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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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We are approaching Holy Week. In fact, by the time you read this, we will be just two days away from celebrating Palm Sunday with a palm parade at 10:45 a.m. on the front lawn.
And yet, we are headed into a theologically heavy week. One week out of the year when we are asked to examine ourselves alongside Jesus:
as he flips tables we may be sitting around,
as we find ourselves as bare of fruit as the fig tree along the road,
as we are both blessed and confused to have our feet washed by our leaders,
as we are overwhelmed with emotion while receiving the elements of communion,
and as we are stunned into silence as Christ dies on the cross and is buried.
It is a heavy burden—and yet one that is essential to our faith.
While drinking my tea this morning I was reading an article from The Atlantic, “How to Believe in God” by Elizabeth Bruenig (who, by the way, grew up United Methodist). One of her observations is that a new wave of apologetic writing is emerging, texts that explain why people believe what they believe, and why others might as well.
She writes, “The route to durable faith in God often runs not through logical proofs or the sciences, but through awe, wonder, and an attunement to the beauty and poetry of the world, natural and otherwise.” And again, “Trusting in the existence of God largely involves deciding not to operate strictly within the confines of reason as we know it…a choice that usually emerges from sentiment rather than argument.”
It felt like a beautiful companion to one of the lectionary texts for the week: Ezekiel 37:1–14.
Here’s the connection: there are times when life feels like a performance. We show up, say the right things, move through the motions…smiling when expected, holding it together just enough to seem fine. Holy Week can become one of those times, when we play the part of “faithful” well enough to satisfy ourselves, our families, our pastors, or our sense of obligation.
All the while, we may feel like we’re standing in a field of dry bones.
In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is carried by the Spirit into a valley filled with bones—bones that are not only lifeless, but long removed from memory, from hope, from possibility. God asks Ezekiel a haunting question: Can these bones live?
It’s a question that echoes into our own lives, especially in seasons when parts of us feel brittle, disconnected, or beyond repair. If we are honest, we might know what it’s like to stand in that valley.
And yet, Scripture tells us that the Spirit is moving, quietly, unseen. There is a rattling. The bones come together. Tendons and flesh appear. Breath enters. What once seemed impossibly lifeless becomes a living, breathing community.
So, if you are wondering why we gather so often during Holy Week, if it feels like a slog to be here, if you feel dry or distant or worn thin…God is not absent.
God is inviting us into participation.
To act as though renewal is still possible.
Because we know the truth: even when it feels like the darkness of Good Friday… Sunday is
coming.
But let’s not rush there too quickly.
Pastor Don and I will meet you in the wildness of this week to worship and to seek the movement of the Spirit.
Pastor Rachel
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The Sanctuary will be open for people who would like to spend some quiet time in prayer and meditation on March 30, 31 and April 1.
Music will be played to encourage stillness and mindfulness of the holiness of the season. Please enter through main Sanctuary doors.
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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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No Fountain City Fellowship During Holy Week
We will not have Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday, April 1. There will be no meal and no programming except for the Step Studies and ELL classes. Those two groups will meet as scheduled and childcare will be provided.
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Congratulations!
You have read about how God took His people and established a nation with laws, decrees, and commandments. They were initially grateful but eventually became rebellious, resulting in their 40 years of wandering in the desert.
Upon reaching the edge of the promised land, Moses reviewed their history, both their successes and their failures. He reviewed the commandments and the laws, reassuring them of their blessings while warning against disobedience.
Moses passed away, and leadership was transferred to Joshua and Eleazar. Joshua led Israel into the promised land, declaring, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Joshua and his household pledged to serve the Lord.
As we progress into Judges, 300 years have elapsed, and Israel has strayed from the Lord.
Brace yourself for an intense journey into Judges!
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Have you registered? It's tomorrow!
Join 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! 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 with 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.
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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Donating to Rise Against Hunger in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one is an Easter tradition at FCUMC. For $10 per dedication, your loved one will be honored or memorialized in our Easter Sunday bulletin on April 5. For inclusion in the dedication list, all requests must be received by noon on Tuesday, March 31. Dedication request
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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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Join Fountain City UMC's Grow Group!
Love to get your hands in the soil? New spring flowers pushing up through the ground get you excited? Do you find satisfaction in pulling weeds, deadheading flowers, and cleaning up flower beds?
If you said yes to any of these questions, you are invited to join the volunteer group that cares for the FCUMC grounds! It’s almost time to mulch beds and plant spring flowers. Help is needed to tend the gardens through spring, summer and fall. Email Prudence Spencer or Nancy Nolen to sign up!
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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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Join Saturday's Community Meal
FCUMC community meals are coordinated by the Community Outreach Team. Meals are prepared by the group that hosts them, and we have great food every month. This meal is open to everyone, church members, friends, and all our neighbors. Join the community for a great meal!
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A big thank you to Austin Wall, who helped clean up First Creek last Sunday clad in his waders. We appreciate you, Austin, and your commitment to the Fountain City community!
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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
- Water
- Chunky soups
- Granola bars
- Tampons
Thank you for supporting this important mission!
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Growth and 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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We are delighted to share this special recital featuring Kathryn Paden
and Kim Meade. Join them at Caledonia Presbyterian Church on March 29!
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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 east way to stay connected to everything happening in our church. Give it a try!
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Wesley House Tablescapes will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Cokesbury UMC. Our unit has reserved one table for eight people. Please let Martha Routh know as soon as possible if you would like to attend (865-803-9861).
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Scroggie Mission Endowment Fund
Every year, the Scroggie Mission Endowment Committee is tasked with the thoughtful care of stewarding Lucy Scroggie's generous financial gift to fund missions. Through a formal grant process, the committee vets applications to ensure Lucy’s heart for missions is well represented by her dollars.
In life, Lucy was whip smart and adventurous, with a heart for mission work. She was valedictorian in high school and went on to earn her B.S., M.S. and PhD in various chemical sciences. She was a creator and craftswoman, from photography to needlepoint to woodwork. Her attitude of service and generosity was evident in everything she touched.
Lucy passed away in 2007 at the age of 72, and in her death bequeathed Fountain City UMC a financial gift to fund missions. Through her endowment, she also bestowed our church the honor and privilege of granting hundreds of thousands of dollars to charitable organizations in Knoxville and beyond. As a church, we have born witness to the ripples of Lucy’s legacy, the deep meaning and faith of her life still creating waves beyond her death.
Scroggie Mission Recipients 2026 | Totaling $43,855
- Celebrate Recovery North at FCUMC
- FCUMC - Come Home to Bethlehem 2026
- FCUMC - Fountain Kids Vacation Bible School 2026
- FCUMC - Rise Against Hunger | March 2026
- Jubilee Project Safe & Healthy Homes in Hancock Co, TN
- UTK Wesley Foundation Spring Mission Trip
- Norwood UMC Food Ministry
- FCUMC “This is Us” Couples Event & Couples Ministry Launch
- Isaiah 117 House
- FCUMC - Kitchen Ministry | One More Meal Mission
- FCUMC - Young Adult Ministry | Young Adult Discovery Conference
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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Palm Parade on Palm Sunday | April 29
Let's celebrate Palm Sunday with own very own re-enactment on the front lawn. All are invited to join in at 10:45 a.m. to wave palms and greet Jesus as he comes through the crowd. Thanks to Jonathan Franke for being our Jesus this year!
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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 Teisha, 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 opens April1!
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 relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms. Join Fountain Kids for Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School!
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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 would 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 Palm Sunday, March 29, 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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March 28: Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event | Gym
March 28: Community Meal | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall
March 29: Palm Sunday
April 1: No Fountain City Fellowship
April 2: Maundy Thursday Worship | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
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 26: Shepherd's Training | 12:15 p.m. | Wesley Hall
May 9: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA
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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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