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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Come Sit With Me
A few days ago, a man pulled up to the church. That morning he’d been searching for a local church that was doing good things for the community, typed it into Google, and we were the first one to come up. So, he loaded up his car with about 80 pounds of canned food and drove it over. He said he grew up in a church but hadn’t quite found his way back yet. He dropped off those bags, shook a few hands, we invited him to church and said thank you, and he left.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.
Easter is coming. Is there somebody in your life who might be searching or carrying something heavy and not quite sure where to put it down?
Scripture gives us the story of Andrew. After he met Jesus…” He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ He brought Simon to Jesus.” — John 1:41-42
Andrew didn’t do anything fancy or creative. He just went and found his brother and said, in so many words, come sit with me. That was enough to change Simon’s whole life. Forever.
We have the same invitation to offer. It’s just you saying: come sit with me. We can figure out the rest together. Easter is coming. Let’s channel our inner Andrew and invite someone to “come sit with me” for Easter.
In Easter Hope,
Pastor Don
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Second Sunday Bible Study
Easter and Evidence
April 12 at 9:45 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Easter is central to the Christian faith, but why do we believe it actually happened? This Second Sunday Bible Study will explore the historical foundations of the resurrection and help us think clearly about faith, doubt, and hope. Whether you have questions, want a stronger foundation, or simply want to learn, this class will offer a thoughtful and approachable place to begin. Facilitated by Rev. Don Hanshew.
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Growth & Connection Discipleship Class Room 138 | April 12-May 17
Join a six-week class examining personality, communication, and relationships. No pressure. No perfect people. Just growth. Not a church member? You're welcome. New to Bible study? You're welcome. Don't have it all figured out? Neither do we!
The book I Said This...You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman is the basis for this class to help people improve communication by understanding how their temperament (or "wiring") affects how they speak and how others hear them. No registration necessary. Just show up!
Learn more on the FCUMC website.
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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.
April 8 Menu: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole (recipe by Melissa Charles). Please register for meals to help out our kitchen staff. Meal Registration >>
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Looking for a way to bless the church above and beyond your normal giving? We are in need of Get Well, Sympathy and Thank You Greeting Cards. Please drop them off in the church office. Thank you!
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Interested in serving as a Shepherd at Fountain City United Methodist Church? Come to Shepherd Training which will equip you to help create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment by guiding guests, responding to needs, and supporting the flow of services. Whether you’re new or currently serving, this is a great opportunity to grow, connect, and step into this important ministry role. Lunch will be provided. Come be part of helping others feel seen, safe, and welcomed!
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For decades, Holston Conference has made a significant impact on children in Liberia and Zimbabwe through Hands-on-Mission kits.
Thanks to the generosity of Holston churches, millions of dollars of school supplies, food buckets, and health kits have continued to flow to our mission partners in Liberia and Zimbabwe, serving as vital lifelines of support.
This year, we continue the special tradition but with a new twist. FCUMC will assemble kits for children in Liberia, however, we will also provide $5 virtual kits to Zimbabwe. We encourage Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals to participate in this special mission of the Holston Conference. The deadline to turn in buckets and checks to the church office is May 2. For details and the bucket supply list, please visit our website.
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Fountain City UMC's Grow Group
Thank you to the volunteers who showed up on Tuesday to spread mulch at the church. Also, a big thanks to Cindy Dunlap who did some weeding at the cemetery. If you would like to join the Grow Group, email Prudence Spencer or Nancy Nolen!
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Time for Spring Cleaning
It’s that time of year again when we go through our closets and make way for summer clothes. Let’s take this opportunity to collect clothes and household items for KARM, which will result in gift cards for FCUMC to hand out to those in need. Please mention you are with Fountain City UMC when dropping off items to KARM!
The only donations we are currently taking at the church are children's clothes for the Fountain Ministry Center, and food for the Blessing Box. All adult clothes and shoes should be donated directly to KARM. Thank you for supporting this important mission and happy spring cleaning!
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Camp Wesley Woods Golf Tournament | Monday, April 27
To Benefit the Camp Wesley Woods Scholarship Program
Camp Wesley Woods is one of East Tennessee's premier Christian camps offering a spectacular setting, an incredible staff, and an outstanding program.
Camp can be expensive for some families, but Camp Wesley Woods believes every child should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. The Scholarship Program is a need-based program designed to make a session at Camp Wesley Woods available to every child. By participating in the 22nd Annual Camp Wesley Woods Golf Tournament, you're helping children in East Tennessee experience the joy of Camp Wesley Woods. For more information on sponsorship and tournament details, please visit the Camp Wesley Woods website.
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Peanut butter
- Water
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Chef boyardee items
- Fruit cups
Easter blessings for all!!
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Church Council Meeting Update: March 26, 2026
Thursday evening, Church Council heard reports from the Trustees and Finance Committees. Trustees reported that we need to replace the 50-ton HVAC servicing the Sanctuary, Choir Room, Old Fellowship Hall, and some smaller rooms in that area. They looked at various solutions and brought a motion to Church Council that we move forward with two Trane 25-ton compressors which will be installed by Shoffner. The total cost will be finalized soon but will not exceed $150,000. The motion was approved. Trustees also informed the Council of some units that are not fully functional and will need to be replaced the next time they break as well as some units that are working right now, but are the same age and brand of the ones that are not fully functioning. The replacement cost of the three partially functioning units that service the children’s wing is estimated to be about $250,000.
Our Finance Committee researched the various ways the church could fund the $150,000 purchase and any near-term additional HVAC expenses. They brought a motion for the solution they determined was best which was to apply for a loan or line of credit for an amount not to exceed $570,000 from Home Federal Bank. The plan is to ask for a loan large enough to cover any potential expenses but only borrow the amount we need, when we need it. An additional motion was made and approved that if the loan didn’t get approved in time, that we would use our three-month reserve funds to pay the $150,000 invoice until the loan is approved.
Our work isn’t finished; the Generosity Team will begin to explore fundraising options - including a campaign or series of campaigns, grants, and other methods. We invite you to be in prayer for all of the committees and leaders of the church as they discern God’s will and act as good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to our care. You can also prayerfully consider how you can contribute to our HVAC repairs and replacements. God will provide a way, you just need to have your heart ready to hear how God will use your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and/or
witness and have your voice ready to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”.
Misty McComas,
Lay Leader of Fountain City United Methodist Church
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Connect With One Tap
See the small sticker on the chair or pew in front of you? Just tap it with your phone and you'll instantly have access to online giving, our calendar, events, sign-ups, and more. No app, no download, no QR code to scan. It takes about two seconds and works on any smartphone. Whether you're new to Fountain City UMC or have been here for years, this is an easy way to stay connected to everything happening in our church. Give it a try!
| | Team Craft would like to thank everyone who supported our recent Craft Fair. We are delighted to report that we raised about $1400 to be used for no-sew blankets for the upcoming Operation Inasmuch! We couldn't have done it without all of you. | | |
FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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Come to a breathtaking butterfly release Easter morning symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Visit the courtyard at 10:45 a.m. and witness the beauty of transformation as butterflies take flight toward the flowers on the cross, symbolizing new life in Christ.
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Have You Registered Your Kids For
Wacky Wednesday Summer Day Camps at Fountain City UMC?
Our Summer Day Camps offer opportunities for kids to get active, build friendships and explore Bible stories with their Fountain Kids friends. With three themed Wacky Wednesdays, your kiddos will enjoy this time to engage in something they already love or find new interests! Make plans now to join the summer fun! Register for each day camp on our website!
June 10 | Sportmania
Lots of sports fun with basketball drills & competitions, a Bible lesson, lunch, & a trip to Topgolf!
June 17 | Cooking Class, Picnic and Sky Zone
Come to a cooking class with a lesson about food in the Bible led by FCUMC’s amazing Chef Teshia, followed by a field trip to Beardsley Farm with sack lunches for a picnic. Next, we will travel to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. What a fun day!
June 24 | Sportalooza
Let’s play basketball. Let’s play pickleball. Fun and run! Join in for a Bible animal lesson, followed by an early lunch before departing for Pigeon Forge to ride go carts, grab some ice cream and have more fun!
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Rainforest Falls VBS
July 20-23 | 6:00–8:15 p.m.
Registration is Open!
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. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in a relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms. Join Fountain Kids for Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School! Register >>
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Fountain Littles and Fountain Kids have a special prayer request
Our numbers are growing and we are loving it and would love to see more! We hear comments from parents that kids love it here, they love the leaders, they ask to come here and they do not want to leave. And hey, we have room for more!
Our request is for prayer. Our request is not for money because God will honor our work and bless us with what we need. Our request is simple. As our leaders and small group workers teach about the life, love and sacrifice of Jesus, we ask that our church comes together and prays that God will send us more children.
We are asking that you stop at either 9 a.m. and/or 9 p.m. and pray that God moves in the hearts of grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles to see our church and the love and resources we have for children. Jesus said, let the children come. Fountain Kids says we are ready. Let more and more children come.
Miss Donna
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FCUMC Youth Late-Nighter
We are having a later-nighter event on Friday, April 10! The cost is $15 per student, which covers food and games. We will play individual and group games with lots of prizes, and most importantly-have fun! If a FCUMC Youth Group student brings a friend, both will receive a $5 discount on their registration when they sign up together! This event is open to all students grades 6-12. If cost is a concern or you have other questions, please contact Matt Randle.
Register >>
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Lunch Bunch | Tomato Head | April 16 | 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 local spots. For April, we’re heading to Tomato Head on Market Square. Please consider carpooling or riding the bus, which will leave at 11:05 a.m. from the church. This group is sponsored by the Young at Heart Group, and all are welcome. Come join us as we share a meal, laughter, and time together around the table!
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The Singers and Seniors ride again! On Saturday, May 9, the Chancel Choir and senior adults will take a coach bus to the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. We will depart at 10 a.m. and return immediately following the show at approximately 6:30/7:00 p.m.
After a buffet lunch at Fiddler’s restaurant, we will see Always…Patsy Cline. Curtain time is 2 p.m. The cost for transportation and show ticket is $100. Individuals will pay for lunch on site ($15 or less). Reserve your spot soon!
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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.
Bulletin for Good Friday, April 3, 2026
Bulletin for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the April 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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April 3: Good Friday Worship | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
April 5: Easter Sunday
April 5: Butterfly Release | 10:45 am | Courtyard
April 10: FCUMC Youth Late-Nighter | 5 pm-12 am
April 12: Second Sunday Study | 9:45 a.m. | Wesley Hall
April 16: Lunch Bunch | Tomato Head | 11:30 a.m.
April 26: Shepherd's Training | 12:15 p.m. | Wesley Hall
May 9: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA
July 20-23: Rainforest Falls VBS
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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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