Every campaign needs a true story at its center. Ours is not about ductwork. It is about faithfulness across generations, and what it means to receive something good and pass it on.
Someone built this place before we arrived. They gave what they had, planted what they could not see grow, and trusted that the people who came after them would carry it forward. For 201 years, generation after generation has done exactly that. This building has held grief and celebration, baptisms and memorials, children who are now grandparents, and people who walked back through the doors after years away and found they were still welcome.
Now it's our turn.
Our HVAC systems are aging. Some have already required emergency repair. The children's wing, the Sanctuary, the Gym where we gather on Sunday mornings, the offices where ministry is organized every week: all of it needs attention. Not because we love our building more than our mission, but because the mission happens here.
We are not asking anyone to fund a renovation. We are asking this congregation to do what this congregation has always done: take care of what was given to us, and hand something even better to the people who come after. Every pew. Every service. Every generation. Together.
The Children's Wing: Common Ground for All of Us
The children's ministry area belongs to no single service. We all share it. Children are not the future of this church — they are the present. When we invest in that space together, we are investing in each other and declaring that the youngest among us deserve the same care as the rest.
Our HVAC connects every corner of ministry in this building. It is working when a family gathers for a funeral in the Sanctuary and needs the dignity of a comfortable space to grieve. It is working when our Traditional services fill the Sanctuary or the Contemporary service or CR fills the Gym. It is working when children run through the halls on a Wednesday night, when our youth gather for discipleship, when our recreation ministries fill the Gym throughout the week. It is working when a memorial service becomes the moment someone who has been away decides to come back and stay.
This is an evangelism issue. A building that meets or exceeds expectations communicates that we are ready for the people God sends us. A building that struggles sends a different message. We want every guest, every grieving family, every child, every first-time visitor to walk in and feel: this place is ready for me.
Or Give by check in the offering basket, drop off in the church office, or mail to 212 Hotel Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37918 with "HVAC Campaign" on the memo line.
For gifts of stocks or assets, please contact FCUMC's Financial Secretary.
Volunteer Opportunities
Use this "Become A Volunteer" button to fill out and download an online form. Send this form to the Financial Secrectary.
Welcome Center
A welcome worth returning to. Greets guests and members, helps people find their way, and creates a warm first impression at the entry points of both services. Contact is Britney Barthol.
Facilities Team
A church worth entering. Handles the physical care of the building and grounds: setup and takedown for events, mowing, cleaning, and the day-to-day tasks that keep the space ready for ministry. Contact is Prudence Spencer.
Grow Group
A church worth entering. Tends to the plants and flowers inside and outside the building, keeping our spaces beautiful and welcoming through every season. Contact is Nancy Nolen.
Shepherd Team
A welcome worth returning to. Creates a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment by guiding guests, responding to needs during services, and supporting the overall flow of worship for everyone present. Contact is Seth Charles.
Three Voices. One Church.
Don Howell
Church Council Chair
June 7, 2026
"This Building Has Held You."
“For over 30 years, Fountain City United Methodist Church has been an anchor in our lives. It has been here for us during our brightest days and darkest hours. It is important to us that it continue to be here for other families for generations to come, and that is why we are committed to supporting it through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.”
Sonya Baxter
Recovery Ministry
June 14, 2026
"One Church. One Mission. All of Us."
“The first time I walked through the doors, I had lost custody of my son, I had been homeless, and I was barely winning a fight with an addiction. This church did not ask me to get myself together before I was welcome. They just walked with me and kept showing up to encourage me. Because of God’s holy work through this community, I have my son back, a job, and a faith that does not move. I love being part of this church and all it does for the whole community.”
Susannah Clabough
Vision Team Chair
June 21, 2026
"What We Were Given. What We Pass On."
"I grew up in this church and was active in the music ministry as a young person. After graduating, I moved away for college. Now that I’m back in town after finishing my doctorate, I’ve become active in our young adult ministry. I'm also serving as chair of our Vision Team, which is working to define our mission and discern where God is calling us next. As we move forward, my focus is this: what can we do now to ensure that those who come after us are taken care of, allowing them to focus on worshiping God, loving others, and being witnesses to others."
Commitment Sunday
June 28, 2026
We are asking this congregation to take care of what was given to us, and hand something even better to the people who come after.
Give
- Give online
- Give by check in the offering basket, drop off in the church office, or mail to 212 Hotel Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37918 with "HVAC Campaign" on the memo line.
- For gifts of stocks or assets, please contact FCUMC's Financial Secretary.