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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR

REV. CHASE CRICKENBERGER, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Dear Church Family,


We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our Celebrate Recovery program and its invaluable component, Crosswalk Student Ministry. Thanks to our church community's generous support and faithfulness, we received a significant grant from the Tennessee Valley District Reframing Ministry Grant Proposal. This grant of $4,050 will specifically strengthen our efforts within the Crosswalk Student Ministry, allowing us to further impact the lives of young individuals facing life challenges, addiction, and emotional struggles.

Crosswalk Student Ministry was launched on September 5, 2023, with a vision to support students whose parents were involved in the adult CR ministry. Through God’s grace and the resources received from grants like this, Crosswalk has evolved into more than just a program; it serves as a beacon of hope and transformation for our middle school and high school students. It offers a secure haven where young hearts discover healing, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose in Jesus Christ. Rooted in the belief that every young person deserves emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being, Crosswalk is making a meaningful impact on students and their families.


Families in our community face significant challenges ranging from addiction to mental health struggles and homelessness. The statistics paint a stark picture, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive intervention and support. Through Celebrate Recovery and Crosswalk Student Ministry, we are not only addressing these issues; we are actively working towards transformation and restoration.


We understand that our ministry cannot thrive in isolation. It is through our collaborative efforts with stakeholders like the Metro Drug Coalition and strategic outreach initiatives that we are able to expand our impact beyond physical church boundaries. Fountain City UMC is creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends to families, neighborhoods, and the broader community. Your role in this collective effort is vital, and we are grateful for your continued support.


A heartfelt thank you! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. It is your unwavering support that has made this grant and the ongoing success of Crosswalk Student Ministry possible. Your individual contributions, no matter how small, have been instrumental in our journey. Let's continue to stand together, united in purpose and faith, as we journey alongside our students toward a life of freedom, purpose, and abundant joy in Jesus Christ.


In view of God’s Mercy,

Seth Charles,

Director of Recovery Ministries

SERVING OTHERS



Hands On Mission Project

We are collecting food buckets for the 2024 Holston Annual Conference Hands-On Mission Project. For details and the supply list, check out our website. Bring you buckets to the church office along with $5 for shipping by May 28, 2024.

A huge thank you to K&P Remodeling for their generous donation of Blessing Box items as part of their community outreach program!


Current Blessing Box Needs

  • Microwave mac and cheese
  • Snack crackers 
  • Granola bars
  • Canned green beans and corn
  • Chunky soups
  • Peanut butter


Thank you and God bless!

NEWS AND NOTES

This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday/Pentecost May 19, 2024

We will hold a combined service as we celebrate Confirmation on Sunday, May 19. We will have our Traditional 8:30 a.m. service in the Sanctuary, and a combined service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. 


This 11 a.m worship service will have a spirited traditional feel and style. May 19 is also Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus Christ's followers. The story is described in Acts 2:1–31. Pentecost is a Sunday when many churches around the world will celebrate the baptism and reception of new members into ministry. The color red is a visual reminder of the “tongues of fire" that empowered the apostles and others to proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection in the world. We encourage you to celebrate with us on Pentecost Sunday and wear red! 

Mother’s Day Cart Blessings

It was a joy to see so many people take advantage of the Mother’s Day flower cart and snap some fun pictures last Sunday! 

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Trainings 

What do you do when someone shares traumatic news with you? How do you respond? These may be intimidating questions, but we have all found ourselves sitting across from someone who needs a compassionate ear and an understanding heart. 


As a church we are focused on making disciples and changing lives. Sometimes we need to help change lives before we can make disciples. That is why we are partnering with Harmony Family Center, a national leader in trauma-responsive care and training, for two training sessions to help us better understand the impact of trauma and the role we can play in healing through relationships and community.  


Think of this training as a way to be better equipped as a modern hometown missionary. That is why we are especially encouraging those who serve in any of our outwardly facing ministries to participate: ushers, Welcome Center volunteers, children or youth ministry volunteers, Come to Bethlehem volunteers, VBS volunteers, our Unhoused Task Force, etc. You don’t have to come to both, but you don’t want to miss either. 


A free meal will be provided at 5:30 p.m. For planning purposes, please register by calling the church office at 865-689-5175 or by using the links below. This training is open to non-church attenders as well, so invite a friend!

Trauma-Informed Training Session One: May 22 

Free Meal at 5:30 p.m. Program from 6–7 p.m.

What do we mean when we say “trauma?” In this session, we will explore the different types of trauma, the social roots of trauma, and even the impact of historical trauma. You will learn how healthy relationships, activities, and communities can be an essential part of repairing the damage caused by trauma. Register for Session 1 >


Trauma-Informed Training Session Two: June 5

Free Meal at 5:30 p.m. Program from 6–8 p.m.

What do you do if someone shares their trauma with you? We don’t have to be therapists or specialists to be a healing presence in people’s lives. In fact, people heal through the healthy relationships they spend the most time in. Discover ways to better listen to, look at, and understand what is being expressed during difficult times, by both words and behavior, and discern what is behind it. We will learn how to sit with people disclosing difficult information and how to offer helpful responses, how to walk beside them in faith, and point them to solid resources in the community. We will learn together through demonstrations, role plays, and group discussions. Register for Session 2 >


Walking Beside You In Mission And Purpose,

Pastor Don


Updated General Conference Information

If you have further questions about General Conference, check out this video or the official updated debrief.


Rev. Randy Fry, a former pastor at FCUMC, shares on the video starting at 30:54-36:43, and is the subject of this article entitled “Conservative pastor says he will 'live in to new reality' in the UMC.” Pastor Don is glad to talk with you, your small group, or Sunday School class if you have further questions.

Free Dental Care!

Kate Mashburn, a dental hygiene student at Lincoln Memorial University, is an active part of our church community. She is offering FREE dental cleanings to our FCUMC family! Here’s when she can see you, now through mid-July:

  • Mondays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Each appointment is four hours long—perfect for getting that dazzling smile, and is only about five minutes from the church! This is open to the public, so please tell your friends and family!

To make an appointment or if you have any questions:

📞 Text or Call: 865-351-0401

📧 Email: kate.mashburn@lmunet.edu

Heritage Cookbook for the 200th Anniversary of Fountain City UMC

United Women in Faith of FCUMC is gathering recipes for a cookbook to commemorate the 200th anniversary of our church in 2025 and is accepting online submissions of recipes. Please use this link to add a recipe. Just select "Contribute Recipe" on the right side of the screen to make your submission. We look forward to seeing all of the wonderful recipes from our church members!

PRESCHOOL



Preschool Graduation Is Today!

This year FCUMC Preschool will honor 42 students who are moving up to Kindergarten! Our graduation ceremony will be held in the Sanctuary on Friday, May 17 beginning at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in the Narthex. All families are welcome!

FOUNTAIN KIDS



Vacation Bible School

Scuba VBS will take participants deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God! We will have Preschool VBS for ages 3 & 4, and Elementary VBS for rising K-5th graders.

Register volunteers and students for Scuba VBS! 

YOUTH MINISTRY



Donate to our Youth Mission Trip

Summer is quickly approaching! Which means our mission trip to Whiteville, NC from June 15-22 is also coming soon. Our students will assist at a local church with their VBS program and will also help with a construction project. We will stay with Cross Roads Baptist Church in Columbus County, NC. 


Mission trips provide wonderful opportunities for our students to build God’s kingdom outside of their community. They also help our group grow stronger by spending intentional time together and learning about the gifts and talents God has placed upon their lives. 


Due to traveling out of state and sponsorship needs, we would love your help! For the month of May, we will have a sponsorship calendar at the Welcome Center which offers you an opportunity to donate. Half Day = $25  Full Day = $50. Pick a half day/full day on the calendar for sponsorship and sign your name! You may place your donation in the red box beside the calendar or place in the offering plate. If you write a check, make it to Fountain City UMC and in the memo line, please write “youth mission trip calendar.”


Peace be with you,

Austin

ADULT MINISTRY



Griefshare

Summer Session May 8-July 31 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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. Please contact Dixie Bopp if you have any questions. Register >> 

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

  • 8:30 a.m. Traditional service
  • 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Discipleship
  • 11:00 a.m. Combined Traditional and 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!


Bulletin for Sunday May 19, 2024

THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Check out the May 2024 edition of The Spirit Newsletter.


CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

NEXT UP AT FCUMC

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

  • May 17: Preschool Graduation
  • May 19: Pentecost Sunday
  • May 19: Confirmation Sunday
  • May 22: Trauma Informed Training Session One
  • May 28: Deadline for Hands On Buckets
  • June 5: Trauma Informed Training Session Two
Visit our Website

Pastor On Call

After Hours & Weekends

When you need urgent pastoral care while the church office is closed, text or call 865-888-0192 to reach the

pastor on call.


Pastor Don's email:

Pastor.Don@fountaincityumc.org

Pastor Chase's email:

Pastor.Chase@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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