Go to this website to find out more about this special prayer emphasis, and check out their free devotional guide.

If you were around here early Sunday afternoon, you probably heard the announcement from Doug Fairbanks, our district superintendent, that I will not be retiring this year. It is my good fortune to be staying at FCUMC as one of your pastors, and I am grateful. It truly was not a “Brett Favre” move. As some of you have heard me say already, he changed teams and garnered millions for it. I certainly am not interested in changing teams, but the millions? Well, we can talk. Oh, okay, I guess we can’t.

Last Wednesday morning, March 3, Doug came to the church and whisked me away for a cup of coffee. I thought, “Oh, boy. He’s going to tell me who is coming to Fountain City.” Not! He looked me in the eye and said, “Would you be willing to reconsider your decision to retire this year?” He and the bishop felt this would be in the best interests of the church at this time for me to do this.

I do not know when I have ever been so shocked, and he could tell by the look on my face. After a couple of phone calls and much conversation, I told him I would certainly consider it. I knew it needed to be a fairly quick decision because the Cabinet is meeting this week to make pastoral appointments for the coming Conference year. The rest of the morning and much of the afternoon were spent agonizingly making the decision (through a lot of prayer and conversation) to agree to be reappointed for at least another year.

There is so much yet to be done for Christ in and through FCUMC. There certainly are other pastors, along with your other two pastors, who could help you do this. I am grateful, though, to be the one to have this opportunity. It was entirely my decision in October to move toward retirement this coming June. I still feel God led me to that, but God has used this time to help me clear my head a bit and become reinvigorated for the work God has for us to do.

Friday afternoon, after things had begun to sink in for me, I just finally said to God, “God, you are so good!”
Our sermons the past few weeks and throughout Lent are reminders to us that Jesus endured so much for us and for our sake. We can never do enough to repay. We need not try to repay. God only wants our love. In the extended time we now will have together, that’s what I want us to concentrate on. “Staying in love with God” is one of the Three Simple Rules we talked about last fall. I don’t want us, though, to stay where we are in our love for God. For some folks, it may be a matter of coming to that love. For others of us, though, it will be a matter of growing in our love for God. Shoot, I might not even have to preach about money anymore if we would all grow in our love for God!

Okay. Enough said (almost) for now. I feel like God has taken my head and turned it around 180 degrees so that I am now headed in a totally different direction. Consequently, I still sort of have a “crick in my neck,” so to speak, and I am a bit dazed. I am somewhat sleep deprived, but God is giving me the energy to move forward. Your affirmation as a congregation on Sunday for your pastoral team was far, far, far beyond anything I would ever have imagined. I am grateful beyond words. As you know, Melissa was doing mission work in Mexico and was not able to be with us; so we are going to show her the DVD. I am so, so, so grateful to Melissa and Don for their continued ministry with us. Melissa will stay. We don’t know about Don yet. God knows what I want. In reality, though, I want what God wills.

Thank you again for your love, support, affirmation and prayers. Please do not cease praying for us all!
Now, let’s see. Get the alarm clock back out. Check. Cancel the condo purchase on the French Riviera. Check. Find another way to the church other than through the Gresham school zone. Check. I’m ready!

- Jim

Each year on the fourth Sunday in Lent, we are given the opportunity to support the work of UMCOR through the One Great Hour offering. The costs of doing business are underwritten entirely through this offering so that when we and our friends even from outside the United Methodist church contribute to a specific cause through UMCOR, we know our money is going directly to that effort.

Please give generously to the offering this Sunday so that we can continue to be agents of God’s love and care around the world, seeking justice and mercy for people everywhere.

UMCOR (and FCUMC) at Work in Haiti and Chile
Once again, neighbors south of us have been hit by devastating earthquakes. We are saddened by the plight of the Chileans. For them, as we have done and continue to do for the Haitians, we can make financial donations to help alleviate their suffering. Once again, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is at work. You may make your check to FCUMC and mark it Chile (or Haiti) relief. Be assured that 100% of your gift will go directly to that country. A special offering on March 14 for “One Great Hour of Sharing” helps to pay administrative costs for this relief work.

Give as generously as you can to help. Pray as much as you can.

Serving Knoxville as One, as a part of Operation InAsMuch, will have a hands-on, one-day blitz on April 24. If you or your Sunday School class have a project you would like to see this year or for more information please contact Kelley Flatford at 660- 5868 or kflatford@gmail.com.

See the YouTube video that Adam put together for his church:

The Wells for Sudan Golf tournament is an extension of the “Jacob’s Well” project and will provide resources for additional wells. This will be a unique event in that individuals and churches have underwritten all expenses for the tournament. Every dollar given for team fees and “hole sponsors” will go for wells in Sudan. The team fees alone could raise as much $14,000 with a full field of 140 golfers. The “hole sponsors” are a suggested $100 donation. These will come from churches, Sunday school classes, small groups, individuals and businesses. If 200 holes were funded, that would mean an additional $20,000 amounting to a total of $34,000 for wells, which would cover the cost of three wells. Luke 1:37 teaches us all things are possible with God. This amount and more is possible with God.

The children and people of Sudan are waiting for the “living water” these wells represent. It is the hope of the Jacob’s Well Project that many wells will be realized on May 27, 2010. Bishop James Swanson is the tournament host. Golfers and “non-golfers” alike are invited to help make this hope come to pass. Additional brochures and registration information can be downloaded at www.wellsforsudan.holston.org.

Registration is encouraged but not required via the web or church office. Childcare is provided.

Find out more about VITA.

Mission Statement:  “Believing that everyone is created and loved by God, the distinct ministry of Camp Wesley Woods inspires 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.” Camp Wesley Woods offers many types of programs in areas including Christian Education,  Environmental Education, Adventure Education and Summer Camping. Our Salt & Light gifts will supplement their program of scholarships for students to attend camp.

So here’s the Life Saver story. Normally I throw one of those Life Savers in my mouth and immediately chew on it, and it’s gone in five seconds. It’s as if the object is to get rid of it as quickly as possible rather than savor the Saver. So Wednesday I said, “Jim, see if you can possibly enjoy it to the end.” I’ll have to admit I did gum the last remnant of it, but I did not chew it! That was my test. I found out that I can be patient.

The next time you see me at the grocery store or in traffic, don’t be surprised if you see me in the longest line as I test myself. Don’t be surprised, though, if you see me in the shortest line either if I am really in a hurry.

Since Wednesday I found myself (somewhat) enjoying waiting in line for 45 minutes at the car wash. When the guy jumped in front of me in the line at Panera the other morning, I felt sorry for him because of his impatience. (Maybe next Lent I’ll give up self-righteousness. Just one thing at a time right now, though.) I am learning to use the waiting time to reflect and meditate. If I can do this patience thing, I think I’ll be a better person. I think I might enjoy life even more than I already do.

Had I given up something tangible, it wouldn’t be such a struggle. I don’t think I have ever failed in a discipline like that during Lent except once when I didn’t realize that the covering on the almonds was white chocolate after I had eaten the whole bag. This will be tougher. It will be easier to forget. It will be easy to be in a hurry. It will be tough to avoid the temptations of impatience.

Come Easter, I hope and pray that I won’t just all of a sudden give up the struggle. I hope that Lent will simply be an opportunity to begin to change something about me on an ongoing basis that will make me a little easier to be around. I want to use the waiting time in conversation with the Lord or more fully enjoy the company of those around me.

Some of my “friends” made fun of me a couple of years ago because I gave up Cheetos. They scorned me and said, “You mean Jesus died on the cross and you’re giving up Cheetos?!” Well, dear clergy friends, here you go! See what you think about this one! Maybe, just maybe, this one can change me – at least for a season. I pray so!

- Jim

Come and hear (and watch) solo handbell ringer and arranger Christine Anderson, accompanied at the piano by Andrew Duncan.

The solo handbell artistry of Christine D. Anderson is world-renowned. With finesse, grace and dexterity, Christine’s solo handbell artistry has thrilled audiences in 25 countries and 49 states, and her fans around the world will tell you that you’ll never be the same after hearing and seeing Christine play.

Christine rang her first handbell solo, “The Lord’s Prayer,” in 1980, discovering the gift that would define her life’s work and produced a video called “Voices in Bronze.” She writes for several music journals, is on the editorial board for “Creator Magazine”, and serves the Southern Baptist Convention as Editor for “Handbells” magazine. Christine has published over 85 solo handbell arrangements, all reflecting her commitment to excellence in handbell ringing. She has been an annual recipient of the ASCAP Standards Award for compositions and performances for many years.

Christine D. Anderson is an outstanding clinician and in constant demand for handbell workshops and festivals, incorporating a teaching style that makes learning fun and techniques unforgettable. Christine’s expertise ranges from beginning choirs through advanced, solo, and ensemble ringing, including maintenance and repair on both Malmark and Schulmerich handbells.

“Songs for the Solo Ringer” book and videos have paved the way for countless ringers to discover the joy of solo ringing. A member of AGEHR for over 35 years, Christine has served as guest clinician at many AGEHR-sponsored events, and continues to support the work of the Guild. In 1984 she founded, and continues to ring in, the Medallion Ringers, a professional 4-in-hand quartet.

As ECM Coordinator, Becca will manage our ECM staff and support ministry for infants through three year olds. Becca will be a welcoming first impression for our visitors and a great support for our families. She has a heart for working with children, but most of all she has a heart for Jesus. How blessed we are to have her! Contact Becca at rpendergrass@fountaincityumc.org or call 689-5175, ext 115. Join us as we welcome Becca in her new position!

Staff Parish Relations Committee

Light refreshments will be provided and we ask that you bring at least one dozen eggs per child filled with candy or trinkets (no chocolate or nuts please). This is a family event, but only the preschoolers will be hunting eggs. We invite the older siblings to meet on the front lawn to help hide the eggs at 4:00 p.m. We will have special treats for them too! Please contact Becca Pendergrass, ext. 115, for more information.

Easter Eggs Needed!
Please bring your donation of plastic Easter eggs filled with individually wrapped trinkets or candy (no chocolate or nuts please) to the Children’s Welcome Center on or before Sunday, March 21. Thank you!

On January 30, 2010, a nine-member team from One Vision International (a humanitarian aid organization) returned from a weeklong mission to Haiti. They witnessed first-hand the unbelievable destruction and human tragedy left in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. John Miller, team member and director of One Vision International, will be the speaker at the retirees meeting on March 12. The group will get a first-hand account of the events experienced by the four doctors and five aid workers on the team. Mr. Miller has since returned a second time to Haiti and will be able to give an update on the status of relief efforts at this point. Please call Jean Payne, 688-4165, for a reservation.

During Lent, you can join Rev. Jim and Betty Dougherty as they lead a teaching series that takes a deeper look into the topics traditional to Lent and presented in worship. Sessions are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. There are activities provided for children from birth through 5th grade Sunday School.

Jubilation 2010 is the tenth annual gathering of senior adults in the Holston Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. The stated vision of Jubilation is to provide a ministry for senior adults, aged 55 and over, that nurtures spiritual growth, provides educational opportunities and ways to cope with life issues, promotes involvement in missions, and enhances Christian fellowship.

For more information, contact Don Hanshew at ext. 110 or via email.

Jubilation 2010 Registration Brochure

Now for eight years our Children’s Lenten Mission Project has been to collect food items for the Fountain City Ministry Center (FCMC). The Ministry Center is housed in Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and serves 400-500 families a week with bags of food.

Our Goal: Collect 3000 food items.

Here’s how you can help:

• Bring items from the list below each week of Lent.
• Red wagons will roll down the halls during Sunday School
• Our children will collect your donations from the purple boxes outside your Sunday school class.
• The cans will fill a “tomb” in the narthex.
• During Holy Week the cans will be delivered to FCMC.
• On Easter Sunday, the tomb will be empty to celebrate that Christ has risen!

Choose from the following grocery items:

If everyone brings one can for the six Sundays of Lent, the tomb will overflow for FCMC! With your help many families in our community will be blessed.