REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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You Are A Living Letter
Have you noticed the letters that are posted on the hallways outside of the office? They move me and they will move you. Need some inspiration in how we are making disciples and changing lives? Take 5 minutes to read a few of them. It’s almost overwhelming.
Here are a few for you to read:
- It’s important to me that we are not all alike on all issues. We respect differences here. This has changed how I see others and gives me hope.
- I have not always felt accepted or seen at other churches. Here, I feel accepted and loved.
- The way people encourage me makes me feel like I am at the right place. I feel like I can be part of something bigger than me.
- This church loves kids and goes the extra mile to teach them about Jesus. We love Wednesday nights!
- I see how our church is changing to meet the needs of the community. That is important to me and my family, and the future of the church.
- This church feels like extended family. I have been supported as I have raised a child, lost parents and gone through day-to-day struggles and celebrations. FCUMC does not just love lives inside the church building. We are involved in local, regional and international missions. We truly live out God’s direction to love our neighbors.
- FCUMC has provided confidence in faith and how to live out that faith. Thankful for opportunities like spirit-filled worship, service for others and a community feeling. We are a welcoming, inclusive and service-filled church. What a blessing!
- I came to FCUMC grieving and broken after my son’s death. I was wrapped up in love by the Women of Thrive group and others. I am forever grateful.
- This church has changed my life. I came to this church through CR back in 2017. I’ve found a better way of life. I’ve grown to my potential and continue to grow. I feel the spirit every time I pray. People here are seeking Jesus!!!-Thank you, FCUMC.
- The life I have seen changed by FCUMC is my own. This church has freed me from feeling helpless about all of the hurt and pain I witness in my community and the world. I am proud to see my church involved in alleviating poverty and sickness around the earth, providing to the needy in Knoxville, and proclaiming release to addiction in our community. When I have needed a place to share and learn from pain in my own life, the pastors at FCUMC have provided for that. When I look for opportunities for making a difference in my community, the people of FCUMC have provided for that. When I want an advocate for our principles to the government and society, our appointments to the general boards of the UMC have provided for that. FCUMC plays a major role in my life, and I could not be more proud of this group of deeply faithful people imperfectly working toward a better world for all of God’s children.
- The love and acceptance of this church towards me, at a time when I felt unlovable and unworthy, was truly a gift from God and began a yearning.
- I have attended church my entire life, and I’ve been to many sermons or classes that are simply a repeat of the same information and the same take on Jesus. That’s not been the case in Sunday School or during sermons, and I love that I have to go home and research historical backgrounds or context, a word meaning, or a bit of a paradigm shift. I also love that every lesson has an application in real life.
WOW!
This IS our story. This IS our legacy. And there are many more stories like this on the walls in our hallways.
I invite you to prayerfully and intentionally join us in the mission-forward journey with your prayers, presence, gifts, and service by making a commitment to this year’s ministry campaign on Sunday, November 24. Your participation—whether large or small—helps write a new chapter in the story of God’s grace that is being written on the hearts and lives of people around you. We’re not asking you to help us maintain the church; we’re inviting you to help foster hearts that are changed, impacting lives in ways that stretch far beyond our walls.
I look forward to what God will accomplish through you and through our church as we continue to be a Living Letter of God’s amazing love.
Trusting That God Is Writing A New Letter In You,
Pastor Don
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Commitment Sunday Is This Sunday
On Sunday, November 24, in all three worship services, you will have an opportunity to make a commitment to the ministry budget of 2025. We look forward to what God will accomplish through you and through our church as we continue to be a living letter of God’s amazing love.
For more information, please check out our website.
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An End-of-Year Giving Opportunity!
This year has brought unexpected challenges with our building and rising costs, but we have also seen God’s faithfulness through it all. As we approach the final stretch of 2024, we find ourselves needing $75,000 to finish the year on solid financial ground. The good news? Historically, the last four weeks of the year are the strongest for giving, and together, we can make this happen! We believe this goal is well within reach, but it will take all of us coming together to make a final, impactful push. We invite you to prayerfully reflect on how God is moving through you to support the incredible work being done through our church. Let’s finish the year strong and ready to step boldly into 2025 with renewed purpose and mission. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. Let’s do this together!
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Art Sale To Benefit The Kelly Family Fund
For Holston Home For Children
December 1 • 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
On Sunday, December 1 in Wesley Hall, there will be a sale of original paintings by Stan Kelly. All proceeds will go to the Kelly Family Fund in support of Holston Home For Children. This fund was established by the Kelly family following the death of Dan Kelly and is an endowment program at the Holston Foundation. You can choose from over 100 paintings, most of which are framed and ready to hang. Prices range from $10-$80. Checks and cash only please.
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Just a reminder when you are changing your closets over to your fall/winter wardrobes, consider donating items you no longer use to KARM. Please mention Fountain City UMC by name during donation drop off. We receive vouchers to hand out based on our donations.
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Blessing Box needs:
- Water!!!
- Peanut butter crackers
- Canned corn and green beans
- Toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
The weather is getting cooler- we need toboggan hats, warm gloves, socks and hand warmers. We will share these with the warming center as the need arises. Let’s help keep our neighbors warm. Thank you!!
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Preschool Pajama Drive • November 11-December 6
We are collecting new pajamas in sizes newborn through adult for donation to the Fountain City Ministry Center. The preschool will celebrate the end of of the pajama drive with a preschool-wide pajama day on December 4 and 5!
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Warming Center Update
Our church is committed to offering warmth, shelter, and safety for those in need. The Old Fellowship Hall will serve as our designated warming center during qualifying cold nights, open from 9-10 p.m. with guests departing by 6:45-7:00 a.m. the following morning. Our capacity will be 12-15 guests. While the center is open, stairwells will be secured, and armed security (provided by the Office of Housing Stability) will be present to ensure everyone’s safety. We will not accept pets, and individuals with children will be taken to facilities prepared for them. KARM will supply evening food and transportation assistance through bus passes, and will help guests find shelter during daytime hours if necessary (provided by the Office of Housing and Stability). Should extreme weather make transportation unsafe, the center may remain open beyond nighttime hours. All guests will surrender weapons, medications, and drugs during the check-in process and submit to a handheld metal detector scan. A deep and thorough cleaning will happen each morning before other groups will use the space.
How You Can Help With The Warming Center
Volunteer
We need a minimum of two volunteers each night, with an additional person on-call. A 75-minute online training session covering essential safety and de-escalation practices will be available before Thanksgiving. Sign up for more information or to volunteer. NOTE: NEW SHIFT TIMES AVAILABLE!
Donate Supplies
Permanent needs include cots and two lock boxes for surrendered items. Other helpful donations include snacks, first aid items, earplugs, eye masks, COVID tests, and blankets. Financial gifts are also welcomed. Every contribution helps us serve those facing life-threatening cold with compassion and dignity. Donations can be dropped off at the church office.
For more information, contact the church office, Gail Clift, or Charley Gray.
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Annual Community Thanksgiving Service
Don’t miss the opportunity to be in ecumenical worship with our brothers and sisters this Sunday, November 24 at 5 p.m. at Inskip Baptist Church. An offering will be taken to benefit our long-term ministry partner, Fountain City Ministry Center.
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If you missed our Team Craft sale on Wednesday,
check out unique hand made items this Sunday!
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Sweet Potato Pie, Anyone?
Some dedicated volunteers turned gleaned sweet potatoes from the St. Andrews Project into mission! Purchase your frozen sweet potato pies on Sunday, December 15 (reheating instructions will be provided). All proceeds will go to flood relief. If we raise $1000, Pastor Don will take a pie to the face…and if we raise $1500, Pastor Rachel will!
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Yoga Classes at FCUMC
Yoga’s physical building blocks are breath and posture while strengthening muscles and releasing tension of body and mind. Katie Meade Goforth is the instructor, and this class is open to anyone, experienced or not. We meet on Mondays from 7-8 p.m. in Wesley Hall through February. $10 per person. Bring a mat and water. Let’s move together!
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Come To Bethlehem Costume Fittings
If you are a soldier, shepherd, angel, Mary, Joseph, Innkeeper, Innkeepers wife, or town gossip for Come To Bethlehem on December 8, you will be able to try on your costumer on Sunday morning, December 1 between 9:30 A.M. and 11 am. Costumes are located on second floor in Room 207 across from the Whobodies classroom. David Carter and Kim Gentry will be there to assist you with your costume, which will be labeled with your name. You will pick it up to dress on December 8 in the same location.
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A huge thank you to all the amazing folks who showed up on Tuesday to decks the halls and put up the outside lights. What a great community we have here at FCUMC! | |
Special Events For The Season of Advent
Please visit our website to check out all of the events and worship opportunities at Fountain City United Methodist Church during this special season of Advent.
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WordPlayers Advent Production
December 1 • 6 pm in the Sanctuary
The greatest story ever told takes on new life with this short play. Sleepers, Wake! brings you into the room with the characters of the biblical account of the coming of Christ as told in Luke 2, with gripping music, thought provoking historical context, and humor that will have you dancing in your seat. Prepare to celebrate Advent with a vibrant, fresh, and timeless telling of the Story that changes the world.
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Come To Bethlehem • December 8 • 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Join us for our annual Christmas experience Come To Bethlehem, featuring live music, games, a community meal, a Christmas photo booth, and of course the town of Bethlehem. Admittance will be timed entry allowing everyone to enjoy each station sufficiently.
Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free and walk in registrations will be accepted at the door. This is a community favorite! Register for a travel pass!
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Don't forget to add Fountain City UMC to your Christmas card list. We would love to display holiday well wishes for the staff in the church office!
You can address cards to FCUMC Church Staff, 212 Hotel Rd., Knoxville, TN 37918. Thanks!
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Fountain Kids Sunday is back to our regular schedule with Fountain Kids Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and Bible Experience at 11 a.m.
Mark Your Calendars!
Fountain Kids’ Float in the Christmas Parade • December 21 • 9 AM
We invite our Fountain Littles and Fountain Kids as well as parents to join us on our parade float! The parade begins at 9 a.m. stepping off from Gresham Middle School, crossing Broadway and ending at Central High School. The children can be dressed in Christmas Eve costumes to ride on float. Costumes will be available at the float site to be named later. Older children and parents or guardians can walk along parade route and give out Christmas Eve information about our church. What a fun experience, and who does not like to be in a parade? Merry Christmas to Fountain City from Fountain Kids!
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Youth Schedule
- 9:45 a.m. • Sunday School with Dana Underwood and Misty McComas
- 6:30 p.m. • Wednesday night for Youth
Just a reminder of our upcoming activities. Add these events to you calendars!
Sunday, November 24: Youth Potluck Thanksgiving dinner at the Castleberry’s home • 6:30 pm
Sunday, December 1: The Word Players Christmas Performance • 6pm in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 4: All Youth Skating at Market Square • 6:30 pm (Middle Schoolers must have parent or guardian)
Sunday, December 8: Come to Bethlehem
Wednesday, December 11: Youth Christmas Party • 6:30 pm at FCUMC
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Resurrection 2025
January 24-26 at LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN
Through inspirational words and music led by nationally known speakers and musicians, young people at Resurrection encounter the Lord in new and deeper ways. FRVR FREE is leading worship again this year.
Students in 6th-12th grades are invited to register for Resurrection. We will stay at Splash Mountain Cabin in Sevierville, TN. The total cost per student is $200 which includes lodging, food, and entertainment. Please pay the $50 deposit at the time of registration and the remaining balance is due on January 20, 2025. There is a discount for families with multiple students. Partial and full scholarships are available – just ask Donna Lewis!
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SUNDAY SCHEDULE
- 8:30 a.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
- 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Discipleship
- 11:00 a.m.Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 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 Littles Childcare • 11 a.m.
- Fountain Kids Bible Experience • 11 a.m.
Bulletin for November 10, 2024
COFFEE & FELLOWSHIP ON SUNDAYS AT THE WELCOME CENTER
Join us before or after worship! Stop by the Welcome Center from 8:15-11:15 a.m. and let us bless you! See you Sunday!
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THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the November 2024 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Church Office will be closed on November 28 & 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.
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NEXT UP AT FCUMC
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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November 24: Commitment Sunday
November 24: Youth Thanksgiving Dinner
November 24: Annual Community Thanksgiving Service
November 27&28: Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving
December 1: WordPlayers Performance
December 8: Come To Bethlehem
December 15: Come, Celebrate Christmas! Concert at 3 pm
December 16: Come, Celebrate Christmas! concert at 7:30 pm
December 22: Longest Night Worship Service at 6:30 pm
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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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