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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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The Gift of Remembering
When I was a kid, I remember going with my mother and our next-door neighbor, Juanita, to clean a very small cemetery near our home. Some of those graves were over a hundred years old, and others were those of Juanita's late relatives. We would pull weeds, clear away old flowers, brush off the stones that read the words “Army” and “Navy.” We generally made sure the place looked cared for. Juanita would treat me to her homemade chocolate pie when we were finished. Pretty good deal for a kid.
As a child, I didn’t understand everything about what we were doing, but I understood enough. It wasn’t heavy, though sometimes Juanita would cry. Instead it was a special mix of appreciation, sadness, and honor.
I had never met the people whose names were carved into those stones. I didn’t fully grasp what WWII meant, but I had seen the impact of their lives in Juanita. Their love, sacrifice, faith, work, and choices had shaped generations.
That is part of what Memorial Day invites us to do. We pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. We do not glorify war, but we do honor sacrifice. We remember that freedom, community, and peace are never gifts to be taken lightly. They are often carried to us through the courage, humility, and cost of others.
Scripture reminds us, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7). Memory, at its best, becomes gratitude. Gratitude becomes humility. Humility becomes a renewed commitment to live faithfully with what we have been given so that we can be stewards of what we give to those who come after us.
This Memorial Day, may we remember well. And may we live in such a way that those who come after us will see the impact of grace, courage, faith, and love through us.
In Joyful Sadness,
Pastor Don
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Cemetery Pricing Update and Cleanup Day
Did you know that Fountain City United Methodist Church has a cemetery? We do, it looks beautiful! Our cemetery has served our church and community for generations, and our Cemetery Team continues to care for this sacred space with long-term stewardship in mind. Beginning August 1, cemetery plot and service pricing will increase to sustainably support the property’s future care for years to come.
Current FCUMC members may request current pricing through the end of July by calling the church office at 865-689-5175 and asking to speak with the Financial Secretary. Upcoming pricing information, and general information about the cemetery is available at on our website.
All are also invited to help with a Cemetery Cleanup Day on Saturday, June 6, at 8:30 a.m. Thank you for helping us honor the past while caring faithfully for the future of this church and sacred property we steward.
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Community Outreach Team Update
The community meal had ended for this year. Our last meal was in April and over the months we served, we utilized 100 volunteers and fed an average of 20 guests each month! We had music provided by the Fountain City Art Center musicians and their students. Guests were able to take away food, hygiene items, and clothing items. Our guests included church members, housed and unhoused neighbors, and invited guests from the park and lake.
A big THANK YOU to all the groups, Sunday school classes and individuals who helped make our meals a big success. The meal is on pause until fall but Community Outreach is Taking One More Meal to the road for the summer. Watch for us around town helping feed our vulnerable neighbors and for more information soon on how you can help!
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Community Action Committee is requesting gently used or new t shirts, elastic waist shorts, and underwear for males and females. Sizes M-XXL are most needed. Please no used underwear.
These items can be placed in the bin labeled "Community Outreach" in the mission donation area outside the Gym. Thank you for supporting this important local mission!
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Water
- Peanut butter
- Chunky soups
- Shelf stable milk-individual
- Chef boyardee products
- Tampons and pads
Thank you and God bless you!
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Rev. Ann Robbins Preaching on May 24 in both Traditional Services
Pentecost is a great Sunday for any pastor to preach, but you don’t want to miss this Sunday’s message as Rev. Ann Robbins shares in both of our Traditional worship services. Serving as our District Superintendent to the Tennessee Valley District, Rev. Robbins is a gifted preacher, visionary, and leader. She is passionate about the local church and has a bold vision for our District. To help us celebrate Pentecost, we invite you to wear red on Sunday!
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Youth Choir Alumni are invited to join the Chancel Choir for the anthem on Sunday, June 7. Come to the choir room at 10:30 a.m. to prepare for worship!
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Join The Friday Night Fun!
There is an exciting event happening every Friday night this summer beginning tonight called Friday Fun Night!
We will have games and karaoke in Old Fellowship Hall. Bring any games you would like to play, and snacks/drinks to share. Everyone is invited! Bring a friend! Please note: There will be no childcare.
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Could Mahjong Be a New Side Door for Connecting With Our Community?
I have a confession: I have never played Mahjong. That said, I keep hearing how much people enjoy it, not just because it is a fun and engaging game, but because of the community it creates around the table. And of course that got my wheels to spinning! Could Mahjong become “side door” for connection to our community? Could this be another simple and welcoming way to help people connect, build friendships, and find their way into a deeper community of faith?
Before we put anything on the calendar, we need a small group of committed people who would be willing to help us launch it as a pilot. Ideally, this would include a few folks who already know how to play, are willing to help beginners, and can help us think through the best day, time, and structure.
This does not need to be complicated. It just needs a few people with enough energy to help it get structured and started well.
Pastor Don
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For the summer months, the Welcome Center will provide self-serve snacks and juices.
If you would like to volunteer in the Welcome Center, please sign up here or email Britney Barthol!
| | There was a great turnout of families and friends to celebrate our preschool graduates on May 15. What a blessed milestone in the lives of our students moving into kindergarten! | | |
FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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Wacky Wednesday Summer Day Camp at Fountain City UMC
The June 10 and June 17 Wacky Wednesday are full! There are still eight spots available for the June 24 Sportalooza! Register on our website!
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Rainforest Falls VBS
Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. Register >>
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It’s Mission Trip Time!
Come join the FCUMC Youth as they travel to Welch, WV to assist with building repairs and serving meals to the community. Departure is on Saturday, June 27 and the return date is Thursday, July 2. We will stay at a camp in Premier, WV.
The trip is $75 per student and covers food, transportation, and lodging. $25 is due at the time of registration, and the remainder is due by June 1. (installment payments are available by contacting the church office). If you have any questions, please contact Matt Randle.
Register >>
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Youth Volunteer, please select "Youth Volunteer" as your Registration Type.
PARENTS: There will be a mandatory Mission Trip Youth/Parent Meeting on Sunday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Dinner will be served.
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Lunch Bunch At Litton’s!
What are you doing on the third Thursday of the month for lunch? Come join the fun with the Lunch Bunch! This month we went to Litton’s and had a blast! Hope you can make it on June 18. Plan to carpool from the church around 11:30 a.m. Location and other details coming soon!
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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.
Sunday Bulletin for May 24, 2026
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the May 2026 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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May 22: Friday Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall
May 31: Mission Trip Youth/Parent Meeting | 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall
June 6: Cemetery Cleanup Day | 8:30 a.m.
June 10: Fountain Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportsmania
June 17: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Cooking Class, Picnic, Skyzone
June 24: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportalooza
June 27-July 2: Youth Mission Trip to WV
July 20-23: Rainforest Falls VBS
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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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