Faculty Friday

Meet our 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Webster. Mrs. Webster is new to the grade level but she is no stranger to MPCA. We are so thankful for her willingness to teach a different grade this year and we look forward to having a great year! Mrs. Webster took time to answer a few questions for us!

1. Tell us a little about your salvation experience.
On August 8, 1989 I was attending a revival meeting with Ron Comfort as the speaker. His sermon was about knowing for sure that you are saved. He said if you could not remember one thing from your salvation experience that you were probably not saved. I realized that I had no memory of asking Christ into my heart and I went forward and got saved.

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
This will be my 9th year at MPCA.

3. Tell us about your family.
My husband is Dana and we have been married for 20 years. Children: Rachel 18, Mark 17, Jeff 15, Tori 11, and Luke 8.

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:11.

5. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
 I was ready to return to College in 2005 and I felt the Lord leading me into the field of education so that I could be home when my children are home. I love teaching and can't think of anything else I would rather be doing.

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I love to READ!

7. What is your favorite desert or candy bar?
I Love Snickers!

8. What is your favorite smart phone app or computer program?
I don't have a smart phone and not a big fan of computers.

9. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
I am looking forward to teaching the fourth grade and am excited about all the fun things we will be doing. Looking forward to God blessing another year of teaching and praying that each student will learn to love God and put Him first in all they do.

10. Where do you go to church?
I attend Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

Faculty Friday

Meet our first and second grade teacher, Ms. Becky Taylor. Ms. Taylor will be teaching the two grades for the first time this year and we know she will do a wonderful job! Thank-you Ms. Taylor for taking time to answer a few questions.

1. Tell us a little about your salvation experience.
I trusted the Lord on June 3rd, 2003 after several months of battling over weather I was saved or not I finally got it settled!

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
This will be my third year at MPCA.

3. Tell us about your family.
I have a son, Seth who is 8 years old.

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite verse is Joshua 24:15.

5. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
 I enjoy teaching and working with children. I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to do what I love.

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I enjoy reading and riding bikes. 

7. What is your favorite desert or candy bar?
Anything chocolate.

8. What is your favorite smart phone app or computer program?
Candy Crush Saga

9. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
I'm excited about a new year! I will always try to do my best and that is all I ask of you. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I will see you on September 3rd.

10. Where do you go to church?
I attend Clax Gap Baptist Church in Harriman.

Faculty Friday

Meet our Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Amanda Barker. Mrs. Barker took time out of her busy summer to answer a few questions for us so we could all get to know her a little better.

1. Tell us a little about your salvation experience.
My mother led me to the Lord when I was 4 years old. I clearly remember the burden in my heart that I was not saved and the joy I experienced after accepting Christ as my Savior! 

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
I have been involved with MPCA for 14 years. This will be my 7th year of teaching in the class room. I taught for 3 years and then stayed home with my children for several years. I have been blessed to be able to teach Kindergarten the last 3 years.

3. Tell us about your family.
I'm married to Nathan Barker (6-6-1998). We have been blessed with three wonderful daughters: Summer Grace, Autumn Faith and Winter Hope.

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite verse changes often but it is currently 2 Corinthians 12:9.

5. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I wanted to be a teacher so that I could impact the lives of our future generations AND I love all the fun things you get to do as a teacher--like go on field trips and play with toys while learning!

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my children and husband, reading, and the outdoors.

7. What is your favorite desert or candy bar?
Butterfinger

8. What is your favorite smart phone app or computer program?
I am not really a technology person, but I do enjoy playing games on the computer and reading on my Kindle! 

9. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
I can't wait for you to see all the fun things that you get to learn in Kindergarten. We are going to have a great time and one of the most exciting things is that you are going to learn how to READ! Mrs. Ladd and are super excited to spend your first year of school with you!

10. Where do you go to church?
I attend Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

Faculty Friday

Mrs. Megan Burnham teaches a variety of subjects to our 7th-12th grades. Mrs. Burnham is back full-time this school year after taking time out of the classroom to be with her own children. She took a few minutes to answer a few questions so we could get to know her better.

1. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I made a profession of faith when I was about 7 years old. However, I never really had peace about where I would spend eternity. In 1999 (the age of 13), after battling pride for years ,the Lord once again spoke to my heart during a teen activity. I finally asked the Lord to save me. I jokingly say it is the only good thing that has ever came out of a UT/Florida football game.

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
This year will be my 3rd year teaching at MPCA. I taught second grade in 2008-2009, part time 2012-2013 and I am looking forward to being back full time this school year!

3. Tell us about your family.
I have been married to Scott since 2007. We have two beautiful children - Eli James (9/30/09) and Brianna Robyn (4/24/11).

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 27:14

5. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I can remember teaching my stuffed animals their alphabet when I was just starting kindergarten. I have never wanted to be anything other than a teacher. I  surrendered to serve in full-time ministry in 2004 and I am so honored that God has called me to be a Christian school teacher.

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I love taking pictures and doing anything with my family!

7. What is your favorite candy bar or dessert?
Snickers are my weakness. As far as desserts, I love Butterfinger Pie.

8. What is your favorite smart phone app or computer program?
My iPhone is never far from my side! My top 3 apps would have to be Pinterest, Instagram and of course Facebook.

9. Where do you attend church?
I attend Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

10. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
I am so excited about this school year. I love that I am going to be able to teach a few new classes that I think the students will enjoy. Be prepared to learn and have fun in the process! 

Middle School & High School Schedules

The new school year is less than a month away! We hope you have had a wonderful summer so far and will enjoy the upcoming weeks as you prepare for the 2013-2014 school year. Here is a look at the tentative class schedules for grades 7th-12th.

7th Grade (Homeroom, Mr. Broscious)

1. English, Mrs. Johnson
2. Tennessee History, Mrs. Burnham
3. Typing, Mrs. Burnham
4. Bible, Mr. Broscious
5. Science, Mrs. Campbell
6. Math, Mrs. Burnham
7. Fine Arts, Mr. Barker

8th Grade (Homeroom, Mr. Broscious)

1. English, Mrs. Johnson
2. Tennessee History, Mrs. Burnham
3. Earth Science, Mrs. Campbell
4. Bible, Mr. Broscious
5. Pre-Algebra, Mrs. Burnham
6. Study Hall
7. Fine Arts, Mr. Barker

9th Grade (Homeroom, Mrs. Johnson)

1. Bible, Mr. Barker
2. Physical Science, Mrs. Campbell
3. Computer, Mrs. Burnham
4. Algebra 1, Mrs. Scroggins
5. US History, Mr. Petty
6. English, Mrs. Johnson
7. Fine Arts, Mr. Barker

10th Grade (Homeroom, Mrs. Johnson)

1. Bible, Mr. Barker
2. English, Mrs. Johnson
3. Algebra 2, Mrs. Scroggins
4. Biology, Mrs. Campbell
5. US History, Mr. Petty
6. Health, Mrs. Campbell
7. Fine Arts, Mr. Barker

11th Grade (Homeroom, Mrs. Burnham)

1. Bible, Mr. Barker
2. Physical Science, Mrs. Campbell
3. Economics/Government, Mrs. Johnson
4. English, Mrs. Johnson
5. US History, Mr. Petty
6. Math, Mrs. Scroggins
7. Fine Arts/Media Arts, Mr. Barker/Mrs. Burnham

12th Grade (Homeroom, Mrs. Burnham)

1. Bible, Mr. Barker
2. Pre-Calculus, Mrs. Scroggins
3. Economics/Government, Mrs. Johnson
4. English, Mrs. Johnson
5. Senior Prep, Mrs. Johnson
6. Health, Mrs. Campbell
7. Fine Arts/Media Arts, Mr. Barker/Mrs. Burnham

Faculty Friday

Meet our 5th and 6th grade teacher, Mr. Jim Petty. Although he is new the grade level he is no stranger to MPCA. Mr. Petty also teaches high school US History. We are so thankful for Mr. Petty and his wife Mrs. Petty, who teaches are elementary art classes. They are both definitely a blessing to our school family. Thank-you Mr. Petty for taking time to answer a few questions for us!

1. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I trusted the Lord on April 19, 1964 after hearing my pastor preach a sermon titled "Prepare to Meet Thy God." I knew that I was not prepared! When the invitation was given I gave my heart to the Lord.

2. How long have you been at MPCA?
I have taught at MPCA since 2004.

3. Tell us a little about your family.
I'm married to Sandy (12-19-1970) and we have two children: James (1974) and Becky (1980) we are also the proud grandparents of Seth Taylor (2005).

4. What is your favorite desert or candy bar?
Far and away my favorite desert is.....chocolate chip cookies.

5. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy reading biographies and playing chess in my "spare" time.

6. What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite verse is I Peter 5:7.

7. Where do you attend church?
I'm the Pastor at Clax Gap Baptist Church in Harriman.

8. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
I'm looking forward to teaching the 5th-6th grades this year. I'm praying that this will be another great year at MPCA and that each student will give their best and be their best for the Lord.

Meet our Vice-Principal

Meet Mrs. Kendra Walls. Mrs. Walls is one of our Vice-Principals at MPCA. She does so many things to help our school run smoothly and we feel so blessed to have her a part of our MPCA family. Thank-you Mrs. Walls for all you do and for taking time to answer a few questions.

1. Tell us a little about your salvation experience.
I was saved at the age of 8 yrs old at a summer revival. I still remember the Holy Spirit convicting me that I needed a Savior & am thankful every day for the peace of knowing He lives in my heart!

2. How long have you been at MPCA?
It is my privilege to begin my 4th year as a Vice Principal at MPCA! I love my job & am so blessed to work with great staff, parents, & students each day. 

3. Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to an awesome man, Andrew (who also coaches the MPCA Lady Patriots basketball team!) I am the mom to 3 precious girls: Adyson (9 yrs. old), Hadley (8 yrs. old), & Kaylynn (6 yrs. old.) 

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite Bible passage is Philippians 4:6&7

5. What is your favorite hobby thing to do in your "spare time"?
I enjoy spending time with my family! Anything we do together is my favorite pastime!

6. What is your favorite candy?
Starburst jellybeans are my absolute favorite! I love chocolate & caramel too.

7. What is your favorite smart phone app?
Gotta say that I love Pinterest!

8. Why did you choose to work in a school?
In college the Lord called me into full time ministry, I had no idea it would be at a Christian school but I knew it would be working with children. I am so blessed that this was His plan for me! 

9. Where do you attend church?
I attend Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

10. What would you like to tell our upcoming students?
I am looking forward to another great year at MPCA! I count it an honor & a blessing to be a small part of the work that The Lord does with & through the staff & students at our school. I can't wait to what He has in store for us in 2013-14!

Young Writers' Club

We are so excited about offering a new after school program this upcoming school year. Mrs. Burnham will be leading a "Young Writers' Club". The "Young Writers' Club" will meet for an hour after school every Tuesday afternoon. The "YWC" will be available for those in grades 4th-12th. If there is enough interest the 4th-8th grades will meet on Tuesdays and then the 9th-12th grades will meet on Thursdays.

Each student who participates in the "YWC" will have the opportunity to learn about different styles of writing and also be able to have their work published. At the end of the school year, each student will be given a hard-cover book of the story or writings they have written.

Once the books arrive, MPCA will host a special Author's reception where the students will read their books to parents and students who attend the event.

We are looking forward to reading some incredible books written by our very own students. Please look for more information to be sent home the first few days of school. The first meeting of the "YWC" will be Tuesday, September 10th in Mrs. Burnham's classroom at the High School building.

Faculty Friday

Meet our high school math teacher, Mrs. Julie Scroggins. Mrs. Scroggins is our newest faculty member and we have been so blessed to have her a part of our MPCA family. Thank-you Mrs. Scroggins for taking time to answer a few questions for us!

1. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I was saved at the age of 10 during Bible School. I had been struggling with the thought of where I'd go when I died for a while and still remember the indescribable peace and joy when I got it settled!

2. How long have you been at MPCA?
I have been at MPCA since January (so about 7 months) but hope to stick around for a long time.

3. Tell us about your family.
I am married to Dustin Scroggins (5-29-04). we have three children, Rayna Lynn (5 yrs old), Levi James (2 yrs old) and Tucker Anthony (8 months).

4. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I don't remember ever wanting to be anything other than a teacher. And once I got into middle school I knew I'd teach math. I enjoy helping students see their own potential and even surprise themselves with what they can do! I love that "it clicked" moment when you can see the accomplishment on their faces. I feel honored to be a part of the building process that sets them up to become the person God wants them to be.

5. What is your favorite dessert and/or candy bar?
My favorite dessert would have to be a chocolate milkshake!

6.What is your favorite smart phone app or website?
My favorite place to visit on the computer: Pinterest! LOVE it!

7. What is your favorite Bible verse?
1 John 4:4

8. What do you like to do in your free time?
Most of my hobbies revolve around my kids. I love spending time with them. I also like to cook and I really enjoy reading when I can make the time.

9. Where do you attend church?
I attend church at Mount Pisgah Baptist in Oliver Springs.

10. What is something you would like to tell your upcoming students?
I am very excited for my first full year at MPCA! I have big plans so come ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to have some math FUN.

Meet Our Principal

MPCA is under the direction of our Principal, Dr. Nathan Barker. Mr. Barker took a few minutes to answer some questions so we can all get to know him better.

1. Tell us a short description of your salvation experience.
I was saved at the age of eight on April 11, 1982. I asked the Lord to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins and He did.

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
This is my 15th year at MPCA.

3. Tell us a little about your family.
My wife's name is Amanda (K-5 teacher) we were married on June 6, 1998. We have three children: Summer Grace born on December 13, 2011, Autumn Faith born on April 1, 2005 and Winter Hope born on September 14, 2012. 

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
I like them all but I use Philippians 3:13-14 a lot.

5. Why did you chose to become a teacher?
I love teaching people the Word of God.

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I love to play golf and ride motorcycles.

7. What is your favorite candy bar?
Reese's Cups and Heath Bars.

8. What is your favorite Smart Phone app?
I love the flashlight app when it's dark. I love the speedometer app when I am driving. I love the GPS when I'm lost. I love the distance finder app when I play golf.

9. Where do you attend church?
I am the Youth Pastor at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

10. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 
Remember: The Lord never lies. The Lord is long suffering. The Lord is compassionate. The Lord has a direction for your life.

Faculty Friday

Meet our third grade teacher Ms. Bethany Frederick. Ms. Frederick joins us all the way from the great state of Illinois. We are so thankful that God brought her to Crown College in Powell and then eventually brought her to our Christian School. Thank-you Ms. Frederick for answering a few questions for us so we can all get to know you better!

1. Tell us about your salvation experience.
At a young age I made a profession of faith but never had real peace about my salvation. I struggled for many years with whether or not I was saved. After trying for years to do things my own way, The Lord convicted my heart of my needs for salvation. While in my senior year of Bible college, I couldn't sleep at night for fear of dying and going to Hell. I finally gave up my selfish pride and got saved on January 23rd, 2011! 

2. How many years have you been at MPCA?
This year will be my 3rd year teaching at MPCA.

3. Tell us about your family.
I am one of seven kids in our family. I grew up with two older brothers, two younger brothers and two younger sisters.

4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 26:3-4

5. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
All my life I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I love children and I love watching them learn. I love having the opportunity to invest in my student's lives.

6. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
I love to read. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.

7. What is your favorite candy bar or dessert?
Reese's peanut butter cups and peanut butter M&M's and peanut butter brownies are my favorite.

8. What is your favorite smart phone app or computer program?
I LOVE Pinterest. I also like to snap chat with my family that is far away.

9. Where do you attend church?
I attend Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

10. What would you like to tell your upcoming students?
To my students: I'm very excited about a new grade and a new classroom. Come ready to learn and to have fun! Remember to always do your best! Not for your parents; not for your teacher; but for The Lord!

Testimony Tuesday

All day I have been overwhelmed with joy as I think about what God has done for me and my family over the past few months. He has graciously blessed our family in an enormous way. As most of you know, I was given the opportunity to be back in the classroom in January after the school went through the devastating loss of a faculty member. Even though it wasn't under good circumstances, I was blessed to become a part of the MPCA family once again.

Half-way through the first semester it seemed as trials were bogging me and family down. It was back-to-back heart ache. My mother, who was diagnosed with kidney failure nearly 20 years ago, was in and out of the ICU and my husband's grandmother was hospitalized in Virginia and growing very ill. The first of March proved to be the hardest of them all. We were told by doctors that my mother was in the last stages of life. He told us he didn't know if we had 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months but he did know we didn't have long. I would love to say that after hearing that news I was completely filled with peace and that I knew God was going to work a miracle but I wasn't. My human nature began to take over and I immediately was devastated and began preparing myself for my mother's death. During this time I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness of my friends, the staff of MPCA and the students that I spent every day with. Simple hugs, prayers and smiles were signs for me that God was working. Signs that I was not a lone in this trial.

I remember one morning, as I was driving to the hospital, having to pull over to the side of the road because of the tears. I cried begging the Lord to help me. Begging him to work a miracle in my Mom's life. I had been so caught up in the diagnosis that I had forgotten about the One who could change it all. Yes, I was praying for my Mother but I wasn't really believing God would do anything. I wasn't really trusting Him 100%. In that moment I felt God's presence. I was filled with the wonderful peace of God. At that moment, I had no fear of the future. I knew that if God chose to take my Mother to Heaven He was going to give me grace and comfort. But I also felt that God was going to do something wonderful.

Here I am nearly 5 months later and my Mother is healthier now than she has been in years. God is simply awesome! He answers our prayers 100 times better than we could ever dream of. Not only did God keep my Mother here on earth but he has allowed her to be in better health and spirits than she has been in years! She's been able to do more things with me and my children then I think I have ever seen her do. 5 months later - that's 3 more months than the doctors told us we could possibly have with her. In fact, that same doctor is in complete shock of how far she has come. Am I shocked? Of course not! Because I know my God works miracles. People have been asking me lately what happened? I just simply smile and say God happened! God chose to do a miracle for a little family in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. We aren't anything special in the world's eyes. But in God's eyes we are His children and that makes us pretty special.

Today I am so thankful for a prayer answering God. I am so glad that I serve the Great Physician and I am so glad that the same God who raised His son from the grave wants to be by my side. He wants to help me through every trial and tribulation I may face. He doesn't ever promise in His word that our life as Christians will be easy but He does promise us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. What an amazing and wonderful promise!

God is waiting to work a miracle for you! He is waiting for you to call upon His name and ask for help. He wants you to know that no matter what you are facing in life that you are never a lone! Because my friends, we serve an amazing Savior who can do much greater things than we could ever imagine!

Truly Blessed,
Mrs. Burnham