FOCAS History

The Fellowship of Christian Adults Singles was formed in September 1992. A group of pastors and staff members of several local churches in Harrisonburg, Virginia had been praying and planning for months before about the formation of an interdenominational Christian Singles Ministry. An ad was placed in the Daily News-Record inviting singles to a picnic at Purcell Park. No one knew how many would come, but over 100 singles showed up. The organization was already set up by the pastors and staff and the initial steering committee and subcommittees were filled at that picnic.

In the early years, FOCAS was overseen by the founding churches, primarily: First Presbyterian, Asbury Methodist, Otterbein Methodist, and Westside Baptist. In the years following, FOCAS became more independent, both administratively and financially. Financially, we rely on donations given by participants.

Over the years since then, FOCAS has had different activities. These include Game nights, Country Western Dances, Movies, Hayrides, New Year's Eve party, Sunday Lunch out, Plays and Dinner Theaters, Volleyball, Bowling, Canoeing, Cross- Country Skiing, Hikes, Tubing Camping, Miniature Golf, Horseback riding, Walking, Biking, Historic site day trips, Christmas caroling, service projects, collections for local charities, Bible studies, Christmas Eve Candle-light service, Gospel Music Concert, Hymn Sing-along, Prayer concern box.

Each month we have a Fellowship Dinner (at a church) or Picnic (at a park, in summer months), which is potluck, and attended by the largest numbers of any event. When we meet indoors, we try to have a program, either a speaker or some activity. These dinners/picnics are usually held the second Saturday evening of each month.

Other current activities are hikes, dinner out and game (or minigolf) night, and day trips, held many months. FOCAS activities now average about four to six events per month. The record number of events was on October 2000, with 22.

FOCAS was led by Mary Hannah as chair or co-chair from 1993 to 2002. Since 2003 Tim Hupp has been chair of FOCAS.

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