Message from Pastor Kris
This summer, we are going to walk through the book of First Samuel together as a church family. Each Sunday, we will continue moving through the story, exploring not just the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, but the bigger picture of how God forms His people over time. One of the things I love about walking through a book together during the summer is that even when schedules become busy and life feels a little chaotic, we are still moving through Scripture together. Whether you are here every week or catching up along the way, there is something powerful about knowing we are all growing through the same journey together. As we read through First Samuel, we will see that God is constantly shaping people through both ordinary moments and difficult circumstances. We will look at what it means to respond to God’s leading, what happens when we resist His forming work, and how God prepares people for what He has ahead long before they ever arrive there. More than anything, this summer is an invitation to let God continue forming us as His disciples. We are looking forward not only to great Sundays together, but to seeing how God moves in our church and in our lives throughout the season ahead.
In this Edition:
What's Ahead
As summer brings a change to the rhythms of our lives, it also creates opportunities to grow in faith and connection. Whether through community, serving others, or simply spending time alongside fellow believers, this season can become more than just busy schedules and vacations. It may be the perfect time to step beyond what feels comfortable and discover new ways God is inviting you to grow, serve, and build meaningful relationships within the church family.
Ready, set… SQUISH! Preschoolers, get ready for an ooey, gooey summer adventure at Shawnee Alliance from June 2–4, 9:30 to 11:30 AM each day!
Preschool VBS is specially designed for our youngest learners (ages 3–5, must be potty trained) to explore, create, and play in a safe, joyful environment. Through messy fun, hands-on activities, music, crafts, and engaging Bible stories, children will discover that they are made by God, loved by God, and never alone.
Come make a mess and make a memory — because even when things get sticky or squishy, God’s love always sticks with us! Be sure to register by Sunday, May 31, so your little one can join the fun in the East Campus Kids Ministry Room.
Beulah on the Road is bringing the camp experience here!
Kids who have completed grades K-6 are invited to join us June 16-19 from 9 AM - 4 PM each day in the Activity Center for four fun filled days packed with games, activities, and great relationships. Throughout the week kids will enjoy things like sports, skits, crazy songs, inflatables, a rock wall, and plenty of moments that feel just like summer camp. Our Beulah counselors will be here all week leading the fun and helping create an environment where kids feel welcomed, known, and encouraged. Beulah on the Road is more than a week of activities. It is a place where kids build friendships, experience a caring community, and discover that following Jesus is something real, meaningful, and worth exploring. We would love for your child to come and be part of the week with us!
Beulah Beach Overnight & Family Camps
Ages 7-18 & Families Many camp dates available on the shores of Lake Erie!
This summer, our Youth Ministry is creating opportunities for students to build friendships, make memories, and grow in community together through exciting trips and shared experiences. From high energy attractions at Scene 75 to a full day of roller-coasters and fun at Kings Island, these events are about much more than entertainment. They create space for students to connect with one another, strengthen relationships, and experience the kind of community that helps faith grow naturally over time. Whether a student is new to youth group or already deeply connected, summer trips are a great way to step into friendships, laughter, and meaningful moments together. These shared experiences often become some of the most memorable parts of the year and help students feel known, welcomed, and part of something bigger than themselves. Full trip details, costs, and registration information can be found on the church website.
Stay up to date on all events through the summer!
Ready to Take a Step?
One of the best ways to grow in community is by serving alongside others. Whether greeting families, investing in kids and students, helping behind the scenes, or supporting ministry environments throughout the week, every opportunity to serve helps create spaces where people feel welcomed, known, and connected. Serving is not just about filling a role. It is about building relationships, encouraging others in their faith, and being part of what God is doing through the church community. As you look through the volunteer opportunities available this season, consider where your gifts, availability, and heart for people may help make a difference. Sometimes the simple step of saying “yes” opens the door to deeper community and unexpected growth.
Volunteer with Kids
Preschool VBS & Beulah on the Road
This summer there are two great opportunities for adults and teens to be part of what God is doing in the lives of kids at Shawnee Alliance through Beulah on the Road and Preschool VBS. These events create space for children to experience a fun, welcoming environment while hearing about Jesus in ways they can understand. Whether you are leading a small group, helping with activities, or simply showing up with encouragement and energy, your presence helps create moments that matter.
Preschool VBS Volunteers - Contact Jerrica - Jerrica@shawneealliance.com Beulah on the Road Volunteers - Contact Jessica - Missions@shawneealliance.com
Upward Volleyball
Upward Volleyball only happens because of people willing to step in and serve. Whether encouraging students on the court, helping build teamwork, officiating games, or supporting things behind the scenes, every volunteer helps create an environment where kids feel known, supported, and encouraged. You do not have to be a volleyball expert to make a meaningful impact. Simply being present, investing in students, and serving alongside others can help shape a season that points kids toward confidence, community, and faith. If you are looking for a place to get connected and make a difference, we would love to have you join the team. Thank you for being part of what God is doing through this ministry.
Volunteer in Community
Soup Kitchen
Serving at Our Daily Bread is a simple but meaningful way to care for people in our community while building connection with others from our church family. Whether helping prepare meals, serving guests, or supporting behind the scenes, every volunteer helps create a welcoming environment where people feel seen, valued, and cared for. This is also a great family friendly opportunity to serve together. Parents, kids, students, and grandparents can all be part of making a difference side by side. Serving together not only impacts our community, but also creates meaningful moments and conversations that can continue long after the day is over. If you have been looking for a practical way to step into community and serve others this season, Our Daily Bread is a wonderful place to get involved.
Upcoming Dates | 11am: Thursday, May 21 Tuesday, May 26 Thursday, June 18 Tuesday, June 23
Prison Crafting
What began through Grief Share has grown into a much deeper connection with the men at the prison and the many opportunities to serve and encourage them. Through those relationships, additional ministries and needs have opened up including the crocheting group, Christian book club resources, library donations, large print Bibles, and materials for the Community Service group. Recently, inmates hosted a special evening to thank Shawnee Alliance for the ways these ministries have impacted their lives. One inmate, a former welder who had never painted before coming to prison, created beautiful paintings as gifts of appreciation. On the back of each piece was Scripture from Matthew, a reminder that God continues to work in hearts and lives in meaningful ways. One growing opportunity is providing approved crafting supplies that allow inmates to continue creating, learning new skills, and finding healthy, encouraging outlets for expression and community. Donations toward this ministry help provide those supplies and continue building relationships that remind these men they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
Grow with Others
Gingersnaps
Gingersnaps is a warm and welcoming gathering designed for senior adults to come together in community, share life, and spend intentional time in prayer and fellowship. It is a relaxed space where conversations can be unhurried, friendships can grow, and encouragement can be shared in every season of life. Every Tuesday, participants gather in the Kid’s Ministry Area from 9am to 11:30am for a simple time of connection along with refreshments. There is nothing complicated or formal about it, just a steady rhythm of showing up, being known, and enjoying time with others in the church family. For those who are part of Gingersnaps, this sense of community naturally extends into the broader Keenagers ministry. The Keenagers invite senior adults ages 55 and up to a monthly celebration of birthdays on the second Tuesday of each month. This gathering includes a carry-in lunch in the Kid’s Ministry Room from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and provides another great opportunity to enjoy fellowship, celebrate together, and continue building meaningful relationships. If you are a senior adult looking for a meaningful way to stay connected this summer, Gingersnaps and Keenagers together offer a welcoming rhythm of encouragement, community, and connection within the church family.
LIFE Groups
LIFE Groups are one of the primary ways we grow in faith and build meaningful relationships within the church. More than just a regular gathering, these groups create space to connect with other believers, explore Scripture together, ask honest questions, and encourage one another in everyday life. Faith was never meant to be lived alone, and LIFE Groups help make sure no one has to. Within that larger community, each group has its own rhythm and personality, but the heart is the same: growing together and helping one another take next steps with Jesus. Whether you are new to church, returning after time away, or simply looking for deeper connection, there is a place for you to belong and be known.
One group we want to highlight is the Next Chapter Young Adults LIFE Group, designed for ages 18 (high school graduates) through 30. This group gathers for Bible study and community, creating a space for young adults to grow in their faith while building friendships with others in a similar season of life.
Make an Impact
Giving is one of the ways we participate in what God is doing through the church and in our community. It is not just about meeting needs, but about cultivating a heart of trust, generosity, and partnership in ministry. As we give, we help create space for life change, support practical care for people, and step into the ongoing work of building God’s kingdom together.
Kids Ministry Carpet
Upgrading the carpet in our Kids Ministry space is a simple but meaningful investment in creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment where kids can play, learn, and worship freely. These spaces are where many of our youngest kids first experience church, build friendships, and begin to understand who Jesus is. A refreshed space helps support that growth and makes room for even more moments of joy, learning, and connection.
Activity Center Technology
Updating our technology helps us better connect people to everything happening across the church. Clearer communication and more accessible tools make it easier for guests and members alike to stay informed, engage with ministries, and take next steps in their faith journey. These improvements support a more connected and welcoming environment where people can easily find where they belong.
As we invest our time in becoming more like Jesus, we are also invited to live generously. Part of living a life of worship involves giving, which helps further our mission of transforming lives through the ministry of Shawnee Alliance.
You are invited to join the mission! Visit shawneealliance.com/giving Please also see the current giving updates year to date below.
Giving
Financial Update
What God Has Done Through Your Giving
Because of your generosity, we have been able to purchase new Activity Center chairs and received a donated Portable Honda Generator for our Church Events. THANK YOU! As you continue to be blessed and look to give back in 2026, we still are looking to fund the necessary project of replacing the KidsMin carpet yet this year. Here are additional ways to give (beyond the tithe) to specific ways here within the church as we continue to invite people into more with Jesus and move ministry forward at Shawnee Alliance!
Questions about giving to the church? Find out more here!
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Shawnee Alliance SnapShot! Please visit shawneealliance.com/media to view previous editions of this newsletter, watch sermons and testimony videos, and more!
If you no longer wish to receive the SnapShot, please email office@shawneealliance.com to be removed from the email list, no questions asked. (Clicking "unsubscribe" removes you from all church communications including emergency email notifications, updated information about an event you registered for, scheduled volunteer communications, etc.)