Northeast FCA

Strength for the Second Half

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:09:23 GMT

STRENGTH FOR THE SECOND HALF

This month our wellness focus is a Q and A with Regional Board Member - Scott Harrison. As a former college athlete, Scott still enjoys competition and values the importance of staying active.

Q - Scott, what was your spark, your fundamental driver, motivating you to make desired course corrections in your life to improve your health and wellness?

A - My “overly” competitive nature (or more nicely said, trying to be the best I can be!) has been a key driver to stay on track or, more frequently, to get back on track. Every season of life presents different challenges and opportunities to navigate towards wellness. In some seasons I am just trying to survive and wellness loses its priority! What we consume determines the lives we live so absorbing wellness content (books, magazine, podcasts, etc.) provides fresh content, thinking, and challenges while the use of technology (fitness wristwatch, apps) tracks progress, helping us to create an environment where healthier habits are more likely to emerge, stick around, and create lasting change.

Q - What was your most challenging hurdle to overcome? What is still challenging for you today?

A - Physically, the toll on my body due to athletics earlier in my life has been a challenge, but also being involved with athletics was a blessing as it established my initial engagement with wellness. I continue to focus on improving my wellness but the ongoing challenge for me and many others is limited time. Finding the right balance of investing in myself, my young family, and other priorities is a constant struggle.

Q - What are the “go to” health and wellness habits you have embraced and follow? How do you find that these habits help you?·

A - My morning routine is critical for me, ideally two hours of “me”, however, if I get an hour of “me” time, I’m content. But it is also hard to turn away a 3-year-old in her PJs wearing a tiara dragging her blanket and a doll asking, “Dad, will you marry me?” Lots of 5:30 am wedding ceremonies in our house these days. I guess just a different form of wellness!?

Q - When was the first time you noticed “results”, a real change in your mindset, capacity, shape, weight, etc…? Especially any unanticipated ‘victories’?

A - Results happen with breakthroughs, usually in response to challenges or pushing yourself to try new things. For me, following bi-lateral hip surgery at age 39, physical therapy opened my eyes to a much healthier workout regime including something called the core, lower body strength, and stretching (oh, and Therabands!). I felt like I got to know my body much better and this put me on a healthier trajectory for the second half (hopefully) of my life. In the current COVID world and driven by my wife’s own wellness journey, she has moved us to a more healthy, clean diet that has resulted in more energy (and hunger).

Q - Knowing what you now know, what advice would you give to your younger self regarding health and wellness?

A - Relax, wellness is more than three sets of bench presses every time you work out.

Q - In a similar vein, what advice would you offer to people who are just beginning or just expanding their wellness journey?

A - Know who you are (identity), where you want to go (goals) and then create disciplines (habits) and a surrounding (culture) that helps you get there. Understand that your progression may follow a path of Drudgery, then Discipline, and hopefully ending in Delight. Stay the course! Give yourself grace along the way… but don’t quit. Never quit!

DISCLAIMER: THIS EMAIL IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER TRUSTED HEALTH ADVISOR OR PURSUE FURTHER PERSONAL RESEARCH TO DETERMINE WHAT CHOICES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU.

Scott Harrison is the Managing Director and COO of Gridiron in New Canaan, CT. Scott currently serves and is an integral member on our Northeast FCA Regional Board.

Northeast Region Staffing Update: David Parks

tnared@fca.org (Trevor Nared) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:23:23 GMT

David Parks joined the FCA staff in 2011 as the Upstate New York Director. In addition to continuing in that position, Dave has also accepted the opportunity to become the Donor Board Advancement Coordinator for the Northeast Region. This position will benefit the staff throughout our region by providing them with excellent resources and training in how to cultivate deep relationships that help local board members and donors connect their passions with the ministry in their area. “I am thankful to be in the role of Donor Board Advancement Coordinator of the Northeast Region and am excited to serve the leadership and staff members of our region. I look forward to seeing how God develops the already strong relationships between our board members and donors. What a blessing it will be to look back on these coming years and to see all of the ways the Lord uses our efforts."

Regional V-P Nathan Bliss said, “I’ve had the great pleasure of working closely with Dave since he joined staff in 2011. He is a tremendous teammate and friend. Dave is systematic in his approach and has an incredible work ethic, but it is his willingness to serve others with open hands that is most impressive. FCA flourishes where our staff are able to build deep relationships within their communities. Our vision for building relationships with board members and donors goes far beyond dollars and cents. We have an opportunity to help these men and women fulfill their calling and see lives transformed by Jesus in the process. Clearly, Upstate NY has greatly benefited from Dave’s heart to do just that and I believe that God will continue to work mightily through Dave as he serves the Northeast staff.”

Divisional V-P Rick Isaiah had this to say. “Dave Parks is a coach at his core and I am excited that he will be serving the Northeast Region staff as the Donor Board Advancement Coordinator. I believe God will utilize his coaching skills to equip our staff to advance our Donor and Board Advancement strategies, to minister to our donors more effectively and to strategically leverage their boards for greater impact.”

Parks is an active member of Browncroft Community Church, where he has served in family and connection team ministries. He enjoys meeting people when they first discover that God has a bigger plan for their lives, and being used by the Lord to ask questions and listen, and be an encouragement for those people to go deeper and find out what He might have for them.

Please feel free to connect with David about his new role: dparks@fca.org

If you’d like to financially support his ministry efforts, you can do so here:

https://my.fca.org/davidparks

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THERE IS STILL ROOM

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:01:23 GMT

Ready

'After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 'Luke 14:22

Set

“There is still room…. These 4 words have captured my attention since I read this passage of scripture recently. It reminded me of people all over the world who are looking to fill a void in their lives. They are looking for significance, they are looking for identity. They don’t know it yet, but they are looking for Jesus. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives in America and we are hoping and praying that this virus passes soon. “Social distancing”, a safety measure during the pandemic, is the recommendation to stay 6 feet away from people when you are in public to avoid infecting others. While it is recommended to stay 6 feet away from other people and to wear face a mask, God is saying, come close to Him. He is not worried about a virus; He wants a relationship with all who will come.

Because of God's love for us “…there is still room.” While I am committed to the Great Commission of making disciples, I believe that evangelism is a key component to biblical discipleship. As Christ followers, we must be about the work of the Great Commission, going out into the highways and the hedges, the alleys and gutters, in the FCA context, the locker rooms, football fields, wrestling rooms and courts, compelling all to come. We must do this as long as there is room and guess what…there is still room!

1. Write your memory of coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Who has God put in your life who needs to know that there is still room?

3. Stop now and say a pray for them.

Workout

2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Overtime

Father, I thank you that you loved us so much that while we were still sinning, You sent Your Son, Jesus to die for us. Please use us, Your children to compel all who will, to surrender their lives to Your Lordship and to walk with them as they grow in their relationship with You.

Kirstin’s Korner: Move Joyfully

tnared@fca.org (Trevor Nared) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:58:47 GMT

What comes to mind when you hear the word joy? One of the first thoughts that pops into my head is a carefree child running through a field, jumping in puddles or climbing a tree. A big smile on their face, they are relishing the moment, pure and simple. They aren’t concerned about running faster or farther than the day before and aren’t conscious of how they appear to someone looking on. They are taking utmost pleasure in the chance to move through the beauty of creation.

This image fits well with my understanding of the word “joy” – happiness and contentment that transcends circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we always have reason for joy. The apostle Peter describes this beautifully:

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

When we have this big picture joy, it naturally trickles down into the most seemingly mundane moments of our lives. But for athletes pursuing excellence, joy can be tricky to cultivate amidst the daily grind of training. Though our experiences differ, here are some themes I have seen and experienced in sport:

As high-performing people, we set our sights on big goals, and chase after them with all we have. This means early morning practices, putting in the work when we don’t feel like it, enduring pain, and grinding out rep after rep with our eyes on the prize.
When we don’t achieve our goals, or when we do and are left to seek the elusive “next big thing,” we feel empty. If we are not on our way to something greater than before, it’s hard to take pleasure in the process.
Eventually our competitive days are behind us, and our approach to exercise changes. We might see it as something we have to do to stay physically healthy or look a certain way, rather than something we get to do and have fun with.

The pursuit of athletic excellence is not a bad thing. God desires each of us to develop the talents He’s given us for His glory! And certainly, exercise is key to maintaining physical health throughout our lifespan. But our purpose can easily get lost amidst the daily grind, and consequently steal our joy. When the thought of going out and training or exercising every day brings about dread, or the only thing we look forward to is the end of a workout, something is off. Here are a few practical steps we can take to move joyfully, no matter what stage of life and sport we’re in:

Focus on gratitude – A lifelong runner who has suffered many injuries, I’m often tempted to focus on what I can’t do anymore and be sad or bitter about it. But my heart is so much lighter when I recognize all I still can do and rejoice in it. No matter how much I might wish my body looked different or was capable of more, it truly is amazing that my heart pumps blood and my muscles contract and my eyes can behold the surroundings my Creator made, whether I am winning races or strolling through town. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful your body can do and reference it often!
Make it fun – Enjoyable habits stick best! Exercise becomes so much more fun and sustainable when we chose activities we truly love. If you’re in a rut, think outside the box and try something completely new, like ice skating or rock climbing.
Connect with others – Exercise is a great opportunity for fellowship. The minutes pass by effortlessly when catching up with friends, and it’s a surefire strategy for crowding out negative thoughts that might come up while moving solo.
Pray and worship – When you do go it alone, invite God into it. There are so many ways to do this! Thank Him for the opportunity to exercise, and take advantage of distraction-free time to talk with Him. I once heard a great idea for interval workouts, such as running repeats on a track – dedicate each repeat as a prayer for one specific person, making it an effort motivated by love. If you like music, put on your favorite worship playlist! God is pleased when we worship Him, the Giver, as we delight in the gift.

May your sweat be a joyful celebration of the gift of movement, as you run this race of life with endurance!

Kirstin Sandreuter is an Area Rep in Cumberland Co, Maine. Kirstin participated in cross-country and track in her years at Cornell University and while in high school. She graduated from Cornell with a degree in Nutritional Sciences and Dietics. Have a question for Kirstin? Email her at: ksandreuter@fca.org .

The post Kirstin’s Korner : Move Joyfully appeared first on Northeast FCA .

Courage

tnared@fca.org (Trevor Nared) — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:18:36 GMT

Ready

“Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”” – Matthew 14:27

SET

Have you ever encountered something that completely overwhelmed you? Maybe you faced circumstances that seemed insurmountable. Or, perhaps you found yourself totally out of your comfort zone and frozen by fear. We’ve all had those moments when we felt ourselves sinking into defeat, praying for the courage to rise above the challenge. Like a lifeline in the storm, that courage often comes from the inspiration we receive from the words of a teammate, a mentor or a loved one.

To inspire means to breathe into something. Courage is what allows a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, or fear and still act. The word encourage combines inspire and courage and means to inspire with hope, courage and confidence.

When you see a coworker or friend who is struggling or down, do you take some of the courage and confidence that you have and give it to them so that they are built up & filled with courage and confidence, too? That’s the greatest thing about being part of a team. Whether it’s at home, at work or in your community, we all have a team and we all will need to get picked up from time to time. The key, though, is that teammates must be willing to work together, lean on one another, and get real with one another. A great teammate is able to make the team more confident. A great teammate is an encouraging teammate who inspires others to face every obstacle with courage.

Think about the best encourager you know. How did he or she make those around him or her more confident and courageous?
Make a list of the challenges you face then share that list with at least one person who can encourage you to face them and overcome them.
Find a few passages of scripture that detail ways Jesus encouraged the disciples and inspired them to place more trust in Him.
Find a way to encourage a teammate this week.

WORKOUT

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Matthew 14:22-33

OVERTIME

Father, thank you for surrounding me with people who are able to fill me with courage when I am afraid. Help me to be the leader, the teammate, the friend that you called me to be. Fill me with hope and courage so that I can be a source of encouragement for those I encounter today. Amen.

Kirstin’s Korner: Rest and Digest

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:14:00 GMT

It’s Monday morning. The alarm goes off and your head fills with thoughts of the day’s obligations. You check your phone, take a shower, pack your bag… time to hit the road, but you haven’t eaten anything. You grab a granola bar as you rush to the car, scarf it down while you drive, and call it breakfast.

Sound like a typical morning? You’re not alone. With the crazy pace of life, sitting down for a meal can seem like a huge waste of time. Who has enough hours in the day to prepare food and pause to enjoy it? Our to-do lists never end, and there are always fires to put out. It seems far more efficient to knock something off the list while eating. You could catch up on emails, drive somewhere, or watch a show. You could skip meals altogether and hustle through the day until you’re ravenous. Seems like the ultimate time saver! Or maybe just the opposite is true. What if slow ing down and enjoy ing food enhances our potential for excellence ?

Jesus slowed down for meals with those He loved. He ensured the 5,000 were fed, celebrated a wedding feast at Cana, and shared breakfast with His disciples when He appeared to them after His resurrection. On each of these occasions, there was much work to be done, but Jesus was not too hurried to pause and eat.

If the Son of God Himself slowed down to eat during His time on earth, God must have designed our bodies to function this way. A quick look at physiology confirms that He did! Our autonomic nervous system, which regulates our bodies’ essential functions without conscious effort, has two branches – “sympathetic” and “parasympathetic.” The sympathetic nervous system is our “fight or flight” mode, active when we’re under stress. Digestion is a low priority in this state. If you’re running away from a bear, you need to direct blood flow to your muscles, not your gut! Unfortunately, our bodies adjust to all stressors the same way, whether we are running from a bear or hustling through a busy day.

The parasympathetic nervous system is our “rest and digest” mode, active when we are relaxed. In a parasympathetic state, our bodies prioritize digestion, allowing us to fully break down and absorb the nutrients in food. How cool is that? God designed us to eat in a relaxed state! When we are fully present at meals, our bodies make the most of the food we take in. We finish our meals fully satisfied , not simply full.

In challenging seasons of life, slowing down for three leisurely meals a day might seem out of the question. That’s okay! I hope you’ll accept this simple challenge though: pick one meal or snack each day to eat free from distractions.

Pause for a moment to notice your hunger level. Thank God for providing this food and the ability to enjoy it. Chew slowly. Put your fork or spoon down between bites, and appreciate flavors, aromas and textures. Let your body and mind slow down for a few precious moments, receive nourishment, then take the next steps of your day with fresh focus. Perhaps this shift in our approach to eating – one of our most basic human needs – is the first step towards slowing down our pace of life. A step towards a calm, unhurried pace that reflects trust in God as we incorporate rhythms of rest.

The post Kirstin’s Korner: Rest and Digest appeared first on Northeast FCA .

COACHES HIGHLIGHT: VERONICA TEARNEY

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:48:00 GMT

Veronica Tearney, Director of Strength & Conditioning (Nutrition and Spirit Program) at Syracuse University

I first began coaching in 2000 as a graduate assistant coach in the strength & conditioning department for track and field at Syracuse University. Over the last 20 years I’ve had experience working with a variety of sports, including swimming, lacrosse, tennis, soccer, and ice hockey.

Through strength and conditioning I consistently and repeatedly challenge student-athletes to push through their physical limits to achieve a higher level of athletic fitness. During these workouts, walls come down and a level of vulnerability is revealed. As a coach, this gives me an opportunity to impart information, advice, and let them know that I care by not just breaking them down physically, but by giving them the tools, information and encouragement to grow from the challenges within each workout.

During workouts I also get to hear about what’s going on in their lives outside of athletics. This is often the most energizing part of coaching for me. The student-athletes help me stay current with the pulse of this generation, and I can help them connect many of the principles of training, competition, and athletics to overall life success.

It’s rewarding to see student athletes be transformed by something they’ve learned from me and implemented into their own lives, as well as hear from former athletes who are still doing the workouts I made for them several years ago.

It has been a challenge, at times, to integrate faith into my coaching. I never want to push someone away or stop someone from coming to me for help because they think I will judge them. It’s also difficult to stay within workplace rules and regulations when there is no clear line between doing or saying what’s spiritually right versus what’s permitted. FCA is a visible resource of support. The coaches’ huddles are a starting point for conversations among co-workers and other believers. They provide me with a safe space to air frustrations and share my fears, failures, and victories.

FCA has provided a different experience from what I expected. What I thought would be a rigid Bible study fellowship was instead a network of encouraging believers with a shared passion for athletics and lifelong, life-changing friendships.

It is rewarding to see athletes with no solid foundation of faith slowly transition from finding fun and acceptance from alcohol and unhealthy relationships, to realizing joy and fellowship through faith in Christ. I hope my legacy will be that I cared more about the person inside the athlete, than the athlete inside the person.

Syracuse University FCA is led by Collegiate Director, William Payne. For more info on FCA at SU, and William Payne, click h ere .

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ARE YOU ZOOMED OUT?

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:57:00 GMT

When the world seemed to shut down in March, many people thought that society would return to “normal” in a few weeks or, at worst, after a few months. As the cool Northeastern nights set in, “normal” seems like a distant memory. Coaches are dealing with the prospect of another season without sports, students are either bracing for remote learning, or deciding which mask goes with their outfit and teachers are learning how to wear a mask without sounding like Charlie Brown’s teacher. Meanwhile, many of us are wondering when we’ll see the inside of our offices again. In times like these, I often ask myself, “are you zoomed out?”

After ten hours of interacting with faces on a screen, are we zoomed out? When we haven’t seen loved ones in months, do we stay zoomed out? When jobs are furloughed and wages are being cut, do we remain zoomed out?

The apostle Paul knew what it was like to change his way of life, feel isolated and experience hardship. How did he handle it? In his letter to the Philippians, Paul revealed the one thing he chose to focus on during trials; the glorious, eternal future he had with Christ.

“But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” – Philippians 3:13b-14 NLT

According to scripture, each of us is running a race and eternal glory with God is our heavenly prize. How we run the race doesn’t determine whether or not we earn that eternity; we can’t but, thankfully, Jesus took care of that for us. No. How you and I run this race called life determines how many people get to experience Christ’s love with us and through us. When we stay zoomed out, we allow God’s light to shine through us amidst the circumstances and challenges surrounding us.

This eternal perspective can revolutionize every aspect of our day. Rather than disengaging during that remote meeting, we will lean in and ask God to connect us to the hearts of the people on our screens so we can be an example of God’s love (John 13:34-35). Instead of losing hope or surrendering to loneliness, we will find creative ways to connect with loved ones, encourage neighbors, and remind ourselves that, even if no one comes, God promised to be with us always (Matt. 28:20). When we are tempted to fearfully clutch onto our possessions rather than be generous with what we have, we will remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

Here are three simple things we can do when we need to regain an eternal perspective:

Today, I pray that we see the bigger picture and help others do the same.

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Kirstin’s Korner: Eating with Wisdom and Gratitude

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:54:00 GMT

Have you noticed that nutrition advice is ever-changing? Carbohydrates are good one day and bad the next. Breakfast used to be the most important meal of the day; now, you should skip it to save calories. For those of us working hard to be good stewards of the bodies God gave us, it can be downright exhausting to figure out the best way to eat.

When I chose nutrition as my college major, I was convinced I would solve this puzzle once and for all. Finally! I would learn from the experts, debunk the myths, and nail down the perfect diet for physical wellness. Four years and a nutrition degree later, my biggest take-away was this: there is no such thing as a perfect diet.

Does this mean making mindful food choices is a waste of time? That anything goes and we don’t need to give a second thought to caring for our bodies? Absolutely not!

Scripture makes it clear that God wants us to care for our physical bodies. There are many dimensions of wellness, and we are called to be good stewards of each of them for God’s glory. Jesus speaks to this in Mark 12:30 with His command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength .” We were bought with a price and must care for our physical bodies as an act of worship to the one who created them. We should cultivate good physical health so that we are equipped to carry out God’s call for us on earth. Our food choices certainly play a role in this call.

But cultivating good health through nutrition can’t be boiled down to a list of good foods to be eaten and bad foods to be avoided. It’s not that simple! Food contributes to overall wellness in many ways – physical nourishment, yes, but also social connection, service of others, and gratitude for God’s good gifts. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:4 that “… everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”

What if our greatest need to guide our food choices is not more knowledge (hear me – nutritional science will always be evolving!), but wisdom ? Jesus’ brother James encourages us to seek wisdom in all things.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Food plays a unique role in each of our lives, and the specifics of ideal nutrition will vary for each of us throughout our lives. So how do we eat the way God intends for us?

Here are two important steps:

There may not be a one-size-fits-all perfect diet, but we do serve a perfect God who provides good food and grants wisdom. We can trust Him to guide us as we steward our physical wellness! Freeing, right?

The post Kirstin’s Korner: Eating with Wisdom and Gratitude appeared first on Northeast FCA .

Northeast Region Staffing Update: Frank Reynoso

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 01:08:00 GMT

Frank Reynoso has been on staff with FCA since 2005. Over the years Reynoso has had the honor of building up three regions through inner city development (Orlando, Miami & NYC). He also has served in national capacities, most recently as a member of FCA’s National Diversity Task Force. This August, Reynoso will assume a new role by becoming the Regional Metro Advancement Coordinator, a newly created position in the Northeast Region. While New York City will continue to be his primary focus for ministering to coaches and athletes personally, Frank looks forward to working with Northeast staff as they establish a vision and strategy for ministry in cities throughout the Northeast. Reynoso’s passion for the ministry and desire to see the ministry grow is clear. He stated, “I have been involved in over 200 camps and love to see coaches and athletes transformed by God’s love. I love training up chaplains/character coaches and look forward to Engaging, Equipping and Empowering volunteers and ministry leaders to impact their cities through Jesus Christ.” In addition to focusing on advancing the ministry in Metropolitan settings, Reynoso will also minister to the FCA staff in a Spiritual Formation capacity.

Regional V-P Nathan Bliss had this to say. “Frank is an exceptionally gifted leader and minister. God has given him a voice in our region because he consistently demonstrates profound wisdom derived from scripture and personal experiences. His impact will immediately elevate our ministry, particularly in a region that is home to some of the most influential cities in the world. Dr. Reynoso is a tireless student who also possesses a rich background in pastoral ministries. Our Northeast teammates are breaking ground every day and that’s exhausting work. It brings me great joy to know that Frank will be there for them every step of the way.”

Ministry Advancement Coordinater – Margaux Poplaski adds “Frank is a key leader in our ministry. His passion and vision to see lives transformed by the gospel are evident in all that he does. Frank has experienced ministry all around the country and has been instrumental in pioneering new ministry and because of this, he will continue to be invaluable to our staff. In his new role, Frank will bring that knowledge and innovation to our staff as so many of our staff are breaking ground in their respective areas. He will be an amazing addition to the ministry advancement team. Frank’s pastoral gifts will not only be important for our ministry growth and advancement, but for helping our staff grow spiritually.”

Please feel free to connect with Frank about his new role: freynoso@fca.org

If you’d like to financially support his ministry efforts, you can do so here:

https://my.fca.org/frankreynoso

The post Northeast Region Staffing Update: Frank Reynoso appeared first on Northeast FCA .

Aaron Mann

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:14:00 GMT

On staff with FCA since March 2019, Aaron Mann (Portland, ME) currently serves as the Area Director of Southern Maine. Mann continues to fulfill his passion of working to expand FCA’s ministry to coaches and athletes with his promotion to Regional International Coordinator (RIC), Northeast Region. He will lean on past ministry experience with FCA International in Portugal and his responsibilities as a Student Pastor. Through knowledge he obtained coordinating youth mission trips and student leadership programs, Mann is set to take RIC Northeast to a new level.

Mann fills the role that was formerly held by Nathan Bliss who was recently tapped as new Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region. Mann will support Bliss and the Northeast Region globally by facilitating and coordinating ministry with Canada.

Bliss had this to say about Mann’s promotion to the RIC role. “Aaron is a remarkable teammate with an enormous heart to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Under Mann’s leadership, FCA has flourished in Southern Maine. I am thrilled that he has embraced this opportunity to bring that same passion and leadership into this additional role. His extensive international ministry experience will help our region move to a new level of globally minded ministry. Adding Aaron to our Regional Leadership Team will immediately elevate Northeast FCA’s overall ministry and position us to support FCA Canada’s Pray, Give, and Go initiatives.”

“I am thankful to have been considered for the RIC position of the Northeast Region and am excited to serve the leadership and staff members of our region. I look forward to seeing how God develops the already strong relationship between the Northeast and Canada. What a blessing it will be to look back on these coming years and to see all of the ways the Lord uses our efforts.”

The post Aaron Mann appeared first on Northeast FCA .

Margaux Poplaski

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:42:00 GMT

Margaux Poplaski (Hampden, ME) has been on staff with FCA since 2011. In her tenure, she has served as an Area Representative, State Director and most recently, Regional Camps Coordinator for the Northeast Region. Poplaski hopes to glean from these experiences as she transitions into the role of Ministry Advancement Coordinator, broadening her focus from the Camp environment to all areas of ministry within FCA in the Northeast Region.

She follows Nathan Bliss, who has been selected as the new Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region. She will support the Regional VP by leading and training key strategies and processes built around ministry to and through coaches.

Bliss mentions “From the moment Margaux joined the FCA team in 2011 to serve in her home state of Maine, she has been an exemplary leader and teammate. In each of her roles within FCA, Margaux has clearly demonstrated the capacity to lead strategically and the character to lead well. I look forward to the impact Margaux will have both in our region and nationally as she serves in the Regional Ministry Advancement position.”

“I am thankful to have served our staff in the role of Regional Camps Coordinator and I look forward to continuing to serve in a greater capacity. God has put together an outstanding team of staff in the Northeast Region. I look forward to supporting their efforts to fulfill the FCA vision and pursue the FCA mission as we minister to coaches and athletes through the FCA strategy of To and Through the Coach.”

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Nathan Bliss new Northeast Regional Vice-President

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 02:11:00 GMT

‘Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”’ Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)

When the Regional Selection Committee set out to find a new leader for the Northeast Region, they asked God to make it clear who the next Regional Vice President should be. Throughout the process, numerous outstanding leaders proved that they were willing, and able, to meet the challenge and answer the call. After thoroughly evaluating several high-capacity candidates, the selection committee has selected Nathan Bliss as the next Regional Vice-President for the Northeast Region. It is an honor to share this exciting announcement with you on behalf of Rick Isaiah (Divisional Vice President) and our Regional Board! The foundation that God has laid makes this an exciting time for our region as Nathan launches into this leadership position.

Nathan has served with FCA since 2011, most recently as the Northeast Region Ministry Advance Coordinator and Regional International Coordinator and State Director. His current roles in FCA as well as his time as a Collegiate Director at Syracuse University gives him great insight on helping FCA both fulfill our Vision and continue to pursue our Mission.

Nathan has been an incredible teammate and friend to myself and the entire Northeast FCA family the last 8 years. The work God is doing in Him has significantly impacted countless lives. I look forward to watching Nathan continue to grow as a follower of Christ and leader in his new role as Northeast Regional Vice President. God has assembled a united team here, and I couldn’t be more excited for Nathan, our staff and for what I know God will do in the years/decades to come! Nathan is a man after God’s own heart, and it is evident God has been preparing him for this role (Eph 2:10 ) for many years!

I am honored to serve alongside Nathan in his new role and look forward to seeing the fruit of God’s work in him and through him. Please join me in congratulating Nathan on his new assignment with FCA, may the grace of God be upon him, continually.

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