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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV).
The youth of today are living in a time unlike any other. They have the world at their fingertips, yet they are still being looked down on by many adults, their peers, and even by their own developing minds. The beauty of Youth Ministry is that I and other leaders are able to surround these students and remind them of how important and meaningful their lives are when it comes to the Kingdom of God. At FCUMC, we have had a continuously increasing number of students showing up on Wednesday nights and at special events. I don’t believe this is a coincidence. These students love God and love each other, and their youth leaders are constantly pouring into their young lives. Whether it is during Sunday School, on Wednesday nights, or at an event for a specific student, our leaders are sacrificing their time to make sure that these students know how much we as a church love them and how much God loves them.
This past weekend students attended Resurrection 2026, a three-day United Methodist run conference for youth across multiple states. Even with weather ending part of our trip, the FCUMC Youth still had time to dive deep into what it means to follow Jesus and worship hard. They were also able to spend time with friends they don’t normally see during the week. On Friday night after session one, students and leaders spent time sharing what they had learned as well as where they were in their faith journey. We had five students recommit to setting their eyes on Christ and working harder to live out their lives as strong Christian men and women. We have already seen a difference in those students this week!
I pray that as leaders and as a church, you will join the FCUMC Youth in supporting them as they learn, grow, and become the Christian leaders of tomorrow. If you ever want an update on what we are doing, or would like to volunteer in some capacity, please send me an email or stop me in the hallway!
Thank you for your continued support,
Matt Randle,
FCUMC Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
| We are monitoring the weather for this weekend as another winter storm is predicted in our area. We will make an announcement on Saturday, around noontime on social media, Realm, and our website about events and worship scheduled for this weekend. Stay safe and warm! | |
Second Sunday Study: February 8
9:45 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Watching the news can turn up the volume on what we are already carrying, including stress, worry, and fear about the world around us. On Sunday, February 8, we’ll open Matthew 5:1–12 (The Beatitudes) and ask a very real question: When fear is in the air, what kind of people does Jesus form? We’ll draw wisdom from two influential African American theologians, Howard Thurman and James H. Cone, to help us hear Jesus with fresh clarity and deeper courage. No prior Bible knowledge needed. Come for a thoughtful, Scripture-first conversation that stays grounded, honest, and practical for everyday life. Grab some coffee from the Welcome Center and come to Wesley Hall ready to talk at your table.
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Reading The Bible
No rain then rain
Genesis 2:5-6
The Earth was watered from below. There was no rain, then the flood came. Rain, lots of rain, chapters 6-8. There was no way to steer the ark, no sail, no rudder, no engine. Noah and his family were merely passengers while God guided the ark!
First Blood Sacrifice
Chapter 3:21 GOD made the first blood sacrifice to cover Adam and Eve’s sin.
Abraham and Sarah laugh
Chapter 17:7, 18:21
GOD gets the last laugh, the name God gave to their son. Isaac means laughter.
Lineage of Abraham is established along with the 12 tribes
Chapter 21-36
Joseph’s dream is fulfilled
Chapter 37-50
Check out the Reading Plan and keep reading!!
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Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday Nights
Our fellowship meal and discipleship classes bring meaningful opportunities for children, youth, and adults - all in one evening. This semester offers a rich variety of ways to learn, grow, and connect, along with a tasty, shared meal.
Join the 5:30 p.m. dinner, followed by classes at 6:30 p.m. Whether you're coming for the food, the fellowship, or the chance to deepen your faith, there is a place for you. Meals are $5 per adult and children 18 & under eat free.
February 4 Menu: Fresh pasta night! Some of the parings and sauces will be Aglio e Olio, Butter & Sage, and Spinach Pesto (No nuts- allergy safe). The pasta will be made by the first pasta making class taught by Teshia Clapp. Bread provided by the members of Sacred Kneads led by Pastor Rachel Collins. Please register for meals to help out our kitchen staff.
Meal Registration >>
Check out the list of classes available this semester and register for a class >>
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FCUMC Preschool sends a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who helped make our Pajama Drive so successful. Thanks to you, we were able to donate 112 pairs of brand-new pajamas to the Fountain City Ministry Center. We capped off our drive with preschool-wide pajama day!
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Community Meal | February 28 | 5:30 p.m
Join us in Wesley Hall as we open our doors to the community for a warm meal and fellowship! 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!
Knoxville Area Warming Centers
During these recent frigid nights, the Knox County Warming Centers are working hard to house folks in warm spaces. We are supporting these warming centers by providing transportation for guests to the overflow site at ReLaunch on Broadway. This Sign Up Genius allows you to sign up to be a driver or a rider. You must be a church member to drive the church bus. This is on an as needed basis but we ask you to sign up for days you could be available. Please consider supporting this ministry. You will be blessed many times over.
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Water
- Shelf stable individual milk
- Peanut butter
- Tuna pouches
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Peanut butter/ cheese crackers
- Tampons
Thank you and God bless!
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Hey! Volunteers for the Father Daughter Dance!
Please plan to meet in Wesley Hall this Saturday, January 31 at 4:45 p.m. for a prayer and to receive your assignment.
Please park by the church buses, leaving closer parking spaces for our guests, and enter through Door 5. Thank you in advance for helping create a wonderful night for fathers and daughters!
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Chancel Choir Concert | February 15 at 2 p.m
Composer Tom Trenney will spend the weekend with our Chancel Choir on February 13-15, 2026. This event will include some inspiring rehearsal time with the composer leading and teaching his music, and end with him directing our singing and playing organ in a concert on Sunday, February 15, at 2 p.m. in our Sanctuary. This is a free event, and you are sure to be blessed by being present! Find out more about our guest composer.
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Ash Wednesday Services | February 18
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day season of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. Join us as we begin Lent with prayer, Scripture, and the sign of ashes.
- Traditional Ash Wednesday Worship | 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary
- Imposition of Ashes (FCUMC Chapel) at 7:45 a.m. & 12 p.m.
- Imposition of Ashes (in the community) at 7:45 a.m. at Partial Coffee and 12 p.m. at Starbucks in Fountain City
Come as you are! Whether you can stay for worship or simply stop by to receive ashes and a brief prayer, we look forward to seeing you!
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New Leaders: Check This Out! February 1 Training
New to a ministry team, or stepping into a leadership role at Fountain City United Methodist Church? Our District is holding a simple, two-hour way to pick up best practices, meet other leaders, and get practical help for the work you’re doing right now. Join the training on Sunday, February 1 at Bearden UMC for 50-minute workshops (with one two-hour option), built for both small-to-midsize churches and mid-to-large churches. There’s no pre-registration, just show up and sign in at the workshop room. Follow this link for the full workshop list and details on parking, entrances, and room locations.
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Dear Friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus, the Light of the World. I am grateful for you and your ministry.
I write to share important information as we prepare for the 2026 Leadership Gathering of the Council of Bishops. The time leading up to the Gathering is a meaningful season of listening and discernment for The United Methodist Church.
First, I ask for your leadership in inviting participation in a denomination-wide survey authorized by the Council of Bishops. This survey is designed to listen to United Methodists across our connection about the present and future of our Church. The insights gained from the listening will directly inform the 2026 Leadership Gathering as we seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in this Kairos moment.
The ten-minute survey opened on January 15 and will continue until February 15, 2026. It is accessible by the link. Findings will be shared with the wider Church in the months leading up to the October gathering.
Second, at the request of the Council of Bishops, UMCOM is hosting three churchwide webinars to help us reflect on our Wesleyan identity and emerging vision: The first one was on Saturday, January 24 and focused on Wesleyan Theology - Love Boldly.” Each of the three sessions will also be available as a recording.
The next two sessions will be February 21, 2026 (10:00–11:30 a.m. EST): Wesleyan Mission – “Serve Joyfully” and March 21, 2026 (10:00–11:30 a.m. EST): Wesleyan Leadership – “Lead Courageously.”
Registration information is available on ResourceUMC.org. Participants may submit questions in advance.
These are important opportunities for clergy and laity alike to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the life and future of our beloved Church. I am deeply grateful for your ministry and service, and I believe this moment calls for our shared attention and care. Our connection is strengthened when we listen widely, discern together, and remain rooted in our Wesleyan identity.
Thank you for your leadership, faithfulness, and partnership in this work. Please hold this process in prayer. As always, it is a joy to serve as your bishop.
Blessings,
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Resident Bishop
Holston & West Virginia Conferences
The United Methodist Church
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Sign up for a new newsletter for the United Methodist members and churches of the Holston Conference. The Holston Messenger is currently planned to provide news and information to your mailbox and at Holston.org on an every-other-week basis.
Why Holston Messenger? Historian Michael Feely explains how Holston Conference is going back to the future, leaving The Call behind for the Messenger. Read Story.
Subscribe here.
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
| | Fountain Kids settled in on a cold winter’s night to learn about wisdom and choosing Jesus. | | |
February 22, 2026 | McDonalds’ and Bowling
Let’s go bowling! After 11 a.m. worship services, gather the family and join the fun as we grab lunch at the McDonald’s on North Broadway before heading to Fountain Lanes Strike and Spare (3315 North Broadway) where we will have four lanes to gather and have a striking good time! No registration is required. Come for family fun and fellowship with your Fountain Kids friends!
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Young At Heart Lunch Bunch | February 19 | 11:30 a.m.
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 new local spots. This month, we will meet at Metro Diner at 6546 Clinton Hwy. Meet at church at 11 a.m. to ride the bus or meet the group at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
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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 February 1, 2026
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the January 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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January 31: Father Daughter Dance | 5:30 p.m. | Gym
February 2: Pasta Making Classes | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | FCUMC Kitchen
February 2: Sacred Kneads Bread Making Event | 3-6 p.m. | FCUMC Kitchen
February 3: Pasta Making Classes | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | FCUMC Kitchen
February 8: Second Sunday Study | 9:45 a.m. | Wesley Hall
February 15: Chancel Choir Concert with Guest Composer | 2:p.m. | Sanctuary
February 18: Ash Wednesday Worship Service | Sanctuary
February 19: The Lunch Bunch | 11:30 a.m. | Metro Diner
February 22: McDonalds and Bowling with Fountain Kids | off-site following 11 a.m. services
February 28: Free Community Meal | 5:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall
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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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