Saturday Night Home Gatherings

What are these events like?

You will enjoy a homemade dinner, conversations, and games with the hosting families and other international students.


After dinner, you will watch a short video called Alpha Series, which is about the big questions of life. In this video, you will hear street interviews and real-life and interesting experiences of people. After watching the video, you will have the opportunity to interact with friends and discuss the questions being raised in the video.

What is Alpha Series?

The most popular video series for an introduction to the Christian faith, used in 120 countries.

Each session includes a 20-minute video followed by small group discussions.


When and Where?

Every Saturday, from August 27 to November 12, we will gather at a home between 6 pm and 9 pm with some flexibility.


Dinner will start at 6 pm. Between 7 and 9 pm, we will watch and discuss the Alpha series.


The two homes that will host these events in alternation are

  • The home of Walt and Ann at 315 Dakota Street

  • The home of Jesse and Jane at 4137 Blackjack Oak Dr


Why should you come?

    • Meet local families and have dinner with them


    • Practice your English


    • Make new friends from different backgrounds


    • Discuss challenges and big questions about life


    • Be nourished physically, emotionally, and spiritually




Who are the hosts?

Walt and Ann Kihm are KU alumni and long-time Lawrence residents. They love international students and have hosted events for international students for over 30 years! Walt is a top-notch golf player and accountant, and Ann is an expert in Asian art. They have a cute cat named Buster.


Jesse Song and Jane Zhao have lived in Lawrence for 17 years. They partnered with Walt and Ann to host Saturday Night gatherings for two years. Jesse has a KU MBA degree and just retired from an energy investment firm. Jane is Associate Professor Emerita at KU School of Business. She has taught the capstone strategy course to more than two thousand KU students. Both Jesse and Jane enjoy cooking, camping, and gardening. Their daughter Joy loves meeting old and new friends.

All events are FREE, and rides available! But you need to sign up!


How to sign up?

We will send announcement emails before each event. Make sure you fill out the sign-up form at the bottom of the Home page so you are included in the email list. When you receive our email about the upcoming event, make sure you reply to it to confirm your participation.


For information about our activities, contact

Dr. Jane Zhao

email: janezhao@ku.edu

phone: 785-218-1584

and

Ann Kihm

email: annkihm@gmail.com

phone: 785-979-3201