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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Lent is a season that invites reflection, honesty, and renewed intention. For centuries, Christians have used these forty days leading to Easter as a time to refocus life around what matters most. Sometimes that has looked like giving something up. Other times it has meant taking something on. This year at Fountain City UMC, Lent is an invitation to practice faithfulness together through something familiar to United Methodists: our membership vows. When someone joins the United Methodist Church, they make a promise to support the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. These words may sound familiar because they are spoken at baptisms, confirmations, and membership celebrations…. most Sundays. Lent gives us an opportunity to slow down and ask an important question: what do these promises actually look like in everyday life?
Our 40 Days of Faithfulness calendar is designed to help answer that question through simple, meaningful practices. Each day offers one small invitation. None of them are complicated. Many take only a few minutes. But together, they help shape habits that draw us closer to God and one another.
Some days focus on prayers. You might spend three quiet minutes listening for God’s presence, pray aloud at a meal, or join Compline online. Prayer does not require perfect words. It simply opens space for relationship.
Other days invite presence. Showing up matters. Worship, small groups, shared meals, and Holy Week services remind us that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Presence is one of the most powerful gifts we offer each other.
You will also notice invitations centered on gifts. Generosity takes many forms. It may look like increasing giving, donating to an outreach ministry, or creating something to share with a neighbor. These practices remind us that everything we have ultimately comes from God and can be used for good.
Lent also calls us toward service. Volunteering, contributing to the Blessing Box, or participating in community events allows faith to move beyond intention into action. Service connects worship with the needs of the world around us.
Finally, there is witness. Sometimes witness sounds intimidating, but often it looks simple: inviting someone to sit with you in worship, sharing why church matters to you, or practicing intentional kindness. Witness happens whenever love becomes visible.
The goal of this journey is not perfection. No one will complete every day exactly as planned. Faithfulness is not about checking boxes but about returning again and again to practices that shape who we are becoming. Lent reminds us that transformation rarely happens all at once. It grows through small, faithful steps taken over time. As these forty days unfold, may each practice become an opportunity to reconnect with God, deepen relationships, and live more fully into the promises that already guide our life together.
Wherever you begin, begin there.
Pastor Rachel
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Compline Prayer Service at 9 p.m. | YouTube Live
Join Pastor Rachel along with various guests online every week night during Lent to close your evening in prayer.
Lenten Worship
During Lent, our worship series is based on the Bishop Will Willimon book The Last Supper. Pastor Don and Pastor Rachel will preach out of the key verse each week. Read along on your own as we meet Jesus around the Table on the way to the cross.
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Most of us carry questions about death, and the season of Lent is a time to reflect on what lies beyond this life. On March 8, you’re invited to a stand-alone Bible study taught by Pastor Don, where we will take a clear, hope-filled look at what the Bible actually says about life after death, what Christians can say with confidence, and where Scripture leaves room for mystery. No pressure. No “gotcha” answers. Just a welcoming room, tables for conversation, and a pastor-led guide through the Bible. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your story. You don’t need to prepare anything, and you’re free to participate as much (or as quietly) as you’d like. Our Second Sunday Study is always: Accessible. Honest. Grounded in Scripture.
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You have made it through Exodus and Leviticus and now you are stepping into the Book of Numbers.
You read how God took a family of 70 and turned them into a nation of millions. You read as they traveled through the desert learning what God required of them to be His people. And slowly they went from a nomadic people to becoming a nation of God‘s people.
Now you’re in the Book of Numbers. Do not let names and numbers overwhelm you. This is about your commitment to read God‘s word in a year. Keep reading. GOD blesses the reading of His Holy Word.
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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.
March 4 Menu: Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Sauce (recipe by Mark Biagi). Please register for meals to help out our kitchen staff. Meal Registration >>
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Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast Coming to FCUMC
March 10 | 8–10 a.m.
Fountain City United Methodist Church will host the Metro Drug Coalition’s Tennessee Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, March 10. This annual event brings our community together around a shared message of hope for those impacted by substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
This year’s theme, “Hope Lives Here,” highlights the power of faith, connection, and community support. The morning will include breakfast, prayer, music, a live art demonstration, and time to connect with others who care about recovery and hope in our city.
Day of Hope is a meaningful reminder that hope is not just an idea but something we can live out together as we support our neighbors and loved ones. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this event, please email Seth Charles. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for all who attend.
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United Women in Faith Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Unit Service
Sunday, March 8, at 4 pm
We invite, encourage, and welcome you to attend the UWF Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Unit Service in the chapel on March 8. Our own Ashley Garren, FCUMC financial secretary, will share her mission calling with us. We hope you will join us!
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Crafting Workshops
Thursdays through March 12 | 1-2 p.m.
Join Team Craft Thursdays in Room 137 to learn to make simple crafts! No special skills are needed, just a desire to learn. Hands- on instructions will be provided and items will be sold at the Craft Sale on March 18 with proceeds going toward blanket supplies for Project Inasmuch. Just show up and let’s have some fun!
Craft & Bake Sale
Wednesday, March 18 | 5:15-6:45 p.m. in the Gym
Sunday, March 22 | 9:15-11:00 a.m. in Wesley Hall
Team Craft is having a craft and bake sale to raise money for their Project Inasmuch materials. They will make blankets to handout on the Project Inasmuch Day of Service. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. You don’t want to miss out on all of the great crafts and baked goodies! See you there!
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They may look like simple bags of rice and soy, but Rise Against Hunger meals represent the hopes and dreams of people worldwide. Join us for our 12th Annual Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event on Saturday, March 28, when we will package 40,000 meals to help alleviate hunger worldwide!
Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief non-profit organization which coordinates the packaging and distribution of food and other aid to people in developing nations. We need volunteers to sign up to package meals, 100 individuals per meal packaging shift as well as a clean-up shift. We also need strong individuals to unload the truck and set up on Friday night. This is a family-friendly and multi-generational project, and there are tasks for all ages!
Friday, March 27 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Unload the Rise Against Hunger truck & set up for Saturday’s meal packaging event. We need strong, able-bodied folks to unload the truck and carry food and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) to the Gym. This group will also set up the gym for meal packaging the next day.
Saturday, March 28 | Three Shifts
Meal Packaging Shift One: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Meal Packaging Shift Two: 12:00-2:30 p.m.
Clean up shift: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Sign up for a shift!
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Fruit cups
- Ramen noodles
- Granola bars
- Shelf stable individual milk
- Socks
- Rain ponchos
Thank you for all of the contributions to help our neighbors!
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You’re Invited! Learn How To Plan Well
Luncheon & Panel Discussion in Wesley Hall
March 1, 2026 | Following 11 a.m. worship
Join us for a conversation on endowment opportunities at Fountain City UMC and learn what most people wish they knew about planned giving. Enjoy a light lunch and a panel discussion with some church family members who practice planned giving in their professional careers, followed by a Q&A session. The event will be led by Paul Makres, chair of the FCUMC Endowment Team. Check out the list of panel members and learn more on our website.
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Connect with Fountain City UMC!
Realm is the software package that FCUMC staff uses to manage information and ministries, but there’s so much more to it. Realm offers exciting opportunities to enhance the ways church members and attenders are involved in life at FCUMC. From fast and easy connection to small groups and Sunday Discipleship classes, to online giving, to church event registrations and the latest church news, Realm makes it easier for our church family to connect with each other and grow as a community of believers. Realm and its mobile app, Realm Connect, are available for free to FCUMC members and attenders.
Want to sign up? We will have a Realm registration booth outside Wesley Hall during Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday, March 4. We will also hold two drop-in “Realm Crash Course” workshops after spring break-watch the Friday News Flash for more on that soon. Contact Chad Chamberlain in the church office for more information or to get registered for Realm.
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Celebrate National “Slam the Scam” Day during National Consumer Protection Week!
On March 5, 2026, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) lead National Slam the Scam Day. Take part using tools from SSA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to recognize imposters – including Social Security-related scams – and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Learn more >>
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Grant Writing
Did you know our church receives over $10,000 each year in grants to support general ministry initiatives? We receive significantly more through grants connected to our Preschool and Celebrate Recovery. As we look for creative ways to fund ministry and strengthen our impact in 2026, grants are one important tool. Here’s where you can help: keep your eyes and ears open for grant opportunities we could apply for. Especially grants related to children, youth, preschool, young adults, Celebrate Recovery, and needs like accessibility, safety, and capital improvements. With more people looking, we’re far more likely to find the right opportunities to pursue. If you spot something, please share it with our church office. Thanks!
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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The 2026 Father Daughter Dance! Finally!
We have a great village of folks who make this happen every year. A father came up to me in the hallway and said “ do you know how important it is that you all have this every year? (Well my feet were hurting pretty badly at that moment!). I replied that we feel it is a ministry. He said, “you know the relationship a girl has with her dad or a strong male role model in her life effects her life choices.” I agreed with him. It’s true.
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Our very own Darby Brown was quite the hit with the girls as Rapunzel at the Father Daughter Dance.
Thank you FCUMC. Thank you Father Daughter Dance Village,
Miss Donna
Coming this fall.
A Mother Son event. You heard it here first!
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Lunch Bunch | March 19 | 11:30 a.m. at Sweet P's BBQ
The Lunch Bunch is all about good food and good company. We gather on the third Thursday of each month, to enjoy a meal together while exploring local spots. Meet at church at 11 a.m. to ride the bus or meet the group at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.This group is sponsored by the Young at Heart Group, and all are welcome. Come join us at Sweet P's BBQ as we share a meal, laughter, and time together around the table!
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Join a fun, engaging, eye-opening weekend designed to draw you and your partner closer to each other and to God through good food, good comedy, and good communication. We have an exciting line up for the weekend beginning with dinner and a show on Friday, March 20! Come share a meal with your partner and enjoy the musings of two comedians, Andromeda Jones and Wellington Ojukwu.
On Saturday, March 21, our keynote speaker, Jenny Boyett with The ColorWorks Group, will conduct an interactive workshop on communication. Jenny developed and collaborated on bestselling resources such as I Said This, You Heard That and A Grown-Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring focusing on how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate and relate to one another.
For more details on our comedians and keynote speaker, and for the schedule of events and registration, please check out the FCUMC website. We are so excited about our new This Is Us Couples Ministry! Don't miss this inaugural event!
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Ministry Update & Fast Facts for January, 2026
Check out Fountain City UMC's Ministry Update & Fast Facts for January, 2026 which includes worship attendance, Ministry Minute Stories, and a Year-To-Date Financial Snapshot. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at office@fountaincityumc.org or 865-689-5175.
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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 March 1, 2026
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the March 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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February 28: Free Community Meal | 5:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall
March 1: Learn How To Plan Well Luncheon & Panel Discussion | 12 pm | Wesley Hall
March 8: Second Sunday Study | 9:45 am | WH
March 8: UWF Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Unit Service | 4 pm | Chapel
March 10: Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast | 8–10 a.m. Gym
March 18: Craft & Bake Sale | 5:15-6:45 pm | Gym
March 19: Lunch Bunch | 11:30 am | Sweet P’s BBQ
March 20-21: This is Us Couples Weekend
March 22: Craft & Bake Sale | 9:15-11 am | WH
March 22: Vision Team Prayer Service | 2 pm in the Chapel
March 28: Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event | Gym
March 28: Community Meal | 5:30 pm | WH
March 29: Palm Sunday
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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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