This past Sunday I told our Confirmation Class that I am excited about next Sunday's Confirmation service and their decisions to publicly accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. I encouraged them to make that one of their first thoughts when they wake up each morning this week and to say, "Wow! I can't wait until Sunday when I will be confirmed." Rather than just encouraging them alone to do that, I am also making Confirmation one of my first thoughts and prayers when I wake up each morning. I want to ask you to do the same thing!
     As you read in last week's "Spirit," these young confirmands have spent nine months together exploring various matters related to our faith and to what it means to be confirmed. I hope you will be excited about their decisions and their growth in the faith.
     It would mean so much to them and their families if you would join us for this service of worship this Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. You will be blessed by this time. As I have explained to each of the confirmands and their parents with whom I have met, this is the most important decision they will ever make. It impacts all their other decisions in life.
     Please pray for them; and if at all possible, worship with us.
-- Jim

Thanks to everyone who baked, bought and ate the yummy muffins, breads and sausage balls! The Circle will be able to purchase summer camp t-shirts for the children at Wesley House, along with flip-flops and supplies to make salvation bracelets for VBS in Nicaragua. Praise be to God for the great things He is always doing in all our lives!

Be sure to look for the FCUMC tent at Honor Fountain City Day in the Park on May 31, 12:00-6:00 p.m.. We will be guiding barefoot walks in the park that will help raise money for the Nicaragua Mission Team to buy flip-flops to give to those in need. Contact Kelley Flatford, 660-5868, kflatford@gmail.com for more information.

Fountain City United Methodist Church is searching for a Director of The Net after school ministry for middle school students. The position will begin August 9, 2010, and follows the Knox County School system schedule. This position is paid for 200 days, hours are Monday-Friday, 2:30-6:00 p.m., 18 hours a week. There is also the opportunity for an additional 2 hours a week working in other areas of the church's youth ministries. Interested individuals should contact Andrew Cooper, Director of Youth Ministries acooper@fountaincityumc.org or call 865-689-5175, ext. 107.
Resumes may be submitted to 212 Hotel Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918 or via email by June 4, 2010. A complete job description can be found on the church website and in the church office.

If you are graduating from college or graduate school, we want to celebrate with you! Please send Melissa Smith the name, degree, and the school from which you are graduating so that we can publish a list of this information in the next edition of The Spirit. Email Melissa, msmith@fountaincityumc.org to get in on the fun!

On January 15, 2009, U.S. Airbus A320 bound from New York City to Charlotte, NC ditched in the Hudson River. The crash occurred on a 20-degree day, one of the coldest of the season in New York. On board were 150 passengers and a crew of five. Among the 150 passengers, was Vallie Smith Collins from Maryville, TN. Vallie is the speaker for the special retirees' meeting on May 27. She is a dynamic speaker with an incredible story to tell. The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. with a meal to follow ($6). All retirees are urged to attend and hear this story of heroism, bravery, and miracles. Please call Jean Payne, 688-4165, for a reservation.

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. 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.

Each meeting is held on the second Tuesday of June, July and August, 10:30 a.m., Wesley Hall. Lunch will be served at noon for a cost of $5.

Bring your coffee mug and enjoy a muffin on Fridays, July 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 9:30-11:00 a.m. in Wesley Hall.

Women! Come join us this summer as we study "Believing God" by Beth Moore. We will meet Monday nights starting June 7 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. in the Wesley Hall. Please contact Leanne Ballinger at 660-9473 with questions or to register for the study.

 
Upcoming Events:
A Walk In The Park, May 31
Wesley Woods Day Trip, June 9
Family Pool Party, June 10

VBS kickoff in the park: June 20
VBS daily: June 21 - June 24
In just a few weeks, we're taking a journey back to ancient Egypt... without leaving the church! Find out what happened to Joseph as he went from Pharaoh's prison to the palace. Become part of living history by leading a grade-level group called an Egyptian family or by helping a shopkeeper in the marketplace. Sign-up sheets for area leaders, area helpers, class shepherds, registration and support teams, and youth volunteers are posted in the main church hallway. Be sure to sign up soon!
Register for VBS online this year! All participants, including volunteers, must be registered. For assistance or to register at church, come to our Welcome Center on Sunday mornings, May 9 - June 20.

 
Upcoming Events:
Youth Calendar
Confirmation Sunday is May 16
Youth Parent Meeting, Sunday, May 23, 6:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall
The NET taking registrations for 2010-2011

Family, friends and members of the community are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Service to honor Central High School seniors. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 16 at Central Baptist Church of Fountain City. Past Central graduate, Knox County Juvenile Court Judge, Tim Irwin, is the guest speaker. Irwin was an offensive tackle on the University of Tennessee football team and played 14 years in the NFL. Area pastors involved in the celebration include Ron Mouser, associate pastor at Central Baptist Church; Andrew Cooper, youth minister at Fountain City United Methodist Church, Alfred Huffaker, youth director at Fountain City Presbyterian Church, and Jared Morgan, youth pastor at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. The Central High Select Chorus and the Central High Select Band will perform special music. Central's commencement will be held Friday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. For additional information, contact Lynn Menendez at 865-689-5206.