FCA becoming a success at PCM
March 5, 2023
Row 1: Gabe Graber, William Vanderpool, Skylar Burns, Paige Steenhoek, Riley Johannes, RaeAnn Duinink, Row 2: Mark Bussan, Harlan Shannon, Jaylyn DeVries, Jake Winters, Eliana Buswell, Lark Drake, Addison Steenhoek, Rebecca DeVries, Chloe Griener, Row 3: Carly Steenhoek, Tori Lindsay, Wyatt Vannoy, Elle Davis, Ella Schendel, Carolyn Burkett, Jorja Teeter, Alexis Fagg, Meredith Chipps, Row 4: Shay Burns, Jacob Burns, Jacob Wednt, Claire VanWyk, Abi Teeter, Regan Vannoy, Seriah Nolin, Morgan Karr, Gretchen Uitermarkt, Row 5: Riley Graber, Allias Nolin, Gabriel Hobbs, Carter Burns, Coby DeRaad, Zachary Richards, Charlie Ford, Jeter Hartson, Row 6: Trenner VanDyke, Pete Kiernan, Zebulyn Padget.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a growing organization at PCM High School. FCA is a group of students, grades 9-12 who come together to praise God. It isn’t just athletes that are welcome but anyone in a club or extracurricular activity who wants to grow in The Word of God. The group meets at the high school in the learning center every two weeks.
There is a group of student leaders that meet after every FCA meeting and discuss what the next meeting will look like. Co-presidents: Paige Steenhoek and Riley Johannes. Secretary and Treasurer: Skylar Burns. Huddle leaders: Rebecca DeVries, William Vanderpool, Riley Graber, Gabe Graber, Harlan Shannon, Abi teeter, Jaylyn DeVries, Elle Davis, Meredith Chipps, Morgan Karr, RaeAnn Duinink, Raegan Vannoy, and Wyatt Vannoy.
FCA Co-President Paige Steenhoek gave some insight on the success of the group.
“Without the support of the administration at PCM, FCA would not be as successful as it is. We are very blessed to have the ability to meet at the school,” explained Steenhoek.
FCA is unique because it is entirely student-led; in each meeting, a high school student leader prepares and teaches a Bible lesson to the group. They pose questions to the group and there is often discussion in large groups as well as small groups. When the questions are more personal, members can write in their individual journals provided by FCA. They also play fun games before and after the lesson.
Skylar Burns, Secretary and Treasurer, feels very strongly about the outreach FCA has in the high school.
“I think FCA has reached a lot more students than any of us could have ever imagined. It brings people of many different backgrounds together all for one purpose,” states Burns.
The group averages 35-50 students each meeting. Nearly every sport and activity is represented at each meeting; band, choir, cheer, dance E-sports, football, speech, baseball, basketball, fall play, FFA, golf, jazz choir, soccer, softball, student government, track and field, trap shooting, wrestling and volleyball.
“FCA means a lot to me. It is something I love being a part of and leading. I look forward to planning and leading lessons and seeing how it impacts people. I am proud to be part of this growing program,” said Steenhoek.
Before each meeting, students start off with a meal that is provided. Parents and community members sign up to make a meal for each one of the group’s meetings.
“We are extremely fortunate to have the support of the community. We have multiple people that come to FCA right after a practice and they come hungry. It gives us a chance to sit down, have a meal and chat with each other,” Co-President, Riley Johannes explains.
The next FCA is Monday, March 23rd in the high school learning center. Dinner will be served at 6:45 with the meeting to follow.