|
REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
| | |
Hello Friends!
Here we are mid-February, glad the snow is melted, and ready to take a look at where we can step in and join in as we pass through the remainder of the winter season. Let’s take a look:
| |
Monday through Wednesday of this week, Pastor Don and I attended Clergy Convocation, a yearly gathering of pastors from across the Holston Conference where we gather to fellowship, worship, and learn together. This year our theme was really focused on the new vision statement for the UMC as a whole. (Check out the new statement here.)
It is to Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously. Our six sessions guided us through this process as leaders and how to bring that back into our own context. Pastor Don and I sat down together about halfway through the event, already brainstorming ideas and ways that this strengthens our own visioning work at FCUMC! You will hear more about this vision and how we bring that forward in the days to come.
| |
Fountain City UMC Adult Fellowship (Aka the Young Adult Group) is beginning a new season of study. This group gathers in homes most Sunday nights from 6-8 p.m. Together, these young professionals reconstruct their faith, while thinking critically, and lean into deep discipleship development… while also having a lot of fun. Beginning this Sunday, February 15, we will explore the new book God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us. This book is a 40-day devotional series that will guide us through Lent. If you are a Young Adult out in the working world, and would like to take part in this group or even just hear more about what it is like to hang out together, reach out to myself or to Britney Barthol.
| |
Speaking of Young Adults... I want to take a moment to highlight one who is stepping into a new role in ministry! Many will remember Ben Smith as a student who grew up here and eventually became a youth ministry intern while in college. Ben has had a journey as an advocate for young people, dismantling racism, homophobia, and more. He is entering into a new phase of ministry at the Wesley Foundation at UTK! Wesley Foundations are the UMC presence on secular campuses across the nation.
Ben says this about his new role, “Wesley has long been a place where students are trusted with leadership, where questions are welcomed, and where faith is formed through presence and relationship. At a time when many young adults are wary of the Church or unsure where they belong, this kind of ministry feels both urgent and hopeful.”
You’ll get a chance to read more about Ben’s ministry alongside the students at UT in the March edition of The Spirit newsletter so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for that highlight. In the meantime, be intentional about your prayers for him, the students, and the program as a whole. And don’t forget to follow them on social media. Facebook: @utkwesleyfoundation and Instagram: @utkwesley.
| |
Lent, a season of introspection and journeying toward the way of Christ, is right around the corner. If you are thinking about ways that you can observe Lent alongside your community here are some options.
-
Ash Wednesday Services | Imposition of Ashes | February 18: This sacred tradition of the church is marked by the pastor using ashes to make the sign of the cross on your forehead and remind you to repent and remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. There are multiple times and places you can participate: 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Starbucks on Broadway, 7:30-8:30 a.m. in the FCUMC chapel, 12-1 p.m. at Starbucks on Broadway, 12-1 p.m. in the FCUMC chapel.
-
Full Ash Wednesday Service | February 18: you are invited to attend the Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal from 5:30-6:30 p.m, then come to the Sanctuary at 6:45 p.m. for worship.
-
Compline Prayer Service 9:00 p.m. | YouTube Live every week night during Lent. Join Pastor Rachel and various guests online to close your evening in prayer.
-
Lenten Worship: During Lent our worship series is based on the Bishop Will Willimon book The Last Supper. Several Sunday Morning Discipleship Classes are studying this book and Pastor Don and I will be preaching out of the key verse each week as well. Join in a class or read along on your own as we meet Jesus around the Table on the way to the cross.
During this Valentine season which is focused on secular love, may you find those who bring light, joy, and grace into your lives. Always remember, God is the author and perfecter of all those gifts! And is with you, now and forever. Have a blessed weekend.
Pastor Rachel
| | |
Fountain City Fellowship Meal
On Wednesday, February 18, join us at 5:30 p.m. for a Fellowship Meal before the Ash Wednesday service at 6:45 p.m. Meals are $5 per adult and children 18 & under eat free. There will be no programming on Ash Wednesday.
February 18 Menu: Chicken Pot Pie (recipe by Melanie Seiber) and Chess Bars (recipe by Becky Ripley).
Meal Registration >>
| | |
Community Meal | February 28 | 5:30 p.m
Join us in Wesley Hall as we open our doors to the community for a warm meal and fellowship! This event is open to everyone in the church, our housed and unhoused neighbors, and anyone else who is HUNGRY. We have some great cooks so come and eat with us!
| | |
Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast Coming to FCUMC
March 10 | 8–10 a.m.
Fountain City United Methodist Church will host the Metro Drug Coalition’s Tennessee Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 8:00–10:00 AM. This annual event brings our community together around a shared message of hope for those impacted by substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
This year’s theme, “Hope Lives Here,” highlights the power of faith, connection, and community support. The morning will include breakfast, prayer, music, a live art demonstration, and time to connect with others who care about recovery and hope in our city.
Day of Hope is a meaningful reminder that hope is not just an idea but something we can live out together as we support our neighbors and loved ones.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with this event, please email Seth Charles. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for all who attend.
| | |
Blessing Box Needs:
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Individual shelf stable milk
- Canned corn
- Water
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Fruit cups
- Tuna pouches
- Cottonelle wipes
Thank you and God bless the givers and the receivers.
| | |
Chancel Choir Concert
This Sunday, February 15 at 2 p.m
Composer Tom Trenney will spend this weekend with our Chancel Choir, including some inspiring rehearsal time with the composer leading and teaching his music, and end with him directing our singing and playing organ in a concert. This is a free event, and you are sure to be blessed by being present! Find out more about our guest composer.
| | |
Holston Foundation Names LeRae Edwards Collins
President and CEO Following Nationwide Search
The Holston Foundation Board of Directors has unanimously selected LeRae Edwards Collins as President and Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive national search to identify the organization’s next leader.
Collins has served the Holston Foundation since 2018 and has led the organization as Interim President and CEO throughout 2025. During her tenure, the Foundation has experienced historic growth, surpassing $200 million in assets under management—the highest level in the Foundation’s history. Her leadership has been marked by strong financial stewardship, deepened relationships, and a continued commitment to the Foundation’s mission of supporting and inspiring generosity.
Read this article in its entirety on the Holston Foundation website. Congratulations LeRae! Fountain City UMC is proud of you!
| | Join us this Sunday as we learn more about local issues around immigration and opportunities to advocate and assist immigrants in East Tennessee. Use this link to learn more about the speakers and to register for the Zoom event. | | |
How We Can Make Summer Fun for Kids
Glenda Eastridge is hosting Linking Laity with several guests who will share ideas on how to reach kids in our neighborhoods and work together with other churches. You don't want to miss this gathering for ideas for meaningful time with children.
You are invited to the February Linking Laity for Empowerment gathering on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Please register for this event.
| | |
FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
| | |
Fountain Kids Club
God spoke to Elijah in the fire and in a whisper. Learning how to listen for God.
| | |
Due to The Father Daughter Dance being rescheduled for February 21, 2026, we now have a few spots available!
If you would like to attend this epic event, please register here!
| | |
February 22, 2026 | McDonalds’ and Bowling
Let’s go bowling! After 11 a.m. worship services, gather the family and join the fun as we grab lunch at the McDonald’s on North Broadway before heading to Fountain Lanes Strike and Spare (3315 North Broadway) where we will have four lanes to gather and have a striking good time! No registration is required. Come for family fun and fellowship with your Fountain Kids friends!
| | |
Young At Heart Lunch Bunch | February 19 | 11:30 a.m.
The Lunch Bunch is all about good food and good company! We gather on the third Thursday each month to enjoy a meal together while exploring new local spots. This month, we will meet at Metro Diner at 6546 Clinton Hwy. Meet at church at 11 a.m. to ride the bus or meet the group at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
| |
Join a fun, engaging, eye-opening weekend designed to draw you and your partner closer to each other and to God through good food, good comedy, and good communication. We have an exciting line up for the weekend beginning with dinner and a show on Friday, March 20! Come share a meal with your partner and enjoy the musings of two comedians, Andromeda Jones and Wellington Ojukwu.
On Saturday, March 21, our keynote speaker, Jenny Boyett with The ColorWorks Group, will conduct an interactive workshop on communication. Jenny developed and collaborated on bestselling resources such as I Said This, You Heard That and A Grown-Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring focusing on how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate and relate to one another.
For more details on our comedians and keynote speaker, and for the schedule of events and registration, please check out the FCUMC website. We are so excited about our new This Is Us Couples Ministry! Don't miss this inaugural event!
| | |
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 February 15, 2026
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the February 2026 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
| | |
NEXT UP AT FCUMC
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
| | |
February 15: Chancel Choir Concert with Guest Composer | 2 p.m. | Sanctuary
February 18: Ash Wednesday Worship Service | 6:45 p.m. | Sanctuary
February 19: The Lunch Bunch | 11:30 a.m. | Metro Diner
February 21: Father Daughter Dance | 5:30 p.m. | Gym
February 22: McDonalds and Bowling with Fountain Kids | off-site following 11 a.m. services
February 28: Free Community Meal | 5:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall
March 10: Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast | 8–10 a.m. Gym
March 20-21: This is Us Couples Weekend
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| | | | |
