REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Introducing the Vision Team

As we look toward Fountain City UMC’s 200th anniversary, we are entering a pivotal and exciting season. While plans for a capital campaign are on hold for now, we are stepping into something even more foundational: prayerfully clarifying who God is calling us to be as a church that will guide us for years to come.

This work isn’t just about strategy; it is deeply spiritual. It is about listening for God’s voice, naming our identity as a congregation, and discerning how we can best love and serve our community while we continue to grow disciples, in the next chapter of our story.

To lead this process, a Vision Team has been formed that represents a wide range of ages, experiences, and perspectives. In total, they bring over 300 years of combined attendance and service at FCUMC. These leaders are Larry Smith, Craig Grantham, Jennifer Smith, Misty McComas, Molly Searcy, Dana Underwood, Samantha Hurst, Jessie Buttram, Chelsey Kent, Shane Horner, Rachel Collins, Don Hanshew, Rhodes Logan, Susannah Clabough, Carol Sewell, and Bill Gentry.

We are confident that God will work through this team to help us clearly articulate who we are and where God is leading us. The task of the Vision Team is not just to craft words on paper but to listen to Scripture, to one another, and to the Spirit’s prompting. We trust that what emerges will reflect God’s call for our church.

We invite you to be in prayer for these leaders and for our congregation as we embark on this journey. With holy expectation, we trust that God will use this process to shape a vision that is bold, Spirit-led, and grounded in our calling to make disciples and transform lives today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Upcoming listening sessions and other activities are being planned. Keep your eye out for these dates and locations. We want to hear from you.

In Holy Anticipation,

Pastor Don

We look forward to seeing our church family for Fountain City Fellowship! On August 20, we welcome everyone back on Wednesday nights with a meal and guest speaker. The Youth Group and Fountain Kids will start their programming on August 20. Adult classes will begin on August 27. You can check out the list of adult classes on our website!

SERVING OTHERS



Operation Inasmuch Day of Service • August 16, 2025

It's time to get out of our seats and into the streets as we join other Fountain City churches for a day of community service! We will begin our day in the FCUMC Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. Please make plans to attend and participate in this joint service with other community churches.

There are multiple in-person outreach opportunities on August 16, and donations are being accepted online by many worthwhile agencies. Check out the list and sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities!

Blessing Box Needs

• Chunky soups
• Chef Boyardee products
• Fruit juice
• Fruit cups
• Microwave mac and cheese
• Peanut butter
• Individual boxes of cereal
• Snack bars

God bless you!

NEWS AND NOTES

Save the Date: Celebrating The History of Contemporary Worship

Prepare for a bit of nostalgia and inspiration on August 10 at the 11 a.m. Journey worship service. Our guest speaker will be former staff member Carol Bellgrau. She was instrumental in launching our first contemporary worship service in September of 2000. Spread the word!

Building and History Tour • August 10

Would you like to get to know our church home a little better? Join Rev. Don Hanshew and Guest Connection leader, Britney Barthol, right after the 11 a.m. service at the Welcome Center for a 45-minute guided building tour! We’ll share a bit of our history, show you where everything is, and answer your questions. If you are new, or been around for years, you will learn something new. Children are welcome. See you there!

Something Special for Our 200th!

Second Sundays in August & September | 9:45 AM | Wesley Hall

As part of our 200th Anniversary celebration, we’re shaking things up on the Second Sundays of August and September, and you’re invited! Whether you’re part of a Sunday School class or just dropping in, come be inspired by the living story of our church.

August 11 – Jean Payne: A Life in the Church

At 93 years young, Jean Payne has seen it all. Born into this church, Jean will share powerful memories of significant events in her life and the life of our church. A beloved Central High School teacher and pillar of our congregation, Jean’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

September 8 – Rev. Jim Dougherty: 200 Years By The Big Springs

Rev. Jim Dougherty will guide us through the sweeping history of Fountain City UMC. He will make 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. See you in Wesley Hall!

SPAM Season

Church family, please know that no staff member will ever email or text you and request gift card purchases. It may appear to be from a staff member, but it is not. To check, just verify the email domain. If it does not end with @fountaincityumc.org, it is SPAM! Please delete and report it as such. For example, a number of emails were reported to the office recently from an alias Don Hanshew (pastoronline1240@gmail.com). Note the domain name after the @ symbol. If in doubt, just call the church office.  

Listening Together, Moving Forward

At Fountain City United Methodist Church, we are deeply committed to making disciples and changing lives through worship, community, and compassionate ministry. As part of this commitment, we’re entering a time of intentional listening and discernment around two vital parts of our mission: our cherished Preschool and the Warming Center ministry that cares for our unhoused neighbors.

A series of listening sessions is being planned. These gatherings are open to all who care about our shared mission: parents, preschool staff, volunteers, church leaders, and community supporters. Our goal is to hear the hopes, concerns, and perspectives of everyone involved.

Preschool Listening Session • August 5 • 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room

Parents, staff, and other stakeholders will share hopes and concerns. Don Howell, chair of the Staff Parish Relationship Committee, will facilitate.

Who will be in the room: Preschool families & staff, pastor(s), Executive Team (in a listening posture), Preschool Board, and other interested individuals.

Church Council Meeting • August 26 • 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room

Executive Team will present recommendations and next steps for Council’s prayerful decision. This information will be shared ahead of the meeting. On August 26, Church Council may make a decision or delay for further reflection or fact finding.

Who will be in the room: Church Council, Executive Team (presenting), and other interested individuals. Only Church Council members may vote. All those present have a voice.

Next Steps Gathering • September 8 • 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall

Partner churches will gather to discuss next steps (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.

Fall Laity Retreat • August 22-23, 2025

Enjoy great fellowship with a time of learning and spiritual growth with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett as she teaches and leads the weekend. This is a joint event of the West Virginia and Holston Conferences.

Dinner on Friday and Lunch on Saturday will be provided. Registration for this event is only $10! Register >>

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! 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. 

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. As always, the picnic is free for our church family to enjoy!

SAVE THE DATE

Worship Service Celebrating our 200th Anniversary

Sunday, September 21 • 10:30 a.m.

Guest Preacher, Bishop David Graves

Mark your calendars for this very special worship service celebrating 200 years at Fountain City UMC. We will not have 8:30 or 11 a.m. worship. Our guest preacher will be Bishop David Graves, Episcopal Leader of the Kentucky-Tennessee Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. Bishop Graves grew up in our church! We will have a free meal to follow.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors—near and far—to take part in this momentous 200th Anniversary Celebration. Come worship with us, share in Holy Communion, enjoy fellowship over a meal, and rejoice in God’s continued blessings! We look forward to celebrating with you.

FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES



This Sunday is Communion Sunday. Children, K-5th grade, will attend 11 a.m. services to receive Communion with their parents. 

This Sunday is also Move Up Sunday! Kindergartners will move up to Fountain Kids and rising 6th graders will move into the Youth Group. All kiddos and teachers will receive a backpack blessing and key ring at worship services We are so excited to welcome students to their new age groups!

Mark your calendars!

Fountain Kids and Fountain Littles Resume Wednesday Night Activities on August 20

6:30–7:30 p.m. (following the Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal).  Don’t miss this Fountain Kids event. Bring a friend to Battle Zone and get a prize!

YOUTH MINISTRY

Operation Inasmuch Service Day • August 16

Youth are invited to participate in morning service projects beginning at 9 a.m. We will then deliver flowers to porches from 3-5 p.m. starting at Fountain City Ministry Center.

Student/Parent Meeting • August 17 at 12 p.m.

Matt Randle will meet with students and parents to share some plans for the year as well as address any questions. Stop by!

Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday Nights

Middle school students (6th-8th grade) will get together on August 20 to kick things off for fall Wednesday night programming. On August 24, we will have the kick-off for 9th-12th grade students. We can’t wait to see everyone on Wednesday nights this fall!

ADULT MINISTRY

GriefShare 

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.

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 August 3, 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

August 3: Move Up Sunday

August 5: Preschool Listening Session at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room 

August 10: Service Celebrating The History of Contemporary Worship at 11 a.m. in the Journey

August 16: Operation Inasmuch Day of Service

August 17: Youth Student/Parent Meeting after 11 a.m. worship services

August 20: Fountain City Fellowship Kick-off at 5:30 p.m.

August 26: Church Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room 

August 27: Adult Fountain City Fellowship programming begins

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

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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