In the Pastor Cornered article in the Spirit last week, I talked about the fact that the wheels at FCUMC are rolling. We have various groups traveling to many places to proclaim and live the gospel in different venues. How grateful we are for each one who goes in the name of Christ, and we pray God's blessings upon them.
     The wheels are also rolling on the vehicles of various individuals and families as you take a break from school, jobs and other at-home responsibilities to enjoy some time away. I hope all who travel will find it to be a good time and that you return safely to the fold.
     I encourage you to remember that summer is a season when our church expenses oftentimes increase while income always decreases. We hope to be able to avoid dipping into our line of credit, so we encourage you to remember the church before you "head out" and then return home - well, perhaps with less money than you started with when you left home.
     While the church's financial needs are great, our need to give goes far beyond "paying the bills." I pray that we all give to support the Lord's work in gratitude for God's blessings in our lives.
     We will miss you while you are away. May the Lord be with you!
-- Jim

Pending the results of a Trustees meeting on Wednesday, May 26, there will be a called Charge Conference on Sunday, June 6, following the 11:00 worship services. The meeting has two agenda items:

1) Consider the purchase of the house located at 5421 Fountain Rd. It is between the Summit Medical Office building and the apartments behind the church.

2) Consider the sale of the church parsonage at 2930 Brabson Dr. In the event that this is approved, the new associate pastor will receive a housing allowance.

This meeting has the approval of and will be presided over by Dr. Doug Fairbanks, district superintendent.

All members of the church council are voting members of the Charge Conference. Other church members are invited to attend.

As a part of our Holston Annual Conference hands-on mission project, the Knoxville district is being asked to provide food buckets for Zimbabwe. You can pick up an empty bucket after worship and take it home and fill it with the items listed or donate money ($33) and leave the shopping to us. Check on-line for full list of items required for the buckets.

Bishop Swanson requests flood buckets, donations for Tennessee flood response.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee would like to honor the Hanshew family with an evening of celebration and fun. We are asking you to SAVE Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. The celebration and BBQ dinner will take place at the Expo Center on Clinton Highway. There is no charge for the meal.
Reservations are required; call the church office (689-5175) or email at fcumc@fountaincityumc.org no later than June 1 in order to help us arrange for the appropriate number of meals and seating. We hope you will be able to participate in the celebration.

Ladies 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. Childcare is available if previously arranged.

 
Upcoming Events:
A Walk In The Park, May 31
Tween Team to Smokies Ballpark, June 5
VBS Volunteer Training, Safe Sanctuary Training, June 7
Wesley Woods Day Trip, June 9
Family Pool Party, June 10, 6:00 p.m.

VBS kickoff in the park: June 20, 4:00 p.m.
VBS daily: June 21 - June 24, 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
In just a few weeks, we're taking a journey back to ancient Egypt... without leaving the church! 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.
Don't forget to order your t-shirt and music CD's, order forms are available in the church office and at the Welcome Center on Sundays.

 
Upcoming Events:
Youth Calendar
The NET taking registrations for 2010-2011