Reason 1: The CRC is bridging the gap between scientists and curious Christian laypeople. 

Young-earth Creationism (YEC) is often associated with apologetics, the defense of one’s faith. But in reality, YEC entails a wide variety of fields and approaches, and one such field is creation science. Creation science consists of a collection of biologists, geologists, and paleontologists who are seeking to understand the world and its origins through scientific research. While this task involves the denial of mainstream models such as the common ancestry of all life, billions of years, and Big Bang cosmology, creationism is not just an “anti-theory.” It is a worldview on which scientific theories can—and have been—built. It may be unconventional. It may be against the mold. It may even look foolish in the eyes of other scientists. But through rigorous research and careful biblical exegesis, creationists have constructed models that can stack up against the theories taught in universities and schools across the world. The CRC is a chance for everyday people to see creationism in action, to take a glimpse inside the realm of scientific research, and to walk away with a greater knowledge and understanding of creation. This is a chance for parents, teachers, students, and churchgoers to hear from, discuss, and build connections with professional creation scientists. Such events are few and far between, especially in Massachusetts. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! 

Reason 2: The CRC is bringing a Biblical movement to the Northeast. 

Have you ever been inspired by simply being a part of something that was bigger than yourself? It may be a cliché, but this feeling is powerful and contagious. When I began attending creation conferences, I felt thrilled, excited, and motivated once I realized that I was becoming part of a movement. There is really no other way to describe it. Though there are giant apologetics organizations that defend young-earth creationism in the field of science remains scarce. In the South, a few universities and institutions have funded young-earth Creation research. But while YEC is undoubtedly a growing movement, it is one that has yet to touch the northeast. This gives us a unique opportunity that we must capitalize on. Ivan Kirpichev and I organized the CRC with the ambitious goal of introducing the creation movement to a region where creation science is mostly absent and unheard of. We are praying this event helps wake up Springfield to the idea of God as Creator. But we cannot do this without you. We need people who are willing to join the movement, come in on the ground floor, and help us build a foundation of Biblical creationists in the heart of New England. We challenge you to attend CRC, to be inspired by what you hear, to join the small but steadily growing movement, and, as the cliché goes, become part of something bigger than yourself. 

Reason 3: The CRC is soul-nourishing. 

For the most part, Christians rightly accept the Bible as absolute truth without needing external proof. Christians value the Biblical virtue of faith and often do not seek confirmation of the Scriptures from other fallible sources. While faith is a Biblical virtue, it is also true that Scripture guides believers to a deeper understanding of history, nature, and the world. When we see the truth of the Bible yield fruit in the fields of natural sciences, our souls are uplifted and edified by the beauty, truth, and goodness we discover. Scripture is too powerful to only reveal truths within itself. It also reveals truth by revealing God through the created world around us. In short, the Scripture reveals truth by being true, and as the Scripture says, all of creation reveals the existence of God and the truth of His Word. The CRC will spiritually encourage you by connecting the Word of God to His creation, showing how Scripture can provide a firm foundation for truth-seeking.   

What is Creation Science?
at
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy in the Townsend Library
Tuesday, March 11
6:30PM-7:30PM
(Q&A 7:30PM-8:00PM)

TOPICS COVERED:

Does radiometric/carbon dating prove an old earth?

Are there transitional fossils? Are there missing links?

What should we think about the starlight problem?

What research are creationists doing?

Were there floating forests before the flood?

How did animals get on islands?

Did Pangea exist?

For those who missed the PVCA Parent & Principal Coffee Hour at the beginning of February, here is a recap of our discussion with guest speaker Bryan Cerrone, a PVCA alumnus, pastor, and author.

We gathered in Townsend Library to listen to Bryan Cerrone address depression and anxiety, a difficult topic that many churches often avoid. As a pastor, husband, and father, Cerrone courageously shared his personal struggles with depression and how his faith helped him through these challenges and inspired him to write the book, Embers of Hope: When Depression Comes to Church.

Although Mr. Cerrone is not a mental health professional, he has considerable experience with his own depression. He spoke openly about his painful past, including his mother’s struggle with addiction, his father’s abandonment during his childhood, and the abuse that he endured while living in foster care. In adulthood, Cerrone faced profound grief from the loss of his son, his unborn twins, and the tragic passing of his sister. While carrying the burdens of his past and the grief that he endured, Cerrone shared how he wrestled with his faith, often questioning it. As a pastor, he felt the pressure to shepherd his congregation while perpetuating the facade that all was fine. One day, however, he stood in front of his congregation, attempted to speak, and found himself paralyzed with emotion. In that moment, he realized that he was no longer able to hide his unresolved pain; he was battling the lies his mind that he had held onto since childhood that made him question, “Am I truly a Christian?”

It wasn’t until Cerrone sat by at a campfire one night that he acknowledged his own flickering faith. As he lamented to the Lord about his struggles, he looked down into the fire and saw only two embers left glowing. He realized, however, that the fire had not extinguished completely. That very moment inspired him to start journaling, which led to the writing of his book, in which each chapter is dedicated to biblical heroes who suffered and the lessons that their experiences can teach us. He used the example of Elijah, who was found under a tree, burnt out, and asking the Lord to take him. Cerrone explained, “If God can use Elijah, He can use you.” He discussed how unresolved pain and trauma can reside within us and how we often avoid allowing God to change us. He emphasized that running toward God, rather than away from Him, is when we can truly experience healing. Cerrone acknowledged that there isn’t always an open space in the church to talk about depression and anxiety, and he hopes that his book will help shed light on this important topic and support others in overcoming their suffering.

Bryan Cerrone’s insights and contributions have been an invaluable reminder to us of the importance of our connection with Christ and allowing Christ to heal us. As Bryan stated, “The Lord has a plan; I don’t understand it, but I will trust it.”

We look forward to seeing you at our next Coffee Hour, which will be on Friday, March 7 at 8:00AM.

On Saturday, January 4, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM Pioneer Valley Christian Academy will hold the First Annual Alumni Tourney Night. All PVCS/PVCA alumni, past and present faculty and staff, and their families are invited to attend this FREE event. There will be movies for the children, and alumni/faculty/staff can enjoy soccer, volleyball, basketball, and much more!

Enter the drawing for a chance to win PVCA swag!

We love to stay in contact with our PVCA Alumni, please fill out and update Alumni information.

Parent & Principal Coffee Hour: “Church Chat” 

On the first Friday of each month, at 8 AM, the PVCA administration hosts a Parent & Principal Coffee Hour, which provides a great opportunity for parents to connect with administration and staff, other parents, and some of our upper school students. At each meeting a preselected topic is discussed and presented by a principal, faculty member, or guest, with time for discussion and reflection afterwards. Please consider planning to attend one of our upcoming coffee hours; we are sure you will enjoy it.  

Last Friday, parents, faculty, and Mr. Malloy’s Bible Class gathered in the Townsend Library for the PVCA Parent & Principal Coffee Hour. Coffee and light refreshments were available for all, as attendees engaged in a discussion called “Church Chat,” as this month’s topic centered on the importance of church attendance. Our esteemed panel included Jason Ham, pastor at The Gathering; Corey Sanders, pastor at Vox Church; and Megan Hill, a published author and managing editor of The Gospel Coalition. The panel addressed various questions related to church and faith. Some of these discussions included ideas on how parents might encourage their adult children who have stopped attending church to resume attending, fellowship among different denominational backgrounds and beliefs, key factors to consider when searching for a church, and issues faced by individuals who have experienced hurt from the church. 

A question that came up was, “Is online church really church?” Pastor Ham expressed that he thinks it qualifies as church since individuals are coming together in the presence of the Lord; but he emphasized that personal faith is not intended to be a solo journey and Scripture calls for us to be in community. Megan Hill added that she believes that offering online streaming is a valuable way to serve/preach to individuals who may be physically unable to attend church services. However, Hill also pointed out some potential downsides. For example, it can be too easy for people to skip logging into church altogether, which may lead to making church less of a priority. Pastor Sanders emphasized that the church is an essential part of our faith and that online services should not replace the in-person experience, as people are more connected when they gather together. Every panelist provided their insight from unique viewpoints, yet all the perspectives shared by the panelists were grounded in biblical truth. The Coffee Hour concluded with a session for questions from both parents and students, which the panel addressed. 

PVCA encourages all families to attend church. If you are not currently connected with a church, please reach out to us for assistance; we would be happy to help you find one. We have many resources that we would love to share with you. And of course, we look forward to seeing you at our next Coffee Hour which will be Friday, February 7. 

PVCA Middle School is Participating in Operation Christmas Child

We are excited to announce that our PVCA Middle School students will be participating in a heartfelt project to brighten the lives of children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, an initiative by Samaritan’s Purse. Each student will be preparing shoeboxes filled with small gifts, and we invite you to join us in this meaningful endeavor.

Please refer to the list of the types of gifts we encourage you to include in the shoeboxes. If you do not have a shoebox, please bring in the items in a bag and we will transfer them into shoeboxes. Please remember that the deadline for bringing in your lovingly packed shoeboxes is Friday, November 15. Please have your student deliver all packed boxes and bagged materials to Mrs. Maynard. Questions? Email Mrs. Maynard at wmaynard@pvcama.org.

To ensure these gifts reach their destinations and that they include vital evangelism materials provided by Samaritan’s Purse, there is a $10 fee per box. Please consider including this fee with your shoebox. If you would like to make a contribution by check, please kindly address it to Samaritan’s Purse. However, if that’s not possible for you, please know that we completely understand, and your donation of shoeboxes/gifts is truly valued and appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!

This project not only allows our students to experience the joy of giving but also offers them a chance to share the loving message of Jesus Christ with children in need. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of others!

An ALL-SCHOOL Parent & Principal Coffee Hour will be held on
Friday, November 1, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.

This month’s topic is “Anxiety in Adolescences”. Dr. Keegan will be presenting based on the findings of Jonathan Haidt’s #1 New York Times bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, in which he discusses the epidemic rise of mental health issues amongst our youth. The meeting will be held in the Townsend Library, and coffee and refreshments will be served. We will also be giving away one copy of the book to a lucky recipient! We hope to see you there.