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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Gone Fishin' (Almost)
Not sure if you noticed, but lately my sermons have been using fishing illustrations. I’m not sure I can help it. My mind keeps wandering to the water!
There's something about standing in a river, or drifting in a boat, in the quiet of early morning, that resets something deep inside me. Sometimes the world gets loud and complicated, and the water just… doesn't care. It keeps moving. And so do I.
I think that's actually holy.
Jesus understood this. He didn't call fishermen off their boats by accident. He met them where they were most alive and doing the thing that made them feel like themselves. And then he said, follow me. I imagine Jesus still works that way. Meeting us in the garden, on the trail, at the canvas, in the kitchen, or on the back porch with a cup of coffee. In whatever that special place is where we breathe in deeply and exhale ease.
So, here's my pastoral encouragement for your weekend: figure out a way to do the thing that grounds you. The thing that makes you feel like yourself again, when life was not complicated. I don’t feel like that is wasted time. I feel it might just be where God is waiting to have a word with you.
See you Sunday. I may or may not bring up fishing again…
Pastor Don
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This June, we're doing something a little different. We want to know the songs of faith that have shaped you, moved you, or stayed with you through the years. This Sunday, in all four of our worship services, you will have a chance to vote on your favorite hymns. The songs with the most love behind them will inspire a brand new sermon series, with Pastor Don and Pastor Rachel digging into the history and meaning behind each one.
There's actually a word for what we learn through the songs we sing together: hymnody. And we think it's worth a few sermons.
Dust off your hymnal, flip through your Spotify playlist, and start thinking about the songs that matter most to you. Your vote shapes what we preach.
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Second Sunday Study | May 10 at 9:45 a.m.
Women of Faith: Often Overlooked Voices
of Scripture
From Shiphrah and Puah to Mary Magdalene, the story of God's people is full of remarkable women whose courage shaped history. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we will look at several whose names you may have missed but won’t forget anymore!
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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
April 29 is the last Wednesday night meal and classes of the semester. Our fellowship meal and discipleship classes bring meaningful opportunities for children, youth, and adults - all in one evening.
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 29 Menu: David Hardin’s Smoked Pork BBQ and sides. Meal Registration >>
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Fountain City Fellowship Birthday Cake!
Everybody has a birthday, and everybody deserves to be celebrated! On the last Wednesday of each month at Fountain City Fellowship, we’re making space to honor the people God has placed among us. If your birthday falls in that month, your meal is on us, and we’ll have birthday cake ready, too.
So come hungry, bring a friend, and let us celebrate you! If it’s your month, we want to sing for you, smile with you, and remind you that you matter here!
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Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the Book of Judges and 1st Samuel and you read a few of David’s psalms. The Book of Judges can be succinctly summarized from chapter 2, verse 10 through chapter 3, verse 6. Israel was not a unified nation under the rule of a divine king. Instead, it consisted of numerous tribal states. These tribal states adopted the practices of idolatry from their neighboring nations and integrated idol worship with the worship of the One True God.
The people of Israel petitioned Samuel to grant them a king. Samuel admonishes them by declaring, “God is your king.” Despite Samuel’s counsel, the people yearned for a human king to emulate the customs of the nations around them.
Consequently, God gave them King Saul. You have diligently followed the life of King Saul and his defiance of divine authority. The concluding chapter of First Samuel provides a detailed account of Saul’s demise, paving the way for David’s ascension to the throne.
Throughout the month of May, we will embark on a journey through the life of King David, witnessing both his triumphs and tribulations. We will delve into the annals of Israel’s history, characterized by its tumultuous and challenging nature.
Keep reading. GOD blesses the reading of His Holy Word.
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Our Discipleship Classes and ELL (English Language Learning) rooms are in need of new TVs to better serve our students and community. We are looking for:
• One 55" Smart TV
• One 65" Smart TV
If you feel led to give financially toward these purchases, or if you have a gently used or new TV you'd like to donate as an in-kind gift, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Ashley Garren for more information or to coordinate a donation. Thank you for helping us create spaces where people can grow in faith and in the English language!
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Goodies Needed for Gresham Staff Appreciation Meal
FCUMC is sponsoring an end of the year meal for the Gresham teachers/staff on Monday May 4. Homemade desserts are requested and can be dropped off on/by Sunday May 3 at the church.
Gresham Prayer Partners
Thank you to everyone who has served as a Gresham Prayer Partner this school year. As school comes to a close (last day is May 21), please remember to spoil your prayer partner with gifts of prayer, praise and appreciation! And don’t forget those summer birthdays! We need to send over all gifts/cards to the school before the last week of school. Please bring all packages to the designated boxes at the church by Sunday, May 10.
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Join Shepherd Training this Sunday! 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.
This year, the tradition continues 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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Community Action Committee is requesting gently used or new t shirts, elastic waist shorts, and underwear for males and females. Sizes M-XXL are most needed. Please no used underwear.
These items can be placed in the bin labeled "Community Outreach" in the mission donation area outside the gym. Thank you for supporting this important mission!
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FCUMC Cemetery Cleanup Event | May 16 at 9 a.m.
5500 Aster Road, Knoxville, TN, 37918
The church will host cemetery clean-up days in May and October each year to care for and honor those laid to rest there. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Please consider joining us for a time of service and fellowship as we work together to keep this sacred place beautiful. If you’re able to join us, please come lend a hand. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated! We hope to see you there! Sign up >>
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Chef boyardee products
- Shelf stable milk
- Water
- Canned corn
- Tuna pouches
- Granola bars
- Toothpaste
- Cottonelle wipes
Thank you and God bless you!
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Save the date! May 10 is Mother’s Day!
Yes, it is still April, but Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Make plans with your mother and entire family to attend church together to celebrate the important women in your lives.
We will have our amazing flower cart for the ladies in the courtyard again this year with photo opportunities. So, Let’s make some memories!
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FOUNTAIN KIDS & FOUNTAIN LITTLES
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Join Fountain Kids on April 29 after the fellowship meal with your craziest disco moves. Prizes will be awarded for the best moves! Bring a friend or two. There will be lots of fun surprises.
These kids worked hard in their Bibles this year and we are ending spring and kicking off summer with a huge party beginning at 6:30 p.m. Check in begins at 6:15 p.m. 💃🏽🕺
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Wacky Wednesday Summer Day Camps at Fountain City UMC
Fountain Kids 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 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. Register >>
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It’s Mission Trip Time!
Come join the FCUMC Youth as they travel to Kimball, WV to assist with flood cleanup efforts and home repairs. Departure is on Saturday, June 27 and the return date is Thursday, July 2. Lodging will be at a local UMC.
The trip is $75 per student and covers food, transportation, and lodging. $25 is due at the time of registration, and the remainder is due by June 1. (installment payments are available by contacting the church office). If you have any questions, please contact Matt Randle.
Register >>
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Youth Volunteer, please select "Youth Volunteer" as your Registration Type.
PARENTS: There will be a mandatory Mission Trip Youth/Parent Meeting on Sunday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Dinner will be served.
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FOCUS class at Norris Dam State Park on April 19.
What a fun afternoon of great fellowship and great food!
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Wesley House Tablescapes 2026
FCUMC's United Women in Faith participated in Tablescapes at Wesley House Community Center.
This is Wesley House's most unique fundraising event, where participants get the opportunity to design their own table and enjoy lunch!
| | The Lydia Circle of FCUMC's United Women in Faith served dinner at Wesley Foundation on April 19, 2026 | | |
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!
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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 Sunday April 26, 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 26: Shepherd's Training | 12:15 p.m. in Wesley Hall
April 29: Last Fountain City Fellowship of the semester
April 29: Ftn Kids Silent Disco End-of-year Party | 6:30 p.m.
May 9: Singers and Seniors Day Trip to Abingdon, VA
May 10: Mother's Day
May 15: Preschool Graduation | 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary
May 16: Cemetery Cleanup Day | 9 a.m.
May 31: Mission Trip Youth/Parent Meeting | 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall
June 10: Fountain Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportsmania
June 17: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Cooking Class, Picnic, Skyzone
June 24: Ftn Kids Wacky Wednesdays Sportalooza
June 27-July 2: Youth Mission Trip to WV
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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