Celebrations
We are so excited to celebrate all that God is doing in the lives of those around us! Check out the pictures below of some kids and adults showing their faith and following Jesus into Baptism, and others joining in the ministry of Upward Basketball and Cheerleading!
Message from Pastor Kris
It was such a joy to celebrate with 20 brothers and sisters in baptism! Each of these baptisms represent a story of Jesus Christ transforming lives. However, I'm always reminded that before we can celebrate in baptism, we have to take time to invite our community to be part of the transformation and to walk with them toward Jesus. Few of our ministries do this as well as Upward. This season we got to see hundreds of athletes and their families participate in weekly practices, games, and devotionals that shared Jesus Christ. This Upward Sunday, we gave the opportunity for their gym to become a sanctuary where Jesus met them and invited them into faith. Always remember, from the first time we hear the Gospel to the moment we first choose to follow Jesus -- through the waters of baptism, as we dedicate our children, as we learn and grow in our faith, and as we choose to make disciples as we go -- we are always in the process of transformation. So, whether you feel like you're just beginning or whether you've been following Jesus for decades, our God has a next step for you!
Know this: God is not done writing your story! He is eager to continue on with you. I'm blessed that your family at Shawnee Alliance Church gets to be part of the transformation!
In this Edition:
Come and See
Jesus begins with invitation. Not behavior. Not perfection. Belonging.
You don’t have to know everything to begin. Most of us found faith through relationship, not argument. Like Andrew inviting Peter, we simply open the door and say, Come and see.
Church Outing at Escape Wapak
Join us for a fun afternoon designed to bring our church community together! This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, share some laughs, and spend time building relationships with people from across the church. Bring your family or invite a friend and enjoy a relaxed environment where everyone can jump in and be part of the fun. Whether you are solving clues, competing in friendly challenges, or simply spending time with others, it is a great way to strengthen the sense of community that makes our church family special.
As we continue exploring Jesus’ invitation to “Come and see,” Easter season gives us an opportunity to step closer and experience the story of Jesus together.
Join us as we walk through the final moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry and celebrate the hope of the resurrection. Our journey begins on Palm Sunday as we remember the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowds gathered with anticipation. On Good Friday, April 3 at 6:30 PM, we will gather in the Activity Center for a reflective family service as we pause to remember the sacrifice of Christ and the love displayed at the cross.
Then we come together for Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the new life we have because of Him. Easter services will be held in the Activity Center on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, with our Traditional Service taking place Sunday morning in the East Campus Sanctuary.
Whether you have been part of Shawnee Alliance for years or are simply curious about faith, Easter is a wonderful time to come and see. We would love for you to join us!
A Next Step for Every Student
Just like adults, kids and students grow in faith step by step. Sometimes that growth begins with simply showing up, meeting new friends, and experiencing what it means to follow Jesus in community. Throughout the year we offer events and gatherings designed to help students take those next steps in their faith journey. Take a look at the opportunities below and consider where your child might want to jump in!
Family Fun Night
Enjoy a fun night out with the family! Family Fun Night is a great chance for kids to play, parents to relax, and our church community to spend time together. There will be plenty of games, free snacks, and activities for all ages to enjoy. Join us for an evening of simple fun, laughter, and connection in the Activity Center. Bring the kids and invite a friend to come along!
Preschool Vacation Bible School
Ready, set… SQUISH! Preschoolers, get ready for an ooey, gooey summer adventure at Shawnee Alliance from June 2–4! 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!
Beulah on the Road
Beulah on the Road is bringing the camp experience right here! Kids who have completed grades K-6 are invited to join us June 16-19 from 9 AM to 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.
More Kids & Youth Events
- Upward Volleyball: boys & girls grades 4-8
- Beulah Beach: Overnight, Day, and Family Camps
- Several Youth Group events are in the works!
Our full Kids & Youth summer event list is coming in May!
Follow Jesus
Going Without: Creating Space for the Better Things
This Lent, we’ve been walking together in a series called “Going Without.” It’s not about punishment—it’s about making space for God to shape our hearts. Over the past weeks, we’ve explored going without comfort, control, recognition, and security. Each week invites us to notice what we hold onto that keeps us from deeper trust and a closer walk with Jesus. Following Jesus often means saying “no” to good things—our routines, our safety nets, our need for approval—so we can say “yes” to the better things God has for us. From trusting God’s provision in the wilderness, to releasing control in the storms, to obeying Him quietly without applause, Lent challenges us to let go of what we cling to and step into the freedom of hidden faithfulness. As we continue through this season, ask yourself: What am I holding onto that God is calling me to release? And what might happen if I trusted Him enough to let go? We hope you’ll join us each week as we practice following Jesus together—trusting Him, leaning into obedience, and making space for the better things only He can give.
As we practice going without, we’re learning to follow Jesus more closely—not just in what we give up, but in what we pursue.
Child Dedication
For families, this could be joining us for Child Dedication on May 10, as we pray over your children, commit them to God’s care, and trust Him to guide their steps as we grow together in faith.
Spiritual Growth
For each of us personally, it could be spending intentional time in Scripture, prayer, or reflection, letting God guide our hearts. Lent invites us to move beyond routines and comfort, leaning into a deeper, more faithful walk with Jesus. It’s in these daily choices that trust becomes tangible and transformation begins.
Serve with Jesus
Guinea, West Africa - Early Nov 2026
In the capital city of Conakry, Guinea, more than two million people live on a narrow peninsula where many face extreme poverty, disease, and the influence of traditional religions. Through Envision Guinea, Alliance workers partner with local believers to bring gospel-centered community transformation by encouraging, developing, and training leaders, interns, and short-term teams. Much of this work happens through relationships. Teams serve alongside the local church and community ministries, offering practical help that creates opportunities to connect with people and share the hope of Jesus. Volunteers may assist with community outreach, teaching English, leading workshops, or spending time at a student center where meaningful conversations and friendships often open doors for the gospel. If you would like to learn more about joining a short-term mission trip to Guinea in early November, join us Sunday, March 29, immediately following the second service for a light lunch and conversation about the trip. We will discuss logistics, fundraising, and next steps, and connect with others who are prayerfully considering being part of the team.
Reach out to Jessica, our Missions Coordinator, at missions@shawneealliance.com for more information
Volunteer for Kids Events
One of the ways we grow in faith is by stepping in and serving together. 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
Easter Hospitality
As we move through Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and our Easter weekend services, there are simple ways for adults and teens to serve and help create a welcoming space at Shawnee Alliance. From greeting and helping guests find their way to assisting with hospitality throughout the weekend, these small moments of service help people feel seen and welcomed as they come to remember and celebrate the hope of Jesus. It is a meaningful way to step in, serve together, and be part of what God is doing in our church community this Easter.
Go and Bear Fruit
Mentorship
Mentorship is one of the ways faith moves from something we learn about to something we live. Jesus formed His disciples by walking with them, inviting them into everyday moments where they could see what it looked like to trust God, ask questions, and grow. That same pattern continues today. When someone takes time to walk alongside another person, faith becomes more personal, more honest, and more rooted in real life. At Shawnee Alliance, mentorship is simply shared life with intentional direction. It is a space where people can talk openly about their faith, pray together, explore Scripture, and encourage one another in following Jesus. No one has to have everything figured out to begin. In fact, mentorship often grows best when people are willing to be honest about where they are and take their next steps together. If you have ever wished for someone to walk with you in your faith, or if you feel God nudging you to come alongside someone else, mentorship is a meaningful place to start. Through simple conversations and consistent connection, God uses these relationships to strengthen faith, build community, and help us grow into people who naturally invite others along the journey as well. Following the link below will connect you with a team member to help you navigate the next steps.
LIFE Groups
Following Jesus was never meant to be lived alone. We believe discipleship grows in the rhythms of everyday life as people gather around Scripture, share life honestly, and care for one another along the way. LIFE Groups create space for that kind of community. These groups meet throughout the week in homes and around our community, offering a place where faith moves beyond Sunday and into real conversations, prayer, encouragement, and growth together. As we continue talking about mentorship and investing in one another, LIFE Groups are one of the places those relationships naturally begin to take shape. They are spaces where people learn from one another, walk through challenges together, and encourage each other to keep following Jesus. If you are looking for a deeper connection with God and with others at Shawnee Alliance, a LIFE Group is a great next step.
Whether you have recently made the decision to follow Jesus, are taking next steps in growth through baptism or joining a group, serving in a new way within the church or through missions, or you are at the point of helping others in their journey, you are part of the church advancing God’s Kingdom in a broken world. As we live out transformed lives, we share the love of Jesus in a way our world desperately needs.
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
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!
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