BCCA MESSENGER November 4, 2019
Harmoniously blending the work of redemption and education
Hello Church and School Families, Fall is upon us! I say this every year, but this is my favorite season here in Alabama! Watching the colors change on the trees is beautiful! Unfortunately, one thing that has not changed is dealing with covid. It has been a nightmare at every level. For the school, it makes planning almost anything and everything more difficult. However, one silver lining is people are spending more time outside. Rebekah and I have noticed this in our neighborhood when we take our dogs for a walk. We have met more neighbors in the time span of covid than ever before. It gives everyone a good opportunity to meet new people and build relationships with those around them instead of sitting inside. Speaking of being outside more, the younger students at BCCA are getting to experience an entirely new type of learning on a daily basis - Outdoor School! Mrs. Boyd and Miss B spend much of the day outside. The students are taught the typical subjects - Bible, Math, Science, Social Studies, etc., but in a completely new way! They get to be outside to watch nature change, play, and learn in it as well! Of course, Thanksgiving is coming up later this month. Even amid the covid crisis, there are so many things to be thankful for. One already mentioned is nature, but we also should be thankful for so many other things too - family, friends, pets, food, shelter, etc. One of the spiritual aspects of Big Cove is teaching the students to always be happy/ thankful for the blessings they have in life. Our theme song for Friday worships this quarter is Rejoice in the Lord, Always. Teaching students to always rejoice, even during a pandemic like the coronavirus, is an incredibly valuable lesson that will stick with them throughout their lives. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Lucas Smith BCCA Principal
November 19- Science Fair
November 22- Thanksgiving Lunch
November 25 - 29 Thanksgiving Break
The Lawler Family (by Dahlia Swatzell)
Just as Northern Alabama is starting to feel the beginnings of Fall, I caught up with the Lawler family on a cool Tuesday afternoon. Chuck and Dena are the parents of Garren, an 8th grader at BCCA. In the years my family has been involved with the school, we have noticed the Lawler family at most events, supporting their daughter and enthusiastically supporting the school. Two things are always apparent when observing their family: they are almost always together and they exude warmth when one speaks to them. Dena has an infectious laugh and smile and speaks like she’s never met a stranger. Garren reflects more of her father's calm and genteel nature and making eye contact isn’t a struggle for them. Together, the three create a dynamic blend of personalities that is easy to be around. They graciously accepted the invitation to be the first family interviewed for this series. Thank you to the Lawler family for giving us a closer peek inside your lives and allowing us to know you more!
There's more! Click the attachment below to learn more about the Lawler Family
Science fair (Nov 19)
Thanksgiving Break (Nov 25 - 29)
Fall Picnic Fun
Lunches For Love (Community Outreach Project)
One of the goals at BCCA is community outreach. The students at BCCA are partnering with "Lunches of Love". Many children who depend on school provided meals have little or no access to nutritional meals during the weekend. In December, food bags will be assembled by the students, and placed in the backpacks of local school children who have been identified at high risk for hunger.
Join us in making a difference in reducing child hunger by purchasing 1 or more of the following items below. We will collect donations the entire month of November. A box will be in the school foyer labeled "Lunches of Love".
If you wish to make a monetary donation please contact your teacher. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Items needed:
* Pop top can of soup/meal (Chef Boyardee, Spaghetti O's)
* Fruit cups- ex. peaches, applesauce, clementine
* Peanut butter/Cheese crackers
* Individual cereal box (mini)
* Cereal bars/granola bars/ nutria-grain/pop tarts
* Mini snack foods ( ex. fruit snacks, animal crackers, goldfish)
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9.
Thanksgiving Lunch (Special Invitation)
Join us for our Thanksgiving Lunch on Tuesday, Nov 22 at 12:00 p.m. Please invite your family and extended family. All are welcomed! A list will be circulated as to what you can bring to make this event a successful affair. We are blessed in so many ways.
A new way to submit BOX TOPS labels
There is a change in how you collect box tops for Big Cove Christian Academy! No more clipping or sending your box tops to church/school. All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, shop as you normall would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit the amount under BCCA earnings online. Help us reach our goal of $1000! Thank you for supporting Christian Education.
Taking learning outdoors (Every 2nd Monday of the month)
Tearl King
Garden Coordinator
Dear BCCA Families,
We are excited about having our new Pastor, Randy Mills and his wife Pam, become a part of Central Church and Big Cove Christian Academy. Some of you may have already seen them at our Fall Picnic, where he provided the worship thought. We look forward to him being part of our worship time, and being involved at the school. Below is a short bio about him and his family.
Pastor Randy Mills
My story begins in Birmingham, Alabama where I was born and grew up. I was born again while still a teen and attending UAB. Sensing the call to ministry, I began attending Southern Missionary College where my calling was confirmed.
During my time at Southern, I met and married my beautiful wife, Pam. After finishing at Southern, Pam and I set out for Seminary at Andrews University where I received my Masters of Divinity. Four children and nine grandchildren later, Pam and I look back with tremendous gratitude at the many marvelous ways God has blessed us.
We’ve been privileged to serve in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, as well as, the District of Columbia (where Pam was born and raised). Over the years we’ve learned and grown and have been blessed so much by the goodness of God’s people.
For fun, we especially enjoy hiking, biking and camping, and, I’ve been known to go fishing a time or two.
Big Cove Christian Academy has a rich history and a bright future. We count it a privilege to join you in God’s mission to make disciples for Jesus. We look forward to many, as our grandson would say, “epic” adventures together.
Love Always,
Pastor Randy Mills