Every Tuesday during both lunches in room 344, a group of students gather for the Christian Club and discuss their classes, sports, the course of their week and their faith. However, contrary to what you might think, the Christian Club does not only focus on Christianity.

“[Club meetings] are informal…and a time where students can take a break from school in a Christian environment,” junior Yeolim Jo said.

Club members like the laid back and positive atmosphere the club provides, according to Jo.

“It’s helpful to be able to go somewhere in the school halfway through the week where you can go for support and have people listen,” junior Amanda Lacey said.

The lunch meeting conversations are different each time, according to junior Atomu Michiue.

After club members catch up with each other, they focus on a central question to discuss during the lunch period, according to Jo. The questions relate to social issues, like opinions on teen drug and alcohol use.

Other conversations focus more on the Bible.

“Sometimes we talk about scripture, and how we can relate God to our everyday life,” junior Emanuel Lorenzo said.

Religion can be hard to express in a school environment, but the club works to make students more comfortable with it, according to Michiue.

“If I say I’m going to the Christian Club, people can make fun of it. It’s not a big deal, but it’s hard for people to understand if they don’t come from that background,” Lacey said.

The club has also introduced members to new people and teachers.

“The club has opened me up to different people and different teachers I wouldn’t have ever talked to, especially about my Christian faith,” said Jo.

For Michiue, the club has made his school year easier since there is always somebody to talk to when a problem arises, he said.

Club members want other students to know that the Christian Club isn’t entirely about Christianity according to Jo.

“It’s not like a club where it’s really religious,” said Jo. “We don’t talk about the Bible all the time. It’s really understanding and open.”

 Vanessa Chin can be contacted at [email protected].