As Worship Team teacher, David Martens embarks on a new adventure to Hillsboro, Kansas, long time worship leader for Peoples Church, Daniel Garrison, will step in to take his place.

Martens has been a part of the FC family for 18 years. His son, Ryan, and his two daughters, Kristen and Shannon, all attended FC, and loved every second of the family dynamic on the campus. He will be missed by faculty and student alike.

Not only was Martens the worship team teacher, but was also appointed to the new position of Director of Technology. Garrison will be taking over the worship team class. Robert Hyatt, Peoples Church attendee, will be covering the technology for the 2014-2015 school year in order to fill the void Martens is leaving.

“I am excited for this year as a whole,” Garrison said. “The students seem eager to try something new, and their attitude toward this change has be extremely helpful for this transition.”

Garrison has been married six years to, Anukina Garrison, who is an English and Drama teacher at Kastner Middle School. They both share a passion for The Lord and are equally involved in their local church, Peoples Church, home to the FC campus.

“I attended the church and youth group as a kid and well into my high school and college years,” Garrison said. “I always loved the worship aspect of things, and I knew somehow someday I’d be a part of it.”

For over five years Garrison has been the leader of Student Ministries Worshipat the church, and has spent some time in the main services on Sunday mornings in the Main Sanctuary as well.

The student body is nothing less than thrilled to have such an experienced leader grab hold of the reins.

Devin Jakusz, ’15, tells us her thoughts on the worship aspect of the year so far.

“The worship so far has been really great,” Jakusz said., “The song choices have been inspiring, and I always leave wanting more.”

Garrison’s aim is to evoke a sense of awe in students through worship. The new 20 minute break between chapel and the next period, as opposed to the old ten minute break, will allow students to remain in chapel after the set time is over. This will allow for more connection to the Lord.

“It gives the kids an opportunity to sit and wait on The Lord a bit more,” Garrison shares. “As followers of Christ, as it is in our name, we are to be obedient to the voice of God, and one cannot hear it without allocated time. That extra ten minutes is just what the kids will hopefully be able to utilize.”

Richard Morrison, ’15, enjoys the extra time as he feels it allows him to draw closer to God.

“It’s cool because it is optional for those who want to stay and worship a little bit more,” Morrison said. “But for those who want to get a head start to their next class, they’re not hindered from that choice. You get the best of both worlds.”

Time will tell if the changes have the potential to become the norm for classes to come.

For more news read, Sept. 3 article Students prepare to take SATs, testing schedules and information

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