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Everest Academy is sponsored by Everest Family Ministry in the Birmingham Metro Area. We offer freedom along with quality resources, information, activities and support to those homeschooling in Alabama. We believe that the parent has the best interests of their children at heart. We believe that the parent is the first and only teacher that a child needs. In keeping with this philosophy, we wish to be a very hands-off cover school and allow the parent to lead and guide their children in the direction and at the pace they feel is best suited to their children. We ask only for what the law requires while offering support along with quality resources to aid families in their efforts.

Aug. 12, Bessemer: Sikh Memorial Service



As many of you know, Everest Academy visited the Sikh Temple of Bessemer in 2010 as part of our World Religions study. The members of the Sikh Temple welcomed us with open arms. They seemed genuinely thankful that we had come to visit. They dedicated a member of the temple to us who spent about 45 minutes teaching us about the Sikh religion and then welcomed us into their service. Afterwards, we were all served a wonderful langar meal. All who attended agreed that this was a wonderful experience. 

I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events in Wisconsin. Today I received the following invitation and wanted to pass it on to all members of Everest Academy and the homeschooling community.

~Deb Spradlin
The Sikh Temple of Bessemer welcomes you to attend the service from 11:30-noon and join us for langar meal from 1-1:30 pm. There will special announcements from noon-1pm.   

Sikh Gurudwara of Bessemer, 3335 Morgan Road, Bessemer, AL 35022
Phone: 205.426.5566  
(Going south on 459 S, take exit 6 & turn left from ramp. The Gurudwara is 2 miles down, on your left.)

Thank you for your support. The tragic events in Wisconsin shocked all of us. Please join us on Sunday, Aug 12, to reflect on the attacks and pray for those who were killed and injured, and their families. We are grateful for the outpouring of support, it is proof that we all feel the same and are part of the same American fabric and one American family. Together, we can heal from this American tragedy.

For those of you visiting a Sikh Gurudwara for the first time, here is the Gurudwara Protocol:
 - Wear modest & comfortable clothing. (you will be mostly sitting on the floor)

 - Cover head at all times and remove shoes when entering congregation hall. This is a sign of respect to the sovereignty of our Book of Spiritual Teachings (Guru Granth Sahib). All Gurudwaras provide head coverings and shoe racks.

 - Bow in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, upon joining the congregation. Non-Sikhs are not required to bow, but should enter and quietly join the congregation.

 - Sit on the floor, with feet facing away from Guru Granth Sahib.

 - Stand up during 'Ardas' (prayer to God, for the well-being of all).

 - Accept 'parshad' (a sweet offering. Ingredients: whole wheat flour, sugar, oil) in the palm of your hands.

 - Sit on the floor, with head covered, during 'langar' (free communal meal). Langar offers no meat products, out of respect for religious restrictions of people of all faiths attending the langar. (Sikhs eat all kinds of meats, but not from a sacrificial animal.

 - No alcohol, tobacco or smoking on the Gurudwara premises.
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