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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Cool News for Our Church Home!
(WARNING: Incoming Bad Dad Joke) Great things are happening
behind the scenes at FCUMC, and some of them are very, very cool.
We're excited to share that our long-awaited Sanctuary HVAC upgrade is right around the corner! Here's a quick look at what's coming:
This week, the team from Schoffner is replacing control boards and temperature sensors in the units serving our main offices, keeping costs under $3,500 for parts and labor. At the same time, final foundation fittings for the new Sanctuary air conditioning unit are being completed.
Then comes the big moment! Bring your lawn chairs and little kids: Monday, May 4, a crane will arrive bright and early to lift out the old Sanctuary unit and set the new one in place. We expect the whole operation to wrap up by noon. A heads-up: a portion of the lower parking lot and entire lower playground will be temporarily closed on Friday, May 1, and Monday morning to make room for the crane. We appreciate your patience and flexibility!
From May 6–7, preventative maintenance begins across the building, which will also kick off a full HVAC assessment of the children's building. This is a priority.
All of this work is part of something bigger God is stirring up at FCUMC. This spring, we'll introduce a generosity campaign called Beyond the Bicentennial: A Firm Foundation for the Future. We all recognize that someone built this place before we arrived. They gave what they had and trusted that those who came after would carry it forward. Now it's our turn, and we believe this congregation is more than ready.
More details are coming soon. For now, we simply invite you to pray. Ask God what God wants to do through you as we step faithfully into our next chapter together.
Stay cool, friends!
Pastor Don
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Second Sunday Study | May 10 at 9:45 a.m.
Women of Faith: Often Overlooked Voices
of Scripture
From Shiphrah and Puah to Mary Magdalene, the story of God's people is full of remarkable women whose courage shaped history. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we will look at several whose names you may have missed but won’t forget anymore!
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Growth & Connection Discipleship Class Room 138 | April 12-May 17
Join a six-week class examining personality, communication, and relationships. No pressure. No perfect people. Just growth. Not a church member? You're welcome. New to Bible study? You're welcome. Don't have it all figured out? Neither do we!
The book I Said This...You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman is the basis for this class to help people improve communication by understanding how their temperament (or "wiring") affects how they speak and how others hear them. No registration necessary. Just show up!
Learn more on the FCUMC website.
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DID YOU KNOW? That your personal donations to KARM Thrift Stores can further the ministry of Making Disciples and Changing Lives at Fountain City United Methodist Church?
Corners Of Your Field is a partnership between FCUMC and Knox Area Rescue Ministries, encouraging FCUMC church members to be intentional about selecting their gently used household items for donation to KARM Stores. The stores then return a portion of the value of these items in the form of gift cards to FCUMC to help those directly in our care. Be sure to mention you are with FCUMC when dropping off donations!
We hope as a church we can help change lives when we share resources by donating to KARM Stores and then giving the KARM gift cards to those in need.
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Our Discipleship Classes and ELL (English Language Learning) rooms are in need of new TVs to better serve our students and community. We are looking for:
• One 55" Smart TV
• One 65" Smart TV
If you feel led to give financially toward these purchases, or if you have a gently used or new TV you'd like to donate as an in-kind gift, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Ashley Garren for more information or to coordinate a donation. Thank you for helping us create spaces where people can grow in faith and in the English language!
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Goodies Needed for Gresham Staff Appreciation Meal
FCUMC is sponsoring an end-of-year meal for the Gresham teachers/staff on Monday, May 4. Homemade desserts are requested and can be dropped off on Sunday, May 3 or by 10 a.m. on Monday, May 4 in the church office.
Gresham Prayer Partners
Thank you to everyone who has served as a Gresham Prayer Partner this school year. As school comes to a close (last day is May 21), please remember to spoil your prayer partner with gifts of prayer, praise and appreciation! And don’t forget those summer birthdays! We need to send over all gifts/cards to the school before the last week of school. Please bring all packages to the designated boxes at the church on/by Sunday, May 10.
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All Donations Are Due By Monday
For decades, Holston Conference has made a significant impact on children in Liberia and Zimbabwe through Hands-on-Mission kits.
This year, the tradition continues but with a new twist. FCUMC is assembling kits for children in Liberia, however, we will also provide $5 virtual kits to Zimbabwe. We encourage Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals to participate in this special mission of the Holston Conference. The deadline to turn in buckets and checks to the church office is Monday, May 4. For details and the bucket supply list, please visit our website.
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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:
- Fruit juice boxes
- Shelf stable milk
- Water
- Microwave mac & cheese
- Tuna pouches
- Tampons
- Toothpaste
Thank you for all of the donations!
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May 10 is Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Make plans with your mother and entire family to attend church together to celebrate the important women in your lives.
We will have our amazing flower cart for the ladies in the courtyard again this year with photo opportunities. So, Let’s make some memories!
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Join The Friday Night Fun!
There is an exciting event happening every Friday night this summer beginning on May 22 called Friday Fun Night!
We will have games and karaoke in Old Fellowship Hall. Bring any games you would like to play. Everyone is invited! Bring a friend! Please note: There will be no childcare.
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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This Sunday is Communion Sunday
All K-5th graders will attend worship with their parents at the 11 a.m. service.
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Exciting News for Fountain Kids!
Beginning in May, we will have small groups in our Sunday morning Fountain Kids Ministry due to a recent increase in attendance.
Children will be assigned to groups and designated rooms. We will continue with our large group, however our Red Robins will have a younger presentation for the lesson and rotational activities in their room. The Yellow Warblers and Great Eagles will have the current large group presentation before breaking into separate groups. We are excited that our numbers have increased to allow us to go back to this model that was used before Covid. More about our high-flying Fountain Kids coming soon!
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Wacky Wednesday Summer Day Camps at Fountain City UMC
Fountain Kids Summer Day Camps offer opportunities for kids to get active, build friendships and explore Bible stories with their Fountain Kids friends. With three themed Wacky Wednesdays, your kiddos will enjoy this time to engage in something they already love or find new interests! Make plans now to join the summer fun! Register for each day camp on our website!
June 10 | Sportmania
Lots of sports fun with basketball drills & competitions, a Bible lesson, lunch, & a trip to Topgolf!
June 17 | Cooking Class, Picnic and Sky Zone
Come to a cooking class with a lesson about food in the Bible led by FCUMC’s amazing Chef Teshia, followed by a field trip to Beardsley Farm with sack lunches for a picnic. Next, we will travel to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. What a fun day!
June 24 | Sportalooza
Let’s play basketball. Let’s play pickleball. Fun and run! Join in for a Bible animal lesson, followed by an early lunch before departing for Pigeon Forge to ride go carts, grab some ice cream and have more fun!
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Rainforest Falls VBS Registration is Open!
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 Kimball, WV to assist with flood cleanup efforts and home repairs. Departure is on Saturday, June 27 and the return date is Thursday, July 2. Lodging will be at a local UMC.
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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The Singers and Seniors ride again! On Saturday, May 9, the Chancel Choir and senior adults will take a coach bus to the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. We will depart at 10 a.m. and return immediately following the show at approximately 6:30/7:00 p.m.
After a buffet lunch at Fiddler’s restaurant, we will see Always…Patsy Cline. Curtain time is 2 p.m. The cost for transportation and show ticket is $100. Individuals will pay for lunch on site ($15 or less). Reserve your spot!
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Lunch Bunch | May 21 at 11:30 a.m. | Litton's
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 local spots. For April, we’re keeping it really local and heading to Litton's! The Lunch Bunch is sponsored by the Young at Heart Group, and all are welcome. Come join in as we share a meal, laughter, and time together around the table!
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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 Sunday May 3, 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 9: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA
May 10: Mother's Day
May 10: Second Sunday Study | 9:45 a.m. in Wesley Hall
May 15: Preschool Graduation | 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary
May 16: Cemetery Cleanup Day | 9 a.m.
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 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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