The Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) held a cookout on the Smith University Center lawn on Aug. 25 as part of the Fall 2016 Welcome Week.

The event offered archery tag, volleyball, Jenga, plinko, football and music provided by Rischard Brown and Braxton Monsanto. They served hot dogs, chips and cookies. The cookout gave both new and returning students a chance to get to know one another while learning about what BCM has to offer.

“The Baptist Collegiate Ministry hoped that this event would make new students aware that we offer them a casual atmosphere in which to bond and make memories that will last a life time,” Ivory Barnes, junior Bible study leader said. “It’s our goals to encourage students to become stronger in their faith as they attend school here at FMU, while inspiring them to become better leaders as well as stronger individuals.”

Sophomore biology major Kimaya Vanterpool said that she had fun at the cookout. “Coming to this really helped me branch out more,” Vanterpool said. “I’ve never been one to go out or party very much. So meeting this group of people and realizing that there are people here who share my morals and beliefs is really special, and will hopefully provide me with a lot of memories for me to look back on positively.”

BCM is located beside the Griffin Athletic Complex. They meet weekly on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. where they provide students with a free meal before worship and relevant teaching begins. They also offer Core Groups, or small group Bible studies, throughout the week.

For more information contact Kendal Danford at fmubcm@sc.rr.com.