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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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An Open Seat
We all know what it is like to approach a table of friends and there isn’t room to sit. There’s something invitational and holy about an open chair. Christmas is full of simple grace like this.
The angel said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy… to you is born this day… a Savior” (Luke 2:10–11). I love how the good news wasn’t meant to be admired from a distance. It was announced so they would go, see, and then share.
And honestly, that’s discipleship in a nutshell. We receive good news, and we make room for someone else to receive it too.
So, here’s a small way you can have a big impact. Think of one friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member who is especially tired, maybe lonely, or that you sense is quietly hoping for something more in life. Then offer a simple invitation: “Come sit with me.” No pressure. Just an invitation to be with you at church.
If you need a script, try this: “I’m going to Christmas Eve worship at FCUMC at (4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 11 p.m.). Want to come with me? I’ll save you a seat.” (Bonus points if you also offer a pew-side peppermint! We’re Methodist and we plan ahead!)
Jesus’ first invitation still stands: “Come and see” (John 1:39). This Christmas Eve, you can help someone take that step.
Need some help? Pray this simple prayer: “Jesus, make my heart spacious. Give me one name, one nudge, one opportunity for a courageous invite so that your joy can be shared by me and through me. Amen.”
See you and your friend at church soon!
Pastor Don
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An End-of-Year Gift That Fuels Ministry
We are grateful for the fruit God is already bearing through the faithful prayers, service, and generosity of this church. As we close the year, we still have a ministry budget gap, but we are moving in the right direction. Would you take a moment to pray and ask what part God is inviting you to play in helping us finish strong and step into 2026 with momentum? Every gift, whether large or small, helps fuel worship, youth and children's ministry, and our outreach beyond our walls. If you have been touched by the ministry of FCUMC, consider making an end-of-year gift today. Thank you!
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Are you ready to move forward in your relationship with God? Personal discipleship is a step in the right direction. One way to do this is to commit to reading through the Bible in one year. From January 1-December 31, 2026, we will follow the chronological timeline of Scripture.
Daily Scripture reading will require a new commitment to growing your relationship to GOD. Let’s start together and finish strong! Reading Plan >>
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During Come To Bethlehem, a station was set up in the Chapel for individuals to create stars with prayer requests to add to the prayer tree.
The prayer tree is not just a decoration but a tree of needs. When you get a chance, please stop by and pray over the vast needs of our community, or add your own prayer requests.
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Beverly Park Place Wish Lists Collected and Delivered!
The Missions Committee delivered 61 Christmas gift bags to Beverly Park Place residents this week! The 50 "angels" names were taken in record time so we requested and received 11 more. The project has become an annual tradition for many of us. Thank you for your commitment to making Christmas a little merrier for these folks!
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Community Meal
Our youth sponsored the most recent community meal, and we partnered with LeGrand Music (across the street) to provide live music. Plenty of food and passionate volunteers made for a special night to bless our community. Our next Community Meal will take place in January. Details coming soon!
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Fountain City Rec League In Our Gym On Monday Nights
Multiple parents have made a point to tell volunteers and staff that “they have never felt so welcomed” and “we have never had a church support us like this before!” We recently provided these teams with water bottles and stickers. Well done!
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Bottled water
- Spaghetti noodles
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Canned corn
- Peanut butter
- Granola bars
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Toiletry items in sample sizes
Thank you and have peace at Christmas.
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Our 2025 Christmas concerts were a huge success! Early reviews are full of gratitude and praises for a service filled with music that allowed hearts to swell, and for tired, busy people to find peace for a little while. I am so grateful for ringers and singers who volunteer their time all year round, but I am especially so today after sharing such a moving time of music-making with them. My own heart is filled to overflowing.
-Leslie Hill
The concert will be televised as follows:
- CW20 WBXX on Christmas Eve | 7-8 p.m.
- WBIR on Christmas Day | 6-7 a.m.
- WATE on Christmas Day | 6-7 a.m.
- WBIR on Christmas Day | 12-1 p.m.
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Service of the Longest Night
December 21 | 6:30 pm
There are times when each of us are overwhelmed by doubts, fears, exhaustion and grief. In the dark of night, those feelings can get the best of the love and compassion we know intrinsically are available to us through God’s grace. This service is for all who long for a silent night. A little slice of peace. A moment of encouragement. Some time to ourselves in the presence of the Holy.
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Christmas Eve Worship | December 24
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Family Nativity Service | 4 p.m. A family-friendly worship service in the Sanctuary.
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Contemporary Candlelight Service | 6:30 p.m. This candlelight Holy Communion service will be in the Gym and will include contemporary Christian music.
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Traditional Candlelight Service | 11 p.m. This candlelight Holy Communion service in the Sanctuary will include traditional hymns.
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Combined 11 a.m. Worship Service on December 28
Join us at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary for a combined worship experience in a traditional setting. Our 8:30 a.m. service will meet as normal.
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Couples Event
We are so excited to be planning a couples event at FCUMC! Mark your calendars for March 20-21, 2026, for a fun, engaging, eye-opening weekend. Whether you're married, engaged, or even just thinking about it, you and your partner are invited to be part of our inaugural weekend!
But first, we'd love to hear from you - please complete a short (we promise!) survey about what would help make the MOST of a couples ministry. And be the first to know what's coming!
Take the survey >>
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In order to inform our community about our wonderful Sunday School classes, we have launched a Sunday School Promotional Video Initiative. You have probably seen a few of these videos on our social media! We are asking each Sunday School class to film a 30-second video that covers the following:
- Name of your class
- Room number
- Age range
- One sentence description of your class
These videos are being posted on the church's Instagram and Facebook page! Please complete this form to select a date and time for Britney Barthol to visit your Sunday School class. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Britney.
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You Can Help Leaders Plan Better
Did you know that by turning in a financial commitment, sometimes called a pledge, for next year to the mission and ministry of what do helps volunteers and leaders plan more effectively and efficiently? Take time to complete your pledge online, mail it, or drop it in the offering plate this week. Remember, it is not an equal gift but an equal sacrifice that matters. If you have questions, please contact Ashley Garren, our Financial Secretary.
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
| | Happy Birthday Jesus Party | Sunday, December 21 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. for K-5th Graders | | |
Family Christmas Nativity Worship | December 24 | 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Fountain Kids invites everyone to the Family Nativity Worship service on Christmas Eve! Join Fountain Kids at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary as they portray the people and animals on the night Jesus was born. You will want to have your phone or camera ready because it is an adorable photo opportunity!
The Welcome Center will be open with hot chocolate and cookies. Children who want to participate should meet in Wesley Hall at 3:30 p.m. to choose their costumes. Let’s make a memory together!
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23rd Annual Father Daughter Dance Registration is Open!
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 pm
Fathers, grab your best girls and head on down to FCUMC for our ever-popular Father Daughter Dance! DJ Tara will join us once again. We will also have a special photobooth opportunity. Let’s make some memories!
Tickets are $25 per daughter and father/ father figure, and $5 per additional daughter. This is one of the biggest fundraisers for our Fountain Kids Ministry! Everyone is invited so share with your friends, your family, your neighbors, & your coworkers! All ages are encouraged to celebrate the special relationship between fathers and daughters!
Over half of the tickets have already been purchased so don’t delay! Register now >>
| | Ed Ripley joined the Journey last Sunday to share details about Fountain Kids Club. Ed, along with the many volunteers of Fountain Kids, brings engaging and fun lessons about the life of Jesus. Their dedication to the children of FCUMC is inspiring! | | |
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
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Young Adults
Sunday nights just keep getting better! The Young Adult group meets from 6–8 p.m. in a rotation of homes around Fountain City. Come for the conversation, stay for the community (and maybe the themed snacks). Connect with Pastor Rachel or another young adult to join the group chat and get all the details.
For Advent, we are reading The First Advent in Palestine! It will carry us through the end of the year, a perfect way to prepare our hearts (and minds) for Christmas.
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Our senior adults had a great time at our Christmas luncheon on Tuesday! The meal was delicious and the entertainment outstanding. We are grateful to Doug Shipman, his kitchen crew, and the Gibbs High School Ensemble.
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COFFEE & FELLOWSHIP ON SUNDAYS AT THE WELCOME CENTER
Stop by the Welcome Center before or after worship (8:00-10:45 a.m). and let us bless you! See you Sunday!
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Discipleship
11 a.m.Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
11 a.m. The Journey Contemporary Service in the Gym
Childcare and children's ministry is provided from 8:30 a.m. through the conclusion of the 11 a.m. worship services.
FOUNTAIN KIDS SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Fountain Kids Sunday School • 9:45 a.m.
Fountain Littles Sunday School • 9:45 a.m.
Fountain Kids Bible Experience • 11 a.m.
Fountain Littles Childcare • 11 a.m.
Bulletin for December 21, 2025
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the December 2025 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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NEXT UP AT FCUMC
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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December 21: The Longest Night Worship Service | 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
December 24: Christmas Family Nativity Service | 4 p.m. | Sanctuary
December 24: Christmas Contemporary Candlelight Service | 6:30 p.m. | Gym
December 24: Christmas Traditional Candlelight Service | 11 p.m. | Sanctuary
January 7: Fountain City Fellowship resumes
January 31: Father Daughter Dance | 5:30 p.m. | Gym
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Pastor On Call
After Hours & Weekends
When you need urgent pastoral care while the church office is closed, text or call 865-689-7894 to reach the
pastor on call.
Pastor Don's email:
Pastor.Don@fountaincityumc.org
Pastor Rachel's email:
Pastor.Rachel@fountaincityumc.org
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Live-Streamed Worship Services:
11:00 a.m. The Journey Contemporary worship and
11 a.m. Traditional worship
are live-streamed on our YouTube channel. Our Tuesday night Celebrate Recovery service is live-streamed on the CR North Facebook page and available on YouTube after its conclusion.
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