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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Pastor Rachel has a special video message for us from the Church of the Resurrection where some of the FCUMC staff and church members attended the Leadership Institute this week. Check it out!
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This Sunday, October 5, United Methodists join Christians around the world in celebrating Holy Communion, remembering that we are one in Christ, no matter our background, language, or culture.
Join us this Sunday for World Communion Sunday!
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There will be no Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday, October 8 due to Knox County Schools spring break.
Join us on October 15 for a United Women in Faith fundraiser meal at 5:30 p.m. and two new classes! The cost 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 is also available. Register >>
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 journey—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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Blessing Box Needs:
- Canned corn and green beans
- Chef boyardee products
- Water
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Snack granola bars
Patty McMahon is grateful for her very faithful helpers who fill the box every week: William Hunley, Ann Hunley, Jan Tarver, Ann Arehart, Celia Thompson and Gail Clift.
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Since 1985, Coats for the Cold has been a Knoxville tradition. It began when WIVK-FM responded to a tragic story of a homeless man who froze to death on the streets of Knoxville one winter night. From that moment, the people of East Tennessee have united to make sure no one goes without the warmth of a coat. Today, Knox Area Rescue Ministries leads this effort in partnership with KARM Stores, who manage collection, storage, and distribution of every coat. Collection will take place from October 20 through November 5, and distribution will follow from November 17 through December 6.
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 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 an article from Knox TN Today published on September 30, 2025 regarding our 200th anniversary celebration!
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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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Moms, daughters (5 and up), grandmothers and friends, join a fun Christmas painting class with Carla Keck!
Yes, we know it’s in October, but let’s get together while we still have time to enjoy each other before the holidays! Carla will share step-by-step instructions for creating Star of Bethlehem paintings to take home! There will also be door prizes!
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
| | This Sunday is World Communion Sunday. Children will attend 11 a.m. worship with their parents. | | |
STAYING SAFE IN AN ONLINE WORLD
Last week, Knox County reported that there were 22,000 cases of Human Trafficking under investigation. This number already exceeds lasts years total. You may have seen the nightly news reporting about children's use of the internet last week. Traffickers target children in a variety of ways. Often parents are not aware that children can be accessed online through social media sites such as Snapchat, Facebook, Group Me, Kick, and games such as Roblox. Sometimes content is embedded in the message or a game and may not be instantly recognized.
With Al and Chat GPT, more danger lurks. Fake images and sites can lure children with amazing graphics, gaming and a not-so-live person.
Parents often feel overwhelmed trying to stay up to date. Our children are very savvy when it comes to technology. TBI undercover agents say chat rooms are most dangerous and when undercover they are often approached by children as young as 6 wanting to send them nude pictures. Cyberbullying, sextortion, violence and threats are increasing part of our children's online world. All these situations impact mental health, self -esteem, school performance and social wellness,
Please check your children's phones. Privacy is not the issue. It is safety and could be life or death.
More to come in the November edition of The Spirit Newsletter. Please contact me if you questions on how to check for back door accounts and apps or other questions around Crimes Against Children.
Gail Clift
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Confirmation classes meet on Sundays at 3 p.m. leading up to Confirmation Sunday. There will be no class on Sunday, October 5 due to Knox County Schools fall break.
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 5, 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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