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REV. DON HANSHEW, SENIOR PASTOR
REV. CHASE CRICKENBERGER, ASSOCIATE PASTOR
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General Conference
Earlier this week I spent a few days at General Conference. General Conference is the official decision-making body for our worldwide denomination as United Methodists and is currently meeting in Charlotte, NC. Delegates and observers gather for about two weeks for worship, holy conversation, and necessary networking. My main reason for being there was to conclude my duties as a board member of the General Board of Church and Society. I added an additional day to my trip so that I could get a feel for the temperature of General Conference and catch up with old friends from around the world. I was not disappointed.
To be honest, I went with very low expectations. The last few General Conferences have been tense and hard. However, as we began to worship, you could tell something was different. At first, I thought it was because I was feeling nostalgic. This is likely my last General Conference where I will have any responsibilities. And honestly, after serving twelve years on the General Board of Church and Society, it is time for younger leaders to take my place.
However, as I looked around in the observer section where I was seated, I could see something on the faces surrounding me. For sure, the majority were from the United States, but there were individuals from the Philippines, West Africa, and Europe. Collectively, you could just “see” and “feel” something happening. As we began to conclude the worship service, we sang an old 1980s contemporary worship song called “Shine, Jesus Shine.” In my mind I questioned the use of the song. Because in its day, at best, it was an average song with a good message.
In our section there was a monitor where you could see the sign-language interpreter. As she continued to sign, she began to weep. I could be wrong, but I am fairly sure nobody has ever wept while singing or signing “Shine, Jesus, Shine” before. (If this is your favorite song, please accept my apologies). But there it was. In broad display. She, nor most of those in our section, could hold back what was happening. Our tears were a holy expression of joy and hopefulness.
I left the service that evening, and the plenary sessions the next day, inspired by what God was doing. In particular, I am once again encouraged by what God does with the average. To many, the song “Shine, Jesus, Shine” is “average” and perhaps a little “overused.” However, when we place the average in the hands of our loving God, average becomes amazing and can usher in a holy moment. I anticipate good things to come out of General Conference. God is on the move! So, go ahead Lord, let Jesus shine, shine, shine through each of us!
In Faith Beside You,
Pastor Don
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Faith Promise Sunday • April 28, 2024
We celebrate Faith Promise Sunday on the fourth Sunday of each month. For April, we highlight Camp Wesley Woods, Operation Backyard, and the Mexican Hunger Project Give Ye Them To Eat.
Camp Wesley Woods, part of Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries, has a dedicated focus on summer camp ministry, outdoor education, and retreat ministry inspiring children, youth, and adults to live in Christian community, to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and to experience adventure in the midst of God’s wondrous creation.
Operation Backyard is a year-round program that provides free home repair services for those with limited income, those who are elderly, and those who are disabled. Operation Backyard exists to meet the needs of families by mobilizing volunteers to provide free emergency home repairs, helping cost-burdened individuals and families.
Give Ye Them To Eat (GYTTE) is a social outreach project of the United Methodist Church of Mexico to combat hunger and poverty in the rural sector. The purpose of GYTTE is to strengthen the capabilities of marginalized people and communities to meet their basic needs, and to determine and sustain a just and integrated development process. Participatory methods and development tools are used to create conditions in which change can take place from within the communities.
Please remember that a gift to Faith Promise is above and beyond your regular tithe to the General Fund. A few weeks ago, there was an opportunity to turn in a Faith Promise Commitment Card for 2024-2025. We hope to reach our commitment goal by May 12. Please contact Ashley in the church office if you have questions or check out our website for details about our Faith Promise partners or to give online.
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NOTABLE NEEDS
Serving Others
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Unhoused Neighbors Team Meeting • April 30 • 4 p.m.
Are you interested in understanding more about how we can help address the issues that lead to homelessness, and doing something about it? Join us for our next Unhoused Neighbors Team meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. in the church office conference room. Contact Gail Clift for more information.
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Hands On Mission Project
The Tennessee Valley District of the Holston Conference has been asked to put together 400 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.
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Goodies for Our Gresham Staff Lunch
Our Missions Committee will provide an end of the year lunch for Gresham Middle School staff on Friday, May 10. This is also teacher appreciation week! Dynasty Express will help with the lunch, but we would love to add some homemade desserts. If you would like to help with this event, please bring your desserts to the church office by Thursday, May 9. Thank you for continuing to help spread the love of Christ to our friends on the hill!
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Blessing Box needs
- Individual cereal servings
- Fruit cups
- Tuna pouches
- Canned corn and green beans
- Juice boxes or pouches
- Canned spaghetti sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Water
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
Thank you for caring about our neighbors!
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NEWS AND NOTES
THE MORE YOU KNOW
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Please join us on Sunday, May 5 in Wesley Hall as we hold a reception for Chase and his family. If you plan to give a gift or card to Chase, please do so directly at this reception or drop it off in the church office by May 8. Though technically, Chase will be our Associate Pastor until mid-June, the Staff Parish Relationship Committee affirms Chase’s request to conclude his last Sunday on May 5 so that he can have ample time to make this significant transition with his family. Come celebrate the Crickenberger family and help us send them off by showering them with joy and love.
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Want to Play Pickleball?
It’s a great sport, and now it is happening at FCUMC every Monday throughout April, from 12-3 p.m. in the Gym. It's a fun way to meet new folks in our church and community. No experience necessary! If you don’t have a paddle and want to try it out, paddles will be furnished. We hope you can join us for some good fellowship, fun, and exercise. For more information, contact Woody Farrell at 865-207-3367.
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Confirmation Sunday/Pentecost • May 19, 2024
We will hold a combined service as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday 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 that 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!
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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 are 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 come together in a cookbook to celebrate our 200th anniversary!
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FCUMC Preschool registration for the 2024-25 school year is open for church members! If you are interested in enrolling your child in this nationally accredited program, contact Director, Alycia Truett. Classes offered and tuition details for the new school year can be found on our website.
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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!
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Come Meet Octavia!
Octavia is living in our courtyard so bring the kiddos by for a photo on Sunday mornings. Octavia is VERY shy and she needs to make a lot of friends before VBS. We are excited to have Octavia because she is an amazing gymnast and can turn all kinds of flips and flops!
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Senior Banquet • This Sunday, April 28 at 5:30 pm
FCUMC Youth Ministry will host our annual Senior Banquet for graduating high school seniors this Sunday. Doug Shipman will cater the meal with a menu of Roast Pork Loin, Baked Potato, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Mixed Greens Salad & a Cheesecake Bar for dessert! Special memories will be made and shared.
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June Mission Trip Registration Is Open
Our rising freshman and current high school students will serve in the Carolina district in Whiteville, NC from June 15-22. We will also assist a local church with their VBS and help a local mission agency with home repairs. During the week, we will have one free day and plan to go to the beach in Wilmington, NC. During the evenings, we will have devotions, small groups, and worship.
We will stay with Cross Roads Baptist Church in Columbus County, NC. Throughout the week, Praying Pelican will provide meals and options for recreational activities. The trip is $200 per student which you can pay online, by check, or cash. Financial assistance is available if needed. Register for the trip! Complete the FCUMC Youth Ministry Participation Form with this link.
On Monday, May 13, we will have a parent/leader meeting to discuss further details about the trip, such as departure and return times, schedule, and what to pack. Please contact Austin Weaver at (423) 480-4961 or by email with any questions!
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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!
Bulletin for Sunday April 28, 2024
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THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Check out the April 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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April 28: HS Senior Banquet
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April 30: Unhoused Neighbors Team Meeting
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May 5: Reception for Pastor Chase
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May 13: Parent Meeting for Mission Trip
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May 19: Confirmation Sunday/Pentecost
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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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