinner at a
local farm; delicious FOOD and beautiful farm. There will be non pork food too. From about
4:30-8 pm
http://tinyurl.com/gmzod8e
Sat. Sept. 10- UGA Football pre-game activities around campus
http://tinyurl.com/zp5qp3d
(many of them will be repeated in the Fall '16-Spring '17 school year)
China Outreach Ministries (COM) invites you to our Welcome Event dinner for the new students and scholars: a “Welcome to UGA Culture” event with Hairy Dawg. Since we’ll be talking about Cultural Transition, it will be a good time to introduce you to UGA Football culture. Our guest will be the official UGA mascot Hairy Dawg. Come have your picture taken with him and learn about UGA Culture, Culture Shock and Cultural Adjustment! For all the details and to use the sign up sheet, go to http://tinyurl.com/qz7zt5q We need people to sign up so we know how much food to provide.
It is on Wednesday August 10 @6:30 pm at Calvary Bible Church, 2026 South Milledge Ave.
China Outreach Ministries (COM) invites you to a Hayride/Bonfire/Square Dance/
Sunday November 6th, 2016
from 4:30 pm until 7 pm (come and go as you like)
at a lovely Farm
5332 High Shoals Rd
Bishop, GA 30621
Food - We’re going to do a picnic format, where people bring their OWN dinner and spread out on the lawn on blankets-bring your own blanket too. We will provide hot chocolate, apple cider and hot water as well as what you need to make “ s’mores” (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate pieces)!
We’ll light the bonfire around 5pm; Hayrides may begin earlier; Sundown is about 5:30pm. We can begin square dancing when we get a group of at least 8 who are interested. Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/zq92qfr this is especially important if you need a ride. You can COME and GO as you like, so it’s no problem is you come right at 4:30.
China Outreach Ministries (COM) is planning a trip up to the North Carolina mountains for sightseeing, hiking and to spend the night in Murphy, NC with host families on Nov. 19-20, 2016.
I think you’ll enjoy the sights and the home stay.
Here are some a sites we’ll probably visit. the Murphy river Walk-3 mile walk that looks nice. http://www.visitcherokeecountync.com/murphy-river-walk-canoe-trail?p=51
Perhaps explore some of downtown shops, etc. There is also Hanging Dog Rec. Area with hiking trails about 5 miles outside of Murphy. http://www.visitcherokeecountync.com/hanging-dog-us-forest-service-campground?p=51
Usually we can take 10-15 people and NEED to sign up by Monday November 14, so we can properly plan for hosting.
THE SIGN UP SHEET is at http://tinyurl.com/ja49nfb Please follow all the directions.
May 20-22, 2016 Trip to Savannah for 2 overnight home stay.
Sign up sheet to be added soon.
Trip to Martin Luther King Center Jan 21 @ 12:30 pm and then Shopping at Great Wall Supermarket. For details go to http://tinyurl.com/z4nvgcv
Earlier events in 2016:
March 19 Trip to Macon, GA to see Wesleyan College, Hay house, Cherry Blossom Parade and St. Joseph's Church.
Creative Writing Semiar Feb 27th
Trip to Martin Luther King Center Jan 30 @ 12:30 pm and then Shopping at Great Wall Supermarket. (This trip is full unless you have a car to drive)
October
Tues Oct. 4,11,18,25-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Wed. Oct 5,12,19,26 @ 7 pm; Calvary Bible Church
Fri. Oct. 7,14,21-Women’s programs 10am-12pm
Oct 8-9 -Georgia National Fair and overnight home stay in Perry, Ga. (see info and link above)
Oct. 22 Hiking Tallulah Gorge day trip
November
Tues. 1,8,15,29-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Wed. Nov. 2,9,16, 30 @ 7 pm Calvary Bible Church
Fri. 4,11,18- Women’s program 10 am-12pm
Nov. 11 or 13 (probable)- Hayride, Bonfire, square dance at
local farm.
Nov. 19-20(TBD)- North Carolina Overnight mountain trip
December
Tues Dec. 6,13-English class @ FGH 9-11:45 am
Wed. Dec.7, 14@ 7 pm; Calvary Bible Church
Fri. 2,9 -Women’s program 10 am-12 pm
Wed. Dec. 14 (probable)- COM Christmas Program
Events from Fall 2015
There are some local cultural events I want to let you know about. Christmas is a special time with many special events for all of America. Here are some things coming up:
Thursday Dec 3rd-@ 7pm- Athens Christmas Parade of Lights downtown Athens. It goes down several of the downtown streets. People line the streets to watch!
https://www.athensclarkecounty.com/2589/Downtown-Parade-of-Lights
First Presbyterian Church Athens: Live Nativity December 10th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: The Weekday School presents, along with First Presbyterian, our Fourth Annual Live Nativity. We will present the story of Christmas live in the parking deck with the holy family, the guests who visited the babe in the manger, and more than twenty animals including a camel! There will be live Christmas music, art projects for children, and light refreshments served.
http://www.acswebnetworks.com/firstpresathens/
Here are some concerts that my wife Liz and I will be singing in; they are all free!
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The Athens Symphony is in concert on Sat. Dec 12 @ 8 pm and Sunday Dec 13 at 3 pm at the Classic Center downtown Athens. This is free but tickets are necessary and will be given out Monday morning Nov. 30 at the Classic Center box office. If you don’t get tickets you might still be able to get into the concert if you show up at the Center since they start letting in people without tickets about 15 minutes before the concert. http://athenssymphony.org/concerts/christmas/
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The Athens Choral Society Christmas concert “Winter Reflections” is @ 8pm Tuesday December 17th at Hugh Hodgson Hall;. We will perform Wenceslas, by Bob Chilcott, This Winter’s Night, Still Still Still, and other seasonal favorites. This is Free and no tickets required.
http://www.athenschoralsociety.com/fall-2015-5/
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On Sunday Dec 13 Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s Lessons and Carols service will be held at 6:00 PM. This is a lovely way to truly experience the Christmas season through listening to readings and music. Redeemer is in downtown Athens on Pulaski St near the intersection with Broad St. http://redeemerathens.com/ Arrive by 5:40 pm for good seating!
October
Tues Oct. 6,13,20,27-English class @ FGH 9am-11:45am
Wednesday Evening classes @6:30-8pm
Fri. Oct. 2,9,16,23,30-Women’s programs 10am-12
November
Tues. 3,10,17-English class @ FGH 9am-12
Wednesday Nov. 4, 11,18 Evening Classes 6:30-8 pm
Fri. 6, 13, 20- Women’s program 10am-12
Sunday Nov. 8, 5-9pm- Hayride, Bonfire, square dance at local farm
For DETAILS and sign up sheet go to:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F7GxLHwvEcNivwWI2tDfNFHKoxfQ1N1BoCZg_CpFFUo/edit?usp=sharing
AS OF TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, THE HAYRIDE HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WET WEATHER and the forecast for more rain for most of this week. In order to be able to drive the Hay wagon around the farm the land needs to be dry and solid.
we’ll let you know when we set the new date.
Saturday-Sunday Nov 14-15- North Carolina Overnight mountain trip
FOR DETAILS Here is a link to the sign up sheet:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9k_-FdJJNLCdAOFWP1pOCyWCQ9SM5lV8oiEy6mtjoE/edit?usp=sharing
Tues. Nov 24th- Thanksgiving dinner at local Church (link to sign up sheet below)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qXE0wabN8ICcQ2tXSlCYMYKVQvapyx3Cs8KtKtRGUno/edit?usp=sharing
December
Tues Dec 1,8,15-English class @ FGH 9am-12
Wednesday Dec. 2, 9, 16 English classes
Fri 4, 11-Women’s program
Fri. Dec 18- UGA graduation
Mon. Dec. 21- COM Christmas Program
Thursday Dec. 25th- Christmas Day
PAST EVENTS:
(many are repeated each year)
Oct 10-11 -Georgia National Fair and overnight home stay in Perry, Ga.
Here is the full web address TO SIGN UP. GO THERE AND READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13y5ZiRgVHMAXxeHSnb_6-lHH-uN8k9yc4yk8lNypCHw/edit?usp=sharing
July 4th picnic
If you’re still in town, you are invited, as a COM guest to a LOW COUNTRY BOIL sponsored by Redeemer Church, Sunday May 24 from 4-9pm. It will be held at a lovely farm, just outside of Athens. There may also be music and games. I think you’ll enjoy this unique, fun and delicious event. http://redeemerathens.com/events/low-country-boil/
Here is some information about such an event:
There are two kinds of social gatherings in coastal Georgia and South Carolina that revolve around shellfish. One is very much like a Louisiana boil, usually involving shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and red potatoes and is considered partof Lowcountry cuisine.
If you would like to attend please sign up on the google doc sign up sheet:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FdLfEOLXP0nvUveeZ2Y2Of2j1HADSxyRkeV3Dzjk_tc/edit?usp=sharing
Trip to Charleston, SC and two night stay in American homes.
March 20-22 Trip to Charleston, SC
COM is planning a trip to beautiful Charleston, SC for the weekend of March 20-22. It's a great trip and I know you will enjoy it. We are limited to ~15-20 Chinese guests and you are getting the first opportunity to sign up. We need to have sign up complete by Friday March 6 if possible..
You may need to provide transportation, either you own car or with a friend if we can’t get some vans to use. We will try to drive over together as much as possible; all drivers will be given the address and directions. It would be good if each car had a cell phone and a GPS. Priority for the trip is given to those who have cars and can take them!
You will also need to provide money for some meals but many costs are paid for by our host church. Your cost could be as low as $45 per person, but it might be more depending on places we go, food costs, buying souvenirs and how much money you give your driver for gas and whether or not we need to rent a van.
You will be staying in homes of members of Bethany Methodist Church in Summerville, SC. We will try to have married couples together. Some singles my need to share a room or perhaps even a double or queen size bed!
For full details and to sign up GO TO THIS GOOGLE DOC-either click on it or cut and paste. You will need to fill out a Liability Waiver 2015 which can be found on the "Documents" page.
or the long version
https://docs.google.com/document/d/139xJAigYTpvoNBkm7JSjBL_bRfBoS1ivEHTJL2PPIbM/edit?usp=sharing
After reading everything carefully and agreeing to the terms you can sign up.
FALL 2014 CHINA OUTREACH MINISTRIES (COM) EVENTS
August
Aug. 16 - Athens Chinese Church and COM Welcome
Tuesday Aug 19, 26- English classes- (FGH) 9am-12
Friday Aug. 22, 29- Women’s program 10am-12
Sun August 3 -Pig Pickin’- A church Dinner at a local farm
September
Sept. 5 or 6- Friendship/Dessert-Culture shock Follow up talk
Tues. Sept.2, 9, 16, 23, 30-English class @ FGH 9am-12
Fri. 5, 12, 19,26- Women’s program 10am-12
Sat Sept 13-Dragon boat race@ Lake Lanier
Sat. Sept. 27- Guided tour of UGA Football Tailgating and pre-game activities
October
Tues Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 -English class @ FGH 9am-12
Fri. 3, 10, 17, 24-Women’s programs 10am-12
Oct 11-12 -Georgia National Fair and overnight home stay-this trip is full for now but to put yourself on the waiting list go to: http://tinyurl.com/kc8fu8t
Oct. 25-Hayride, Bonfire, square dance at local farm; to sign up go to: http://tinyurl.com/k63gjag
November
Friday, Saturday -8th-9th- Overnight trip to North Carolina Mountains
Tues. 4, 11, 18- English class @ FGH 9am-12
Fri. 7, 14, 21- Women’s program 10am-12
Tues. Nov 25th- Thanksgiving dinner at local Church
December
Tues 2, 9, (16?)-English class @ FGH 9am-12
Fri 5, 12-Women’s program
Fri. Dec 19- UGA graduation
Mon. Dec. 22- COM Christmas Party
Thursday Dec. 25th- Christmas Day
PAST EVENTS 2013-2014
If you’re still in town, you are invited as a COM guest to a LOW COUNTRY BOIL sponsored by Redeemer Church, May 25 from 4-7 pm. It will be held at a lovely farm, just outside of Athens. There may also be music and games. I think you’ll enjoy this unique, fun and delicious event. http://www.redeemerathens.com/
Here is some information about such an event:
There are two kinds of social gatherings in coastal Georgia and South Carolina that revolve around shellfish. One is very much like a Louisiana boil, usually involving shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and red potatoes and is considered part of Lowcountry cuisine.
If you would like to attend please sign up on the google doc sign up sheet:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FdLfEOLXP0nvUveeZ2Y2Of2j1HADSxyRkeV3Dzjk_tc/edit?usp=sharing
If you are driving, we’ll get you directions. If you need a ride we can help arrange that but you will need to let us know by signing up by Thursday May 22. We’ll need time to arrange things.
Come and see old friends and make new ones! We hope to see you there.
******************************************************
later in the summer we hope to offer a trip to a professional Atlanta Braves baseball game and a weekend in American homes. We're still in the early planning stages, but have done this the last 2 years.
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in April, 25-27 we have a trip to Charleston, SC planned. We stay in homes of the member of the host church and then tour the Charleston area on Saturday 26th. SIGN UP BY GOING TO THIS GOOGLE DOC https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZFyUv-fyEXCX9pKkLpY_J7meGkVQXAM6o0EyfcaJqk/edit?usp=sharing
On Easter Sunday April 20th we'll be able to take some folks to an Easter Egg hunt at a farm outside of town.
Thursday night April 24th we'll have a special guest at our English class. A Member of the UGA basketball team will come and share what's it's like to be a student athlete in terms of training, studies and other aspects of his life! see #4 above for location and time!
scroll over documents tab to see our Past Activities tab for an idea of things we've done before. Many of them are repeated each year!
. Check out our Wechat group: COM-Fall 18@佐治亚大学UGA OR QQ group: 2018佐治亚大学-COM@UGA- # 293763743
Below are some past events