Greetings Shekinah Family,

The start of this school year marked the 45^th 1^st day of school at SCS and the last first day of school for the Class of 2023. Shekinah has been through many transformations over its 44-year history. Some significant transformations include opening our current building in 1980, the addition of our first modular in 2013, moving to a traditional classroom model for all grades in 2013, and most recently, the opening of our 4 room, 2 bathroom modular in August of this year. This summer brought significant transformations in staff and administrative roles as well. For those of you who have been around for all 44 years, for only a few years, or somewhere in between, you have had a front row seat to God’s leading and blessing on Shekinah Christian School.

Over the summer, as we approached the start of this school year, the word “transformation” seemed to capture the direction of our school for this season. Our theme for this school year is “Be Transformed” following Romans 12: 1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The goal this year is to remind students and staff that despite the changes in our school, our staff, and even our world, God is calling us to a spiritual transformation as we walk with Him. Chapel speakers have highlighted this theme through encouraging us to think about our belief systems & how that formulates our response to events in our lives, reminding us that our past does not have to define us, challenging us to guard our hearts, and helping us remember that selfishness and pride hinder our walk with God. What great Biblical truths to keep at the forefront of our thoughts this school year!

Last year many of you gave financially to support our mission through the Momentum Campaign. Thank you! Through your generous gifts the aging school van was replaced, laptop devices for teachers were updated, and we were able to purchase, set, and remodel the new modular. The teachers are grateful to have devices that are reliable and current. Students and teachers continually comment how the new modular has enhanced the learning environment through larger classrooms and eliminating shared rooms by teachers. Other transformations took place on our campus that did not cost money but certainly enhanced our facilities. One transformation included cleaning out and rearranging the barn in order to have the proper space to use the donated gym equipment for our student athletes and gym class students. The re-organization of the barn also allowed for all 3 garage bays to have a specific purpose: 2 for school vans and 1 for stage riser & chair storage. The second transformation took place in our older, 2 room modular. We now use one room for special services such as testing and speech therapy and the other room for 5/6^th grade students who split up during certain subjects.

As we look ahead to this school year and the needs of our facility, we are launching the Transforming Campaign with a goal of $130,000. In a way, this is a continuation of the Momentum Campaign of 2021-2022 as our biggest need is to “finish” the modular. In order to completely pay for the purchase and remodeling of the modular we still need $60,000.

Additional Transforming project needs include:

•      Purchasing a new commercial oven for the kitchen - $6,000
•      Replacing the doors and lock systems on the modular - $10,000
•      An overhang and/or weather protection to and from the new modular - $15,000
•      Setting aside funds for maintenance issues as they arise - $15,000
•      Setting aside funds for future facility improvements & updates - $24 ,000

As you contemplate your part in this campaign, I would like to leave you with a few prayer requests:

•     Pray for our students to continue to grow academically but also spiritually. That they would listen to God’s voice. That some would heed His call to salvation. That some would yield to spiritual transformation.
•    Pray for our staff. We are coming into the winter months that inevitably bring colds, flu, etc to the building. Pray for their health, their stamina.
•     Pray for future students & families. The 2023-2024 admission season has started. We are focusing on the educational difference and the discipleship difference helping to make the difference in each child.
•     Pray for our Transforming Pray that God would lay it on the hearts of friends of Shekinah to invest in the specific needs of our school.

Would you first consider praying for the requests mentioned above? Second, would you consider giving toward the Transforming Campaign? Our annual campaign has the potential to transform the look and feel of our facility and enhance the experience for students and staff. Would you invest in Shekinah between now and December 31^st? All gifts are tax deductible and those postmarked by December 31^st will be eligible for a deduction on your 2022 tax return. You can mail your gift to 10040 Lafayette Plain City Road, Plain City, OH 43064 or go to our website, www.shekinahchristian.org and click on the word "Donate" in the top right hand corner.

Looking forward,

Amber Purdy    

Advancement Director