In this Edition:
- Message from Pastor Kris
- How to Connect with Us
- Join Community
- Upcoming Events
- Ministry Highlights
- Dan's Story: Easter Testimony Video
- Missions Updates
- Prayer Updates
- Serving Opportunities
- Bible Reading Plan
- Giving
Message from Pastor Kris
We are excited for the opportunity this past Sunday to celebrate with 10 families as they dedicated their children to Jesus Christ at Shawnee Alliance Church. We were honored to pray blessings over 13 children as their parents publicly declared that their children belong to the Lord and they will do their best to raise them in a way that honors Him. We are also excited as a church to continue raising Christ-loving families -- because it takes a village!
It's one of my favorite seasons: Baseball season! As we approach the end of the school year I look forward to walking through graduation, summer activities, and of course, life changing worship and growth at Shawnee Alliance.
We are excited to be in the planning process for a future Released Time Religious Instruction program. Our special congregational meeting on May 15 in the East Campus Sanctuary at 6:30pm will have time for worship and prayer, but the bulk of the meeting will be sharing the vision of this program along with ways to support the launch of Released Time education in the Shawnee School district. We have had a tremendously positive response to the concept, and now is the time to begin putting together our plan to get this program up and running for our students.
Please join me in praying for this program and the impact it will have on our students. We will pray that lives are transformed through coming to know Jesus. On top of that, I fully believe that through Christ we have an opportunity to help stem the mental health crises and set our students on a path for academic success and personal health. I look forward to impacting our community with the Gospel together.
Blessings,
Kris
Building a community of faith... Leading people to become fully transformed followers of Jesus Christ.
New to Shawnee Alliance or have updated information?
Would you like to know more about the church, submit a prayer request or connect with a pastor? Or maybe you'd like to find out about upcoming groups and events or let us know of a change in contact information? Let us know by filling out a Connect Card at the bottom of our website or at the Church Center app. We would love to hear from you!
How to Connect With Us
Feeling connected with church community is an important part of life transformation! Here are some ways to connect with us:
Tuesday Talks Podcast
Check out our podcast, Tuesday Talks with Shawnee Alliance Church! You'll find weekly episodes about how being a follower of Jesus impacts your everyday life. You can listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube or shawneealliance.libsyn.com. Be sure to subscribe & share!
Join Community
Life Transformation happens through discipleship, serving, and making connection with others. Your part in healthy community helps transform your life and the lives of those around you! We value your part in the local church and the mission of bringing the love of Christ to our local community and the world.
For more detailed info, please see below or visit shawneealliance.com/groups.
Below are some opportunities to join community throughout the week and month!
If you are interested in leading or hosting a small group, please contact Pastor Brian at brian@shawneealliance.com.
New Groups
College & Career Small Group
A new "College & Career" group is starting for high school graduates through 23-year-olds. College students and those relatively new to the work force are invited to discuss the Bible and Christian living, and spend time hanging out and serving together. This is a chance to renew old friendship and build new ones. If you are interested, please attend our first meeting on Sunday, May 22 at 9:00 PM to discuss what we will study this summer and the best day and time to meet.
Alpha Youth
We are inviting Sr. High students to meet Wednesdays June 8-29 in the Activity Center from 12-2pm for a 4-week group called Alpha Youth. Students who are entering 9th grade next year through recent 12th grade graduates are able to attend these sessions. Lunch will be provided and we will create space for students to bring friends for conversations about life, faith and God. This group is specifically designed for inviting those who are unsure about their faith or even what that means, along with no Christian or church background. We will engage in fun conversations that open up for us to explore topics that surround our culture and society. Please sign up below so we can account for food. For questions, please email Pastor Josh at josh@shawneealliance.com.
Ongoing Weekly Groups
- Sunday Partners in Prayer Team - Each Sunday, the East Campus Prayer Room (E) is open for those who want to pray during our 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. worship services.
- Life in the Spirit meets Sundays from 9:30-10:45am in East Campus Room A. Life in the Spirit meets each Sunday to discuss and apply the amazing teachings of Jesus.
- High School Girls Small Group meets Sundays from 5-6pm in East Campus Room A. (Guys Group is taking a break.)
- Aerobic Walking Exercise Class meets Monday-Friday mornings from 8-9am in the Activity Center gym.
- Retired Men's Prayer Group meets Mondays from 9-10:30am in East Campus Rooms I-J. All retired men are invited for a devotion and prayer.
- Christ-Centered Exercise meets Mondays from 7-8pm in the East Campus Children's Ministry Room. Lexie is excited to share the physical benefits of exercise with you while also focusing our minds and hearts on Christ.
- SonRise Seekers Women's Bible Study meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8am in East Campus Rooms I-J to study a book or a book from the Bible, pray for each other and celebrate life moments together.
- Gingersnaps meet Tuesdays from 9-11am in the Children's Ministry Area. This group is primarily a prayer/fellowship gathering and is open to any senior adult.
- Volleyball Open Gym meets on Sundays at 6pm and on Tuesdays at 6pm in the Activity Center.
- Moms in Prayer meets Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30am in East Campus Room A. We meet together with other moms and grandmoms and pray for our children.
- Saturday Morning Equipping Men - Serving God is a Men's discipleship group that meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:30am in East Campus Rooms I-J. The last Saturday of each month, we meet at New Life Christian Ministries from 9-10:30am and it typically includes breakfast.
Ongoing Monthly Groups
- Sunday Partners in Prayer Team - One Sunday per month, walk with us around the facilities to pray with and for those leading and serving throughout the church that morning. You can meet with us in East Campus Room A at 8:20am or in the Activity Center at 8:45am.
- Keenagers - this group is for ages 55+ and meets monthly for a carry-in birthday celebration on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Stamp Ministry - We meet September-June on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 8am-12pm in East Campus Room C. We enjoy conversation and prayer together as we trim and categorize stamps as a fundraiser for our missions efforts.
Upcoming Events
Loaves of Love Food Drive for Heritage Elementary - Donations accepted on Sundays, May 1 - 22 in all church lobbies
Stamp Ministry - May 14 at 9am in East Campus Room C
Great Commission Sunday - May 15 at 9:30 & 11am
Congregational Update - May 15 at 6:30pm in East Campus Sanctuary
Beulah Beach Missions Work Trip - May 16-20 (register by May 14)
Student Trip to Scene 75 - May 20 (register by May 15)
Our Daily Bread Volunteer Thursday - May 19 at 11am
Operation Christmas Child Bus Trip Info Meeting - May 22 following 9:30am service in East Campus & following 11:00am service in Activity Center
"College & Career" Small Group Meeting - May 22 at 9pm in East Campus Room F
Our Daily Bread Volunteer Tuesday - May 24 at 11am
Office Closed - May 27 & 30 for Memorial Day
Family Fun Night - June 3 from 6:30-8pm in the Activity Center
Preschool VBS - June 7-9 at 9:30-11am (register by June 2)
Grad Recognition Dinner - June 9 from 6:30-8pm, Activity Center lobby (register by May 29)
Stamp Ministry - June 11 at 9am in East Campus Room C
Grad Recognition Sunday - June 12 at 9:30 & 11am in the Activity Center (register by May 29)
Keenager Luncheon - June 14 at 11:30am in East Campus Kids Min Room
Our Daily Bread Volunteer Thursday - June 16 at 11am
Student Trip to Cedar Point - June 21 (register by June 19)
Fun & Sun at the Wapak Pool (Grades 5-12) - June 23 (register by June 19)
LIFE 2022 Student Trip - July 4-11 (sold out)
Beulah Beach on the Road - August 2-5 (more info coming soon!)
Family Life Summer Events Calendar
Community Upcoming Events
Sign up now for Cornerstone of Hope's upcoming summer camps (dates between June 6-17)
Beulah Beach Overnight Camps - register soon (dates between June 19-Aug 12)
Beauty for Ashes Retreat for Foster & Adoptive Moms - Sept 9-11 - Register by July 1
Congregational Update
You are invited to join Pastor Kris in the East Campus Sanctuary on Sunday, May 15 from 6:30-7:30pm for an update on the church. There will be a brief time of worship, followed by communication about the new Release-Time Education program and what it means for Shawnee Alliance and our community, and we will pray.
Preschool VBS
Children ages 3-5, come grow with Jesus at Preschool Vacation Bible School as we learn about Bible Heroes: Moses, Jonah and Daniel!
Join us for FREE on June 7-9 from 9:30-11:30am each day in the East Campus Kids Min room (MUST be potty-trained.) There is limited space available, so please register soon to save your spot!
Graduate Recognition Sunday & Dinner
We are excited to celebrate our high school seniors as they graduate! All seniors who are graduating high school this year from any of the local schools or home schools are invited.
- On Thursday, June 9, high school graduates and their families are invited to a free dinner in their honor, catered by Lima's Finest Food Catering from 6:30-8pm in the Activity Center lobby. There will also be some fun games to make sure these seniors are ready to enter college or the workforce!
- On Sunday, June 12, we will honor high school graduates during the 9:30 and 11:00 am church services at the West Campus Activity Center.
Student Trip to Cedar Point
Students in grades 7-12 are invited to a trip to Cedar Point on Tuesday, June 21. We will meet in the East Campus HopeShakers room at 9am, then leave promptly at 9:30am for Cedar Point. We will return between 10:30-11pm. $60 cost includes ticket, transportation, and unlimited drink pass. Students need to bring extra money to purchase their own lunch, dinner, and souvenirs as desired.
Student Trip to Wapak Waterpark
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to a fun day at the Wapakoneta Waterpark on June 23. We will meet in the East Campus HopeShakers room at 10:30am and leave promptly at 11am. We will return to the church at 3pm. Cost is $7 for pool entrance and travel, plus students will need money for their own drinks and snacks.
Ministry Highlights
Family Life Updates
We are looking forward to summer and the many events we have in store for our Children's and Student Ministries! Please check out the calendar and more details below!
Preschool
On June 7-9 from 9:30-11:30am each day, all children ages 3-5 and potty-trained are invited to join us for Preschool VBS at Shawnee Alliance!
This is a completely free event that provides an opportunity for children to hear about God's love for them in a fun, exciting way. We will be talking about Bible Heroes Moses, Jonah, and Daniel and will enjoy some crafts, games and snacks.
There is limited space available, so please register to save your spot! We look forward to your children joining us!
Miss Brit
Kids Min
I am so excited for summer to be right around the corner! We have lots of fun activities planned for Kids Ministry. During the month of May we will be participating in Loaves of Love where our children are encouraged to serve Christ through serving others. Our young people have the incredible opportunity to serve alongside the church to provide non-perishable items to meet the needs of children and their families of Heritage Elementary. We will also learn about other practical ways to live out the Great Commission. After all, we are never too young to serve Jesus! 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
We are also looking forward to another summer of Beulah Beach on the Road. This will be held in August this year (August 2-5) This is an all-day event for students in grades K-6. Children have an absolute blast growing in their faith! Camp counselors travel to Shawnee Alliance Church to provide four days of non-stop action and insane amounts of fun; dunk tanks, crazy songs, sports, skits, blow up toys, a rock wall along with an amazing staff dedicated to show our kids what fun it is to have a relationship with Jesus! To kick off Beulah on the Road, we will also have a Family Fun Night at the church, which will be open to all families on August 1 from 6:30-8pm.
I sure hope that you all can join me in the crazy fun!
Love, Miss Erin
Student Ministry
After event limitations the last two summers, we are excited to offer several events and activities in hopes of keeping our students plugged in this year! Twenty-two of us went to the movies at the beginning of May and that was just the start. Our Student Trip to Scene 75 in Dayton is coming up soon on May 20. We’ve had student trips there several times and it’s always so much fun, from massive arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, an indoor rollercoaster, glow in the dark putt putt golf, and much more!
After school lets out, we'll help with the celebrating by going to Cedar Point for the day on Tuesday, June 21. Students in grades 7-12 are invited and this will be a great way to fully kick summer into gear! We also have at least one Fun & Sun Pool Day scheduled for June 23, with hopefully more to come. Seat availability will be limited for all events, so sign up now! Details are available within each of the events, or you can feel free to email me at any time at josh@shawneealliance.com.
Plus, Sr. Highers are invited to check out Alpha Youth on Wednesdays June 8-29 from 12-2pm and invite their friends for some great conversations about Jesus, especially for those who are unsure about their faith, or even what that means.
Pastor Josh
Centershot Archery: Spring 2022 Tournament Champions
Centershot Archery is a program at Shawnee Alliance Church that teaches international and 3D archery to students in grades 4-12, along with Bible lessons from both the old and new testaments. The program is taught by licensed instructors that have been trained by Centershot. Each session is concluded by a local in-house tournament for all of our students. The students are also eligible to compete in regional and national tournaments. Below are the champions from this spring's tournaments.
Shawnee Alliance runs the Centershot Archery program in the fall and spring with each session lasting eight weeks. Our fall 2022 season will begin on September 12, with registration opening August 1.
Life Transformation Tools
At Shawnee Alliance, we talk a lot about Transformed Lives. What does that mean? Transformation happens as we grow together in community and encounter truth from Jesus! If you joined us for Easter, you heard Dan's story. You can watch again here:
If you have any questions about what a relationship with Christ means and how He desires to transform your life, please fill out a connect card and our staff would love to talk with you!
Scroll down for ways to get involved in missions and serving opportunities, and to see our monthly Bible reading plan and some of the things God is doing here at Shawnee Alliance Church!
Missions Updates
A Heart for Children in West Africa
Peg and Matthew Fontaine have been working with a school in West Africa. Peg's primary goal is helping the teachers in learning how to take a more hands-on education approach, as opposed to the French repetition style. Many education supplies are needed, and we have the opportunity to help! If you are interested in donating supplies, please click the Amazon Wishlist link below. Thank you for your generosity!
Great Commission Sunday
May 15 during church services
The Great Commission Day is a special day of giving to send and sustain Alliance workers. This year we are focusing on being present among the people whom they’ve been sent to serve.
When you give to the Great Commission Day Offering 2022:
- you ensure that these workers continue to have a meaningful, impactful presence among lost, suffering, and overlooked people
- you enable your Alliance workers to meet critical spiritual and physical needs, disciple new believers, plant new churches, and provide a lasting gospel presence among the world’s least reached
The Alliance workers' presence relies on our presence, and there are many ways to do just that!
- Pray
- Give
- Raise up and Send more workers
On May 15, you can give in-person or online by designating "Great Commission Sunday".
Thank you for making a difference!
Operation Christmas Child: Bus Trip Info Meeting
There will be an informational meeting on May 22 promptly after church services to discuss our bus trip from November 28 - December 3 to the Operation Christmas Child Distribution Center in Charlotte, NC. There are limited number of seats available for the trip and reservations need to be made soon, so this meeting will provide all trip details and registration information.
Please join us at one of these information meeting times:
- In the East Campus Sanctuary Lobby at the end of the 9:30am service
- In the West Campus Activity Center Lobby at the end of the 11:00am service
Prayer Updates
Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer for the National Day of Prayer 2022! It was a blessing to share this special time with faithful prayer warriors.
In case you missed part of the day, these prayer resources are still available for a limited time:
Pray the Vote 2022 - Midterm elections are November 8, 2022. We encourage you to be in prayer for our country this election season. You can visit PraytheVote.org to find your state registration and voting information.
Serving Opportunities
There are many opportunities to get more involved by serving together! Check out the list of volunteer opportunities below, or fill out a volunteer form and our staff would be glad to connect you in serving at Shawnee Alliance or in our community in a way that uses your gifts, talents and passions!
Current Serving Opportunities
Loaves of Love Food Drive for Heritage Elementary
Loaves of Love will be holding a Food Drive during the month of May to benefit Heritage Elementary School's Food Pantry. Over the summer, this need is increased greatly as they do not have access to the free breakfast/lunch provided during school. Heritage will open their Food Pantry to students over the summer as long as they have food to distribute. The school is currently providing supplemental food to 50-60 families each week.
We will be collecting shelf-stable items for the Food Pantry during the month of May. Please bring donated items to one of our church lobbies on Sundays between May 1-22. Thank you!
Preschool VBS
We are seeking volunteers to help lead 3-5 year-olds toward Jesus by helping with snacks, crafts, Bible story, games and check-in/out assistance. We need help from June 6-9 from 9am-12pm each day in the Kids Min room (June 6 will be instruction and set-up). Please register below by June 2 and contact Miss Brittany at brittany@shawneealliance.com with any questions.
Community Serving Opportunities
Volunteer Guardianship Info Sessions
Court-sworn guardians are needed to make decisions related to social services, housing and healthcare for individuals unable to make those decisions solely by themselves. Crime Victim Services will hold information sessions from 12-1 pm on May 17, June 22, and July 26 for those who are interested in learning more about guardianship and their volunteer program. To attend, please register below.
Guardian Volunteer Andrew Carey explains that the purpose of a guardian is “to help out someone who can’t do some things for themselves, and to make sure that their life and living conditions are as good as possible.” Volunteers don’t deal with finances, but focus on advocating for their protected person’s quality of life, and ensuring their safety and dignity.
If you have any questions, please contact Elysia or Katie at Crime Victim Services (419-222-8666 or cvsguardian@crimevictimservices.org).
The Wheelhouse
"The Wheelhouse--A Christian Bicycle Cooperative" has been providing bicycle transportation to adults in need of transportation since opening in March 2017. Approximately 150 adults per year are being served at The Wheelhouse. Are you able to help The Wheelhouse ministry by assisting with any of the following?
- Leadership or committee support to create a spiritual sharing time for Wheelhouse cyclists
- Volunteer to assist with ministry management, bicycle repair, provide correspondence, etc.
- Donating used bicycles to The Wheelhouse
If you're interested, please call/text the Wheelhouse at 419-909-0919 or email wheelhouselima@gmail.com.
Ongoing Serving Opportunities
- Worship & Tech Teams
- Family Life (Ministries for Children & Students)
- Hands-On Ministry
- Prayer Team
- Go on a Mission Trip
- Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
- First Impressions Team (make coffee, greet people, or serve communion)
Faith Track & Discovering Spiritual Gifts
If you're interested in learning more about using your spiritual gifts and talents to serve others, come join us at the next Faith Track! In a small group setting, we'll learn more about Shawnee Alliance, develop connections, and become more aware of our spiritual gifts and serving opportunities. If you're interested, please sign up below and we'll let you know when another class becomes available!
Remember, you can reach out to our staff at any time by filling out a connect card at the bottom of our website!
Bible Reading Plan
Bring transformation to your life by reading your Bible! You will get to know Jesus on a deeper level and learn wisdom for your everyday choices.
You can find a free Bible in any of our church lobbies. Please feel free to take one when you're with us at church on Sunday or download the YouVersion app on your phone.
Use this simple SOAP format to guide your interaction with God's Word:
- Scripture. Take your time reading each chapter and allow God to speak to you.
- Observation. What do you see God doing in the Scripture? What is God saying to you?
- Application. Ask yourself how you can apply this to your life right now.
- Prayer. Communicate with God and ask Him to help you apply this to your life.
Try adding a chapter from Proverbs every day to the below plan! This list is also posted every Sunday on our Facebook page.
- Thursday, May 12 - John 4
- Friday, May 13 - Matthew 9
- Saturday, May 14 - Jeremiah 1
- Sunday, May 15 - Luke 5:1-11
- Monday, May 16 - Titus 3
- Tuesday, May 17 - Ephesians 2
- Wednesday, May 18 - Romans 10
- Thursday, May 19 - Proverbs 3
- Friday, May 20 - 1 John 2
- Saturday, May 21 - Hebrews 10
- Sunday, May 22 - Luke 12:4-10
- Monday, May 23 - 1 Corinthians 13
- Tuesday, May 24 - John 15
- Wednesday, May 25 - 2 Timothy 1
- Thursday, May 26 - Ephesians 3
- Friday, May 27 - Philippians 2
- Saturday, May 28 - Psalm 5
- Sunday, May 29 - 1 John 4:7-18
- Monday, May 30 - Matthew 10
- Tuesday, May 31 - Luke 12
- Wednesday, June 1 - Philippians 3
- Thursday, June 2 - Matthew 19
- Friday, June 3 - Luke 14
- Saturday, June 4 - Acts 10
- Sunday, June 5 - Luke 5:1-11
- Monday, June 6 - Psalm 37
- Tuesday, June 7 - 2 Corinthians 9
- Wednesday, June 8 - Hebrews 7
- Thursday, June 9 - Psalm 112
- Friday, June 10 - Galatians 6
- Saturday, June 11 - Proverbs 10
- Sunday, June 12 - Jeremiah 29:11
- Monday, June 13 - 2 Corinthians 5
- Tuesday, June 14 - Ephesians 2
- Wednesday, June 15 - Colossians 1
- Thursday, June 16 - Genesis 3
Giving at Shawnee Alliance
Thank you for giving to the ministries of Shawnee Alliance Church. Through your generosity, we continue to see life transformation happen in our church, community, and around the world through missions!
Ways to Give:
- Text the giving amount to 84321
- Online at shawneealliance.com/donate
- Church Center App - download today
- In Person - place check or cash in offering box after Sunday services
Thank you for your generosity and partnership with our ongoing ministries!
Mission-focused donation opportunities:
- A Heart for Children in West Africa - help to provide education supplies to a West African school via Amazon Wishlist
- Loaves of Love Food Drive - collecting shelf-stable food items in church lobbies May 1-22 for Heritage Elementary students for during the summer when they do not have access to the free breakfast/lunch provided during school
Thank you for reading this edition of the Shawnee Alliance SnapShot! Please visit shawneealliance.com/media to view previous editions of this newsletter, watch sermons and testimony videos with links to our YouTube channel, and check out our Tuesday Talks with Shawnee Alliance podcast!