Headlines and Deadlines!
     How much attention do we pay to the headlines in the news each day? I guess it depends on how much they interest us, but some headlines seem to capture everyone's attention. The ones the past few days have, for the most part, caused most of us to take a second look and, in some cases, to go straight to prayer. The airplane clash that claimed the lives of 96 Polish governmental and military leaders has certainly saddened. The death of 29 miners in West Virginia has gripped our hearts and brought us to our knees.
     What about the deadlines against which many of us operate? Some are career-oriented. For the preacher there is the week-after-week deadline of a sermon. Others are brought on by community or personal responsibilities. Some deadlines are more universal, such as April 15 for those of us fortunate enough to live in the U.S.A. Like it or not, we pay the taxes; and we and others reap many of the benefits.
     The headline of Easter continues to ring in our hearts: He is risen! Surely it brings us to our knees in gratitude. The deadline for our response to that message is this moment, not because we cannot respond later but because the sooner we respond, the more quickly we reap the joy and blessing of living in the faith. It is neither just a one-time headline nor a one-time response. Both are renewed regularly and are renewing, just as are the blessings of spring (except for the pollen). I pray God's blessings for you!
-- Jim

Sign-up Today! Join us in Serving Knoxville as One, a ministry of Operation INASMUCH, the one-day mission blitz in the Fountain City Area. A table will be set up in front of the Welcome Center to take your sign-ups and t-shirt orders.
Collection Opportunities: Haiti Health Kit contents, powdered laundry detergent, make-up samples, bobbie pins (plain brown), fabric, and poly-fill. Look for the green collection bins in the hallway!
If you are participating, there will be a children's project here at FCUMC for your child. If you have any questions, please contact Kelley Flatford, 660-5868 or kflatford@gmail.com.

$3.00 Brown Bag-a-Bargain 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Drop off: Thursday, 4/29, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Drop off: & Set-up: Friday, 4/30, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
No Early Drop Offs
No Computers or TVs Accepted
Call Julie Knoefel, 405-7251, with questions.

Children. Youth. Adults. Singles. Grandparents. Families. Groups. Everyone is invited to join together at Ijams Nature Center for a time of fellowship, and some of the many outdoor activities it offers. This day is scheduled as a day of fun, relaxation, and, for some, an opportunity to experience one of Knoxville's best attractions. Although this day will be largely unstructured, there will be plenty to see and do. You can choose from hiking, viewing exhibits, and a variety of other activities. The goal for this day is to enjoy our natural environment, given to us by God, but more importantly, to look for ways we can serve God as we partner with Ijams to be good environmental stewards. Contact LeRoy Hatcher, ext. 111 or Sherri Smith, ext. 117 for more information.

Ladies and girls of all ages are invited to join us for great snacks and door prizes! Childcare will be available for children under age 3 ( please register online). Tickets are $5 per adult (children are free) and can be purchased in advance in the church office or at the event. Proceeds go to the Fountain City Ministry Center and to construct wells in Sudan. For more information, call the church office or check out the church website.

We are excited about our middle-school after school ministry called The Net. We strive to make our after school program an excellent place where students are safe, nurtured and spiritually encouraged. From healthy snacks, time to study, time to relax, tutoring, daily devotions, recreation, opportunities for artistic expression, and safe transportation from Gresham Middle School, we feel we offer something unique in our area.
The program meets weekdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m. when Knox County Schools are in session. Fountain City United Methodist Church members are given preference for placement in the program with completed registration packets turned in through August 1, 2010.
We require a $50 non-refundable registration fee, due at the time of registration for each full-time and/or part-time participant. A discounted registration fee of $30 is available for all completed registration packets turned in by May 21. Monthly fees per participant are as follows:
August:
     Full-time: $60; Part-time: $40
September-May:
     Full-Time: $130; 3 days: $100; 2 days: $80; 1 day: $55
Limited scholarships are available, scholarship applications are included in the registration packet. Registration packets are available in the church office or on the church website. If you have any questions contact the Net director, Janice Evans at ext. 119 or jevans@fountaincityumc.org.

The church has over 20 ladder back chairs for sale, and a few nice couches. The chairs are priced at $25 or best offer. The couches are priced at $45 or best offer. If you are interested, please contact the church office and speak with John Patterson. The sale of these items will help support the mission work of the UMW.

Divorce is scary. If you have experienced divorce you know that it can be a difficult journey on many fronts. We are offering a one-night class designed to help you understand and make a plan for your new financial realities. This class will offer some practical advice and help you navigate new steps of financial stability. The class and booklet is free. Childcare is provided. Online pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

 
Mother-Son Event
Picnic and Play Date In the Park
Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Family Event
Changes in the Children's Hallway Coming Soon!

 
Youth Calendar
Youth Choir Concert, This Sunday!

You are invited to the Graduate Celebration dinner in Wesley Hall on Sunday, May 2 at 6:00 PM. If you and your family are planning on joining us for the Celebration dinner, please RSVP in the church office by Wednesday, April 28th. For more information contact Andrew Cooper at ext. 107 or acooper@fountaincityumc.org