Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is finding your rhythm as you march into new school year. PAACH is continuing to focus on encouraging families to worship together daily in your homes. Last month, Vice President Carlos Gonzalez shared some thoughts and ideas about the importance of reading the Bible together. This month, I want to give you some encouragement towards discussing the Bible together and suggest some tools to help in your daily family worship.

First, there are many benefits that come from discussing what you have read. For example, it gives everyone a chance to interact with God’s Word. I try to give each child the opportunity to share an observation about the verse or passage, usually starting with the youngest capable child (starting around age 5 or 6). If they know they get to share, they are more likely to pay attention and thoughtfully engage with scripture. This also helps you to know what they are thinking and to guide the conversation. You may also have opportunity to brainstorm ideas on how to practically apply what you are studying to real life. On Sundays, we discuss our takeaway from the sermon or lesson while we eat lunch. Discussing scripture also grows and keeps unity within your family.

Second, there are several tools that may help your family grow in understanding and sound doctrine. A commentary is an effective way to gain insight into a passage and keep you from misinterpreting or inferring foreign ideas or meanings into scripture. A tool like this can help to teach your family to grow in discernment and how to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). A catechism is another great tool that will help you to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). The question-and-answer format is helpful to lay a foundation for sound doctrine, to stir up critical thinking, and to build confidence in what you believe. In my home, catechism has started many good discussions and built us up in our faith. Because of the foundations laid through catechism, I have watched my older kids recognize bad teachings and even seek to challenge them appropriately. Another useful tool is a devotional, which may help your family to tackle a specific topic. My family has at times taken a break from catechism and switched to a devotional depending on what our family was experiencing at the time. A wise leader will be sensitive to the needs of his family and flexible to use different tools according to the season or circumstance.

Thirdly, there are many good times to engage in discussion of God’s Word. Discussing the Bible is not limited to the confines of family worship. The brief discussion during your family worship can plant seeds that will then need watering and eventually come to fruition at later times. God tells his people to “talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way…” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). As your children get older, the Holy Spirit often gives you other opportunities throughout the day to continue a discussion from that morning. Often, mealtimes offer opportunities to continue a discussion after everyone has had time to think through a topic or idea. Your child may have had a moment that day to apply that lesson to a situation outside your home. The Holy Spirit may be working on a specific bent or challenge in your child’s heart that causes them to bring it up again. As Paul encourages, it is important to always be ready and open to discussing God’s Word and be willing to “correct, encourage, and rebuke, with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2).

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards a relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Creativity is God’s Idea & It’s for Everyone

Have you ever heard someone say—or you have said it yourself— “I don’t have a creative bone in my body”? Or have you recognized that you or someone in your family seems to have a bit more of a creative gift than you seem to have? Or have you realized that you or someone in your family has a creative bent, but are unsure of what to do about it? And furthermore, have you noticed how God has and is working creatively in your life and in those around you?

I feel like my eyes have been opened in recent years to the answers to these questions and more as I’ve sought to study God’s character quality of creativity, the fact that creativity is part of being made in God’s image, and noticed how God works creatively in each of our lives for our good and for His glory.

There are many Bible verses, books and articles that have encouraged me as I’ve pursued this study and as I’ve taught art to homeschool students. Here are a few highlights:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God, but like God—that is, if you are human—your work is to take what God has made and shape it and use it to make Him look great." John Piper, from Don't Waste Your Life

“No work of art is more important than the Christian’s own life, and every Christian is called upon to be an artist in this sense. He may have no gift of writing, no gift of composing or singing, but each man has the gift of creativity in terms of the way he lives his life.” Francis Schaeffer, from Art and the Bible

I hope you can join me at the PAACH Mother-Daughter Tea Party on November 15th as I seek to remind us all of the amazingly creative God we serve, how He desires us to reflect His creativity, and how He is continually working creatively in our lives.

Sharon Pittenger

Hello PAACH homeschooling families. I pray that your family has taken time to worship together at home. PAACH has been focusing on encouraging families to worship together. The past two monthsour PAACH President, James Cox, and I have outlined four elements for daily worship: (1) Read the Bible, (2) Discuss God’s Word, (3) Pray together, & (4) Sing together. This month I am going to focus on the reading the Bible.

Reading the Bible

Before reading, be sure to open with prayer. Fathers, pray for God to open his word and soften your family’s hearts. God talks about the power of prayer in James. In James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

When reading, it is easy to get caught up in reading from someone else about biblical principles, but the most important thing to do is to read the Bible itself. The Bible is from God while other books about the Bible are written by man. These are good companions to have to go along with Bible reading, but do not replace what God can teach you through his scriptures.

While reading, consider what it is that God’s word wants you and His family to know. God may have something to teach you or someone in your family. He can show you more about Him, His salvation, and His love. God will also teach us how to love, how to pray, how to repent, how to obey, and more. An important “how to” is in Ephesians 6:1-4, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

In Genesis 18:19, God says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God commands us to read His Word and teach our children a good sense of morality. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel message to give them a chance to believe and teach their children. Just by reading the Word out loud, we are planting seeds.

Let’s continue to urge one another to worship. I am going to repeat myself from the July newsletter. Now is the time to hear the call to worship to plant the seeds of His family tree with those He has entrusted you to care for. Fathers, continue to listen to the call to lead in family worship. Mothers, cherish the opportunity to teach your children about God. God wants you to treasure the time with your family that He has given you, and to share his good news with your loved ones. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

The PAACH board desires for you to lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you in your journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of His family.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President

 

Last month, I enthusiastically shared with you my joy in homeschooling and serving my family's needs. This month, I am writing in great despair as I am overwhelmed with challenges. Sister, if you are suffering and in need of a prayer or more, please let us know how we can pray for and or serve you. Additionally, you can seek comfort with other like-minded moms at our annual Mother-Daughter Tea Party in November.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed," 1 Peter 4:12-13.

As a Christian, I know I will experience life's sufferings and trials during my short stay on this tragically fallen world. But I also know, I have a true and faithful God who is carrying me through this. I look to Him as my strength and refuge as I seek solace in Him.

"But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love," Psalm 59:16-17.

Praise God in all of your circumstances and pour your heart, your anxieties, your fears, your worries, and your tears to Him. Knowing that He hears our cries brings strength and peace, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," Isaiah 40:31.

And Sister, please don't neglect yourself. Take short breaks throughout the day or take a morning off once a week (or more, if needed) to yourself. Enjoy a brisk walk or immerse yourself in a hobby. Also, ask your husband, older children, grandparents, or your community for help (PAACH is here to help, too!). Sabbath is a wonderful experience for full restoration.

Lastly Sister, please recognize that you are loved and cherished. Also, you are doing an awesome job! If you feel like you are failing- please stop those negative thoughts! Please take a break and seek alone time with Him. Take care of yourself, beloved. I'm rooting for you, and I will be praying for you.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come," Proverbs 31:25.

Yvonne Wendt
PAACH Board Newsletter Editor

 

The PAACH Convention Committee is seeking volunteers for the following positions: Marketing Coordinator, Vendor Co-Coordinator and Registration Co-Coordinator. Each position has specific responsibilities listed below and are required to attend monthly meetings held on the first Saturday of each month. Contact the Convention Committee Chair Stephanie Irwin at sirwin2006@gmail.com with questions.

Marketing Coordinator

Sending out weekly email blasts advertising different aspects of convention when registrations start. Distributing posters and ads to local homeschool groups, co-ops, and choirs starting in January. Contacting local radio stations (WBNH, WCIC, WPEO) for convention advertising spots. Filling out information on the family calendars of local radio stations. Implementing any other new advertising ideas.

Vendor Co-Coordinator

Communicating with returning and potential vendors for PAACH Convention. Creating and securing the map layout of the convention facility. Being present for set up on convention day and facilitating a smooth vendor set up. Following up with vendors post-convention for feedback, sending out IRS forms, and sharing next year’s dates.

Registration Co-Coordinator

Setting up online registration page in Wild Apricot including additional registrations needed for New to Homeschool Night, MP3 Orders, Kids Classes, and other related items sold each year. Monitoring registration, fixing registration problems and fielding questions from Jan - Mar. Providing sign-up information for meals, classes, and volunteers to the proper Committee Reps. Preparing Convention Name Tags, Registration Table Signage, and Paper Registrations/Sales Forms as needed. Attending Convention to set-up, managing registration area, and equipping registration volunteers.

 

Recordings from past conventions (years 2021-2025) are now available for purchase on our website. We are working on adding more years, so check back periodically. Search  for your favorite speakers or get a full set!

 

 

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is finding your rhythm as you march into new school year. PAACH is beginning a new focus towards encouraging families to worship together daily in your homes. Last month vice president Carlos Gonzalez outlined four elements for daily family worship: (1) Read the Bible, (2) Discuss God’s Word, (3) Pray together, & (4) Sing together. This month I want to give some thoughts about implementing daily family worship. Some of you may already practice these things with your children, and if so, I hope you are encouraged to continue these practices. If this idea is foreign to you, I hope to ignite and strengthen a resolve to a practice that may transform you family and deepen your relationships with God and one another.

Read

God’s Word is the life blood of our faith. Scripture offers us wisdom, strength, joy, comfort, healing, and more available at any time. This is the place where a believer can find everything needed to live a life of service that continually honors God in daily living. (2 Peter 1:3) Your children will best learn this by seeing you live it out and making opportunity for them to experience the Holy Spirit’s interaction throughout their day.

Discuss

A great way to interact with scripture is through catechism. John Paton shared a childhood memory: The Shorter Catechism was gone through regularly, each answering the question asked, till the whole had been explained, and its foundation in Scripture shown by the proof-texts adduced. It laid the solid rock-foundations of our religious life. I did not have any similar experience in my childhood, but I have seen this same fruitfulness bare out in my children’s lives. For the last 15 years we have used the book “Training Hearts Teaching Minds” which is a devotional based on the Shorter Catechism. Catechism gives the added benefit guiding a thorough discussion and helping to apply scripture and doctrine to every living.

Pray

Leading your children to God’s throne daily is both a responsibility and a privilege. Thomas Doolittle challenges families to pray together daily for many reasons, of which I will share a few. He says you should pray together daily because: you receive every day family-mercies from the hand of God, there are sins committed every day in your family and you are all every day liable to temptations, you have many daily family-wants which none can supply but God. The truth is that we are all sheep who are prone to wander and we need God to draw us back to Him daily. Sharing our hearts with God daily strengthens our connection to Him and allows us time to get know His voice more. (John 10:27- 8).

Sing

Singing songs to God as a family honors God simply because He is worthy of all we have and more. Scripture tells us to love God with our hearts and minds, and singing doctrinally sound songs of worship engages both. I have also found it beneficial to sing songs with the same theme as whatever you are studying in scripture. We have often sung songs by the Gettys, Sovereign Grace, City Alight, etc. that have solid doctrine within them. Music opens pathways to the soul that cannot be opened any other way. It can allow solid doctrine deeper into the heart and mind, and can usher you into the very throne room of God even when your flesh is fighting against you. Worship is a way to force your flesh into submission to God and strengthen your resolve to serve Him.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards a relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

 

One of things I love about homeschooling is the flexibility it provides for my family with scheduling the school year. Previously, I have tried following the local school year calendar and year-round homeschooling. This year, we are doing year-round schooling since this schedule will allow us to continue to homeschool throughout the year with intermittent breaks and to take breaks during my husband's work travel. I find this schedule to be more family focused and it gives us more time to spend with each other and with Him. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:15-16.

This schedule works best for us since it accommodates my children’s extracurricular activities, including our church’s Wednesday nights and Bible studies. Also, the schedule aligns with my husband’s travel commitments and family travel plans. Currently, my husband has returned from his two-week work trip to Texas. We are planning to go as a family to visit Texas and New Mexico on his future work trip. My family and I are watching the TV series, "The Chosen" so we are genuinely excited to see the setting of this show, which is filmed in Texas. While in Texas, my husband went on a hike and sent us photos of his hike. I will tell you this, our God is amazing! The photos are stunning, and no man can replicate this. I have shared with you three photos below. I truly can't wait what God has stored for us in our upcoming trip. "How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small" Psalm 104:24-25.

Additionally, the schedule will allow my husband and I to meet this ambitious goal of visiting all 50 states with our children. I love traveling and experiencing various parts of the country and world. I grew up as a military brat, so I travelled to various places and met different people. Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to travel more since we are in control of our schedule. This is a great benefit for our children because they will experience different people, with different lifestyles and perspectives, from various parts of the country. Not only do they get to read about the climate of New Mexico or about the underground railroad from their textbooks, but they will have a chance to see it and experience in person, so their learning will go beyond from what’s in their textbooks. This school year, my children had the opportunity to explore caves and the panoramic views of the rolling hills and deep, wide lakes in Branson, Missouri. Also, they had the opportunity to experience interactive science fun at Putnam Museum in Iowa. In addition, we are planning to visit Cahokia Mounds (currently, my children are reading about Native Americans, so this trip will enrich their learning) and the beaches in East Coast soon.

One the other hand, I believe following the school year calendar has its advantages also. I find this schedule useful since it follows most co-ops and bible studies/school calendar year, it aligns with most school year curriculum teachings, makes planning the school year straightforward, and it allows you and your children to have a generous summer break.

Overall, the most important thing is to find what works best for your family, and most importantly what honors God. It is important as that Christians that we live in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Homeschooling allows us to focus on Him as a family more than if our children went to public school. Homeschooling slows us down and allows us to consume His word daily in the mornings through our Bible readings, through our teachings (many curriculums have successfully implemented His Word and Biblical teachings in their coursework), weekly church and or outside community Bible classes, and nighttime family Bible readings. As a result of this habit, my children love reading the Bible and they take it wherever we go. They have encouraged one of their cousins to read the Bible and brought a Bible for her. Most importantly, we as parents can serve as role models to our children as we continue our walk with Him. What a blessing it is to be able to slow down and to spend time with Him daily! “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” Proverbs 16:3.

As always, we at PAACH, are here to serve you and your family, so please reach out to us and let us know how we can serve your needs. I pray God will guide you and your family on the right path. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalms 119:105.

Yvonne Wendt
PAACH Board Newsletter Editor

 

September 19-21, 2025

Riverside Bible Camp - 3001 Riverside Road, Story City, Iowa 50248

We welcome you to join us for our 4th annual Bible Conference! This event has been a rich time of encouragement and fellowship for families of various denominations and backgrounds. We all urgently need this support as evil around us increases.

Throughout the weekend there will be eight messages by speakers from across the country who have made the Bible and family their life passion.

GOALS for this Weekend

1. Find refreshment for my life
2. Inspire love and obedience to God
3. Consider my family’s future
4. Form friendships in a godly environment
5. Take home hope & security for my family

ABOUT: Truth & Life Ministries serves as a vendor for Rod and Staff Publishers, taking Bible-based curriculum and storybooks to conventions around the country. This ministry is sponsored by various conservative Mennonite churches in the Midwest.

We identify with the practices of the Anabaptists, a group which began 500 years ago during the Reformation and has continued to this day. The Bible, not popular opinion, is the final authority and guide for life. We daily seek to follow Jesus’ example and obey all the New Testament teachings. We desire to magnify Jesus Christ, and encourage others to do the same.

Throughout the weekend there will be eight messages by speakers from across the country who have made the Bible and family their life passion. There will be several children’s classes for ages 4-12 on Saturday. Volunteers will be available to care for the children as needed on Saturday afternoon. We encourage that children be with their parents during the other conference sessions.

Join in or listen to the traditional 4 part singing that is a highlight of this weekend.

Lodging and meals are provided. Riverside has sizable accommodations (duplexes and cabins) for families and youth to stay in. Cost is $150 per adult, and children are free for the full event. In the spirit of Christian charity, financial assistance is available. Please do not stay at home just because you cannot afford the full amount.

View the Program

To Register

Please send the following information:

• Name, Address, Phone, Email
• Number attending: adults and children. Please include a list of children’s names and ages.
• How much of the event will you attend?
• Will you be a day visitor or will you need sleeping accomodations?
• Any special requests? Special diet needs? Lodging requests?

Contact us at 715-223-0042 or truthandlife@upwardmail.com to register.

 

Hello to all PAACH homeschooling families. I pray that your family had a blessed summer and were able to encourage one another in God’s Word. As you begin to start a new school year, it is important to remember that above all the curriculum, pencils, pens, notebooks, or other school materials is to remember to get in God’s Word. Life is filled with many things that can make someone busy, but I implore you to make God number one. The dads on the PAACH Board have been working together on a Bible study that encourages one another to lead our families in worship. There are four elements from our lessons that I would love to share.

The first and most important lesson is to READ the Bible to your family. God reveals Himself to us through His Scriptures. In Genesis 18:19, God says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God commands us to read His Word and teach our children a good sense of morality. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel message to give them a chance to believe and teach their children. Just by reading the Word out loud, we are planting seeds.

Second, it is important for us to DISCUSS the readings as a family. In Deuteronomy 6:6- 7, God tells us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” As parents, God gives us the opportunity to help nurture and develop his seeds through fun and sometimes circular Bible-centered discussions.

Pray, pray, PRAY… is our third element. God teaches us in James 5:16 that “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Our children need to know that we are not afraid to talk with God and pray over them. At my home, we pray for our family, friends, and each other. There are many opportunities throughout the day such as meals, beginning of a school day, bedtime, and especially Family worship time. Prayer will help them to develop their own relationship with God and let the seeds blossom.

Finally, take the time to SING as a family. “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! (Psalm 47:6) While there have been many blessings that have come from singing as a family, to be honest, it is not necessarily always easy to do. I enjoy letting my kids pick songs and take turns to help lead us to sing. This is when you get to see those seeds blossom.

God has given you a heritage. Now is the time to hear the call to worship to plant the seeds of His family tree with those he has entrusted you to care for. Fathers listen to the call to lead in family worship. Mothers cherish the opportunity to teach your children about God. God wants you to treasure the time with your family that He has given you. Every day with those we love is truly a gift from God. Make sure to often speak the Gospel to those you love. Each day with a loved one may be our last as God has our days numbered. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

The PAACH board desires for you to lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you in your journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of His family.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President