Once students graduate and embark on the next steps in their lives, many disappear from the FC campus forever. However, when and worship team director David Martens sent out a request to former members of the worship team, five alumni reconvened in Ground Zero for chapel, Aug. 23.

’10 alumni Daniel Hopper, Ryan Swain and Sarah Barnett, ’08 alumnus Ryan Martens and ’04 alumnus Colin Tally joined Martens onstage for the chapel, performing five songs for the student body.

“I thought it went really great. We had a super-long practice yesterday, but that went really smoothly,” Barnett said. “But yeah, today went great. We did really well and it was great to be back at FC worshiping with the student body.”

After a few failed attempts at arranging an alumni chapel last year, Martens and Bible teacher Robert Foshee were finally able to pull a group together this summer.

“I think it was Mr. Foshee who originally mentioned the possibility, late last year,” Martens said. “I had actually tried to get a couple of guys to play for one chapel last year, but it never worked out. This summer I tested the waters with a couple of people and found a date that worked for most people.”

Returning to FC nearly 8 years after graduating, Tally noticed a number of differences in the school. Among the changes, Tally was interested to see high school students who his mother, Denise Tally, taught in first grade.

“It’s [school is] extremely different,” Tally said. “I graduated in 2004 and so it’s definitely different; times have changed but it’s good to be back. It’s cool to see all the people in my mom’s class; it’s all good.”

Martens chose to invite a group of alumni not only for an enjoyable worship experience, but for current students to see where graduates have arrived in ministries since their high school days.

“I think it will be good for current students to see FCHS alumni who are serving the broader Christian community, using their God-given gifts and abilities to serve God’s people,” Martens said.

Watching the graduates in chapel, current worship team member Zed Fries, ’12, considered the effects of his role in the group.

“I thought it was good. I really thought the alumni were really passionate about it and worked really well together,” Fries said. “It makes me think about how I look to other people onstage and how what I do affect’s other people’s walk with God. It really makes me realize that I need to be attentive to what I do when leading worship.”

In her performance, Barnett aimed to convey an inspiring tone for students, whether they are in worship team or not.

“I really hope that we left an impression or an example and maybe pass the torch on to the new worship team members,” Barnett said.

For more news, read the Aug. 22 article, Baja Fresh assists FC fundraiser.

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