REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

The Air We Share

We have watched each other’s children grow from infants to adults, but the two of us worship in different spaces most of the time.

One of us is usually in the Sanctuary, where the organ is warming up, the hymnals are open, and the order of worship is printed. The other is usually in the Gym, where the Journey band is running sound check or the Celebrate Recovery community is preparing to read the twelve steps and scriptural comparisons in worship together.

Two holy places. Four worship services. Four communities of believers. Yet we breathe the same air—the same Holy Spirit.

We are writing this together because we have been asked to co-chair a campaign that depends on remembering something easy to forget when we enter the building and turn left or right—we are one church with one Holy Spirit.

Beyond the Bicentennial is the campaign to replace aging heating and cooling systems throughout our building. The systems that cool the Sanctuary and Children’s wing and heat other portions of our building in cooler seasons are reaching the end of their working lives. Some have already required emergency repair. Our goal is $877,000 to fully accomplish the rehabilitation and replacement work across the whole building, fund a three-year maintenance agreement, and replenish reserves that were depleted to pay for emergency repairs.

This is not a glamorous campaign to create new spaces. Few of us may enjoy a tour of the new air handlers, roof, or basement equipment spaces. But here is what we have come to see clearly: it is an opportunity to celebrate our interconnectedness. The air that moves through our building does not stop at the Sanctuary door, nor does it stop at the Gym door. It enlivens each of us in our collective spaces, moving through our people engaged in worship, ministry, and fellowship. It is part of our essence as an interconnected church—our one church. 

As we embrace this opportunity, we are glad that we are not starting from zero. An initiating group of donors has already responded with generosity that has surprised and encouraged both of us. We are stepping into this public phase of the campaign with real momentum. This shapes how we are coming to you now: not with a worried ask, but with an honest invitation.

If you worship in the Sanctuary, in the Gym, or on YouTube from across the country — this is your campaign. If you have given to this congregation for decades or only since this spring — this is your campaign. If you are part of the choir, the band, the Recovery community, a parent, a grandparent, a mentor of children, or an office volunteer — this is your campaign. 

This is our campaign.

The people who built this building were thinking of us. Now we get to think of those that come next.

Commitment Sunday is June 28. We hope you will be there.

Barry Clabough & Brennan Smith

(For more information on the Beyond The Bicentennial campaign and ways to give, please check out the FCUMC website.)

If you are on social media, you may have seen the countdown to Annual Conference posted by Holston. We are only two days away from the annual business, spiritual growth, and worship conference know exactly by its name: The Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. How much do you actually know about Annual Conference?

Here are some FAQs: 

1. How old is Holston? Holston Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church was founded in late November 1824 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Formed from territories in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, its creation united Methodist circuits that had been active in the region since Bishop Francis Asbury's first visit in 1788.
2. What does Holston exactly mean? Annual Conferences, though defined by their frequency of meeting, are typically named for the geographic area they encompass. Holston is made up of churches from a slice off the top of North Georgia, all of East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia. So, basically, the Appalachian Mountains of the Southeast. In the Virginia portion, the Holston River is an important waterway with a South, North and Middle Fork. It joins the French Broad to form the Tennessee River. There is a segment of mountains running across the TN/VA border, you guessed it, named Holston. 
3. What makes up the Holston Conference? 586 churches, two colleges, five Wesley Foundations, and five permanent area mission sites.
4. How are we organized? United Methodists are what is known as connectional. All United Methodist organizations are a part of the General United Methodist Church, which is a global organization. In 2026, The United Methodist Church (UMC) is organized into 131 annual conferences worldwide. The breakdown of these gatherings includes: 56 in the United States and 75 across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. These conferences serve as the primary organizational and business bodies of the denomination, meeting yearly to review ministries, vote on policies, and strengthen spiritual life under the supervision of bishops. Within geographic areas there exist regional conferences made up of multiple annual conferences. These conferences meet every four years, following each General Conference-aka worldwide. 
5. Check the helpful graphic below for where Fountain City UMC fits into the picture of United Methodist Church.
6. The 411 about Holston Annual Conference: Meets: Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, at the former HQ of the Southeastern Jurisdiction. It is a big, beautiful retreat center near Asheville. When: Around the beginning of June each year. How long: 3-4 days. Business and Worship Sessions: meet in Stuart Auditorium, built in 1913. When this year? May 31-June 3. Presided over: by the Bishop of the conference, ours is The Rev. Debra Wallace-Padgett
7. Who goes? Literally anyone may attend. You could decide to go for a day or the whole thing. Who must go and who has voting rights? All active and retired pastors who are called clergy delegates, and a member from each congregation per pastor. These are called Lay Delegates. For instance, FCUMC has two full time pastors, so two lay delegates represent our church. Districts have at large delegates, voted on a District Conference. FCUMC has several persons serving as district delegates. 
8. What’s the Vibe? This is a time of truly being the connection. We see friends from across the conference, sort of like a church family reunion. The combined efforts in ministry with the bounds of Holston and across the world are celebrated. Ordination of Pastors and Deacons and licensing of Local Pastors are held. Missions are celebrated from down the road, like Wesley House, to Ishe Anesu in Zimbabwe. Before shipping was sooo costly, we used to send off the shipping container of mission buckets from there and everyone was there cheering on the truck, driver and cargo! There is a wide and inspiring variety of music and worship styles from across Holston and from other conferences in different parts of the world. Business sessions and voting happen a couple of times a day, and in the midst of that, worship happens to celebrate retirees, clergy or their spouses who passed on since last conference, to learn more about scripture, to honor and glorify God. Educational sessions are held on various relevant topics. Some this year include multicultural ministries, discipleship pathways, ministries that provide care of the marginalized and bridges out of poverty. 

Pastor Rachel

Congratulations, you have finished Second Samuel and First Chronicles, and nearly 70 of the Psalms! Psalm 40 sums up David’s experiences to this point. In verses 11-17, he is expressing what we all dread—the exposure of our sins.

David pleads for God to protect him with God‘s love and God‘s truth. He understands that he stepped outside the boundary of divine truth and divine love, and now he and many others are suffering because of sin.

David, a military hero, a wealthy king, admits he is poor and needy before a Holy God. David acknowledges the consequences of sin and cries out to God.

As we continue into the history of Israel and Judah, we will read about the golden age of Solomon‘s reign and the downfall of a nation. Keep reading.

SERVING OTHERS

Community meals are on pause until fall but Community Outreach is Taking One More Meal to the road for the summer. Watch for us around town helping feed our vulnerable neighbors and for more information soon on how you can help!

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!

Blessing Box Needs:

• Peanut butter
• Chef boyardee products 
• Shelf stable milk
• Fruit juice
• Chunky soups
• Cereal - individual packs
• Microwave mac and cheese
• Fruit cups

Thank you! God bless!

NEWS AND NOTES



Due to unforeseen circumstances and preplanned vacations,

the church office is closed today.

Youth Choir Alumni are invited to join the Chancel Choir for the anthem on Sunday, June 7. Come to the choir room at 10:30 a.m. to prepare for worship!

Join The Friday Night Fun!

There is an exciting event happening every Friday night this summer called Friday Fun Night!

We will have games and karaoke in Old Fellowship Hall. Bring any games you would like to play, and snacks/drinks to share. Everyone is invited! Bring a friend! Please note: There will be no childcare.

Could Mahjong Be a New Side Door for Connecting With Our Community?

I have a confession: I have never played Mahjong. That said, I keep hearing how much people enjoy it, not just because it is a fun and engaging game, but because of the community it creates around the table. And of course that got my wheels to spinning! Could Mahjong become a “side door” for connection to our community? Could this be another simple and welcoming way to help people connect, build friendships, and find their way into a deeper community of faith?

Before we put anything on the calendar, we need a small group of committed people who would be willing to help us launch it as a pilot. Ideally, this would include a few folks who already know how to play, are willing to help beginners, and can help us think through the best day, time, and structure.

This does not need to be complicated. It just needs a few people with enough energy to help it get structured and started well.

Interested in helping launch a Mahjong group at the church? Reach out to me, Pastor Don, at 865.689.5175 or pastor.don@fountaincityumc.org. I would love to hear from you!

Honor Fountain City Day in the Park

Thank you to the volunteers who helped set up, man, and take down our FCUMC booth on Memorial Day at Honor Fountain City Day in the Park.

It was a wonderful day and way to interact and share with our community. Thank you, Bill & Kim, Robert, Martha K., Martha R., Jim & Betty, Misty, Teshia, Steven, Eddie & Nancy.

For the summer months, the Welcome Center will provide self-serve snacks and juices.

If you would like to volunteer in the Welcome Center, please sign up here or email Britney Barthol!

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



Wacky Wednesday Summer Day Camp at Fountain City UMC

The June 10 and June 17 Wacky Wednesdays are full! There are still eight spots available for the June 24 Sportalooza! Register on our website!

Rainforest Falls VBS

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.

Each night at VBS, we will have a snack supper at 6 p.m. You do not want to miss the Bible stories, songs, science, and Bambini Bubbles. Find your friends and register today!

YOUTH MINISTRY



Youth Mission Trip

Come join the FCUMC Youth as they travel to Welch, WV to assist with building repairs and serving meals to the community. Departure is on Saturday, June 27 and the return date is Thursday, July 2. We will stay at a camp in Premier, WV. 

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 this Sunday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Dinner will be served.

ADULT MINISTRY



Lunch Bunch | June 18 at 11:30 a.m. | Aspire Park's The Pearl

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 June, we are heading to The Pearl at Aspire Park. 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!

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 May 31, 2026

THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Check out the June 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

May 29: 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 5: Friday Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall

June 6: Cemetery Cleanup Day | 8:30 a.m.

June 10: Fountain Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportsmania

June 12: Friday Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall

June 17: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Cooking Class, Picnic, Skyzone

June 19: Friday Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall

June 24: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportalooza

June 26: Friday Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall

June 27-July 2: Youth Mission Trip to WV

July 20-23: Rainforest Falls VBS

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.

Give Now