The games were over and it was time for worship. FCA sponsor Lacy Beckler asks who wants to lead in prayer. Everyone looks around at each other wondering who wants to step up and say prayer. Senior Caitlin Carpenter volunteers. The group bows their heads as she leads in prayer.
Carpenter has been in FCA since she was a freshman at Summit. Her leadership qualities earned her the honor of becoming one of the leaders of FCA.
“We want to come together and worship God,” Carpenter said. “We also want to have that bond together because athletes are looked upon higher than other students. We want to set a good example on and off the court.”
FCA started at Legacy to bring student athletes together in fellowship and find purpose in their sport, while incorporating Christian beliefs and practices in it. As time went on, the restrictions for getting into FCA changed. The group continued to incorporate their Christian attitude in their meetings. However, non-student athletes were permitted and encouraged to join as well as people who aren’t strong in their faith or don’t believe in Christ at all. Carpenter tries to make them feel as welcome as she can.
“People think that most athletes are higher than others when really that’s not the case at all,” Carpenter said. “We’re just like them and status quo in school is not a problem. They can fellowship with us and learn what we learn.”
The fellowship met in the varsity gym every other Monday at six in the morning. For the first thirty minutes the fellowship played games and socialized with each other. When new members arrived, the games usually focused on getting them acquainted with other members and to make them feel comfortable. After the games, the group participated in worship. These consisted of singing in the Lord’s name and a brief lesson in scripture. Students would do the lessons on occasion and would bring their youth pastors up to talk to the group. Both Carpenter and group sponsor, Lacy Beckler, believe the bond the students have attained through FCA is special.
“I think you find strength in numbers,” Coach Beckler said. “It’s always good to know that somebody going through the same thing as you and can help you through situations. When they’re around other Christians, it spurs them on to live for Christ in their daily lives and actions so other people are compelled to know Him.”
Carpenter took her responsibilities as one of the FCA leaders by attending every single meeting and trying to spur conversations with the group. She made sure everyone felt like they were accepted and involved in the activity. With her departure from high school imminent, Carpenter believes the program will do fine without her next year.
“It’s growing a lot, Carpenter said. “I think the leaders that are coming in are going to do a great job even when the seniors leave.”
