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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

To Keep A Neighbor Warm

On Sunday, November 10, our Church Council approved moving forward in becoming the North Knoxville Warming Center. Let me help you understand why we are doing this, what this means for us, and how you can help. 


Why the Need?

The demand for housing assistance in Knoxville has surged, with the number of people seeking aid increasing from 1,000 in 2018 to 1,800 in 2024. This rise has highlighted the challenge of finding affordable housing and the need to protect our community’s most vulnerable during extreme cold. We are one of four warming centers in Knoxville, and outside of KARM, they are all run by United Methodist Churches. The goal is simple: prevent death and frostbite during frigid nights. The City and County Office of Housing Stability is partnering with us. We will be “on call” between December 15 and February 15 whenever temperatures are forecasted to drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. 


What We’re Doing

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 use the space.


How You Can Help 

  • 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. Learn more and sign up to volunteer >


  • 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.


Together, we can make a life-saving difference during Knoxville’s harshest winter nights. To volunteer or support these efforts, reach out to our church office. Thank you for being a light in the cold dark of winter! We truly are a church in the heart of Fountain City with a heart for Fountain City.


Pastor Don

Commitment 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.


Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal • 5:30 p.m.

Next Wednesday, November 20, will be our last Fellowship Meal of this semester.


November 20 Menu: Chicken gumbo, Fried okra, Cajun coleslaw, and King cake. A light meal of baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables is available each week.


Even though the meal is free, please register those attending so we may be good stewards of the church's finances and reduce waste. You can register on our 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.


The Chosen

We will complete season one of The Chosen on Wednesday, November 20. It has been a journey of rediscovering our love for Jesus. A journey of learning the perfect humanity of Jesus and why He worthy of all honor and glory. Come and see! 

Team Craft's fundraiser next Wednesday, November 20, will raise money to purchase materials for next summer’s Project Inasmuch. We will have some big items such as quilts, woven baskets, and knitted/crocheted blankets, as well as some inexpensive items that would make great stocking stuffers, including Boo Boo Bunnies which hold ice cubes to apply to an injuries.


We will also have Christmas ornaments and a variety of mid-range items. Every item is hand-made. Please stop by before or after the fellowship meal and check out our unique items and help support a great cause! Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. Invite your friends! Check out a few of the items that will be for sale below.

SERVING OTHERS



Volunteer To Deck The Halls Next Tuesday, November 19 10 a.m.

We will literally deck the halls with Christmas trees and it’s time for our outside lights to be on display as well. You will meet new people and have some fun as we kick off our Christmas season with decorating. Come join the fun, fellowship and let’s get in the spirit. Lots of hands needed!

The holidays can be a lonely time for residents in nursing homes, but we can make this Christmas a little merrier for seniors at Beverly Park Place (BPP). We will once again adopt BPP residents to assist with their Christmas wishes.


We have 50 names of seniors whose wish lists can be picked up in the hallway outside of the church office on Sunday, November 17. If all are not taken, they will available Wednesday, November 20 and Sunday, November 24 until all are taken. 


Return the gift bags on Sunday, December 15 before or after any worship service in the hallway outside the church office or contact Sandy Morgan at 865-679-0760 to make other arrangements. There are specific wrapping instructions which will be given out with the senior’s information when you select your angel. This is a church-wide project sponsored by the Missions Committee. We welcome and encourage individuals, families, and Sunday school classes to participate. Let’s help raise the spirits of Beverly Park Place residents this Christmas!

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.

Blessing Box needs:

  • Individual cereal packs
  • Snack crackers
  • Canned corn and green beans
  • Canned spaghetti sauce 
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Granola bars
  • Toothpaste

Thank you for caring for our neighbors!

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. Collection boxes will be located in the Welcome Center and the Preschool hallway. Help us collect pajamas for those in need!

NEWS AND NOTES

Provide & Protect Seminar

Sunday, November 17 following 11 a.m. Worship

Signup to participate in this invaluable one-hour workshop provided by the Holston Foundation. We hope you will attend this seminar that is designed for adults of all ages. You will learn:


  • How to make critical end-of-life decisions
  • Responsible choices for parents regarding their children
  • Decisions for children concerned about aging parents
  • Understanding how wills function
  • Leaving a legacy to your church and favorite ministries

Rev. Mark Gooden will share creative strategies for making a difference, leaving a lasting impact, and potentially saving on taxes through strategic giving. Our church has partnered with the Foundation for decades. He will be preaching in all three services on November 17. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sweet Potato Pie, Anyone?

Some dedicated volunteers are helping turn 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! 

Annual Community Thanksgiving Service

Don’t miss the opportunity to be in ecumenical worship with our brothers and sisters on 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.

Yoga Classes at FCUMC

Join us on Mondays from 7-8 p.m. for a beginner friendly yoga class!

$10 per person. Bring a mat and water.

Let’s move together!

Advent is a season of anticipation and hope, expectation and preparation as we reflect on both the nativity and the anticipation of Christ’s second coming. 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.

WordPlayers Advent Production 

December 1 • 6 pm in the Sanctuary

The greatest story ever told takes on new life with this short play with music by Ethan Norman. Back by popular demand, 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. Childcare will be available for kids 4 years and under.

Come To Bethlehem December 8 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual Christmas experience Come To Bethlehem. It will feature 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!

FOUNTAIN KIDS



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.

YOUTH MINISTRIES




Youth Schedule

  • 9:45 a.m. • Sunday School with Dana Underwood and Misty McComas
  • 6:30 p.m. • Wednesday night for Middle School Youth


Just a reminder of our upcoming activities. Add these events to you calendars!

Sunday, November 17: High School Youth at Main Event at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 24: Youth Thanksgiving dinner at the Castleberry’s home

Sunday, December 1: Meet at church for a meal and The Word Players Christmas Performance

Sunday, December 8: Come to Bethlehem 

Wednesday, December 11: Youth Christmas Party!!

Resurrection 2025

January 24-26 at LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN


Resurrection is an annual event of worship and spiritual growth for youth and youth mentors. Each year over 12,000 individuals come together in Pigeon Forge to celebrate the God of The Resurrection. Through inspirational words and music led by nationally known speakers and musicians, young people encounter the Lord in new and deeper ways. FRVR FREE is leading worship again this year.


Students in 6th-12th grade 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!

Register here >>

ADULT MINISTRIES




Surviving The Holidays November 20

Are you wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?


Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:

  • How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
  • What to do about traditions and other coming changes
  • Helpful tips for surviving social events
  • How to discover hope for your future


We will have a morning and an evening seminar on November 20. Please register for the 10 a.m.-12 p.m. seminar or the 6:30-8:30 p.m. seminar.

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!

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.

NEXT UP AT FCUMC

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

November 17: Provide & Protect Seminar

November 19: Deck The Halls

November 20: Team Craft Fundraiser 4:30-7:30 pm in the Gym and Hallway

November 20: GriefShare's Surviving The Holidays

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

Visit our Website

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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