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Knowing Christ. Growing in Christ. Sharing Christ.
We're so glad you're here...
Front Street United Methodist Church is honored to be located at the center of many things: we’re at the center of Burlington, located right next to downtown; we’re at the center of serving our community in multiple ways; we’re at the center of hospitality to people who come in our door. Those same things - our community, service to others, and welcoming you - are at the center of who we are too.
Our Commitment to Christ
KNOW
GROW
SHARE
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We believe you can learn a lot about God in study, but even more by experiencing God at work in the world. The same is true for us. Come and experience life at Front Street UMC for yourself.
Opportunities to Grow
One of the core beliefs of United Methodists is that we are always moving “onward to perfection.” That’s not perfection as the world defines it. It’s perfection as God wants for each of us - which is recognizing the wholeness and potential that a loving God sees in us. So these opportunities for growth do not mean “we grow in being perfect,” but instead mean “we grow in our awareness of God’s love.” Where is God trying to show you love, and how can we at Front Street help?
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Children's ministries and youth programs for all ages.
ADULT MINISTRIES
Adult ministries, care groups and choirs.
MISSIONS
Mission opportunities both local and global.
Notes from the Pastor
Thought provoking inspiration from our leadership team
God, I am open to new growth in you. Amen . - Those are the words we charged you with at the beginning of the year. For 2025 we’re focused on growth! And we were clear when we said we were unclear what exactly that will look like. Maybe it will be growing in a deeper relationship/ knowledge of God. Maybe it will be growing in our capacity to love our neighbor. But we said we would celebrate the growth we notice along the way, and I want to tell you about some growth that we’re seeing. Over the last two months we have seen: + 16 new faces in worship on Sunday morning (A number of those visitors say they have been watching online and finally decided to visit in person) + A group of young adults are working to build a new Sunday School class for Sunday mornings + Aldersgate worship is growing in person and online + Stephen Ministry is launching soon and has over 20 people applying + We have 8 families who are joining our Pathways to Generosity by giving for the very first time + The Community Medical Closet is full and ready to support our neighbors in need. Those are just a few of the tangible ways we can see growth happening. And I’ll speak for myself and Ray and say we have been encouraged by the depth of questions and concerns over Christian matters for the world, and the investment in being a missional community in new ways has been a huge area of growth as well! Now before I send you off with a question like ‘where do you see growth?’ I want to acknowledge a few places where there might be a need for growth. Our Refugee Resettlement Team is no longer able to do the amazing work it’s been doing because of the changes to immigration from various levels of the government. Are we called to step up in a new way here? Our Afterschool still does not have a director, and Melissa is doing everything she can to keep it going (and she’s doing a great job, btw). Is there something new God is calling us to in this space of ministry? These are all vital and important questions, and I hope you will take them into this next season, along with your own eye for seeing the growth in front of you. Oh, that next season? It’s Lent! A time for us to sacrificially walk alongside Jesus in service to the world and love for God. If that isn’t a good time for growth I don’t know what is. -Stephan Margeson
As we begin a new year, how’s your faith doing? Have you ever thought that true faith is about surrendering everything. It’s about putting all your hope in God’s faithfulness to His promises. We often hear the phrase “just have faith,” but in our culture, it’s become a quick fix for situations where we don’t have clear answers. While faith certainly forms the foundation of our walk with Jesus, it’s not enough to merely claim we have it. Faith that isn’t backed by both inner transformation and outward action is empty. Saying “I have faith” is meaningless if our hearts and lives don’t align with that statement. True faith is an active, bold trust in God’s grace—a trust so deep we’d be willing to risk everything, even our lives. Scripture offers us a vivid example of initiating faith through the story of Peter. Peter, often mocked for his impulsive actions, was deeply devoted to Jesus. In Matthew 14:25–29, we see Peter given the chance to act on his faith by stepping out of the boat and walking toward Jesus, despite the raging storm. While others might criticize him, we must acknowledge the boldness of his decision. Stepping out in faith can sometimes make us look foolish—if Jesus doesn’t show up, we might appear completely misguided. But real faith involves taking risks that only make sense if God comes through. We all want to experience the miraculous, like walking on water, but none of us is eager to take the first step off the boat. It’s time to put our faith into action, even when it feels uncomfortable. Faith is a vision of the heart that recognizes God’s presence in both the darkness and the light. Of course, Peter wasn’t perfect. He famously denied Jesus three times, despite his earlier acts of faith—like walking on water with Him! Yet his story didn’t end in failure. After his denial, Peter went on to die as a martyr for his unwavering faith. This shows that faith isn’t a one-time burst of energy; it’s a journey, one that shifts and grows through life’s trials and triumphs. Faith can waver, but it’s important to hold on and continue acting on the faith God has given us. How is your faith influencing your actions? What changes in your life could better reflect the faith you profess? -Pastor Ray
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I so hope that this season is filled with joy for you. It has been my absolute pleasure to serve the people of Front Street and the community of Burlington this past year. Can I tell you my favorite part? Not once, not twice, but actually dozens of times this year I met someone in the community who told me what they think of Front Street. And the things that they say . . . are really wonderful! They tell me how they love the events we’ve put on like the Pancake Supper in February and the Market for Missions in November. They tell me how amazing it is that we serve hundreds of families at Eastlawn Elementary with food and love and support. They tell me they know someone at Front Street who is loving and hospitable. I bet that’s you! Church, the community sees you and celebrates the ways you follow Christ. Which to me is a look ahead. What will Front Street do in 2025? Well, I think it will grow in its love to neighbor. Why more growth when you already do so much good? Simply put, because the needs of the community are growing. And when the needs of the world grow God’s people step up and meet those growing needs. That’s just how God’s economy of grace works. So where people are hungry in body or in spirit, we will feed them. Where people are without a home in the world or after the world, we will house them. Where people are sick in their body or their mind, we will heal them. And if that seems like a tall order to you, you’re right. Which is why we will need to grow as disciples. God has always been our source of strength and we will need to learn to rely on God more and more. I hope you’ll get some rest in this season. You’ve earned it. And you’ll also need it for the work ahead. I can’t wait to hear what people will say next? -Pastor Stephan
