Deaf couple signs its way through service

From: Middletown Press, CT - Apr 14, 2003

By AMY L. ZITKA, Middletown Press Staff

MIDDLETOWN -- Longtime parishioners Betty and George Bonvouloir were able to enjoy the Palm Sunday services at Christ Lutheran Church in an expressive way.

The 43-year parishioners of the 300 Washington St. church, who have been deaf since childhood, were able to follow Rev. Bruce Steinway's liturgy with the assistance of an American Sign Language interpreter.

Throughout the service, the Bonvouloirs sat near the front of the church and watched the graceful hand movements of interpreter Lora Palmer as she signed out the service. As it was time for the hymns, the Bonvouloirs signed out the words to sing with the rest of the parish.

When the couple first bought a house in Middletown, they looked for a church for their children, and they have been coming to Christ Lutheran Church ever since, Betty Bonvouloir said through Palmer's interpretation.

The couple has four children -- the oldest of which is 46 years old, she said. Two of their children are hard of hearing, while the other two can hear.

A couple of their children would sign the service for them, but they have since grown and moved on. One of their sons and three of their grandchildren go to the church, and "they sign very well," Betty said.

When there was no interpreter available, the couple would come to church "once in a while," she said.

Many years ago Rev. Richard Johnson had the idea to write out the sermons so the Bonvouloirs could follow along, she said.

The church has now had ASL interpreter services available about once per month for nearly three years, officials said.

"After half of a lifetime of being members here, we've found a way to fully include them in our parish," Steinway said.

"I like having an interpreter here," Betty said. "It's nice."

"There is a need for interpreters all around the state," Palmer said.

Christ Lutheran Church would like to offer the services more often and invite other deaf or hearing impaired individuals to participate.

"We would enjoy having more deaf people come in," Betty Bonvouloir said.

They have previously brought in two or three other families, including some from Durham and Higganum who are deaf.

"It's an enrichment for our whole congregation," Steinway said about having an ASL interpreter at some of the services.

Those interested in a liturgy signed in ASL are welcome to join in on the services, he said.

"Depending upon the demand, we are open to having an ASL interpreter here two Sundays (per month)," the pastor said. The church would like to increase the services if there is an increased demand for them, he said.

"It's such a joy to us, and we hope it's a joy to share," Steinway said. "It enriches the whole community. People hear the gospel differently when they see it signed. They understand the gospel more deeply when they see it signed."

To contact Amy L. Zitka, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or e-mail azitka@middletownpress.com.

©The Middletown Press 2003