The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will hold a free picnic Thursday between the Campanile and the Memorial Union to kick off its fall activities.

“We will play volleyball and will have a short meeting; then we will eat,” said FCA president Melissa Bockes, junior in biology. “Hot dogs and hamburgers, along with other picnic foods, will be served.”

Bockes also will speak during the 30-minute meeting that starts at 6 p.m.

FCA will hold 90-minute meetings every Thursday night in the Memorial Union at 8:30, Bockes said. During the gatherings, members will sing songs, play a game or watch a skit and listen to speakers who will speak about various subjects.

After the meeting, members will separate into small groups, where they will share highlights from the meeting and prayer requests.

“It is a great way to meet new people and share the word of the Lord with the people around you,” Bockes said.

“FCA was my home away from home my freshman year,” she said. “It let me interact with other Christians, and it’s a great pick-me-up during the middle of the week.”

FCA Vice President Nicole Werling, junior in accounting and finance, is one of 16 people involved in the executive team and one of almost 50 members involved with the leadership teams.

Werling agreed that FCA was a great place for students to meet people.

David Eckert, senior in mechanical engineering, said there is a diversity of people at the meetings. He said he heard about FCA from his brother.

“I knew some of his friends from FCA, so I went and tried it out,” Eckert said.

Eckert said he found the people easy to talk to and fun to be around.

FCA activities include Friday Night Fun, service projects, small contemporary services and supporting student athletes.

“We try to support one [ISU] game every week,” Bockes said. “Whether it’s football or another sporting event, we try to promote it and get a lot of support for the team.”