In my sermon this past Sunday I suggested that we in America sometime seem to be more concerned about our "rights" than we are our moral/ethical responsibilities. We read and hear so much about what we "have the right to do" to the extent that I can't help but wonder what it would be like if we always tried to live as Christian citizens who are just as concerned (if not more so) about what we are called to do. As I think about Jesus' teachings and actions, I can't really recall his ever saying "You have the right to this or that." He talked a whole lot more about what is expected of us because we are lovers of God.
     I believe that one of the things that makes our congregation so strong is that we are concerned about the ways in which we can reach out in the name of Christ. It is exciting to serve a congregation that really does put more emphasis on our responsibilities to serve others in the name of Christ than we do on our rights and privileges as Christian disciples. We are called to faith; and as we receive that faith, we are called to share it with others in loving ways.
     Thank you for the ways in which you respond to what we learn from our Scriptures in order that we might serve in the name of Christ.
-- Jim

Please join us on Friday, July 9, at 7:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall as we celebrate the new ventures of Steve & Diantha Hodges. Steve has served as the director of Project Jubilee in Sneedville and they will be leaving in August to serve as new missionaries in Yei, Sudan. Come hear about the work that they will be involved in and how we can support them through our prayers.

Are you looking for a way to get involved in a hands-on project to help our church, community, and neighbors? Now is your chance!
Our first service project was June 30. The big project was to pack cookies and chips for the Lost Sheep Ministries and wow, were they excited to have our help! Lost Sheep feeds over 500 people each Wednesday night and and it takes a lot of time and hard work to get ready for that event each week. Other projects included installing a garbage can base in the parking lot, painting one of the sign posts, and putting together crayon packs for the kids in Nicaragua. Thank you to all those who came out and served!
Be looking for more Project Serve opportunities this summer.
Please contact Kelley Flatford, kflatford@gmail.com for more information.

Please be in prayer for the Music Ministry Search Committee as they begin to search for the new Director of Music Ministries for FCUMC. This search committee includes: Fran Burroughs, Mark Biagi, Katie Bales, Garrett Chapman, Ruthie McLeod, Dallas Dover, Betsy Castleberry, Kim Meade, Joe Walsh (Chair), Bill Baldwin, and our pastors, Jim, Melissa and Daniel. The next meeting will be on July 15 at 6:00 p.m.

Please celebrate with us! You are invited to join Dot Avers and her family as we celebrate Dot's 80th birthday, Sunday, August 1, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Come and meet the family, enjoy cake and punch, and share in this happy occasion.

The Singers are a unique group of talented, professional singers who serve as the ambassador choir for the Southeastern Conference of the United Methodist Church. They lead in worship and provide special concert programming for churches across the southeastern United States. Concert repertoire includes sacred choral, gospel, folk, and musical theatre. Invite your friends to an evening of fine entertainment.

God is doing great things at Holston Conference's new church near Philadelphia, TN. The Spanish-speaking congregation is led by Dani and Kacye Castillo. Kacye grew up here at Fountain City UMC, and is the daughter of Rocky and Kathy Castenir. We are pleased that they can be with us to talk about their ministry at Casa de Alfarero, The Potter's House.
Circle 1 is asked to bring snacks for Wesley House and Circle 11 will serve lunch. Come and bring a friend.

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.

"Sometimes it is just one foot in front of the other. Throw your feet over the side of the bed. Strap on the shoes that make you feel pretty. And decide to move in the direction of the woman you've always wanted to become," from When Wallflowers Dance.
We will study "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas, a seven week DVD study on righteous confidence.
Childcare is available if previously arranged. Registration coming soon.

"We do not struggle alone, and we are not the first to struggle with the problems we face. Others have run the race and won, and their witness stirs us to run and win also." The Holy Spirit is always there for us: we just have to call on Him to help. We believe you can have strength in numbers; come and be a part of men of faith helping each other in their godly journey. This two day event offers opportunity for service, exceptional small group topical discussion, worship, food, and fellowship. For more information or to register, go on line to www.CallingAllMen.net.

 
Upcoming Events:
July 13, 2:00 p.m.: Sisters in the Spirit, Tie-Dye
July 14, 6:00 p.m.: Water Fun Night
July 20, 1:00 p.m.: Sisters in the Spirit, Swimming
July 29, 4:00 p.m.: Sisters in the Spirit, Bubbles & Beads
July 30: Family Movie Night

 
Upcoming Events:
Youth Calendar
The NET taking registrations for 2010-2011
July 11: Middle School Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement
July 21, 6:00 p.m.: Dinner and Movie
July 22, 9:00 a.m.: Splash Country
July 26, 12:00 p.m.: Fountain City Ministry Center

The Net Ministry Team and SPRC are pleased to announce the hiring of Audrey Deyton, our new Director of the Net. She is a member and is very involved in missions here at FCUMC. Audrey has worked with elementary and middle school youth in various roles, most recently as an instructor with Premier Athletics. We welcome Audrey to the staff.