REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Evangelism From Your Favorite Chair

Recently, one of our 78-year-old members was on Reddit. He saw a 32-year-old man who identified as an atheist/deist looking for a church in the Fountain City area that might fit him. Of the first few responses, two people connected to our church replied. 

I do not know if that man has visited yet. What I do know is this matters. There are people online right now, and likely in your own family, who struggle with belief. They are not looking for a debate. They are looking for belonging. They want a safe place to ask honest questions and to discover what the story of Jesus is really about.

Our member did the right thing. He offered a simple invitation. No speech. No pressure. Just a kind word and a door held open.

You can do the same where you already spend your time. On a walk in the park. On a neighborhood Facebook group. In a text thread. At the ball field. At the gym. Over coffee. In a hallway at work. Be present. Listen well. When the moment comes, invite with love and kindness.

But what do you say? Here is a line that helps: “Come sit with me.”

Let the person know you will meet them at the door. Offer to grab coffee in the Welcome Center before or go for lunch after. These are simple things that can lower anxiety and raise trust.

Remember, every Sunday is someone’s first Sunday. Our church staff and volunteers are prepared for that, but I am asking you to prepare for that in your heart. Look for the person on the edge. Smile. Introduce yourself. Offer your row. Invite them to your table on Wednesday night. Small acts add up.

This week, ask God for one name and push yourself to send one message or make one invitation. Come sit with me.

Let’s continue to be the church that welcomes the spiritually curious and long-time saint alike! 

Pastor Don

Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday nights is back in full swing with adult programming beginning next week! Join in on August 27 for a tasty meal beginning at 5:30 p.m. and classe at 6:30 p.m.

There are several classes to chose from. Check out the list of adult classes on our website and make plans to attend!

Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal • 5:30 p.m. in the Gym

August 27 Menu: Chicken pot pie, peas, fruit salad, rolls, and peach cobbler. A light meal of baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables is available each week. Register here.

For the month of August, fellowship meals are free! Please register those attending so we may be good stewards of the church's finances and reduce waste. You can register on the FCUMC website, in the notes section of a pew pad or by calling the church office at 865-689-5175. Registration closes at midnight on Tuesday.

Fountain City Fellowship Price Change in September

Beginning in September, Fountain City Fellowship Meals will be $5 for adults. Kids and youth will eat free with an adult. Please note that no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

SERVING OTHERS



An Invitation to Lead and Serve

The word church means gathering, and at Fountain City UMC, we have ministry teams and committees who gather regularly to carry out the holy work of ministry. Most leadership roles are on a 3- to 4-year rotation, and our Nominations Team is now prayerfully discerning leaders for teams starting in January 2026. Final recommendations will be presented to Church Council in November.

We need your help.

You can join the process by:

• Praying for our Nominations Team and those being considered
• Completing a self-nomination form or nominating someone else
• Encouraging others to do the same
• Reaching out with ideas or questions to your pastors or a nominations team member

Self-nominations help us connect people to ministry where they can serve with joy and impact and help overcome the challenge of knowing the giftedness and interests of all who call this their church home. While submitting a form doesn’t guarantee placement, your interest will be considered for all appropriate roles. Forms are kept on file for two years. To be included in this year’s cycle, please submit by October 1.

Who qualifies for leadership?

• Faithful church membership (not just attendance) who support FCUMC with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness
• A life reflecting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
• Have evidence of fairness, compassion, and a heart for all God’s children
• A commitment to our mission: Making Disciples. Changing Lives

Self-nominate or nominate someone else >>

Questions? Contact your pastors or one of the Nominations Team members: Melissa Charles, Gail Clift, William Hunley, Lucy Kron, Carolyn Latham, Misty McComas, Kim Meade, Carol Sewell, Pam Walker.

Fountain Kids Wants to Help!

Judge Tim Irwin has a longstanding tradition of giving stuffed animals to children as they pass through his court through no fault of their own. Custody cases and removal from their homes or parents for even a short period of time can be traumatic for a child. Stuffed animals provide comfort to children by offering a sense of security, companionship and emotional support during stress, fear or loneliness.

Judge Irwin's stuffed animal supply needs to be replenished. On Sunday morning, August 24, there will be clothes baskets in the Narthex and outside the Gym for collection. Some of our amazing kiddos will also come around to adult Sunday School classes to collect. Give a hug to a lonely child with a stuffed animal!

Unhoused Ministry Team Meeting: Tuesday, September 2 at 4 p.m.

Looking for practical ways we can be in ministry with our unhoused neighbors this fall and winter? Come to the next Unhoused Ministry Team meeting on Tuesday, Sept 2 in the Office Conference Room. During this time we will share quick updates on our neighbors, align on next steps, prep for the September 8 Warming Center Community Meeting (regardless if we host a Warming Center onsite or not). We'll go over some best practices on how to engage our unhoused neighbors. 

Blessing Box Needs:

• Chunky soups
• Juice boxes
• Canned corn and green beans
• Canned spaghetti sauce and noodles
• Cereal pouches
• Snack crackers
• Granola bars 

Thank you for your generous support!!

NEWS AND NOTES

Visit our Bicentennial Celebration Hallway

We have a hallway dedicated to our rich history located across from Entrance 3 near Wesley Hall. This month we highlight Music Ministry and Celebrate Recovery!

As we moved into the current sanctuary in 1956, there was an array of musical directors for the first fifteen or so years. Names like Justine McTeer, C. L. Pickering, Charlie Sanders, Walter Anderson, Joyce Sterling, John Bacon, and Albert Rule. Anyone remember any of these folks?

But 1973 ushered in the Dr. Don King era who served our church for nearly twenty years. No one in our long church history did more to enhance our music program than Don did. Under his leadership, the choir grew to well over fifty people singing in concerts. He brought in guest soloists (George Bitzas), organized orchestral concerts, enlarged the chancel to accommodate the extra choristers, bought a new grand piano, and started a musical conservatory in our building to offer music education. He even started the small group, Solid Rock, which performed many different types of music in different venues. Don most definitely laid the new foundation for our music program as it exists today.

The Celebrate Recovery display is set up across from Wesley Hall. Come check it out!

Something Special for Our Bicentennial!

Second Sunday in September | 9:45 AM | Wesley Hall

As part of our 200th Anniversary celebration, we’re shaking things up on the Second Sunday of September and you’re invited! Whether you’re part of a Sunday School class or just dropping in, come be inspired by the living story of our church.

September 14 – Rev. Jim Dougherty: 200 Years By The Big Springs

Rev. Jim Dougherty will guide us through the sweeping history of Fountain City UMC, making history come alive from our earliest days to where we are now. His engaging teaching will follow the history booklet he recently compiled and highlight the faithfulness that has carried this church for 200 years. Bring a friend, and your whole class if you like! All ages welcome!

Listening Together, Moving Forward

We are deeply committed to making disciples and changing lives through worship, community, and compassionate ministry. As part of this commitment, we are in a time of intentional listening and discernment around two vital parts of our mission: our cherished Preschool and the Warming Center ministry that cares for unhoused neighbors.

These sessions are open to all who care about our shared mission: parents, preschool staff, volunteers, church leaders, and community supporters. Our goal is to hear the hopes, concerns, and perspectives of everyone involved.

Church Council Meeting • August 26 • 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room

The Executive Team will present recommendations and next steps for Council’s prayerful decision. This information will be shared ahead of the meeting. On August 26, Church Council may make a decision or delay for further reflection or fact finding.

Who will be in the room: Church Council, Executive Team (presenting), and other interested individuals. Only Church Council members may vote. All those present have a voice.

Next Steps Gathering • September 8 • 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall

Partner churches will gather to discuss next steps (regardless if the warming center is on property or not). Erin Read will be present to provide updates on City/County decisions and offer input on next steps.

Who will be in the room: partner churches, organizations (volunteers welcome too), and other supporters of the Warming Center.

Did you get yours yet? FCUMC's Ruth Circle of United Women In Faith is selling tea towels to commemorate our 200th anniversary and to benefit missions!

You can pick up one of these special tea towels on Sunday morning, August 24. They will be available from 9:45-10:45 a.m. for $10 each in the hallway across from the church office. Please pay with cash or check to FCUMC/UMW. What a beautiful keepsake in memory of this special anniversary year!

The Chancel Choir will present a concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7 celebrating our musical heritage. We will be joined by some singing saints of decades past, as well as some former music staff members. We will also have a youth choir reunion. This is an open invitation to all former choir and youth choir members! If you would like more information on rehearsals or details, contact Leslie Hill, Director of Music Ministries.

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, September 14, we will gather for our annual church picnic at the Iglehart farm. Every year, the Igleharts graciously welcome us to their home for some games, fellowship and a delicious barbecue meal! The address is 6161 Edmondson Lane. If you are interested in a ride to the picnic from the church, a bus will be leaving at 4 p.m. Meet in the parking lot on Hotel Rd. Thank you, Cheryl Shular, for driving the bus!

Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Doug Shipman and his crew will provide the barbecue. Bring some lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and any outdoor games you want to play. There will be an inflatable for the kids! As always, the picnic is free for our church family to enjoy!

Worship Service Celebrating our 200th Anniversary

Sunday, September 21 • 10:30 a.m.

Guest Preacher, Bishop David Graves

Mark your calendars for this very special worship service celebrating 200 years at Fountain City UMC. We will not have 8:30 or 11 a.m. worship. Our guest preacher will be Bishop David Graves, Episcopal Leader of the Kentucky-Tennessee Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. Bishop Graves grew up in our church! A free meal will follow.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors—near and far—to take part in this momentous 200th Anniversary Celebration. Come worship with us, share in Holy Communion, enjoy fellowship over a meal, and rejoice in God’s continued blessings! We look forward to celebrating with you.

2025-26 FCUMC Scholarship Recipients

Charles Sloan Memorial Scholarship

Provides funds to assist college students on the basis of need and scholastic performance.

Recipient: Grace Garren

Dr. William “Sonny” Melton Music Scholarship

Open to persons who have participated in music programs of FCUMC and are pursuing a career in a music field. Recipient: Elizabeth Greene

Erin’s Fund

Established in memory of Erin Sewell, it provides assistance to individuals desiring to further their education serving children and/or children’s ministry. Recipient: Grace Garren

Jay Garrison Adult Education Fund

Provides financial aid to adult students pursuing further education. Recipient: Melissa Brooks Greene

Congratulations to all of these scholarship recipients!

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



Last Sunday, Fountain Kids delighted us with their Bible Wax Museum!

Fountain Kids Wednesday Night

And just like that, summer break is over and we are back in motion at Kids Club!

YOUTH MINISTRY

Let's Get Outdoors Tomorrow!

Join FCUMC Youth for a hike and swim at Ijams Nature Center. We can't wait to get together and explore the beauty that God has given us.This event is for 6th-12th grade students. Lunch will be provided.

We will board the bus at church at 9:50 a.m. Registration will close at 5 p.m. today so register now! See you Saturday!

Confirmation classes for 7th-12th grade students will begin on September 21. We will meet on Sundays at 3 p.m. leading up to Confirmation Sunday. There will be no class on Sunday, October 5 due to Knox County Schools fall break.

We will have the Confirmation retreat on October 17-19. The cost of the retreat is $100. If you have questions or concerns about this fee, please reach out to Matt Randle.

Confirmation Sunday is November 16 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to share in this special time with our youth!

ADULT MINISTRY

Prayer: The World’s Greatest Wireless Connection

Ladies, come join a circle of faith as we lift up our church, our community, and one another through the power of prayer. As John Wesley said, "God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it."

Let's connect in faith and purpose. Your presence matters!

Wednesdays, August 6-November 5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

It hurts to lose someone. Find help at GriefShare, a friendly, caring group who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. Join GriefShare on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Room 137. Register >>  Facilitator: Dixie Bopp.

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!

We are phasing out single-use water bottles and plastic cups so we may be good stewards of our resources. Beginning August 24, the Welcome Center will feature ceramic mugs and water refill stations. We ask that you please return your mug to the designated tray at the end of the morning. Each mug will be washed and sanitized before its next use. You are also welcome to bring your own mug to fill with our delicious coffee! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Britney Barthol. Thank you!

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. 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.

THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Check out the August 2025 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

August 26: Church Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room 

August 27: Adult Fountain City Fellowship programming begins

September 7: Homecoming concert at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary

September 8: Warming Center next steps gathering at 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall

September 9: Nominations & Leadership Development Committee at 6:30pm in Room 210

September 11: Stewardship Committee Meeting at 6:30pm in the Office Conference Room

September 14: Church Picnic beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Iglehart Farm

September 17: Trustees Committee Meeting at 4:00pm in Room 210

September 21: Worship Service Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of FCUMC • 10:30 a.m.

September 22: Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) at 6:30pm in Room 137

September 28: Visioning Team Meeting from 2:30-5:30pm in Room 210

September 29: Nominations & Leadership Development Committee at 6:30pm in Room 137

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.

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