REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. RACHEL COLLINS, PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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Bread and Life with Jesus Christ
Have you ever thought about the connection between bread and life with Jesus Christ? In our recent discussions, we've explored how we are nourished both spiritually and physically. A powerful example of this is found in the feeding of the five thousand in John 6:1-15. This miracle is not just about physical sustenance, but it points us to something much deeper.
After feeding the crowd, Jesus crosses to the other side of the sea, and the crowd follows. The crowd asks Jesus why he came all the way over here when they were on the other side. After witnessing all the miraculous signs Jesus has performed, they want more of the same signs rather than something different. Jesus has a deeper, life-giving mission for the people though. In John 6:32-35, the crowd asks for the life-giving bread Jesus is talking about, but Jesus knows they aren’t ready yet.
They desire more physical bread, but Jesus wants to offer them something far greater—himself as the bread of life. Reflecting on this passage, I'm reminded that God knows our daily needs, God knows them well because of Jesus’ experience on earth. God longs for us to the be hands and feet to help meet those needs for others so that others can help share their own gifts to meet different needs for us. This brings us back to our Good Neighbor Theme. God also invites us to look beyond our immediate desires and recognize the greater work being done in our lives. God's will is not just about temporary sustenance, but about providing ongoing, eternal life.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you asking God to do the same thing over and over again in your life?
- What prayers do you have that are bolder than you have dared ask?
- Are you ready for God to reshape your life and receive the living bread that is given freely?
And for those moments when you want to experience the joy of making bread, here's a foolproof recipe that makes two loaves, rolls, or even cinnamon rolls:
Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour (knead a little more if using all-purpose)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and milk in a large bowl.
- Whisk in the yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture gets foamy.
- Stir in 1 cup of flour, then whisk in the salt and butter.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
- Oil a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning to coat the top with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in size (about an hour).
- Punch down the dough, knead for three minutes, and divide in half. Let rest for five minutes.
- Shape into loaves and place in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Let rise for 30 minutes, or until the dough has risen an inch above the pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Enjoy baking and may this bread remind you of the deeper sustenance that Jesus provides!
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Fountain City Fellowship on Wednesday Nights
Resumes August 14, 2024
Find connection, grow in faith, and learn how to take your next steps in following Jesus on Wednesday nights beginning with our Kick-Off Event on August 14, with a free meal at 5 p.m. (new time!)
Classes will begin on August 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Childcare and children’s ministry also begin at 6:30 p.m. Whether you are a long-time member, new to our congregation, or visiting for the first time, you are welcome here and you will find a way to connect with others. Check out the list of classes offered on our website. If you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to contact the church office at 865-689-5175.
Fellowship Meals • 5:00 PM • Gym
Join us each Wednesday evening in the Gym for great food and fellowship! Meals during the month of August are free! Our menus include a main entrée, sides, desserts, and beverages. A light meal of baked chicken tenders with mixed steamed vegetables will be available each week.
Please register for meals so that we may be good stewards of our church finances and reduce waste. Register on a pew pad in the notes section, by calling the church office, or on our website. Donations are accepted & appreciated! Donate online as you register or at the door. Registration ends each Tuesday at noon. Register for August 14 >>
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August 14 Menu: Hot dogs, chili, waffle fries, salad, peach cobbler.
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August 21 Menu: Taco casserole, cole slaw, Rolls, and Mandurian orange cake.
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August 28 Menu: Baked spaghetti, green beans, salad, rolls, and apple crumble.
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Enjoy family-friendly activities together at lots of our projects - deliver plants and cards to homebound members; collect food for FC Ministry Center; work outdoors at Gresham or in a garden; give away tokens at a laundromat; ring a bell for Salvation Army; or buy items for several worthy causes! Sign up online by August 11.Children ages 11-17 must have their parent or guardian complete the release form if they won't at the same project. Choose a project and sign up online by August 11, 2024.
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Blessing Box Needs:
- Tuna pouches
- Canned corn and green beans
- Individual shelf stable milk
- Individual cereal packs
- Snack crackers
- Water
- Juice packs
Thank you for your gifts!
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We are excited to announce Fountain City UMC’s scholarship opportunities for fall 2024!
Please check out our website for details about each scholarship, giving opportunities towards scholarships, and the application.
The application window is July 12-August 9, 2024. Apply today!
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Join us for Move Up Sunday!
- Kindergarteners will move up to K-5th Fountain Kids on the second floor. Kindergarten parents are invited to join us at 10 a.m. for a special welcome.
- Middle Schoolers moving up to Youth will meet in the Youth Sunday School Room (beside the Choir Room) at 10 a.m.
- August 4 is Communion Sunday. K-5th grade students will attend worship with their parents.
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Back-To-School Bash • August 14
Join us for a party on the front lawn with food, inflatables, and our own famous Mr. Ed’s magic show! Everyone is invited!
Fountain Kids’ Club Begins August 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kids’ Club immediately follows our 5 p.m. fellowship meal. Dinner is free for children. Programming will include Bible studies, games, messiness and fun!
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July in Youth Ministry
- Chick-fil-A Bible study Tuesday, July 30 at 10 a.m.
- A fun-filled evening with games and devotion at the Iglehart farm on Wednesday, July 31.
Youth Ministries Resumes August 14
Fountain City UMC Youth Ministries strives to create a safe environment while furthering our students’ relationships with Jesus Christ. We want our youth to know they each have a seat at God’s table and are valued by Him.
Our Wednesday night activities for fall semester begin on August 14 at 6:30 p.m. after the fellowship meal. We will have a water balloon fight and a slip’n slide kickball game on the upper field beyond the bus lot. Invite your friends!
Beginning August 21, we will meet in Old Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. for Wednesday Night Youth Group. We are excited to see what God does with our time together!
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Book Art Class • August 1 • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Team Craft is offering a class on Book Art!
There is a small charge of $5 and you are asked to bring a hard cover book of your choice (must be at least 250 pages), a pencil, and a pair of scissors. Call or text 865-389-7763 to sign up. Please join us!
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Training For Those Interested In Becoming A Stephen Minister Begins August 8
We have an opportunity to join the Stephen Ministry training class at Church Street UMC to learn how to develop caring relationships with those experiencing loss, grief, illness, depression, divorce, and other difficult life events. This is a caring ministry that provides individual relationships with care receivers but has the support and supervision of other Stephen Ministers and Leaders.
Some classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. There will be a break from Thanksgiving through January 1 and the class finishes in January. If you are interested, contact Gail Clift as soon as possible at 865 207-6791 or jclift123@aol.com.
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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 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 July 28, 2024
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THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the July 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 CALENDAR
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July 31: Youth Event at the Iglehart's Farm
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August 1: Team Craft Art Book Class
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August 4: Move Up Sunday
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August 11: Student Ministry Parent Meeting
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August 14: Fountain City Fellowship Kick-off Event
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August 17: Operation Inasmuch Day of Service
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August 21: Fountain City Fellowship classes begin
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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 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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