“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” – James 2:8
Pittsburgh welcomes internationals from many countries each year, and the Church of the Ascension welcomes YOU if you are one of them! If you are here for education or for work, if you need help or prayer, or if you are new to the United States because of problems in your home country, we welcome you! We hope you feel at home with us.
English Classes
We host English classes on Mondays and Wednesdays for levels 0 – 6. We also have many activities that our students can taken part in: enjoyed a holiday like Thanksgiving with an American family; joined in field trips; met for conversation with a church member; attended special events such as international dinners or Christmas programs. Well over 500 students from 40 countries have come to Ascension’s English classes at some point since we began this ministry in September 2016.
How long are classes?
14 weeks in the fall semester and 14 weeks in the winter/spring semesters. We are testing for fall 2023 classes now.
When are classes?
We begin our fall semester in September and our winter/spring semester in January. We take field trips during the summer months and during the semesters as well.
Where are classes?
A few classes are online. Most classes are in person at Church of the Ascension.
How do I find out about events?
You can find out about upcoming classes and events here.
Immigration Legal Clinic and Refugee Ministry
Church of the Ascension wants to come alongside internationals who are settling in the United States and may need additional help.
Immigration Legal Clinic
Ascension hosts a legal clinic on Wednesday evenings for those with immigration questions – international students, asylum seekers, or those who just need help. You can email the administrator of the legal clinic for more details.
Refugees
In 2022 the Rev. Daniel Behrens came onto Ascension’s staff to devote his time to low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. If you are new to the United States and are experiencing difficulties, please email Daniel. He is forming a group of people to hold “Office Hours” on Mondays to assist with filling out forms, helping with housing and employment applications, etc.
Contact for International Ministry:
LuAnn Pengidore
PittsburghEnglish4U@gmail.com
Contact for Legal Clinic:
Administrator
Contact for Refugee Ministry:
Daniel Behrens
Behrensdg1@gmail.com