Shawnee Alliance SnapShot june 30 - Edition 52

In this Edition:

Message from Pastor Kris

Summer is in full swing, and Shawnee Alliance is buzzing with life and opportunity. One of the highlights every year is Beulah on the Road - our Vacation Bible School experience that brings high-energy fun, meaningful friendships, and most importantly the message of Jesus to children in our church and our community. Year after year we've seen lives changed, and we're celebrating that several children are saying "Yes" to following Jesus for the first time or renewing their faith and following Him even stronger today!

We want to walk alongside these new believers - and anyone else ready to take a next step in their faith - at our next Baptism Celebration on Sunday, August 10. It's going to be a powerful day, starting with our annual Blessing of the Backpacks during morning worship, where we pray over students, educators, and staff heading into a new school year. That afternoon, we'll head outside for baptisms - a joyful moment of new life in Christ! If you're ready to be baptized or if your child is asking questions after Beulah on the Road, now is the time to explore your next step. You can sign up for baptisms online or reach out to our church staff at 419-991-6546.

As we look forward toward fall, I want to share a glimpse of where God is leading us. Our Vision Sunday on September 28 will focus on Jesus' words in Matthew 9: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." We believe God is calling Shawnee Alliance to step boldly into the harvest field - equipping, sending, and reaching more people with the hope of the gospel. Whether that's through children's ministry, new local outreach, or personal discipleship, we all have a part to play.

Your giving helps make all of this possible - and it's more than just covering needs. It's a spiritual act of worship that fuels Kingdom work in our church and beyond. If you are new to giving financially, or would like to build consistency in your giving, this summer is the perfect time to begin recurring giving. Your faithful commitment creates a long-term impact in our community and our world.

Let's keep pressing forward together - serving, giving, and growing in the name of Jesus!

God is doing big things in and around Shawnee Alliance Church!

Whether through sprucing up our welcoming spaces in the Activity Center, new lighting on the East Campus, or providing for the facility needs to be the place that welcomes our community for Upward Basketball, Cheerleading, and Volleyball -- your giving to the Building Fund helps make our buildings more inviting to our first-time guests and community!

More changes and updates are still needed. You can partner with us through giving below. Thank you for cheerfully being part of Transforming Lives!

Partner Through Giving

As you give, please consider choosing "regularly" as your giving frequency. A recurring donation helps plan spending and for your church to be good stewards of every dollar received!

Connect with us!

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 below! We would love to hear from you!

Connect Card

How to Connect With Us

As you're continually called into God's presence, we invite you to dive deeper into community. Click the links below for more information, and always feel free to reach out and connect with us!

Website
Facebook

Stay connected, watch our services live, and share special events with friends and family!

YouTube

Watch our church services live or view previous messages! Playlists make it easy to navigate between different topics.

Church Center App

Download the Church Center App to connect with us, keep up on events, sign up for groups, give online, begin volunteering, view our newsletter, and more!

Join Community

Life change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community—discipling one another, serving together, and forming authentic relationships. This summer, take a step into a group that helps you grow—whether it’s a weekly meetup or a monthly gathering, there’s a space for you!

If you have a question about how to get connected, please feel free to reach out to our staff by filling out a Connect Card. If you'd like to serve Jesus and others but you're unsure of where to start or what your fit might be, we invite you to visit shawneealliance.com/volunteer for some ideas! From there, we will work with you to determine your next step to thrive in the Shawnee Alliance community.

Fill out a Connect Card

New & Updated Groups

Whether you’re new to Shawnee Alliance or have been here a long time, getting involved in a group is a great way to join community and deepen your faith! We have groups for Kids, Teens and Adults!

College & Career Group

Starting June 8, the College and Career group will meet weekly every Sunday at 8:30-10pm for young adults who have graduated from high school up to age 24. This summer we will study how to have a rich prayer life.

Register for the group and receive regular updates or contact Pastor Brian at Brian@ShawneeAlliance.com with additional questions.

College and Career Registration

About Jonah: When God's Purpose Isn't In Your Plans

Join Brad on Sunday mornings, 10:45am–noon, in the East Campus (Rooms B-C) for a six-session journey through the book of Jonah with pastor David Platt. Discover how God uses ordinary people to fulfill His global mission—and how He shapes our hearts in the process. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your faith and renew your passion for God’s purpose in the world.

Brad regularly leads Bible studies throughout the year, so keep an eye out for future sessions!

Life Groups

Life Groups are small communities of 6–14 adults who meet regularly to share life, grow in faith, and support one another in prayer. Many groups are family-friendly, with kids welcome to join in. Formerly called In-Home Groups, we've renamed them to reflect a deeper purpose: building Christian friendships and doing life together. “Life” also serves as an acronym—reminding us of the intentional design behind each group:

  • Love – building relationships and showing Christ’s love
  • Instruct – studying Scripture and growing in God’s truth
  • Fellowship – sharing life and enjoying time with other believers
  • Evangelism – fulfilling the Great Commission together

You can explore open groups anytime and new Life Groups form regularly. Not sure where to start? Join the “I’m interested in joining a Life Group” group on the page, and we’ll help you find your place!

More Info About Joining a Life Group

YouVersion Bible App

Join our church family on YouVersion! Download the app below and search for Shawnee Alliance, set as your home church, and connect with others through devotionals and prayer. Whether you do a Bible plan on your own, with your family or small group, or together with your church family, there are many opportunities to pursue discipleship together!

Download YouVersion

As we walk through each week, watch for updates on social media and in the YouVersion app for new plans! Join in our newest plan below:

Congregation Devotional

For more details, please see below or visit shawneealliance.com/groups. If you are interested in leading or hosting a small group, please contact Pastor Brian at brian@shawneealliance.com.

Ongoing Weekly Groups

Ongoing Monthly Groups

Don't see a group you'd like to attend? Contact Pastor Brian at brian@shawneealliance.com if you're interested in leading your own!

We often talk about Transformed Lives. Here are some of the ways we share and live that out at Shawnee Alliance!

God is moving in powerful ways through our ministries—whether it’s sharing Jesus with kids at Beulah on the Road, walking alongside those in the Prison Ministry, or building Christ-centered connection through Connected Women. As you read these highlights, we invite you to consider where God might be leading you to serve. Not sure where to start? Explore your spiritual gifts here- it’s a helpful first step in finding a place to serve that aligns with how God designed you.

Beulah on the Road

Shawnee Alliance loves our kids and we love to see Jesus transforming their lives from an early age! One way we bring the church camp experience here to our community is through holding Beulah on the Road here at home! The theme this year was "quest", where the kids were taught to be "seekers of the truth" in an engaging and interactive way! We celebrate that we had one camper say yes to following Jesus for the first time and many other kids who were celebrated for be campers of the week and co-counselors of the week!

The campers were also given an opportunity to look outside out community to bless a missionary serving in the Middle East as teachers. Our campers raised $357 for this missionary couple! We celebrate all that is going on as our kids are learning about Jesus and supporting those who are in the mission field sharing Jesus with others!

GriefShare Prison Ministry

Kicking off this year, our GriefShare Ministry at the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution has already started making an impact. MaryAnn, leader of GriefShare, shares some insight on what is currently happening in this ministry:

"Our goal is to do our best to aid the pain the men feel after losing a loved one and not having other family members around to comfort them in their grief. We listen to their needs and do what we can to fill those needs. This has allowed us to develop a great repour with the inmates and Chaplain."

"Currently we have 18 potential attendees for the next session and are excited to see that number continue to grow."

Volunteer Here

Connected Women

This group is all about helping women connect—with the Lord and with each other—creating space for real community and natural discipleship to grow. We do that by gathering in smaller settings through events like the Connected Women’s Tea, Discipleship Breakfast, Bonfire, and Trivia Night.

The Discipleship Breakfast was a hit, with nearly 50 women gathering for great food, meaningful conversation, and a reminder that we don’t walk this faith journey alone. Connected Women continues to grow into a place where relationships are formed, faith is deepened, and laughter is guaranteed. Events like the these aren’t just fun—they’re shaping a rhythm of connection.

These events have sparked a growing circle of women who love showing up—and a team of leaders who bring joy and heart to every gathering. Be on the lookout for upcoming events—and keep your heart open to the women around you. A simple invitation could be the start of something meaningful.

Centershot Archery Tournament

Ohio Centershot Tournament results:

  • High School - 3rd place team in both Bullseye and 3D
  • Middle School - 2nd place team in Bullseye and 3rd place in 3D
  • Spencer Merchman - Middle School Championship in Bullseye

Nursery-Preschool Ministry Updates

What a joyful week at Preschool VBS! Our littlest learners spent the mornings singing, crafting, laughing, and discovering how much Jesus loves them. It was a week filled with wonder, energy, and sweet moments of faith. A huge thank you to every volunteer who gave their time, creativity, and heart to make this experience special. Whether you led a game, handed out snacks, led worship or helped with glue and glitter, your presence made a lasting impact—and we’re so grateful!

Nursery/PreK Director Transition

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Shayla for her faithful service as our Nursery/PreK Director. Over the years, Shayla has poured love, creativity, and intentional care into our youngest children and their families, helping lay a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime. Her husband Kyle and daughters Aria and Maya have been right there beside her—serving, encouraging, and embodying what it means to be a family on mission. As the Anthony family prepares to begin a new chapter in Indiana, we send them off with our prayers, gratitude, and love.

At the same time, we’re excited to welcome Jerrica as our new Preschool Director! Matt and Jerrica, along with their three kids have been attending Shawnee Alliance for a while now. She is very passionate about instilling a personal relationship with Jesus to her kids and is looking forward to expanding that passion to the Nursery/PreK Ministry and spreading the love of Jesus. Jerrica says, "I am excited to get to know all the kiddos and show and teach them how much Jesus loves each and every one of them." We’re so thankful for how God continues to provide leaders who care deeply about the next generation!

Missions

Our team’s recent trip to West Africa was more than just a 'trip'—it was a deeper step into what God is doing. Many of us had been to Africa before, but this time felt different. We didn’t just go to serve—we were changed in the process. From fitting glasses at the clinic to helping students with their ESL exams, worshiping in joyful churches to connecting with children at the rescue center, every moment felt marked by God’s presence. We saw bold faith, heard stories of healing, and saw doors opening in hard places -- through something as simple as a smile, a prayer, or a shared game of basketball.

One of the most incredible stories came full circle this year. Three years ago, the child rescue center dreamed of having a basketball court—a safe place for kids to play and build community. That need was shared with our church, and through your generosity, the court was built. Today, it’s more than just a place for the younger children. Young men from the surrounding Muslim community now come almost daily to play, and through that consistent connection, relationships are being formed and trust is growing. What started as a simple court has become a bridge for ministry and an open door for the gospel.

There was plenty of laughter, a few tears, and a whole lot of learning. We came back with new perspectives, full hearts, and stories we’ll be telling for a long time. And here’s the thing—we don’t think this is just for us. If you’ve ever felt that quiet nudge to step out of your comfort zone, to serve in a new place, or to simply say “yes” to whatever God might be doing—maybe this is your moment. The work continues in West Africa, and God might just be inviting you to be part of it.

Missions at Shawnee Alliance

If you have any questions or would like to know more about mission trip opportunities, please contact Jessica at missions@shawneealliance.com.

Prayer Ministry

Let’s Pray—For Our Neighbors, Our Church, and the World

Prayer isn’t just something we do before meals or when life gets tough. It’s how we stay rooted in God’s presence, aware of His movement, and connected to what He’s doing around us. What if this week, you set aside intentional time to pray over the places and people God’s put in your life—your neighbors, your church, even the wider world?

Pray Scripture Over Your Neighbors

Praying for your neighborhood can start with something as simple as walking the block or sitting on your porch—and lifting each house, each family, each name (if you know it) to God. You don’t have to know everyone’s story to pray with power. Use scripture as your guide:

Jeremiah 29:7 – “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city... Pray to the Lord for it.” God, would Your peace rest on every home around me. May this neighborhood flourish because You are here.

Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…” Father, bless the families next door. Protect them. Shine Your face on them today.

Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus, help me be a neighbor who reflects Your love—and shows up when others need it.

Pray for Your Church

You can also be praying for your church family this week. Here are a few focused ways to lift up Shawnee Alliance:

Protection – Pray over our staff and their families—that they would have peace, rest, and resilience.

Mission – Ask that we would be bold in living out the Great Commission, sharing Jesus wherever we go.

Volunteers – Pray for encouragement and strength for those serving, and for more people to step into new roles of ministry.

Transformation – Most of all, pray that our church would be a place where lives are changed by knowing Jesus—where people are launched into a new, contagious way of living out their faith.

Pray With a Guide

If you’re not sure where to start, walk through a daily prayer app like YouVersion or Lectio 365. These tools walk you through short, scripture-based prayers—often focused on a theme for the day. Use them to pray over yourself, your family, your community, your country, and the world. Start your day centered in Christ, and let that shape the way you engage with everything else.

We invite you to pray alongside us as a community for different needs throughout our congregation and world! A great way to do this is by receiving Prayer Request emails with updated prayer needs for those in our church.

Receive Prayer Request Emails

You can send prayer requests and updates to prayer@shawneealliance.com, and we will pass it on to our Prayer List so we can all pray for you! If you'd rather keep your prayer request private to the pastors and staff, please fill out a Connect Card at the bottom of our website and mark your prayer request "Private".

However you pray, know this: God hears you. And He moves through the prayers of His people. Let’s be a church that prays big, prays often, and prays together.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Lifewise Academy Shawnee

Ways to Volunteer and Support the Team:

  • Lifewise Teacher - Teaching 2 - 4 classes/week varying from 40 - 60 minutes per class
  • Lifewise Program Volunteer - Assist alongside the teachers and students during class time
  • Lifewise Driver Lifewise - Transporting the students back and forth from the program site
  • Leadership Board Member - Help forge and shape the future of the program
  • Prayer - For our students, continued favor with our Shawnee Local Schools and continued growth including new students and volunteers.
  • Monetary Donations as we are fully supported by donations.
LifeWise Shawnee Information and Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Ruth Ann Stover at: ruthannstover@lifewise.org. Phone: 419-235-0446, call or text.

Each fall, Shawnee Alliance opens its doors to hundreds of middle school students after Shawnee home football games for an evening of high-energy fun, food, and connection. With activities like basketball, gaga ball, volleyball, and more—not to mention plenty of pizza—these Friday night gatherings offer students a safe, welcoming place to spend time with friends and unwind. But more than just a fun night out, this ministry is an open door into the life of our church, planting seeds of belonging and community in the hearts of young people who may not otherwise step through our doors.

Thanks to the incredible turnout, it takes a village to make each night happen. Volunteers are essential—from helping with check-in to serving food, overseeing games, and managing cleanup. By showing up with a smile and a servant’s heart, you’re not only creating a safe space—you’re helping kids experience the love of Christ in action.

Our first two nights are: Thursday, August 21 and Friday, September 5.

Want to be part of what God is doing? Reach out to Pastor Josh at josh@shawneealliance.com to get involved!

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

General Volunteer Opportunities & Forms

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.

Download YouVersion Bible App

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 plan below!

  • Monday, June 30 - Luke 7
  • Tuesday, July 1 -Titus 3
  • Wednesday, July 2 - James 2
  • Thursday, July 3 - 2 Corinthians 5
  • Friday, July 4 - Romans 9
  • Saturday, July 5 - Romans 10
  • Sunday, July 6 - Galatians 3:1-14
  • Monday, July 7 - Romans 5
  • Tuesday, July 8 - Titus 3
  • Wednesday, July 9 - John 1
  • Thursday, July 10 - 1 John 3
  • Friday, July 11 - 2 Corinthians 6
  • Saturday, July 12 - Luke 12
  • Sunday, July 13 - Galatians 3:21-28
  • Monday, July 14 - Ephesians 4
  • Tuesday, July 15 - John 17
  • Wenesday, July 16 - John 8
  • Thursday, July 17 - 1 Peter 2
  • Friday, July 18 - Romans 6
  • Saturday, July 19 - Romans 14
  • Sunday, July 20 - Galatians 5:1-6
  • Monday, July 21 - Luke 9
  • Tuesday, July 22 - James 1
  • Wednesday, July 23 - Hebrews 12
  • Thursday, July 24 - Romans 8
  • Friday, July 25 - Romans 12
  • Saturday, July 26 - John 10
  • Sunday, July 27 - Galatians 5:19-25
  • Monday, July 28 - Ephesians 1
  • Tuesday, July 29 - Colossians 3
  • Wednesday, July 30 - Romans 6
  • Thursday, July 31 - Ephesians 4
  • Friday, August 1 - 2 Corinthians 3
  • Saturday, August 2 - Acts 2
  • Sunday, August 3 - Galatians 6:14-17

Giving

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10

How does your giving impact Shawnee Alliance Church and the world around us?

  • General - Covers the day-to-day operations of the church and helps fund staffing, building upkeep, church events, outreach, and all ministry needs!
  • Building - Giving over and above your tithe to the Building Fund helps provide for facility updates that are needed in our aging buildings! This helps people to be more comfortable in our buildings, from painting to replacing aging carpet and flooring, and even new lobby furniture!
  • Benevolence - Sometimes people need a little extra help while they make job transitions or have unexpected medical expenses, and with your additional giving to our Benevolent Fund, we are blessed to be able to help church attendees and others in our community in times of need.
  • Missions - Join in giving to the many different ministries, missionaries, and other missions efforts that we support that help bring Jesus to our community and world!

When you give to Shawnee Alliance Church, you not only give to help cover the day-to-day operations of the church, you give to the mission of Transformed Lives! Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing all that God will do!

  1. Online at shawneealliance.com/donate
  2. Church Center App - download today
  3. In Person - place check or cash in offering box after Sunday services
Donate online
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving Update Email Opt-In

Financial Update

Upcoming Events

Calendar Month View

Happy July 4th! - Office Closed

Keenager Luncheon - July 6 at 11:30am

Our Daily Bread Volunteer Thursday - July 17 at 11am

Our Daily Bread Volunteer Tuesday - July 22 at 11am

Ladies' Day at Beulah Beach - July 23

Wapak Summer Pool Days, Youth - July 31

Blessing of the Backpacks - August 10

Church Picnic & Baptism - August 10

Keenagers Luncheon - August 12 at 11:30am

Corner Pins Bowling Night, Grades 5-12 - August 12 at 5:30pm

Our Daily Bread Volunteer Thursday - August 21 at 11am

Fifth Quarter - August 21, Following the Shawnee Home Football Game

Our Daily Bread Volunteer Tuesday - August 26 at 11am

Wednesday Night Groups - Begin August 27 at 6:30pm

Labor Day - September 1 - Office Closed

Community

National Night Out - August 5 at 6-9pm - Heritage Park on Reed Rd

Lauren Daigle Concert - August 16 at the Allen County Fairgrounds

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 and we will remove you from the email list. (Clicking "unsubscribe" removes you from all church communications including emergency email notifications, updated information about an event you registered for, scheduled volunteer communications, etc.)