• 12 Mar 2021 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PAACH - Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers

    Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers

    Learning As Families | Growing As a Community | Glorifying Christ

    Encourage one another and build one another up.
    I Thessalonians 5:11

     

    Our board has spent the last year refocusing on how we can better serve the needs of our local homeschooling community. As an organization, we want to be more than just a Christian academic resource library. The name APACHE does accurately represent who we are or what we are doing. Our new name, PAACH (pronounced patch), paints a picture of growth: a place where seeds are planted and fruit is produced. We are growing into a Christian community that desires to walk with you as you learn how to practice family discipleship. This is what we want to be about and so this is how we want to serve you – helping to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

    Our new logo features a house resting on top of a cross. Our homes need to be built on the foundation of Christ. "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1 That is the image PAACH wants to portray. That is why we homeschool, because as Christians we believe that the best way to disciple our children is through homeschooling.

    PAACH desires to be a place where we learn together as families, grow together as a community, and glorify Christ together in the process. We want to follow Paul's instruction to "encourage one another and build one another up." I Thessalonians 5:11 Our goal is to encourage you and your families toward discipleship and building Godly character.

     

  • 08 Mar 2021 12:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Last month I briefly mentioned how quickly things are changing and encouraged us to fight for and hold onto our unity in Christ Jesus. I want to expound on this unity a little bit by discussing the indispensable gift of community that we have been given by the Father. Then I want to share with you how this organization wants to be a part of the supporting community for your family.

    Choosing to follow Christ comes with the promise of difficulties in life that you would otherwise never have known. (John 16:33) Yet those difficulties also come with the promise that Christ has overcome the world and that He will be faithful to lead us. (Matt 28:20) He has also given us the Holy Spirit to help teach us and guide us in all things. (John 14:26) These promises, along with the rest of scripture bring us comfort, courage, and endurance as we walk out our faith. I believe there is another particularly important component to walking out our Christian faith that seems to have lost value in too many believers’ lives. In Acts 2:42-47, the idea of community is introduced when Luke writes that they were devoting themselves to “fellowship.” This idea of community is defined throughout this passage saying we are together and have all things in common. They even began to minister to one another’s needs. Paul describes the mechanics of how community is supposed to work in Ephesians 4:11-16. He describes how we all have different gifts to be used to edify one another and that the proper working of each individual part causes the growth of all. Then again, in Colossians 1:9- 10, Paul says that he prays for believers to “be filled with knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” so that they may walk in a worthy manner that pleases God, “bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” How does all this apply to homeschool?

    If you have chosen to homeschool, then you have in some way heard the call to family discipleship that rings out from scripture. This call can be intimidating and overwhelming for any parent, but especially if you are a first-generation believer or first-time homeschooler. You may have no example to follow or struggle to know where to begin. The good news is that the homeschool movement has been growing and cultivating over the past thirty years. There are many seasoned homeschoolers who have knowledge and experience to share with those just starting out. Much wisdom has been gained by the successes and failures of those who have gone before. Paul encouraged Timothy that the older should teach the younger and this should be happening in the Christian homeschool community as well. Martin Luther said “the greatest good in married life, that which makes all suffering and labor worthwhile, is that God grants offspring and commands that they be brought up to worship and serve him. In all the world this is the noblest and most precious work.” You have heard and answered the call to family discipleship, but you do not have to walk this path alone. The truth is that trying to walk this path alone is foolish when there is so much wisdom and encouragement to be gained in community.

    As always, APACHE’s goal is to encourage you and your families toward discipleship and building Godly character. The APACHE board has spent the last year refocusing on how we can better serve the needs of the homeschool community. APACHE as an organization is changing from being just a Christian resource library and is growing into a Christian community that desires to walk with you as you learn how to practice family discipleship. This is how we want to serve you, by helping you carry your burdens and “fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) We can’t wait to share with you what else is changing…

    James Cox

    James Cox
    APACHE President

     

  • 12 Feb 2021 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    This month our APACHE family spotlight is the Buchanan family. Joe and Tara have been homeschooling their four children since beginning. Their oldest is 20 and their youngest is 10. Joe is the current station manager for WCIC FM in Peoria, IL.

    If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

     

  • 10 Feb 2021 12:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Interested in fellowshipping with other homeschool fathers? APACHE is looking to organize some events, both virtual and in person, centered around homeschool dads. If you're interested in participating or have any ideas of what you'd like to do, please email matthew@matthewlewis.us. And be sure to stay tuned for further announcements!


  • 08 Feb 2021 9:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Everything is changing… and it’s happening at what seems to be break-neck speed. I keep looking around thinking, “Hey, can we stop for a second? I need to breathe and process and catch up.” Alas, the world continues barreling onward, uncaring that I just cannot keep up. At times, I grow frustrated and overwhelmed as I watch division infiltrating the church just as quickly. Personal convictions have become more important than relationships. Brothers and sisters in Christ who used to carry one another’s burdens are now accusing one another and pushing them away. Many have lost focus on who we represent and what we are supposed to be doing in His name. Even so, God is in control and I can have confidence in His work and trust that He is always drawing me closer. I may not understand what He is doing, but I know He works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) I want to approach the topics of division and change, and I will try to do so lovingly and respectfully.

    Let me start with the division I see happening within the church and the homeschool community. To our shame, masks have become “the great divider” amongst us. People on both sides of this chasm have become so convinced of their personal conviction that we assume anyone on the other side must be wrong and therefore in sin. Paul spends a whole chapter in Romans guiding us on how we should be handling situations just like this. Perhaps right now the Holy Spirit is urging you to take a moment to refresh yourself by reading chapter 14. Paul lays out the path before us this way: Welcome the one who is weaker in the faith but don’t quarrel over opinions (v.1) - Don’t pass judgement on your brother (v.4) - Be fully convinced in your own mind of what God is telling YOU to do (v.5) - Live out your conviction in honor of the Lord (v.6) - Trust in God’s sovereignty (v.8), Don’t pass judgement on your brother (v.10) - Be accountable to God for yourself (v.12) - Decide never to put a stumbling block in your brother’s path (v.13) - Focus on the kingdom of God (v. 17) - Pursue making peace with and building up your brother (v. 19) - Keep your conviction between you and God (v. 22). Peter communicates this path a little more succinctly in 1 Peter 1:22, Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

    Jesus knew unity would be a struggle for us. In John 17, His high priestly prayer, He prayed for all those who would believe in Him, that they may all be one… so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (v.20-21) Jesus clearly states that everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35) This is why Paul urged the churches to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3) Our divisions soil the name of Christ because they testify against Him. Brothers and sisters, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2) You know the law don’t you? Love one another, even as I have loved you. (John 13:34) As the church, I feel we are not doing a good job loving one another. As homeschoolers, we must remember that our children learn the most by our example. Allow me to toss out a few questions for you to challenge yourself on how well you are doing. Have I searched scripture and become fully convinced of my convictions and am I living them out consistently and gracefully? How do I treat those who disagree with me? Do I judge them and put a stumbling block in their path, or do I look for ways to encourage and build them up in their faith? Am I really putting others before myself or am I deceiving myself? Am I trusting in God’s sovereignty or am I walking in fear?

    Now, let me say a few words about change while attempting to lighten your mood and maybe even give you something to get excited about. FACT: Most people don’t like change. FACT: Change is always happening. FACT: People know change is always happening and they still don’t like it. FACT: I am one of those people. Chuckle and chill for a minute. Most of the changes happening are completely out of our control and we need constant reminding that God is still in control. We can also be encouraged that God uses change in our lives to help us let go of the past and keep us moving forward. I believe change is a constant that God uses to draw us toward Him and help us to rely on Him. Sometimes God even directly instructs us to make changes. We can be sure that when God directs the change, that change is inevitable. And sometimes, God may simply tell us to bury the hatchet.

    See you at convention!

    James Cox

    James Cox
    APACHE President

     

  • 13 Jan 2021 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APACHE subscribers, registration for 2021 APACHE achievement testing is now open. Cost is $40 per child. Make sure you're logged in to the APACHE website, then go to Events to select your dates. Hurry... space is limited!

    April 7 & 8 at Bethany Baptist Church in Edwards

    April 13 & 14 at Calvary Baptist Church in Peoria

     

    2021 APACHE Achievement Testing

     

  • 11 Jan 2021 10:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Thursday, March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

    Are you a new homeschooler or considering home education? Join us the night before Convention for a FREE New to Homeschooling Night hosted by Kirk Smith, Executive Director for Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE). Learn what home education is all about, get encouragement, meet seasoned homeschoolers, talk to vendors and curriculum reps, and more!

     

  • 11 Jan 2021 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Spread the word... Registration for the 2021 APACHE Homeschool Convention opens today. This year, we have two Convention options... in person or online a week later, where you can view our pre-recorded convention workshops. Register by March 1, 2021 to take advantage of our early registration pricing!

     

  • 24 Dec 2020 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers! I hope this Christmas season finds your family well as you prepare for your Christmas celebrations. This time of year brings its own challenges and difficulties every year, but this year has already been challenging for so many. As much as we may long for this year to be over and to start a fresh new year, this is not the real hope that we have. Two thousand years ago an angel announced to a few shepherds “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people!” and told them where to find their Savior. Then a whole multitude of angels appeared in the sky and sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2)

    Merry Chriatmas from APACHE

    Today we can still experience the joy of the good news that Christ has come. He has redeemed us and called us His own. Have you taken the time to ponder the wonder of this great news? Where might I be if He had not called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light? (I Peter 2:9) I find myself asking the same question as David: "Who am I that you are mindful of me?" (Psalm 8:2) And yet He has seen some value in me that I cannot seem to fathom. He has celebrated me like a lost coin that has been found (Luke 15) and sings over me with joy and gladness. (Zephaniah 3:17) How can my soul not rejoice in a God who delights in me so much that He sings over me?! This realization gives us good reason to sing with the angels “Glory to God in the Highest!” This Christmas season is another chance to celebrate the coming of Christ, who humbled Himself to be Emmanuel: God with us. This is where we find the peace that the angels sang about. Peace that transcends all the difficulties of the days and the pain of broken families and empty chairs. He who rejoices over us because He is pleased with us… He who loves us and wants to be with us… He is our peace because He is also our hope.

    Do you celebrate advent with your children? Are you teaching them how to anticipate Christ’s coming? Are you teaching them where to find real peace? Are you teaching them about true hope that will never disappoint? The world will tell you and your children that Christmas is about so many things; like family, feasts, or presents… While these things are good things, they pale in comparison to the real reason for our celebration, our hope, our loving and gracious Savior who has come to be with us. I want to encourage you to make this Christmas a great one. Show your children that even amidst hard times, we have the greatest reason of all to celebrate.

    We on the APACHE board want to wish your family the Merriest Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that you find both joy and peace this holiday season as you continue to trust in the Lord and remember that He is with you.

    Glory to God in the Highest!

    James Cox

    James Cox
    APACHE Board President

     

  • 23 Dec 2020 12:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    This month our APACHE family spotlight is the Matarelli family. Meet Jessamy and Dominic Matarelli who live in East Peoria and are raising five kids. Dominic is our APACHE website manager. Find out a little bit about their homeschooling journey and where it has led them.

    If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

     


Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers


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For questions regarding newsletter submissions, the Homeschool Convention or home education in general, please send an email to info@apachecentralillinois.org. A Board member will respond as soon as possible.

 

Mailing Address: PAACH | P.O. Box 5203 | Peoria, IL 61601

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