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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Morning, Friends!
As I’m writing, I’m sitting in a Wesley Foundation Board Meeting at UTK. One of the things that has really struck me this morning was a story one of the students shared. She came to the Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist presence on campus, reluctantly. But when she arrived, she found a community that was open, welcoming, and deeply committed to creating space for all people.
She told her story in a way that I hope to share with you in person soon. But what stayed with me was this reminder: our call is to be a generous, hospitable people who meet others right where they are... whether they’re walking into church for the very first time or returning after being hurt elsewhere.
My hope for us as a community is that we always meet people where they are, regardless of their past experiences. That our pathways into worship, service, and mission stay open. And that we continue to invite people to "come and sit with us."
This week in worship, we talked about the first tenet of hospitality, the 5-foot rule. When you walk into a room or get up from a service, take a moment to greet those within 5 feet of you. Share your name (even if you’ve met before but can’t quite remember theirs!). Don’t be afraid! We’re all asking names together! Take ownership of that small circle around you and extend a bright, genuine welcome to members and guests alike.
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To make it even easier, we’re introducing a fun conversation starter! In the narthex and by the Journey service, you’ll find a whiteboard with a weekly question and buttons for you to cast your vote. If you’re not sure what to say to someone, just ask them what they voted for! It’s a small way to build connection and have some fun as we grow together in community.
In other news, this weekend is the Confirmation Retreat. Please be in prayer for our students as they gather for fun, for friendship, and to explore how God’s grace moves and shapes their lives now and into the future. You might pray something like this:
A Prayer for Our Confirmands: "Gracious God, thank you for the young people in our church who are learning to claim their faith as their own. Surround them with your love this weekend. Open their hearts to your Spirit, fill them with courage, and remind them that they are deeply loved by you and by this church family. Amen."
Finally, mark your calendars for Confirmation Sunday on November 16 at 3 p.m. These students will stand before the church to confirm their faith, not just the faith of their families, but a faith that is becoming their own. You don’t want to miss it!
As we celebrate these students and the faith they’re claiming as their own, may we be reminded that we, too, are still growing, still learning what it means to follow Jesus with open hearts and welcoming hands.
Pastor Rachel
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Come to church on Wednesday nights for great food and fellowship! The fellowship meal begins at 5:30 p.m. and classes follow at 6:30 p.m.
Our newest classes are Mandalas, Candles & Prayer, and Adult Confirmation. Please check out our website to learn more about all of the programming options available.
October 22 Menu: Angel beef casserole, green beans, and coleslaw. A light meal of baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables will also available.
$5 for adults
Kids and youth eat free
No one will be turned away for inability to pay. 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. Register >>
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Community Meal | October 25
5:30 PM in Wesley Hall
The Community Outreach Team is moving forward with some planned events this fall for our neighbors. We are excited to announce we are hosting a Community Meal on October 25. 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!
Winter Clothing and Food Collection
We are requesting some items for our neighbors as we head into the colder months. Please bring new or gently used sweatshirts, hoodies and fleece jackets (M, L & XL) and place them in the designated bin in the missions collection area near the Gym.
We are also asking for Sunday School classes to collect grab and go foods such as pop-top cans of spaghetti, mac & cheese, ravioli, chili, granola bars, and canned fruit. These food items can be left in classrooms for collection. Thank you for your support of our community outreach!
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The church staff is in need of the following greeting cards: Get Well, Thank You, Sympathy, and Congratulations. If you have cards you would like to donate, please drop them off in the church office. Thank you!
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Water
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Fruit juice packs
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Tuna packs
- Individual cereal packs
- Snack bars
Thank you and God bless!
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Please bring your gently used or new coats to our missions collection area near the Gym and place in the designate bin or to any KARM store and mention you are with FCUMC. We will receive Coats for the Cold tickets based on our donations which we will give to those who are in need of a coat this winter. These tickets can be redeemed November 17-December 6 at any KARM Stores location, where neighbors are invited to shop with dignity and personally select the coat that best fits them. Last year, more than 9,000 coats were given to our community through God’s provision and the prayers of His people.
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We extend our sincerest welcome to Michael Cowan as organist. He recently moved to the area from Georgia and is excited to join our Traditional worship music ministry. His first official Sunday is this Sunday, October 19. Welcome, Michael!
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Only Five Spots Left!
Let's get together for a painting party! All of the materials will be provided for the registration fee of $25 per person. In addition, we will have a few surprises so register today!
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Building on the successful joint Laity and Clergy Holston Conference Retreat at Pipestem, led by Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, we aim to foster further collaboration between our laity and clergy. We invite your laity and clergy to "This Works Ministry Summit," November 14-15, 2025.
We are very fortunate to have the outstanding leadership of Reverend Dr. Laceye Warner from Duke Divinity School and a group of practitioners engaged in transformational ministry within their Appalachian ministry settings.
The registration fee is $30 for 1.5 CEUs and Advanced Lay Servant Certification. The summit will be available in person at Rural Retreat United Methodist Church in Virginia. Register >>
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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Oakes Farm Pumpkin Patch • October 19
Families who registered for tickets to Fountain Kids Pumpkin Patch Day at Oakes Farm, please meet Miss Donna at the pumpkin patch entrance at 1 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please let Donna know so another family can use the tickets. See you all for a fun day at the Patch!
Pumpkin Party • October 29
We're having a Pumpkin Party during Fountain Kids Club from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. We will have games, magic, fun, and treat bags. It’s party time!
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Confirmation classes meet on Sundays at 3 p.m. leading up to Confirmation Sunday on November 16 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to share in this special time with our youth!
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Singers and Seniors Musical Theater Day Trip Itinerary • October 23
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9:30 am: Bus will be parked near the Choir Room lot for loading
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10 am: Depart for Abingdon
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Noon: Lunch and free time
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2 pm: Curtain Time
We will load the bus for our return immediately following the show. We should be able to head home by 4:30 p.m. and arrive back at FCUMC by 6:30 p.m. Snacks and bottled water will be provided. No dinner stop.
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Wednesdays Through 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. Register >> Facilitator: Dixie Bopp.
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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 October 19, 2025
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the October 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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October 23: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA
October 23: Trustees Committee | 6:30 p.m. | Room 137
October 24: Painting Party | 4 p.m. | the Gym
October 25: Community Meal | 5:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall
October 27: Church Council Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Choir Room
November 4: Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) | 6:30 p.m. | Room 210
November 17: Church Council Meeting (Charge Conference) | 6:30 p.m. | ONLINE ONLY
November 18: Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Room 210
December 1: Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) | 6:30 p.m. | Room 137
December 11: Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Room 137
December 18: Church Council/Visioning Team | 6:30 p.m. | Choir Room
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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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