REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Celebrate Recovery North at Fountain City UMC

Ten Years of Hope and Healing

This year, Fountain City United Methodist Church is marking two incredible milestones: 200 years of ministry in our community and ten years of Celebrate Recovery North. What began as a simple step of faith in 2014 has grown into a decade of ministry where countless lives have been changed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christ-centered 12-step ministry that offers hope, healing, and freedom to those struggling with life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Over the past ten years, CR North has become more than just a weekly program, it has become a family and a safe place for people from all walks of life to experience the transforming power of God’s love.

Each Tuesday night, men and women gather at Fountain City UMC for a meal, worship, teaching, testimonies, and small groups. Children participate in CR Kids while students attend Crosswalk Student Ministry, ensuring that the whole family has a place to find encouragement and support. Through worship, Scripture, honest sharing, and community, God has restored marriages, broken addictions, mended relationships, and given people a new chance at life.

In ten years, we’ve celebrated thousands of “Blue Chip” moments representing those courageous first steps when someone chooses change. We’ve witnessed men and women walking in sobriety, families reconciled, and countless stories of freedom unfold. And it doesn’t stop on Tuesday nights. Through 12-step studies, community service, and partnerships across Knoxville, Celebrate Recovery is strengthening families and helping prevent future generations from the devastation of addiction. Truly, it has become a light of hope in our city.

One of the greatest joys has been watching those who came through the doors for help find both healing and a place to belong in the church. Many have joined Fountain City UMC, grown in discipleship, and are now serving in ministry themselves. What began as a place of recovery has become a launching pad into deeper faith and lifelong community.

As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with faith. The work is not finished. Each week, new faces walk through the doors searching for hope, and our prayer is that the next decade will bring even more stories of God’s transforming power.

To our church family, volunteers, leaders, and partners, thank you. Your prayers, presence, service, and generosity have made this ministry possible. Together, we are building a community where people discover freedom, healing, and purpose in Christ.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Celebrate Recovery, we invite you to join us every Tuesday night. Your seat has been saved!

Here’s to the next ten years of Celebrate Recovery North at Fountain City UMC. To God be the glory!

Seth Charles

Wednesday Night Classes kicked off this week with a bang! Didn't have a chance to come to a class this week? All classes are still open and ready for you this coming week! Find out more details on our website and make plans to attend!

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

September 3 Menu: Baked spaghetti, green beans, salad, and chocolate cake w/peanut butter frosting. Register here.

• $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.

We’re launching a first week of the month drop in prayer time in the Chapel.

Pastors will be available for prayer, anointing with oil, or a quick conversation. Enter at Door #2 and enjoy snacks and a beverage in the Welcome Center. Begins Tuesday, September 2 and repeats the first week of each month. We’d love to see you!

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.

Gresham Prayer Partners

We are still in need of prayer partners for Gresham Middle School. To participate in this ministry, we ask that you pray for a specific staff person daily, send a short note of encouragement once a month, and give a $10 gift/gift card at Christmas. If you are interested in taking a prayer partner, please call the church office at 865-689-5175 or Kim Meade at 865-599-7992 for more details.

Unhoused Ministry Team Meeting: Tuesday, September 2 at 4 p.m.

Looking for practical ways we can be in ministry with our unhoused neighbors this fall and winter? Come to the next Unhoused Ministry Team meeting on Tuesday, Sept 2 in the Office Conference Room. During this time we will share quick updates on our neighbors, align on next steps, prep for the September 8 Warming Center Community Meeting (regardless if we host a Warming Center onsite or not). We'll go over some best practices on how to engage our unhoused neighbors. 

Community Warming Center Meeting 

September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall 

Partner churches will gather for a next steps meeting (regardless if the warming center is on property or not). Erin Read will be present to provide updates on City/County decisions and offer input on next steps. Who will be in the room: partner churches, organizations (volunteers welcome too), and other supporters of the Warming Center 

Blessing Box Needs:

• Chunky soups
• Canned corn and green beans
• Water
• Individual cereal boxes
• Snack crackers
• Tuna pouches

Thank you for supporting the Blessing Box!

NEWS AND NOTES

Another school tragedy leaves us grieving, asking where do we go from here? How do we help our children make sense of such events, while also processing our own emotions? We’ve prepared a short guide with theological questions and practical resources to help you pray, reflect, and walk through these difficult conversations with care. If you would like to speak with one of your pastors, please let us know. We are here to walk with you and be present in the midst of all that life brings.

Quarterly Review... Review

Last Sunday, twenty-six leaders gathered to listen, share input, and pray over what’s ahead in this next quarter. Some of the key items discussed included our upcoming sermon series, details around the warming center conversation, Advent curriculum and how to engage well, celebrating the wins of new staff, as well as preparing for a great kickoff to Wednesday night programming!

Pastor Don and I also learned some things from the group. We heard that many people experience FCUMC as a friendly and welcoming church. We also heard a desire to focus more deeply on prayer and intentional Bible study. There is so much more to come and we can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, ask your group leader some questions. They would love to share more with you!

Pastor Rachel

Bicentennial T-shirt Sale

In honor of our bicentennial year, we have commemorative t-shirts for sale! Long and short sleeve t-shirts will be available for purchase during Fountain City Fellowship on the Wednesday nights of August 27, September 3, September 10 and September 17. They will also be available on the Sunday mornings of August 31, September 7 and September 14.

Payable by card, cash or check. Sizes include adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL. There are limited youth sizes available.

• Short-sleeve shirts $15 (+$2 for 2XL/3XL)
• Long-sleeve shirts $20 (+$2 for 2XL/3XL)

Be sure to pick up one of these limited-edition shirts in celebration of 200 years at Fountain City UMC!

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 Music Ministry and Celebrate Recovery!

Finally, our music history has moved into the modern era.  After the Don King era, we have been fortunate enough to have a succession of leadership unparalleled in our history.  

The music in the contemporary service, now called The Journey, was first initiated by Carol Bellgrau, and now is led by Mark Seals. The praise band leads our alternate service on Sunday Mornings, as well as Celebrate Recovery on Tuesday nights.

Our Chancel Choir has been fortunate enough to be led by a succession of talented directors, who were not only able to assist in worship, but enhanced and continue to improve the quality of our music program.

The trio of Dr. Sonny Melton, Andrew Duncan, and now, Leslie Hill have brought their unique skills to the choir program, and their influence is still very heavily felt in the choir as we hear it today.

In our celebration concert to come , all three will contribute. Sonny will conduct several pieces, Andrew has composed an outstanding composition for the occasion, and Leslie has assembled an outstanding program to lead us in worship.  

As a church with such a long history in our community, we realize that our music department has long been associated with excellence, and we are thankful for the leadership and support of our current staff to lead us into the future.

When words fail, SING!!!!!!

On September 14, Rev. Jim Dougherty will guide us through the sweeping history of Fountain City UMC, making history come alive from our earliest days to where we are now. His engaging teaching will follow the history booklet he recently compiled and highlight the faithfulness that has carried this church for 200 years. Come for the stories. Stay for the inspiration. Bring a friend, and your whole class if you like! All ages welcome!

Join the celebration on Sunday, September 21 at 10:30 a.m. for one worship service honoring 200 years at Fountain City UMC. A free celebration meal follows. Please help us plan for the meal by registering here or calling the church office at 865-689-5175. 

Have a friend you know is coming? Let us know, and we will include them as well! Don’t miss this great opportunity to worship together and connect with friends from across the years!

Share Your “Living Letter” for our 200th!

As we celebrate two centuries of ministry this September, we are gathering your stories to remember God’s faithfulness and to look ahead with hope. Email mystory@fountaincityumc.org by Wednesday, September 17 and include photos!

Need a prompt? Try one:

• Tell about a time you experienced a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) at church, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control.
• Who first welcomed you, and how did that shape your faith?
• When did God meet you through worship, a small group, Celebrate Recovery, a mission trip, Preschool, Warming Center, or the choir?
• Share a moment FCUMC served with you in the spirit of Acts 1:8 to be a witness.
• Write one sentence to future generations, your short “living letter,” about what you hope FCUMC remains known for.

Please include your name, your connection to FCUMC, and the approximate year of your memory. By sending, you grant permission for us to share your story online and in print. Let’s give thanks together and keep living the letter of God’s love.

The Chancel Choir will present a concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7 celebrating our musical heritage. We will be joined by some singing saints of decades past, as well as some former music staff members. We will also have a youth choir reunion. This is an open invitation to all former choir and youth choir members! Special guests include Sonny Melton, Andrew Duncan, Sheree Beeler, Krista Marine Wright, Sarah Holloway, Kathryn Paden, and Betsy Castleberry. If you would like more information on rehearsals or details, contact Leslie Hill, Director of Music Ministries.

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, September 14, we will gather for our annual church picnic at the Iglehart farm. Every year, the Igleharts graciously welcome us to their home for some games, fellowship and a delicious barbecue meal! The address is 6161 Edmondson Lane. If you are interested in a ride to the picnic from the church, a bus will be leaving at 4 p.m. Meet in the parking lot on Hotel Rd. Thank you, Cheryl Shular, for driving the bus!

Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Doug Shipman and his crew will provide the barbecue. Bring some lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and any outdoor games you want to play. There will be an inflatable for the kids! As always, the picnic is free for our church family to enjoy!

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



Fountain Kids thanks FCUMC for supporting our stuffed animal drive for Juvenile Court kiddos.

140 anxiety relievers and emotional supports tools called stuffed animals were delivered this past Tuesday morning!

What’s happening at Fountain Kids’ Club on Wednesday nights?

Last Wednesday, Oobleck and this character taught about Jehoshaphat’s victory. Don’t miss next Wednesday at 6:30 pm! 

YOUTH MINISTRY

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. 

Prayer: The World’s Greatest Wireless Connection

Ladies, come join a circle of faith as we lift up our church, our community, and one another through the power of prayer. As John Wesley said, "God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it."

Let's connect in faith and purpose. Your presence matters!

Wednesdays, August 6-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. Join GriefShare on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Room 137. Register >>  Facilitator: Dixie Bopp.

Ministry Update & Fast Facts for July, 2025

Check out Fountain City UMC's Ministry Update & Fast Facts for July 2025 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. 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 Sunday, August 31, 2025

THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Check out the August 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 7: Homecoming concert at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary

September 8: Warming Center next steps gathering at 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall

September 9: Nominations & Leadership Development Committee at 6:30pm in Room 210

September 11: Stewardship Committee Meeting at 6:30pm in the Office Conference Room

September 14: Church Picnic beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Iglehart Farm

September 17: Trustees Committee Meeting at 4:00pm in Room 210

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

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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