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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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It is easy to feel alone.
If there was some magical movie way I could have a couple of wishes granted, one of them would be that everyone had a small group of faithful people in their corner who would love them even when they were messy, wrong, hangry, and hurting.
So many people don’t realize the need to have friends that are like family until something terrible happens in life. The results of the longest study of human happiness shows that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. Those ties protect people from life's discontents, help delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. If it were a drug, it would be prescribed more often than a statin for heart disease! Heck, it might even end heart disease!
Other studies show that 1 in 3 young people feel completely alone. What are we teaching and modeling for our young people?
This all makes me ponder: What can the church do about it?
Long-standing traditions of hospitality to strangers are deeply rooted in our ancient Christian values and heritage. Revitalizing a heritage of hospitality where friends become family offers something the world really needs right now, and something we can practice at church until it naturally flows into our work, our neighborhoods, and even with our enemies.
When we let our faith compel us to reach across different classes, different political views, and different marital statuses, we learn to show up for each other in mourning and celebration in a way that I feel makes God smile. But where does it start? It starts with you, and it starts with love.
Love builds connection, connection breaks down boundaries, and with fewer boundaries, we see we are more like the “other” than we thought. Make no mistake. This is not easy work and runs counter to a culture that values quick fixes. Being a robust Christian community takes sacrifice and repeated acts of showing up. When we do this over time, friends become family, every time. We not only transform our individual lives, but we also set the stage for possibilities that can change the world. Why do I say that? Well, it did before. It will happen again. Let love be our guide, and let’s take responsibility for sparking the fire, today. Take the risk of extending hospitality to the “other” and trust God with what will happen next.
In Christian Love and Hope,
Pastor Don
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Join us on October 15 for a United Women in Faith fundraiser meal at 5:30 p.m. and two new classes! The price of this meal is donation based with all proceeds going to UWF Missions. Donations can be given during online registration or at the door. Please give generously!
October 15 Menu: Beef stew or butternut squash soup, cornbread, and assorted pies. A lighter meal of baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables will also available. Register >>
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New classes beginning October 15:
Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer
October 15-November 19 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
As Advent approaches, it is difficult at times to see anything other than the headlights of the train named Christmas Expectations. Take a breath of peace and preparation with the ancient art of Mandala and an atmosphere of calm that can carry you into the New Year. These are skills you can use going forward, and a companion class will be offered in the spring. There is no particular art skill required, simply a willingness to color in varied mediums, relax, and become centered and prayerful. Instructor: Susan Collins, RN, certified parish nurse and educator
Adult Confirmation
October 15-November 19 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Many of us first encountered confirmation as young people—but the journey of faith doesn’t stop there. As we grow and change, so should our understanding of what we believe and why. This class is for anyone who wants to take a fresh look at the foundations of our faith. Whether you’ve gone through confirmation before, are curious about what today’s students are learning, or simply want to explore core beliefs of the Christian faith more deeply, this is a great place to start. Seasoned and new Christians alike will find space to ask questions, revisit key doctrines, and reflect on their spiritual journeys—culminating in a renewed appreciation for the confirmation students we’ll celebrate at the end of the course. Come ready to grow, reflect, and be surprised by the ways your faith can be refreshed. Instructor: Pastor Rachel & guest clergy
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Community Meal | October 25
5:30 PM in Wesley Hall
The Unhoused Team is moving forward with some planned events for this fall as an outreach project 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!
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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:
- Juice drinks
- Shelf stable milk (individual)
- Water
- Canned green beans and corn
- Chef Boyardee products
- Granola snack bars
- Cereal packs (individual)
- Tuna pouches
- Microwave mac and cheese
God’s blessing on all the givers and receivers!
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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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Check out this video message from former FCUMC pastor, Rev. Tom Ballard regarding our bicentennial celebration. Thank you, Tom. We missed seeing you on September 21!
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Early Morning Prayer in the Chapel with a Pastor
Drop by the chapel Monday–Thursday, October 13-16, 7:45–8:30 a.m. Pastors will be available for prayer, anointing with oil, or a quick conversation before work or preschool drop-off. Enter at Door #2. We’d love to see you!
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Second Sunday Study: “Three Things Most People Get Wrong About Your Life Purpose”
October 12 | 9:45–10:45 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Think your purpose is all about the perfect job, getting it all right, or only for “religious” people? Think again. Join us as we look at Isaiah 6 and uncover what God really says about calling and purpose. It’s practical, it’s hopeful, and it’s for everyone: teachers, parents, mechanics, students, social workers, business leaders, and more. Come ready to laugh, learn, and maybe discover your next step with God. Facilitated by Rev. Don Hanshew.
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Let’s get together while we still have time to enjoy each other before the holidays! Carla Keck will share step-by-step instructions for creating Star of Bethlehem paintings to take home! There will also be door prizes!
Miss Donna needs a count by 5 p.m. on October 18 as Carla has a minimum for her classes. We must have at least 20 people registered or we will have to refund those registered and plan for next spring.
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 you and 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
| | Fountain Kids Club will be back in action next Wednesday night, October 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We will have a lesson, games, a little magic and fun! | | |
Parents,
This came up on my Facebook feed this week. I did not author it and don’t know who did. What I can do is share.
- Miss Donna
Parents,
Go to church
Go to church late
Go to church tired
Go to church angry
Go to church even if it disrupts nap time
Go to church even if you spend the whole time soothing that baby
Because……….one day, those little ones watching you will remember
That you went anyway.
You will never regret the example you set,
The faith you built, or the seeds you planted on the days it would have been
Easier to stay home.
The house of the Lord has a way of filling what the week tried to empty.
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Confirmation classes meet on Sundays at 3 p.m. leading up to Confirmation Sunday. We will have the Confirmation retreat on October 17-19 in Maggie Valley, NC. The cost of the retreat is $100. If you have questions or concerns about this fee, please reach out to Matt Randle.
Confirmation Sunday is 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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Ann of Green Gables: The Musical
at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
October 23, 2025
Members of the Chancel Choir would like to invite our senior adults to join us for a fun outing. We will travel by coach bus to Abingdon, VA to see Anne of Green Gables: the Musical at the Barter Theatre. $110 per person covers the cost of transportation, show ticket and lunch. There are only a few slots left, so register today! Contact Leslie Hill with any questions. Register >>
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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 12, 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 12: Second Sunday Study | 9:45–10:45 a.m. in Wesley Hall
October 13: Nominations Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Room 137
October 14: Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Room 210
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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