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Washington Middle FCA, Massachusetts Avenue, Cumberland, MD (2026)

06/02/2026

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 44 students in attendance. And since this is our last huddle of the school year, we spent the morning celebrating the incredible year we had. Chick-fil-A Queen City Centre provided breakfast for our students (Chick-n-Mini’s & Chocolate Chip cookies). Thank you so much Matt & staff. Also, a lovely parent sent in 4 dozen donuts from Dunkin Donuts. Our parents have been so generous in providing snacks all year. Thank you. With the exception of 6 donuts left over, not a single morsel of food was left. Before I go any further, my sincere apologies to the teachers at Washington who may be dealing with sugar induced hyperactive children this morning! Please forgive me!

First we celebrated each one of our students who faithfully attended FCA this year. Even 15-20 minutes on Tuesday mornings, praying & reading God’s Word is a great way to start the day; pretty special!

Secondly, we celebrated our six leaders who have done a remarkable job leading this year. Watching these girls lead lessons (praying & reading verses) has been such an encouragement to me! And only one of our leaders will return next year, as five will be freshman at FH; so the call went out asking each student to pray about becoming a leader next year. We would love to have a few boys step up (hint, hint)

Lasting, we celebrated Ms. Witmer (our Huddle Coach), who will be leaving Washington Middle School at the end of the school year. I can’t begin to describe how much she has meant to
FCA at Washington, and to me personally. Several years ago when I started this huddle, we barely had 6-8 kids attend for the entire first year; and now, it has grown to 40-50 kids a week! God is doing an incredible thing at Washington, and He has used Ms. Witmer to accomplish His purposes. She spends so much time training our leaders, preparing their lessons, and always encouraging them in their faith. I have watched her love on your children, in such a Christ like way! Ms Witmer will be sorely missed at Washington; but the School/FCA Huddle who gets her, will be truly blessed! I look forward to seeing all that God has planned for her in the future. I will miss you Morgan! And fortunately, we will not be left without a Huddle Coach. Mr. Briner who has attended our weekly huddle for the past two years, will step into Ms. Witmer’s role. Thank you so much Ryan. You’ll do a great job!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:17)

05/28/2026

Due to the unresponsiveness to previous posts regarding our end of year picnic, we have decided to cancel the event. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

05/26/2026

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, our college interns, Blake & Bryson led this morning’s lesson. After having the group participate in an icebreaker, the guys asked the students the following question:

1. Have you ever felt yourself trying to fit in so people don’t see the real you?

Here’s a staggering statistic:

70% of Christians will turn away from their faith while in college; but this “falling away,” begins to happen while students are still in high school

Why?

Inconvenience, busy schedules, school work, employment, sports, parents no longer insisting you attend church or FCA; sometimes it’s just laziness!

Change in priorities or lack of commitment:
Your relationship with Jesus is much more than just attending FCA once a week or church on Sunday.

Ask yourself, are you committed to Jesus Christ? Do you truly have a personal relationship with Him?

As the old saying goes: “Tell me who your fiends are, and I’ll tell you what your future will be.” There is a lot of truth to that. Who are your real friends?

Are most of your friends unbelievers, and do you lack Christian community? If so that’s a problem because peer pressure, laziness, hanging with the wrong crowd, bad habits, lack of intentionality can be disastrous!

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2)

These verses are warning us of the need to be intentional in regards to our relationship with Christ.

05/19/2026

THE ENEMY'S MISSION

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 35 students in attendance. Bill Pifer, Liberty Christian Fellowship, shared about the Return Music Festival on June 5-6, and Christine Atkinson shared a message entitled, “The Enemy’s Mission!”

The Enemy’s Mission

Jesus said in: (John 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” That is the enemy's assignment. He doesn't just want to annoy you, He wants to:

- Steal your peace
- Kill your joy
- Destroy your relationships
- Destroy your identity
- Destroy your future

And one of his main strategies is this:

- He starts with thoughts.
- Not always actions.
- Not always situations.
- But thoughts.

Because if he can control what you think— he can influence what you believe.
And if he can influence what you believe he can influence how you live.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THOUGHTS

Listen carefully:

Just because a thought enters your mind
does NOT mean it belongs to you. It does not mean it is the truth

Some thoughts are:
• lies
• accusations
• tear
• imagination
• spiritual attacks

And if you don't recognize them, you can start agreeing with them.
And once you agree with them, you start speaking them.
And once you speak them, you start living from them.
That is how the enemy works.
Quiet
Subtle.
Sneaky.

TAKING A THOUGHT INVENTORY
Let me teach you something practical.

Before you believe or speak a thought—
do a thought inventory.

Ask yourself:
1. Where did this thought come from?
Is this from God—or fear? Anxiety?
2. Is this thought true according to God's Word?
Or is it just a feeling?
3. What happens if I keep thinking this?
Does it bring peace—or torment?
Because thoughts are like seeds.
What you plant in your mind-will grow in your life!

ISAIAH 26:3 - THE SECRET OF PEACE

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

- Peace is not random.
- Peace has a condition:
- A stayed mind.
- A focused mind.
- A fixed mind on God.

When my mind stayed on fear—I lost peace.
When my mind stayed on God—I got peace back!

In closing, Ms Atkinson prayed for the students,
asking the Lord to protect each one of them from the lies of the enemy, and encouraged them to set their minds and thoughts on the truth of God’s Word!

05/12/2026

Me with You!

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 35 students in attendance. The girls led this morning’s lesson entitled, “Me with You!”

We often see competition as war; a battle to be won over the enemy. Rivalries grow, producing "win at any cost" mentalities. It becomes us versus them, good versus evil, winner versus loser!

At its origin, the word compete means to "strive together;” to push to a level of play or skill that we cannot attain on our own. Competition does not exist without a partner, whether a teammate or the opposing team. The relationship is complementary, not adversarial.

Let's say there are three first basemen on the softball team. Only one can get the starting nod. Would the other two hope their teammate commits a couple errors and goes 0 to 4 at the plate? Yes, they might hope their teammate fails. Would it be good for the players on the bench? Possibly. Would it be good for the team overall? Definitely not.

This is principled in the New Testament, when there was an apparent conflict between the followers of Apollos and Paul. People took sides, creating an air of discontent and contempt. They were competing against, not striving with, their fellow believers. The result: Any house divided became weaker, not stronger!

Paul addressed the situation by saying, "STOP IT!" He warned them that Christ would not be happy with or put up with those kinds of attitudes.

Whether on the court, in the home or in our churches, we are better together! In closing our leaders asked their classmates the following questions:

1. Do you view your teammates as friend or foe?
2. What would be different if you viewed teammates as allies rather than enemies?
3. How can you treat your teammates like members of God’s family?
4. How does your attitude affect others? How can you reflect Jesus in how you treat people?

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

05/05/2026

Spiritual Potential

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgeting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13)

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 37 students in attendance. The class was separated into two groups, with leaders facilitating each group. This morning’s lesson was entitled, “Spiritual Potential.”

Sport enthusiasts often share the great stories of last-minute victories and game-changing plays. But how often does bowling enter that conversation? Bowling doesn't get much attention, but it taught me a valuable lesson. In today's time, technology adds my bowling score on the screen and calculates my potential high score. As a competitor, I'm now comparing my potential score to the others in my lane. The bowling alley's computer calculated the most points I could score in every turn. But despite technology's calculations and my family's encouragement, I would often fall short of my potential.

Spiritually speaking, my daily goal is to love God and honor Him with my life. God tells me that by the authority of His Spirit, I have incredible power to be victorious! There are times I am victorious and there are many times where, like bowling, my choices and thoughts go in the gutter. I leave pins standing and I fail. The Bible calls this sin!

However, as I stand there looking at my misses, my bowling ball returns and I get another attempt! In the same way, God forgives me and lets me have another chance at life with Him in His Kingdom!

With every toss of the ball and with every choice in life, I must intently refocus, forget the past (gutter balls) and look forward to what lies ahead. Even though I will fail at times, God is faithful to forgive. By the authority of His Spirit, we have the potential and incredible power to be victorious! The students were asked the following questions and completed the attached worksheet pictured below.

1. What have you done in your life that needs to be confessed?
2. Where is your focus today?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

05/01/2026

🎶 THE RETURN FESTIVAL LINEUP IS HERE!! 🎶

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Return Festival June 5 & 6—a high-energy, family-friendly event filled with live music, powerful messages, and an atmosphere you won’t want to leave!
Join us June 5–6 in Cresaptown, MD for two full days of connection, community, and impact. With 20+ bands, dynamic speakers, and activities for all ages, there’s truly something for everyone.

🎶 Live Music All Weekend
Experience an incredible lineup of artists from local, regional and national levels bringing everything from rock, hip-hop, worship and more.

🎤 Speakers & Testimonies
Be encouraged and inspired through real stories and messages that speak to every season of life.

🍔 Food Trucks & Vendor Market
Enjoy great food and check out a variety of vendors and organizations.

🎯 Family-Friendly Fun
Games, activities, and space for kids and families to enjoy together.

🏕️ Camping Available
Make it a full weekend experience and stay right on-site!

🎟️ FREE Admission: Register for your ticket now
www.lcfmissionplace.com/returnfestival
Whether you come for the music, the message, or the community—Return Festival is a place to encounter something real.

👉 Invite your friends, bring your family, and come expectant.

📍 14200 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, MD
📅 June 5–6
Event info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CnEjpEJWU/

04/28/2026

Imitate Me!

“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." - (1 Corinthians 11:1)”

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 31 students in attendance. The girls shared a very convicting lesson entitled, “Imitate Me!”

My dad is 6'6", my brother is 6'3" and I'm an average of 6'O". It's not a surprise that we all played basketball in college. We were a die-hard Phoenix Suns family. I loved Charles Barkley; I had his jersey; I watched how he played and I tried to copy everything about his game. I imitated these men and I didn't even realize it was happening. I progressed at my game and got pretty good at basketball, moving on to a great college career.

But one morning, I was struck after reading 1 Corinthians 11:1. Paul's boldness really stood out to me. It takes extreme confidence to say, imitate me because I'm imitating Christ. To say something so bold, Paul had to ensure that his statement was true in his life. It made me ask myself, Could / say this with the same confidence Paul did? That question hit me hard.

All I could validate was me on the court, the way I practiced and prepared for the game and the way I competed. If you copy what 1 do and how I do it, you will get better at basketball. I have that much confidence in my game and have the skill to validate my claims. But then the question became, Can I say that with the same conviction about every other area of my life?

Finding that answer became my new goal. My new goal was to live a life worthy of being imitated by others for Christ, just like Paul.
It's easy to get caught up in our game and sport, but as Christians, we must remember that our identity is in Christ first, not second, third or last. When we imitate Christ, we can be as bold and confident as Paul, and our lives should be marked by compassion and mercy, humility and servant hood, obedience to God, selfless love, forgiveness and grace, meekness and patience, integrity and truthfulness, courage and passion, prayerfulness and wisdom and insight!

In closing, our leaders asked their classmates the following questions:

1. Who are you imitating?
2. Are you living a life worthy of being imitated by others?
3. Are you becoming more like Christ or more like the world?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2)

01/13/2026

Trust the Process!

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 37 students in attendance. The girls led this morning’s lesson entitled, “Trust the Process!”

As an athlete, I am extremely competitive and I want to succeed in everything I do. This drive to succeed made me a successful athlete and I would work harder and longer than anyone else. If I'm given a defined goal or purpose, then I'll put in everything that's needed to accomplish it. The problem I started to realize was that I wanted control and felt I could control outcomes in my own strength.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I want to know what the future holds. If I know where I'll be in five years, then maybe I can control it more. God had to teach me that He's the One in control, not me. I spent so much wasted time trying to control the future and results. If I'm being honest, I was trying to follow my will for my life and not His.

At times, my path seemed so dark that I couldn't see where it was leading to. In my struggle to see in the future, God stopped me. We all want to hold a lamp up high so we can see further, but when you shine a light at your feet, all you can see is the next step. I needed to trust God's process, knowing He will light up the next step for me. It takes faith to know that a step will then lead to the next step. As I shifted all my effort to where God had me instead of looking to the future, I started getting better in all of the small things because I knew it was preparing me for whatever God had next. In closing, our leaders discussed the following questions with their classmates:

1. Why might we struggle to give up control?
2. What or who in life do we sometimes turn to for direction and answers instead of God?
3. The world is often confusing and dark. What are some things we can do each day to allow Jesus to be our light?

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

01/07/2026

Good morning folks. I’m posting an updated sign up list for snacks, that will take us to the end of the year. We appreciate everyone who volunteers to provide snacks for our FCA Huddles! Thank you!

Washington Middle FCA

06/02/2026

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

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