Winter 2024 Newsletter

Who gets to decide?

Is it the principal?

Previously, Indiana law stated we were a "may" state. That meant public schools may participate in weekday religious education.

AWRE has been around for eight decades, but twenty years ago, when my daughter was in 4th grade in Anderson, we hoped she could attend classes. At that time there were no classes at Eastside so I went to the principal and asked if they would consider allowing AWRE classes for the 4th graders. The principal refused. So, my only option was to pick up my daughter every week and drive her to another location in Anderson where classes were taking place. But, how unfortunate that my daughter, who was already churched, was the only one in that school who would learn more about Jesus. Unfortunately, in Indiana, we were reliant on the whims of principals. It continued to break my heart that so many children in our community would continue to go without hearing the gospel.

But then God moved and things changed….

Now, parents decide.

This spring Indiana changed the law and we became a "must" state. Now, schools MUST work with programs like AWRE allowing us to provide religious education off school property and allow parents to decide if their children get to attend.  

Now, take a moment to dream with us. Instead of only serving the 4th grade in a few Anderson elementary schools only one semester a year, we could be in every grade (K-12) in every local school every week. But, this dream takes a lot of people and a lot of money. BUT GOD’S economy is unlimited.

We will take the good news into as many classes in Anderson, Frankton, Alexandria, and Pendleton as the churches and believers in this community see fit. We are in most elementary schools one semester. We've expanded where in two schools, we meet with students the entire year. At Edgewood Elementary, we meet with both the 4th and 5th grade classes all year. And, this year, we are expanding ito Anderson Intermediate School. When we raise the funds to buy Bibles, are able to bus the children to a nearby church, and have sufficient volunteers to staff classes, we will go. Are you willing to go? Are you willing to send? We need your support. We need class helpers, teachers, bus drivers, prayer warriors, board members and money to make this work. If you give, more children will hear the gospel.  It's really that simple.

Chad Wallace

AWRE board president

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Check out our NEW website where you can give, volunteer, or get a permission slip for a student! www.weekdayreligioused.org

Our Director

Stacie Bower has been the AWRE director for the past 5 years. Last year she expanded the program providing classes for 4th and 5th graders all year long at Edgewood elementary. This has enabled us to really build relationships with these children. This school year we are now serving Erskine Elementary. It has been over 15 years since we have been in this school, and we are excited to be back. Stacie has special ties to the Alexandria Community. She volunteers her time at the theater, and we have also started classes at Alexandria-Monroe elementary. We are calling on our Alexandria brothers and sisters to come alongside us to support this new, growing program in Alexandria!