REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

When folks say, “I want to grow in my faith”, what do you think they mean? Do we know how to do this, really? John Wesley’s suggestions about how to do just that grew into a method that he shared with others throughout his ministry, and it was so effective that many faith communities were formed, eventually called Methodist after the practices. Some of them are still in play today and can be truly helpful in cultivating a vibrant and living faith. But how to get there? 

On August 17, 24, and 31 in Traditional and The Journey Sunday worship services, Fountain City UMC will take a look at the time honored practices of Study, Action, and Piety. The what’s and why’s of these three legs of the seat of believership will be made clearer. Practical help for how these three disciplines help us to grow as believers, or into believers, will be explored. Everyone will also have the opportunity to follow up each week with hands on, intentional activities based on the Sunday before. Rest assured, these options will remain available to you going forward. 

I am excited to be a part of this exploration with you. These foundational concepts are important in taking next steps from wherever you are in your own journey of faith in the God who loves you unconditionally, always and forever, as God’s own child. There will be social media posts on Instagram and Facebook that you are invited to share with others. They can dig in and view the sermons online from our YouTube page! Friends and family can simply be invited to be a part of the hands-on applications of study, action, and piety, and see where those steps lead them. Closer to God, our creator, is my thought! See you on Sundays and Wednesday nights, as Fountain City Fellowship Fall Semester begins August 20. 

Pastor Rachel  

We look forward to seeing our church family this fall for Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday nights! On August 20, we welcome everyone back with a meal and guest speaker, Michael Feely. Michael serves as the Director of Missions and Congregational Care at Christ UMC in Chattanooga. He has degrees from the University of Georgia (B.A. in history and political science); Wesley Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Missouri State University (M.A. in history).

Michael is the chair of the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) Commission on Archives and History of the UMC, a member of the UMC General Commission on Archives and History, as well as a member of the Holston Conference Historical Society, SEJ Historical Society, and a member of the Historical Society of the UMC (where he is one of the editors of their publication Historians Digest). He chairs the Holston Conference Commission on Archives and History and works with several missions and outreach programs in both Chattanooga and Knoxville. Michael grew up on Lookout Mountain, Georgia and is married to Annette. They have four cool young adults and a famous elderly dog. We look forward to hearing Michael's presentation!

The Youth Group and Fountain Kids will begin their programming on August 20. Adult classes will begin on August 27. You can check out the list of adult classes on our website!

Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal

August 20 Menu: BBQ chicken, baked beans, broccoli salad, sandwich buns, chocolate cake. A lighter 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.

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.

Operation Inasmuch Day of Service • August 16, 2025

We will begin our day in the FCUMC Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. Please make plans to attend and participate in this joint service with other community churches. Volunteer sign-ups continue through Sunday, August 10.

There are multiple in-person outreach opportunities on August 16, and donations are being accepted online by many worthwhile agencies. Check out ways to donate and serve through Operation Inasmuch and sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities on August 16.

A celebration service will be held at Central Baptist Church Fountain City on Sunday, August 17 in their Gym at 6 pm.

Blessing Box Needs:

• Peanut butter
• Chunky soups
• Canned spaghetti sauce
• Granola and snack bars

Thank you for the many items provided this week! God’s blessings on the givers and receivers!

Help fill empty plates by giving next Tuesday!

This summer, more families than ever are facing empty plates and mounting uncertainty. Changing Federal priorities amid the rising cost of living mean that SoSA’s work is critically needed.

Thanks to a generous $15,000 matching gift, every dollar given next Tuesday, August 12 will be matched (up to $15,000) to share even more fresh, healthy food with those who need it most.

The Society of St. Andrew is responding to the hunger crisis with urgency. For 46 years, they have mobilized volunteers, rescued surplus produce, and shared it directly with families in cities, small towns, and rural communities alike. This summer, their support is a lifeline to hungry families across the country. Donate here >>

NEWS AND NOTES

Celebrating The History of Contemporary Worship

Sunday, August 10 • 11 a.m. in The Journey

Prepare for a bit of nostalgia and inspiration at this special service celebrating the history of contemporary worship. Our guest speaker will be former staff member, Carol Bellgrau, who was instrumental in launching our first contemporary worship service in September of 2000. Spread the word!

Building and History Tour • This Sunday, August 10

Would you like to get to know our church home a little better? Join Rev. Don Hanshew and Guest Connection leader, Britney Barthol, at the Welcome Center right after 11 a.m. services for a 45-minute guided building tour! We’ll share a bit of our history, show you where everything is, and answer your questions. If you are new or have been around for years, you will learn something new. Children are welcome. See you there!

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!

“Sing the songs of God like you sing the songs of the devil” said John Wesley and the Methodist Church became known as a singing church. It's true that many of our early hymns took the tunes of the taverns, added Christian words, and many of our early hymns were born.

The history of music in this congregation of the Methodist movement has to begin with the camp meetings of the 1840s, which were held in what is now known as Fountain City Park. Camp meetings were full of singing and fire and brimstone preaching, often where the singing would reach a fervent pitch in which girls would even develop the “jerks”, a form of hysteria we would be shocked by today.

Early songs such as Amazing Grace, Shall We Gather at the River, I’ll Fly Away, and What a Friend We Have in Jesus were sung in shape notes fashion. They used a call - and - response format, with the leader singing a verse, and the congregation responding with a refrain, most likely without any instrumental accompaniment.

It is presumed that this type of music was used in services in our subsequent white frame buildings leading up to the “red brick church", built in 1892 and housing a formal pipe organ and hymnals which included not only words, but musical notations.

Something Special for Our Bicentennial!

Second Sundays in August & September | 9:45 AM | Wesley Hall

As part of our 200th Anniversary celebration, we’re shaking things up on the Second Sundays of August and 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.

This Sunday, August 10 – Jean Payne: A Life in the Church

At 93 years young, Jean Payne has seen it all. Born into this church, Jean will share powerful memories of significant events in her life and the life of our church. A beloved Central High School teacher and pillar of our congregation, Jean’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

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.

Come for the stories. Stay for the inspiration. 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’re entering 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

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.

Fall Laity Retreat • August 22-23, 2025

Enjoy great fellowship with a time of learning and spiritual growth with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett as she teaches and leads the weekend. This is a joint event of the West Virginia and Holston Conferences.

Dinner on Friday and Lunch on Saturday will be provided. Registration for this event is only $10! Register >>

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. 

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. As always, the picnic is free for our church family to enjoy!

SAVE THE DATE

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! We will have a free meal to 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.

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



FOUNTAIN KIDS ALERT!!

Guess who will be with us this Sunday, August 10!  Yes, the one, the only, let's hear it for Scoot! We start at 10 a.m. and Scoot will be with us at 10 and 11 a.m.

Sundays with Fountain Kids

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.

Fountain Kids Wax Museum • Sunday, August 17

Have you ever thought what it would be like to meet Jesus as a boy, his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Doubting Thomas and even John, the Disciple?

Fountain Kids will share their version of a Bible Wax Museum on Sunday, August 17 from 10:30-11 a.m. Our Bible characters will gather along the main hallway from in front of Wesley Hall to the Narthex. They will be costumed and frozen until you push the red circle on the wall beside them. Then they will come alive and speak. Following their short talk, they will “freeze” until the next person touches the red circle. They will also have displays about their characters. You don't want to miss the Fountain Kids Wax Museum!

Mark your calendars! Fountain Kids & Fountain Littles Resume Wednesday Night Activities on August 20, 2025

6:30–7:30 p.m. (following the Fellowship Meal). 

Don’t miss this Fountain Kids event. Bring a friend to Battle Zone and get a prize!

YOUTH MINISTRY

Operation Inasmuch Service Day • August 16

Youth are invited to participate in morning service projects beginning at 9 a.m. We will then deliver flowers to porches from 3-5 p.m. starting at Fountain City Ministry Center.

Student/Parent Meeting • August 17 at 12 p.m.

Matt Randle will meet with students and parents to share some plans for the year as well as address any questions. Stop by!

Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday Nights

Middle school students (6th-8th grade) will get together on August 20 to kick things off for fall Wednesday night programming. On August 24, we will have the kick-off for 9th-12th grade students. We can’t wait to see everyone on Wednesday nights this fall!

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!

GriefShare 

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 10: Service Celebrating The History of Contemporary Worship at 11 a.m. in The Journey

August 16: Operation Inasmuch Day of Service

August 17: Youth Student/Parent Meeting after 11 a.m. worship services

August 20: Fountain City Fellowship Kick-off at 5:30 p.m.

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 14: Church Picnic beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iglehart Farm

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

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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