ACA is committed to glorifying God by discipling students in a loving community that pursues excellence as we partner with parents in Christian education. SEPTEMBER, 2016 SEE NEXT PAGE A few days ago, as the Harrelson clan was beginning to settle down for the night, I heard my daughter singing. This, I know, is not unusual for a spunky seven-year- old girl who is full of life and loves to listen to the radio played LOUD! But, this was different. She was singing a song I’d never heard before and it caught my attention. I stopped folding the ACA uniform shirts I was laying out for my kids. I motioned for my wife to put the down the knife she had in her hand (Holly was making sandwiches for the next days lunch), and come listen to our little girl’s song. Averie was singing her thoughts and her thoughts were good, because they were about Jesus. She wasn’t raising her voice. As far as I could tell, Averie wasn’t using a hairbrush for a microphone. She did not know her parents ears were pressed against her door. She was simply putting a prayer of adoration to song for an audience of One – her Heavenly Father. Now, please understand, I’ve never claimed to be God. I know His mind is infinitely wiser than mine (I keep relearning this lesson). But, I am a dad. And, I can’t help to picture Him, the ultimate Dad, possibly drawing over a few of His heavenly host and with a smile on His face saying to them…“I want you to listen to this little girl’s song.” As Holly and I listened, I looked back at the uniform shirts I had put down with the Atlantic Christian Academy crest. With joy in my heart, I joined my daughter (although silently) in a prayer of adoration…for providing my family with an incredible Christian school. A Prayer of Adoration Pastor Phillip Harrelson, Director of Discipleship Top: Worship leader Eric Rios prepares his heart in prayer as preschoolers and elementary students find their places in the gym during the countdown to See You At The Pole TM . Middle: Senior Mardoshee Mercius waits for middle school student Jane Maikkula to pray for our city, state, and country. Above: Mrs. Harrelson’s class continues the prayer time after chapel. See You At The Pole was an effort that began in Texas in 1990 with about ten students that gathered together with intent to seek God’s face in prayer. “We Cry Out” was this year’s theme for the global week of student prayer. ACA students, families, and staff joined millions of believers in over 40 nations world- wide. Pastor Phillip asked several students to stand in the shadow of the cross and pray for our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria - our city, state, and country - as he revealed the specific aspects of the passage in the first chapter of Acts to us. Worship songs including “God of This City” really seemed to resonate with our ACA community. “Greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city! Greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.” “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 See You At The Pole
Transcript
ACA is committed to glorifying God by discipling students in a loving community that pursues excellenceas we partner with parents in Christian education.
S e p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 6
SeeNext Page
A few days ago, as the Harrelson clan was beginning to settle down for the night, I heard my daughter singing. Th i s , I k n ow, i s not unusual for a spunky seven-year-old girl who is full of life and loves to listen to the radio played LOUD! But, this was different. She was singing a song I’d never heard before and it caught my attention. I stopped folding the ACA uniform shirts I was laying out for my kids. I motioned for my wife to put the down the knife she had in her hand (Holly was making sandwiches for the next days lunch), and come listen to our little girl’s song.
Averie was singing her thoughts and her thoughts were good, because they were about Jesus. She wasn’t raising her voice. As far as I could tell, Averie wasn’t using a hairbrush for a microphone. She did not know her parents ears were pressed against her door. She was simply putting a prayer of adoration to song for an audience of One – her Heavenly Father.
Now, please understand, I’ve never claimed to be God. I know His mind is infinitely wiser than mine (I keep relearning this lesson). But, I am a dad. And, I can’t help to picture Him, the ultimate Dad, possibly drawing over a few of His heavenly host and with a smile on His face saying to them…“I want you to listen to this little girl’s song.”
As Holly and I listened, I looked back at the uniform shirts I had put down with the Atlantic Christian Academy crest. With joy in my heart, I joined my daughter (although silently) in a prayer of adoration…for providing my family with an incredible Christian school.
A Prayer of Adoration Pastor Phillip Harrelson, Director of Discipleship
Top: Worship leader Eric Rios prepares his heart in prayer as preschoolers and elementary students find their places in the gym during the countdown to See You At The PoleTM. Middle: Senior Mardoshee Mercius waits for middle school student Jane Maikkula to pray for our city, state, and country. Above: Mrs. Harrelson’s class continues the prayer time after chapel.
See You At The Pole was an effort that began in Texas in 1990 with about ten students that gathered together with intent to seek God’s face in prayer. “We Cry Out” was this year’s theme for the global week of student prayer. ACA students, families, and staff joined millions of believers in over 40 nations world-wide. Pastor Phillip asked several students to stand in the shadow of the cross and pray for our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria - our city, state, and country - as he revealed the specific aspects of the passage in the first chapter of Acts to us. Worship songs including “God of This City” really seemed to resonate with our ACA community. “Greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city! Greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.”
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
See You At the pole
Preschool PraisesACA’s preschool is filled with happy returning students and new smiling
faces as well! We love watching them experience God’s love and joy while growing spiritually, academically, and socially. Atlantic Christian Academy is a growing FAMILY, and we are excited that you are here and growing with us!
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.”
Psalm 86:11-12
2
Elementary...a day in thE lifE
Wisdom Kids | September, 2016This school year, elementary chapels will focus on the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.
The following students were recognized for displaying the first fruit of the Spirit, love:
In fifth-grade science, we learned about cells and the human body. To help with understanding the parts of cells, students made edible cells and
labeled the parts. Their favorite part? Eating them! Mrs. Goslinga
Making Friends Second-grade students Averie Harrelson and Katelyn Soto enjoy time together on the playground
after snack time.
Wisdom Kids
Kindergartenstudent
David Crucet proudly displays
his certificate.
1. Family Night The Schumacher Family enjoyed the fourth-grade Cici’s Pizza outing.
2. That’s a Fruit? In a fun elementary chapel, select students got quite a shock when challenged with rapidly uncovering and identifying a selection of “fruits.”
3. Hello? Mrs. Soto’s students use “fluency phones” as a classroom reading aid. How fun!
4. Library Time Mrs. Maynard’s class learned much on a recent visit to our local library.
5. Almost Twins Inseparable friends Katie Clark and Stephanie Kurzban share almost the same everything... from the same color hair and eyes to uniform clothing choices.
Daniel Crucet | Mrs. Baquerizo Wesley Rodriguez Tamayo | Mrs. GillMyla Sanchez, Jake Williams | Mrs. Maikkula Joliana Simon | Mrs. Heers Alexia Babione, Jael Nelson-Montfleury | Mrs. BabioneErycka Duverger, Abigail Grace Penabaz | Mrs. Soto Jack Cooper | Mrs. HarrelsonChristopher Schumacher, Xenia Perez | Mrs. George Edward Loor | Mrs. DubinskyEdgar Hernandez, Zariah Tribble | Mrs. SwansonAlessandro Barraza, Kalyah Carrera | Mrs. MaynardRachel Cherubin | Mrs. GoslingaTrey Harrelson, Marilyn Monia | Mrs. Justis
Includes:Round trip transportationon charter bus, two-night hotel accommodations (including breakfast), three lunches, two dinners and ALL tours and activities.*Exact cost will be determined once the
We have had a great start to the school year! in 8th grade we spend the year delving into the history, geography, and government of our great nation. our trip to dc and Gettysburg is an awesome opportunity for our students to discover the purpose behind why our country was founded and what the founding fathers desired for future generations of americans. especially touching is our tour through arlington cemetery where we honor our fallen soldiers. We also gather in front of the White house and join hands and pray for our leaders. these moments in dc and Gettysburg leave a lasting impression that no textbook can capture.
We are very excited about this trip and have already begun planning. it is a four-night/five-day trip that will take place may 8-12, 2017.
Knowing the size of our group allows for better planning and best individual pricing. last year’s trip was $1,250 which included all expenses (flights, charter bus, tour guides, admission prices, meals, and hotel). please register your student (and perhaps yourself) for the 8th-grade trip by sending in an initial deposit of $250 per traveler along with a completed deposit slip (see below). the total cost for this unforgettable trip will be determined in October, once the number of participants is determined. after the initial deposit, the balance will be payable in five payments from november, 2016, to march, 2017, and will be billed directly through the aca school office.
please complete the deposit slip including traveler’s legal name (first, middle, last, iV, Jr., etc.). please make checks payable to atlantic christian academy and include “dc trip” on the memo line and submit to the school office by monday, october 10, 2016.
With special chapel time that included object lessons and powerful worship music each day, it was a wonderful week of impacting lives - not only for our students but for our community as well. The ACA family put feet to their faith through
collecting items that would bless the sick and homeless, composing gifts for the hungry and hurting, and spending special time with the elderly. “I love having chapel every day! This week really pressured me in good ways to spread the gospel and
not to be complacent with where I am. Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we can’t change the world.” Alex Torres
Senior, Neylena Hedmont“I needed a conviction in my life when I was
going through a dry spell in my walk with Jesus. Through a chapel message, I learned how
to get outside of myself, which led meto truly experience God in Mexico.”
Director of Discipleship, Phillip Harrelson“When you ‘ride the pine’ (sit the bench) on a team, there are no game-saving moments, no last-second field goals. Understand? It’s worth it to put your feet to the faith and get in the game.”
Above Students interact with staff and each other through lively activities that help tie in to the messages presented throughout the week. Below Worship music was on-point in establishing a tone and environment conducive to a softened heart ready to receive a message.
Youth Pastor at Family Church, J-Mackreminds students that failing allows God to show His strength, which brings Him glory.
Our Mexican Dinner
SCW Speakers
Fiesta was a HUGE success! Our cafeteria was overflowing with families enjoying authentic Mexican street corn, tacos, and chips and salsa, all in support of a family in need of a home in Ensenada, Mexico. “Due to the
generosity of our school family, nearly half of the money needed was raised,” said Pastor Phillip Harrelson. “It was a wonderful time with amazing folks and a great way to wrap up Spiritual Challenge Week!”
Fiesta!
“Our freshmen reached beyond themselves to help others in a tangible way at Oasis Food Pantry where they served the community by sorting food and distributing it to those less fortunate who are in need. This was a great opportunity for these students to glimpse firsthand how simple it is to make a huge difference in the lives of others. A few students even inquired about coming back on their own to help out again!” Bonnie Girdler
“The sophomore class went to CROS ministries and sorted boxed and canned goods for their homeless ministry. The kids sorted different items, sometimes rather chaotically. Making the moment merry, students called out, “VEGETABLES!” and “BREAKFAST!” to each other as they passed food around. Sarah Myrthil said, “We had fun sorting all that food and yelling for more watermelon
“During Spiritual Challenge Week, I felt closer to God than ever before. The worship, messages, and outreach have really deepended my walk with God. When we went to Signature Rehab to
Dear Jacque, Parents, and Students of ACA,
We gratefully acknowledge your thoughtfulness in
supporting our children with your charity donation of
100 gift bags, time, talent and your acts of kindness on September 21, 2016. Thank you for bringing such fun,
age-appropriate gifts. I know that creating those bags for all scenarios of our patient census was a huge task, but you guys “knocked it out of
the ballpark!” Our Child Life Specialists were remarking all afternoon about how excited their patients were with their gifts. One patient said she already had plans for her bag. She was going to hang her glow-in-
the-dark bracelets on her fan at home to have stars at night. Thank you for supporting our patients and families in this way. The whole school should be very proud at how the seniors represented the school with the
personal delivery room to room. Congratulations on a job well done. Just for you to know, every toy, art supply, and activity we give out to our patients
throughout the year are gifts from donors like yourselves.
You make a difference.
Lisa Barron, Pediatric Office
Supervisor
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
8
Spiritual Challenge
WeekSErviCE
boxes (Thanks Natanael!)” Adam Geuder
assist in the Elderly Olympics, it really jump-started my heart just to see some of them smile. Spiritual Challenge Week really helped to make our junior class seem more like a family. I’m closer to them now more than ever before. I wish we had chapel every day...” Ethan Vincent
Senior Class
Retreat ‘16
ACA Senior Retreat ‘16 Thursday-Monday, October 27-31, 2016
in beautiful Copperhill, Tennessee
• Chaperoned by ACA staff •
Don’t miss this chance to worship together as we experience amazing campfires, enjoy tasty s’mores, and bond through game challenges. We’ll also have a blast white-water rafting, horseback riding through the mountains, and more!
Questions? Contact Director of Discipleship Pastor Phillip Harrelson at 561.686.8081x3130 [email protected]
• More information to follow •
Senior Retreat Cost: $325 1st Payment: $125 due September 2nd
2 Remainder Payments: $100 due Sept. 16 and Sept. 30Includes transportation, lodging, activities, and several meals. Suggested spending money: $50
Alejandra GonzalezTrey HarrelsonBrenely JeanHenry King
Angel MarcisaShayla McCartney
Kaylee MiskoAmie MolinaRosa Rivera
Bella Ruggiero
Ethan Vincent Charlie Brown
Navier Baez Snoopy
Lily Martinez Lucy
Seth Kurzban Linus
Michael Bergstrom Pigpen
Jane Maikkula Frieda
Anthony Colon Schroeder
Misha Mercius Violet
Madilyn Brackett Sally
Neylena Hedmont Patty
Leonardo Garcia Shermy
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! .Congratulations to the newest members of our Elementary and Middle School Worship Teams: .
Middle School6th Grade
Jordan AndersonGabriella McCline
Tanya PachAnna Lisa TaffeEmily Vincent
7th GradeJaclyn BeckCeniya King
Isabella MunozLeonardo Pierre
8th GradeAyden Polfleit
10
Hello ACA Families!We’re so excited to announce our third annual PK3-5th Grade Walk-A-Thon,
and new this year, 6th-12th Grade Color Run!This fundraising event offers a great opportunity to disciple students through fitness and
leadership training, while offering a chance for those in the community to make a spiritual investment in this next generation of Christian leaders, the students of ACA!
Bring your friends/family and come cheer us on!
Walk-a-thon“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2Cor. 5:7
Wednesday, October 26th, 2016And
ACA’s
Questions? Contact Mrs. Rasku at 561.686.8081x3140 or [email protected] Please submit form and payment to ACA by Wednesday, October 5th, 2016.
Don’t miss this chance to support ACA by
inveSting in the next generation of chriStian leaderS!
Name _________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________
Please use my business card for logo/info q Attached or q emailed to [email protected] simply include my company name / contact info (as it will appear on the shirt):CompanyName ___________________________________________________________________________
4900 Summit Blvd | West Palm Beach, FL 33415 | [email protected] | www.atlanticchristianacademy.org
All donations gratefully accepted! q Please accept my
donation of
$____________
Walk-a-thon “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”2Cor. 5:7
Wed, Oct 26th, 2016
Your Contact Info
ACA is excited to host this annual event! Every student wears a t-shirt the day of the Walk-A-Thon, where the school community gathers to cheer on students as they complete laps. Laps are tallied on the t-shirts, and students wear them year-round
showcasing your business and your support of our school.
This $200 sponsorship opportunity is available when you partner with us by including the name/logo of your business on our shirts.
Our goal is to have
school-wide involvement!
Please encourage your student to speak with friends, relatives, and neighbors for sponsorship through Phone, Email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Color Run pledges are made as a one-time donation amount. Walk-A-Thon pledges may be made as a one-time donation or on a per-lap basis
($1 X 30 laps = $30.) Collection dates will be:• October 12th • October 19th • Final: November 2nd
Envelopes should be turned into the school office no later than November 2nd - our final collection day.
And
Aca’s
11
Thank you for partnering with us and supporting the ministry of Atlantic Christian Academy.www.atlanticchristianacademy.org | 561.686.8081 | [email protected]
The fall season has kicked off this athletic year with much excitement
and anticipation. We are focused on growing the teams both competitively and
spiritually. We look forward to the continued raising of the bar as we further develop the athletic program at ACA!
With only two regular-season races to go, the ACA Cross Country team is closing in on the end of the season. We recently ran at the Mountain Dew UF Gator Invitational in Gainesville, competing against the top teams in the state. Each course is different, adding to the challenge that the runners face, but we can see improvements to our times each week and expect to represent the school well in the district championship race which will be held on October 19.
The Sharks have defied the odds and have blown away all expectations, m a k i n g g r e a t strides toward their development. Navier Baez has excelled in
The Lady Sharks have shown that
hard work pays off. Coach Bowes has
the ladies competing in every one of their games. A team with
a young core and just the right amount of leadership is poised
to make a run in district play this year.
Our new ACA Spirit Shirts are in and available for
sale in the school office. $12 or 2 for $20
Varsity Cross Country
Middle School Volleyball The Sharks are now at 4-3 and looking forward to heading into the PACC championship rounds!
Jarid Fagin,Athletic Director
Middle School Soccer
VarsityVolleyball
Varsity Boys Soccer, Elementary SoccerMiddle School Girls & Boys Basketball:
Monday / Tuesday, October 17 & 18Varsity Girls Basketball:
Monday / Tuesday, October 24 & 25JV/Varsity Boys Basketball:
Monday / Tuesday, October 31-November 1
Winter Tryout Opportunities
his role as captain. He came with a humble desire to simply help manage the team and was convinced
to try out. His leadership has been essential in assisting Cris Diaz gain at least seven goals in the last four of our games. Despite having
many first-time athletes on our team, we’re doing quite well!
