REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. CHASE CRICKENBERGER, ASSOCIATE PASTOR
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The Power of Lent and Prayer
The idea of prayer can be comforting to some and mystifying to others. When I meet with someone who is new to Christianity, I explain prayer as a personal conversation with a close friend who delights in hearing what is on your mind. I encourage folks to express gratitude, confess shortcomings, and seek guidance. Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and desires openly is not easy for many. God values authenticity, so I encourage folks to use simple and sincere language. Prayer is not a destination. It is a journey of connection and growth, not perfection.
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Lent begins on February 14, which is a unique combination of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day. The Ash Wednesday service will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary so that our food crew can make it to the service. If you are new to celebrating Lent, or participating in an Ash Wednesday service, let me briefly explain. Ash Wednesday is a solemn service marking the beginning of Lent, which is the 40-day Christian season before Easter. During the service, participants are invited to come forward to receive the imposition of ashes on their foreheads or wrists in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and mortality. It is a time for reflecting, acknowledging our human frailty, and seeking God's mercy on the journey toward Easter. The service lasts about 45 minutes, and it takes a tone of repentance that is unlike any other service we do all year.
During this season of Lent, you will see a prayer station in our worship services. Before or after worship we encourage you to take a moment to write down a prayer and place it in the frame. It can be anonymous or you can put your name on it, but find comfort in knowing that a team of faithful folks will be praying over all requests each Wednesday night.
During Lent many people will give up something. I am inviting you to take on something. Prayer. Coupling prayer to Lent this year will help us all repent and grow closer in our walk with God. I hope to see you on Ash Wednesday!
Learning In Life Beside You,
Pastor Don
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Society of St. Andrew 2024 Lenten Devotional Booklet
February 14 – March 31, 2024
With everything going on in the world today, we need reminders and reflections of God’s hope around us. This year’s Lenten devotional booklet is titled Hope Springs Eternal to help you daily on your journey. The writers of these offerings read and prayed about Lamentations 3:25: “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”
You can download or order a print edition of the booklet or pick up a copy in the church office. Together, let us share the riches of God’s hope! Blessings for a holy Lenten season and a glorious Easter!
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Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal
February 14, 2024 • 5:30 PM
Fellowship Meals in February are free! However, please register for meals so we can be good stewards of our church finances and reduce waste. Online registration for our fellowship meal closes at midnight on Tuesday. Please note that there is separate registration for classes and activities. Register for meal.
February 14 Menu: Pork loin, mixed veggies, salad, garlic bread, red velvet cake
Light meal: Baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables
Meals include an entrée, sides, a dessert and a beverage.
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NOTABLE NEEDS
Serving Others
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Tuna pouches-high need
- Granola bars
- Peanut butter or cheese crackers
- Shelf stable milk
- Chunky soups
- Feminine pads
- Disposable razors
Thank you for all of the donations, This ministry couldn’t survive without them!
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Join us for our 11th Annual Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event on Saturday, March 23. We need 200 volunteers to sign up - 100 per shift as well as a clean up shift. We also need strong individuals to unload the truck on Friday night. There are tasks for all ages as this is a multi-generational project.
FCUMC has packaged over 340,000 meals in the events we have held thus far. Over 1,700 volunteers have participated donating over 3,400 hours of work! Faith Promise funds, Scroggie Endowment funds, and donations make this event possible. This is the most fun you will ever have in a hairnet! Register >
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NEWS AND NOTES
THE MORE YOU KNOW
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Special News about Pastor Chase
Check out this important message from Rev. Terry Goodman, Director of Clergy Services of the Holston Conference, on the Full Connection and Ordination of Rev. Chase Crickenberger in June. We celebrate Chase's achievement and continued service at Fountain City UMC.
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Celebrating Scout Sunday
On Sunday, February 4, 2024 we celebrated Scout Sunday, and recognized James Underwood's Eagle Scout achievement. Pictured with James are Anthony Garren and Don Dare.
Congratulations James!
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Father Daughter Dance
A great big THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers who pulled off the most amazing Father Daughter Dance. We had 274 participants, 24 volunteers onsite, 3 additional volunteers who worked behind the scenes prior to the dance, and of course, Wood and Jessie from Toy Story, and Cinderella and her Prince Charming. A special thanks to our favorite DJ, Tara from Music in Motion, Dale Harold from Ham n’ Goody’s, FCUMC United Women of Faith, the Knoxville Police Department, and Halls High School Choral Department. We are already looking forward to next year!
Thankful and feeling blessed,
Donna
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Griefshare Winter Session • January 10-April 3, 2024
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. Facilitator: Dixie Bopp.
Register for Wednesday Mornings • 10am-12pm
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SUNDAY SCHEDULE
- 8:30 a.m. Traditional service
- 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Discipleship
- 11:00 a.m. Traditional service
- 11:00 a.m. The Journey Contemporary service
- Childcare and children's ministry will be 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.
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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INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
If Knox County Schools are closed for weather related concerns, all activities and meetings will be cancelled. Cancellation of all worship services and weekend activities resulting from inclement weather will be made at the church’s discretion. Notifications and updates will be posted on social media, Realm, and sent through email. In addition, please use caution as our parking lots and sidewalks will not be cleared in time for morning activities if we have snow or ice overnight. In the unlikely event that we must cancel worship, please join us for worship on our YouTube channel.
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THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the February 2024 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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NEXT UP AT FCUMC
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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February 14: Ash Wednesday
February 25: District Leadership Training
March 22: Set Up For Meal Packaging Event
March 23: Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event
April 7: UWF Unit Meeting at 4:00pm in Wesley Hall
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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 865-888-0192 to reach the
pastor on call.
Pastor Don's email:
Pastor.Don@fountaincityumc.org
Pastor Chase's email:
Pastor.Chase@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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