Grow In Faith

Eight Essential Christian Practices: August 16-October 4 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Room 136

What are the essential practices of Christianity that can help you grow in your personal faith and have an impact on the community? Using humor and discussion, Rev. Don Hanshew will help you discover the power of prayer, the basics of healthy financial stewardship, understanding and using your unique spiritual gifts, how to invitationally share your faith, and more. Participants will craft a personal action plan for integrating these life-giving and essential aspects of Christianity into their daily life. Register here >

Christianity in Culture • August 16-September 27 • 6:30-8:00 p.m.

How has Christianity influenced the way people see the world? What is our role in influencing, changing, or enhancing the view of Christianity in culture today? Join us for this 7-week online and in-person class as we study scripture and look at four different elements of culture: music, movies, art, and social media. Our online facilitator will be Rev. Dr. Amy Valdez Barker, the former Executive Director of Global Mission Connections at The General Board of Global Ministries. Join us for this fun and lively learning experience! When you register, use the promotional code: FountainCityUMC, or, contact the church office. Feel free to invite a friend who lives out of state to join you online!

Desert Fathers & Mothers • October 4-November 1 • 6:30-8:00 p.m.

At a time when many felt the Church had become more enamored with the power of Rome than the humble way of Jesus, the Desert Fathers and Mothers began an experiment to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. This online course will be taught by Dr. Brett Opalinski, Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies of Candler School of Theology. When you register, use the promotion code: FountainCityUMC, or, contact the church office. Feel free to invite a friend who lives out of state to join you online.

Covenant Discipleship Groups Interest Meeting • Sunday, August 20 • 12:15 p.m. • Wesley Hall

A Covenant Discipleship group consists of 5-7 persons who meet for one hour each week holding one another mutually accountable for their discipleship. The group is guided by a covenant they write and shaped around being a witness through acts of devotion, worship, compassion, and justice. Light snacks will be provided. Read more about Covenant Discipleship Groups or contact Rev. Don Hanshew.

Disciple II Bible Study On Sundays • Begins August 20 • 6-8:30 p.m.

This is a 24-week study split into two twelve-week sessions. It is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedules and is designed to help you hear God’s voice through studying the Scriptures, so you can go into the world as faithful witnesses and be of service in the world. A Disciple II workbook is required, and scholarships are available. Our facilitator is Rev. Larry Carroll, who brings over 30 years of experience teaching Disciple studies. Register here >

Personal Growth

GriefShare Sessions • August 16-November 8 • 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.

GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. You will learn ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability, and gain solid, faithful support each step of the way. Childcare is provided for the evening session. Questions? Contact our GriefShare coordinator Dixie Bopp at boppdixie@gmail.com or 865-599-2030. A workbook is required, and scholarships are available. Register here >

GriefShare: Surviving the Holiday • Wednesday, November 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Wesley Hall

Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays and looking for ways to manage the many emotions you’ll face? Come and learn helpful tips for surviving the holidays and other social events. Registration is not required. If you have questions contact the church office, or reach out to Dixie Bopp, our GriefShare coordinator at boppdixie@gmail.com.

Parenting Post Pandemic • August 16-September 20 • 6:30-8:00 p.m.

The pandemic has significantly impacted our children. Has your parenting adapted to this change? In each stand-alone class, participants will enjoy engaging dialogue, meaningful discussion, and professional resources. Our facilitator, Gail Clift, is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with 30+ years experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Adolescents and provides private care to children and families around the treatment of anxiety, depression mood disorders, eating disorders and other mental health diagnoses. Register here >

• Week One: Anxiety • Week Two: Peers and Relationships • Week Three: Self Esteem

• Week Four: Discipline • Week Five: Schools Concerns • Week Six: Parenting through concerns

12 Steps of Recovery: Begins September 27 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Room 201

This is a Christ-centered personal journey through the 12 steps of recovery. Whether your struggle is emotional, financial, relational, or chemical, this study will change your life. Experienced teachers will be your guide in this confidential group setting. Workbooks are provided when you signup and childcare is available. Contact Seth Charles at seth.charles@fountaincityumc.org, call the church office, or sign up on Tuesday nights at C.R.

Fountain City “Disconnect” • August 16-November 15 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Many parents are hustling along at a break-neck pace getting kids to sporting events, church activities, and academic responsibilities. Experience a tranquil and judgment-free space where you can disconnect from the hustle of life in the peace of the church courtyard (weather permitting) or chapel while your children are in our capable hands. Take time to unwind, reflect, and simply be in this unguided and unfacilitated time where you can embrace the peace that comes from taking a well-deserved mini break.

Spiritual Renewal

Christ Without Borders: The Global Community & The Connections We Share • October 18-November 8 • 6:30-7:30 Wesley Hall

Transcend geographical boundaries and explore the interconnectedness of our global Christian community as you hear from participants of the Italian Art and Christianity Pilgrimage, members of our congregation who were reared outside of the US, and more. Come deepen your understanding of the universal principles that unite us as followers of Christ and explore the love of Christ that knows no borders. Register here >

Women’s Fall Retreat Interest Meeting Sunday, August 27 • 9:45 -10:30 a.m. • Wesley Hall

Would you enjoy a weekend of laughter, sharing, worship, and fellowship with other women in faith? Join this interest meeting about “Journey to Joy”, a Women’s Retreat at Lake Junaluska on November 10-12, 2023. Contact Jan Tarver, at tarversj@gmail.com or 865-660-3221 for more information. Scholarships will be available.