REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Peace is often described as the quiet center of a storm, the calm when everything around us feels like chaos. As we step deeper into this Advent season, we find ourselves yearning for that peace—peace within, peace with others, and peace in the world. But what does it mean to embrace true peace, especially in a season so full of noise and activity?
Consider the words of Jesus
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
This peace isn’t passive or indifferent; it’s active and intentional. It calls us to slow down, breathe deeply, and open our hearts to the presence of God. As you move through this week, I invite you to take a moment each day to pause and reflect.
A Peace Meditation:
- Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take three deep breaths.
- Reflect on a time when you felt truly at peace.
- In your mind, offer a simple prayer: "God of Peace, let your calm fill my heart."
- Breathe deeply again, resting in this calm.
Carry this moment with you. In conversations, challenges, or moments of joy, remember that peace is a gift freely given and always available.
Weekly Advent Devotionals
This Advent, we’re excited to share weekly devotional reflections from members of our community. Each Sunday, these devotionals offer a moment to center ourselves, explore the themes of Advent—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—and connect more deeply with the coming of Christ.
You can access these devotionals on our website, through our social media, or pick up a printed copy in the narthex. May these reflections guide you in finding peace and purpose during this holy season.
Let’s journey together, discovering the quiet peace that sustains us and sharing it with the world.
In peace and hope,
Rev. Rachel Collins
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North Knoxville Warming Center Update
Sign up to join the volunteer movement! We are on track to activate our Warming Center on December 15. We will hold our final walk-through and on-site training covering all policies and answering questions on December 12 from 7-8:15 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall (enter from the parking lot near Fountain City Lake). This is an excellent way to invite a non-church attending friend to participate in helping the common good of our community. For more information on the North Knoxville Warming Center at FCUMC, please check out our website.
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Blessing Box needs:
- Everything!
- Individual cereal packs
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Microwave oatmeal
- Fruit cups
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Tuna pouches
- Shelf stable milk
- Chef Boyardee products
- Juice drinks
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Hand warmers, gloves, and toboggans
- Bar soap and body wash
- Cottonelle wipes
Thank you for your continued support in these colder months!!
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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 whipped cream pie to the face…and if we raise $1500, Pastor Rachel will!
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Calling All Bethlehem Volunteers!
Door 6 will open at 4:00 p.m. We will have a snack, get instructions and costumes on second floor in the costume room. Doors for the public will open at 5:15 p.m. For all of the details for volunteers, please use this link. Thank you for serving Christ, our community and our church.
Blessings,
Donna
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Christmas Eve Worship Services • December 24
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Family Nativity Service • 4 p.m. A family-friendly worship service in the Sanctuary.
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Contemporary Candlelight Service • 6:30 p.m. This candlelight Holy Communion service will be in the Gym and will include contemporary Christian music.
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Traditional Candlelight Service • 11 p.m. This candlelight Holy Communion service in the Sanctuary will include traditional hymns.
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Poinsettia Dedications for Christmas
It is a longtime tradition at FCUMC to honor or memorialize loved ones by dedicating a poinsettia to them. These poinsettias will be used to beautify and add a seasonal touch to our worship spaces during Advent. Each dedication is $11, and the poinsettias can be taken home by donors following our Christmas Eve services. Request your dedications online. Paper order forms are available in the church office, and will be inserted in the Sunday bulletin on December 8. Dedication requests must be made, either online or by submitting a paper order form, no later than 12 p.m. on Monday, December 9. Thank you for participating in this precious tradition with us!
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Advent Devotional Week Two: Redemption, The Scandal of Love
God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Read Week Two Advent Devotional >>
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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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Come To Bethlehem
This Sunday, 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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Come, Celebrate Christmas!
The Traditional worship ensembles are once again preparing for our Christmas concert. The dates are December 15 at 3 p.m., and December 16 at 7:30 p.m. Please plan to attend!
Financial support of this program is always appreciated. The musicians of our church need everyone’s help covering the expenses of the orchestra and television broadcast. Donations may be made to FCUMC (memo: Chancel Choir Fund). Individuals and groups offering gifts by December 10 will be listed as donors in the printed concert program. Thanks in advance for supporting us!
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Service of the Longest Night • December 22 • 6:30 p.m.
There are times when each of us succumb to our doubts, fears, exhaustion, and grief-generally overwhelmed. In the dark of night, those feelings can get the best of the love and compassion we know intrinsically are available to us through God’s grace. But by the winter solstice, the literal longest night of the year, we are pushed and shoved by the bustle of all the holiday things, whatever your things may be- to manage, source, prep, and smile through. This service is for all who long for a silent night. A little slice of peace. A moment of encouragement. Some time to ourselves in the presence of the Holy.
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An End-of-Year Giving Opportunity!
As we approach the final stretch of 2024, we find ourselves needing $70,000 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. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity—let’s do this together!
2024 Financial Gifts must be postmarked by December 31 or dropped off in the church office by Tuesday, December 31 by noon.
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Kelly Endowment Success
Apparently, Stan Kelly is now a local celebrity! Over $2,000 of his original artwork was sold last Sunday! All proceeds from the sale went to support the Kelly Endowment. This endowment was established to offer support to the Holston Home For Children. Congratulations Stan!
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The Sanctuary Is Bright and Soft!
Once again, individuals who are part of a residential program at KARM were here to help with some work around the church. You will notice this Sunday that every piece of wood, pew, and altar rail now sparkles! AND, if you were racing to get here on a Sunday morning because you wanted to make sure you could get a pew cushion, you can slow down! Sandy Failing has creatively crafted 5 more!
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There will be Holy Communion on December 8; however, we will have our regular Sunday School and Fountain Kids Bible Experience.
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 the parade route and give out Christmas Eve information about our church. What a fun experience! Who doesn't like to be in a parade? Merry Christmas to Fountain City from Fountain Kids!
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It’s time for our Youth Christmas Party!! Wednesday, December 11 from 6-8 p.m.
We hope to see all our youth …hungry and ready for fun! Ugly Christmas sweater/outfit contest, karaoke, games, and the infamous white elephant gift swap (bring a gift up to $15). Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Can’t wait to see everyone! Tracie
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FCUMC Youth on the ice at Market Square! | |
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.
Combined 11 a.m. Worship Services, Sunday, December 29
On Sunday, December 29, we will have an 8:30 a.m. Traditional service in the Sanctuary and a combined 11 a.m. Traditional worship service with the Journey in the Sanctuary. Don’t miss a great way to help our church unite around worship! We will share in Holy Communion.
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.
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 December 2024 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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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
December 24: Christmas Eve Worship Services
January 15: Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday Nights returns
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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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