REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Friends! 

I know this is a long one, but it is important for you to see what we are doing together! So, take a moment, pick up a cup of water, tea, or coffee and let us learn and recognize the importance of what we do together. 

It is finally here! Bicentennial Sunday is coming up and I know that we are awaiting this day to boost us forward into the future. The future… that is the thing… there is so much for us to be excited about! We are prepped and ready for our work as a faith community for tomorrow and beyond. Not there yet? Then let’s take a look at what that means- to be ready. 

How, you may ask, are we being equipped? One of the most important ways is through discipleship found all around us. During the month of August, we opened the toolbox that guides us walking into the future to year 200 +1 and beyond. The core concepts of Study, Action, and Piety are present and ready to move us forward. 

Action:  

Whether you are active in the building or outside of it there are a multitude of ways to connect to mission around the community and even the world. If you are interested in supporting any of these ministries, please reach out to connections@fountaincityumc.org!

• Blessing Box, located on Hotel Rd. Be a part of meeting our neighbors in need where they are! Bring canned food, water, bagged snacks, hygiene products, and place them in the box or join the team who regularly stocks the box. 
• Celebrate Recovery, volunteers are always needed to help cook, welcome, direct people to classrooms etc. 
• English Language Learners (ELL), this class serves an ever-growing need for our neighbors as we become more diverse. Come help others practice their English skills in a safe and supportive environment with trained teachers to lead you and others. 
• Food Ministry, during the year we share multiple meals throughout the week. This is made possible by Chris Hurst and a robust team of volunteers. Whether it is washing dishes or helping prep and serve meals your presence would be an amazing help! 
• Fountain City Ministry Center is a co-op effort between Fountain City area churches! Through a food pantry, clothing closet, and other spiritual support your help making this ministry continue to come alive would be deeply meaningful. 
• Rise Against Hunger is a ministry that we support and a mission we participate in during the year. Stay tuned for details on when to participate! 
• The Wesley Foundation is the United Methodist presence on UT’s campus. You can support them by volunteering to take meals over or sharing your talents with students through teaching or helping to equip their facilities. 
• The Wesley House Community Center is a major mission partner of ours. They provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible after-school and summer camp care as well as a senior citizen program for Knoxville’s most under resourced areas in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale and Beaumont communities. Anything you can do to support this ministry is so critical. 
• UMCOR (United Methodist Community On Relief) through mission offerings, creating cleaning or food buckets, backpacks full of hope, and hygiene kits -your participation locally is shared locally, nationally, and internationally! UMCOR goes sooner and stays longer than other relief efforts and 100% of your giving goes to the need at hand! Churches like FCUMC pay all staff and admin costs. 

Piety

Both personal and communal piety are important! It is our hope that you feel equipped to begin to explore both, and these opportunities will help you grow in practice of a life in piety! 

• Worship 

1. As a community we gather to worship Sundays at 8:30 am and in two different ways at 11:00 am, as well as Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Each of these services offer a different experience of worship. 
2. Personal, intentional worship can happen in your car listening to music or while on a walk celebrating the beauty of creation around you. 

• Prayer 

1. As a community we gather to pray on Wednesday Nights. The Ladies Prayer Group meets at 5:30 p.m.
2. Zoom from where you are: Every second Wednesday (12-12:30 p.m.) and Thursday (6:30-7 p.m.) we join together on Zoom to pray together in different mediums. 
3. Personally, FCUMC offers a guide to pray but also encourages you to pray before meals, when you wake up, and before you go to sleep. Those prayers can be journaled, verbal, or inside your heart. Wondering how to pray? Reach out to Pastor Rachel and I would love to help you learn and grow in your prayer life. 

• Sacraments 

1. We participate in the sacraments together. They are means of grace that bring us closer to God and help prepare us for the next steps of our faith journey. 
2. Holy Communion - Most often on the first Sunday of the month we come together to share in the cup and bread of Christ. 
3. Baptism - a special occasion in the life of the church where we publicly affirm the faith of a believer. As an adult: recognize that Jesus is your Lord and Savior; for children or infants: the recognition of God’s grace at work in the child’s life and with both the promise of the family and congregation to support them as they grow in their understanding of God’s love and promise. 

There is so much that we do together that helps us grow in our understanding of our place in the world that God has created, and to act as the agent of God in the world… and the cool thing is there is even more that we can do together. Let’s be hopeful and active and growing in our faith going forward! We are beginning Year 200 + 1 on September 22. 

Pastor Rachel

Join the celebration this Sunday for one worship service honoring 200 years at Fountain City UMC. A free celebration meal follows. Please register for the meal here or call the church office at 865-689-5175. Registration is not required but will certainly help in our planning. Don’t miss this great opportunity to worship together and connect with friends from across the years!

As part of our 200th celebration, we’ll be capturing photos and brief videos in worship and around the church to share the joy of the day on our website and social media. If you prefer not to be photographed, you can sit in the Sanctuary transept on the piano side (a no-photo zone). If you see your name, image, or likeness used in any communication and want to opt out or to request removal of any image, email us at spirit@fountaincityumc.org. Thank you for helping us celebrate well!

FCUMC's 200 Year Anniversary in the News

Don Dare spoke with church leaders for a WATE TV broadcast regarding our bicentennial year. Check out the news segment which aired Wednesday evening celebrating our rich history in Fountain City!

Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday nights is calling! Join for a meal and stay for a class. Whether you are a long-time member, new to the congregation, or visiting for the first time, you are welcome here and will find a way to connect with others. Learn more about adult classes on our website and make plans to attend!

Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal • 5:30 p.m. in the Gym

September 24 Menu: Shepherd’s pie w/green beans, salad, rolls, and buckeye brownies. Register >>

• $5 for adults
• Kids and youth eat free

No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Please register those attending so we may be good stewards of the church's finances and reduce waste. You can register on the FCUMC website, in the notes section of a pew pad or by calling the church office at 865-689-5175. Registration closes at midnight on Tuesday.

SERVING OTHERS



An Invitation to Lead and Serve

The word church means gathering, and at Fountain City UMC, we have ministry teams and committees who gather regularly to carry out the holy work of ministry. Most leadership roles are on a 3- to 4-year rotation, and our Nominations Team is now prayerfully discerning leaders for teams starting in January 2026. Final recommendations will be presented to Church Council in November.

We need your help.

You can join the process by:

• Praying for our Nominations Team and those being considered
• Completing a self-nomination form or nominating someone else
• Encouraging others to do the same
• Reaching out with ideas or questions to your pastors or a nominations team member

Self-nominations help us connect people to ministry where they can serve with joy and impact and help overcome the challenge of knowing the giftedness and interests of all who call this their church home. While submitting a form doesn’t guarantee placement, your interest will be considered for all appropriate roles. Forms are kept on file for two years. To be included in this year’s cycle, please submit by October 1.

Who qualifies for leadership?

• Faithful church membership (not just attendance) who support FCUMC with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness
• A life reflecting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
• Have evidence of fairness, compassion, and a heart for all God’s children
• A commitment to our mission: Making Disciples. Changing Lives

Self-nominate or nominate someone else >>

Questions? Contact your pastors or one of the Nominations Team members: Melissa Charles, Gail Clift, William Hunley, Lucy Kron, Carolyn Latham, Misty McComas, Kim Meade, Carol Sewell, Pam Walker.

Blessing Box Needs:

• Canned green beans and corn
• Spaghetti noodles
• Microwave mac and cheese 
• Peanut butter snack crackers
• Fruit cups

Thank you and God bless!

Wesley House’s Masquerade Ball • October 3, 2025

This beloved event is a powerful opportunity to uplift the children and seniors Wesley House serves every day. The Wesley House Masquerade Ball is an elegant, black-tie evening designed to bring Knoxville’s community together in support of a powerful mission. Held annually, the event features fine dining, live entertainment, and a festive masquerade atmosphere. More than just a celebration, the ball serves as a major fundraiser to support Wesley House’s year-round programs for children and seniors in underserved neighborhoods. To purchase tickets, check out the Wesley House website.

NEWS AND NOTES

Visit our Bicentennial Celebration Hallway

We have a hallway dedicated to our rich history located across from Entrance 3 near Wesley Hall. This month we highlight United Women in Faith (UWF)!

United Women in Faith is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in and support of mission and outreach projects at local, national, and global levels. Check out the display this Sunday or Wednesday night!

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! 

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



Bicentennial Celebration This Sunday

Childcare for ages four and under will open at 10 a.m. this Sunday. Check in as usual at the Welcome Center. Parents will pick up children after the worship service has ended. There will be no childcare during the luncheon following worship.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Let's go hiking! Calling all 6th-12th grade students! Join FCUMC Youth for a hike at Ijams Nature Center on September 20.

We can't wait to get together and explore the beauty that God has given us.

Register Now >>

Confirmation classes for 7th-12th grade students will begin on September 21. We will 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. 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!

ADULT MINISTRY

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 on Thursday, October 23. 

$110 per person covers the cost of transportation, show ticket and lunch. There are only 38 slots available, so register soon! Registration and payment deadline is September 23. Contact Leslie Hill with any questions. 

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.

CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWS & CELEBRATIONS

Sydney McCarter, a Karns High School junior and FCUMC member, has big aspirations. She’s running for homecoming queen on behalf of the Special Olympics. Sydney wants to be a princess on the homecoming court this year and said she’s looking forward to wearing a princess dress and a tiara, not necessarily winning the homecoming crown.

“My family likes football, I love my school, and I want to wear a princess dress,” said McCarter. A comprehensive development classroom (CDC) student, McCarter is raising money by selling T-shirts and has earned over $1,500 so far, which she will share with Special Olympics.

You can donate to Sydney’s homecoming campaign which will help support inclusion, determination, and the spirit of the Special Olympics. Good luck, Sydney!

Read the article in it's entirety here. Scroll down towards the bottom of the Shopper News!

Ministry Update & Fast Facts for August, 2025

Check out Fountain City UMC's Ministry Update & Fast Facts for August 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 865-689-5175.

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 Bicentennial Sunday, September 21, 2025

THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Check out the September 2025 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

NEXT UP AT FCUMC

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

September 20: Youth Ijams Outing from 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

September 21: Worship Service Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of FCUMC • 10:30 a.m.

September 22: Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) at 6:30pm in Room 137

September 28: Visioning Team Meeting from 2:30-5:30pm in Room 210

September 29: Nominations & Leadership Development Committee at 6:30pm in Room 137

October 23: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA

October 24: Painting Party at 4 p.m. in the Gym

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

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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