Welcome to the first edition of the Mosaic for the 22-23 school year! The idea behind this newsletter is to provide our families with a variety of helpful resources for parenting, faith, and life in general. Our hope is that these "bits and pieces" can be useful to you as you navigate whatever challenges you may be facing these days.
To EQUIP you as parents…
A bit of free coaching: Have you ever wished you could be a more intentional parent? Or a more connected parent? Or a more playful parent? Do you wonder sometimes what your kids need right now? There is a podcast that covers ALL of that and much, much more! On the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast, the goal is to "help you care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope." Check it out and glean a little wisdom based on the years of experience Sissy, David and Melissa have had working with kids and families at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Great for parents and teachers too!
To ENRICH you in your walk with Christ...
A piece of music to pray with: On the latest Prayer Matters blog post, we shared a song written by one of our WCA high school students, called Mine and Chosen. This song is set as the background to a slide show of photos of many people in the ACSD community, and the idea is that as we listen to the music and see these faces, we can together lift them up in prayer, asking that God would help each person in the ACSD community to more deeply know and understand His love for them this year.
To help you ENGAGE with your kids...
A bit of fall fun: We asked... you answered! Thanks to all who shared your "favorite fall family fun festivities". Hope you enjoy this round-up of ideas and perhaps it will spark some new ones for your family to try this year (or keep in mind for next year!)
PLACES TO VISIT
Frecon Farms (Boyertown) ~ pick apples, take a tractor ride through their orchards, hang around for their food and craft vendors, pick out some pumpkins, play on the mini pumpkin checkers board
Wilcox Farms (Boyertown) ~ another great place for hayrides and fruit picking, their motto is "Let the fun begin!"
Weaver's Orchard (Morgantown) ~ many families enjoy visiting Weaver's in the fall! One family especially enjoys going on Johnny Appleseed Day. They love to shop the market, take a hayride, and finally head over to the orchard to hear from Johnny Appleseed himself and pick a whole bunch of apples.
Linvilla Orchards (Media) ~ lots more fall fun activities here, and one family noted loving the roasted corn you can get here
Ephrata Fair ~ an awesome fall activity (only runs Sept. 20-24 so keep this one in mind for next year!) Agriculture tents and shows (best cow, goat, sheep, etc.), tractor pulls, lawnmower races, nightly parades, games, food tents, lots of fun!
Brecknock Orchard (Mohnton) ~ "The Brecknock Orchard festivals are SO much fun!" says one of our families. Check out the website and see for yourself!
Knoebel's (Columbia County) ~ in case you thought Knoebel's was only a summer activity, check out their website to see what fun they have available for the fall season as well!
Cherry Crest Farm (Ronks) ~ another great place with a pumpkin patch and many other activities
Peddler's Village (Lahaska, Bucks County) ~ one family holds a tradition in which they pick a Saturday, and they, along with their grandparents, go to Peddlers Village, and see the scarecrows on display. They always do a little shopping, and usually start their Christmas shopping. Then they head to Hart's Tavern - one of the best restaurants in Peddlers Village - for lunch. Delicious burgers!
Otts Exotic Plants (Schwenksville) ~ "a very cool and unique visit!" recommended by one of our families, who say it is definitely worth checking out!
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Have a movie night!
Paint pumpkins
Go to a trunk or treat at church
Sit around the fire and roast marshmallows
Raking leaves and jumping in the pile
Pumpkin picking
Hay rides
Nightly walks in the neighborhood
Decorate with Halloween stuff (one family says this is one of their favorite holidays!)
Go on walks or have picnics at places like Gring's Mills, the Exeter Scenic Path, the look-out over Blue Marsh, or the Wyomissing walking trail that starts at the Reading Museum
YUMMY TREATS
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
Favorite drinks: hot chocolate, apple cider from Weaver's, pumpkin spice coffee
Cinnamon rolls from the little general store at Frecon Farms - one family likes to buy a couple and freeze them
Baking cookies
Pumpkin roll making
We hope these bits and pieces are a blessing to you as you continue to follow Jesus in your everyday life. Thanks for allowing us to share!
For more encouragement and some suggested ways to pray with us, be sure to subscribe to our Prayer Matters blog, updated weekly throughout the school year.
Not yet officially a part of the Alliance community? You can schedule a time to meet with a member of the Berks Christian or West-Mont Christian administrative team for a free educational consultation (virtual meetings are available).
Know someone else who might enjoy receiving the Mosaic? Feel free to pass it along! Anyone is welcome to subscribe below to receive the future monthly newsletters straight to your inbox.
**We'd love to hear from you! Ask us a question or send us your feedback - our goal is to make these newsletters as helpful to you as possible.
