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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
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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
As apprentices of Jesus, we’re called to live with purpose and intentionality, making the advancement of the Kingdom of Heaven our highest priority. This kind of living creates space for generosity to take root in our hearts. Throughout Scripture, we’re urged to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure—especially to those who can never repay us (Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:18, Hebrews 13:16). So, what does it look like to grow in Christlike generosity? Obedience in this area isn’t reserved for those with extra time, wealth, or exceptional gifts. No matter how small our offering may seem, every life is a gift worth giving to God and others. No gift is too small. No giver is too broken. And no life is too unworthy to receive. One way to cultivate a generous heart is through the practice of solitude. Jesus said, “Abide in me, as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4). One practical way we can respond to this invitation is by regularly stepping away into quiet time with Him. We tend to become like those we spend time with. Solitude is how we draw near to Jesus and, in doing so, begin to reflect His heart. In His presence, we learn to hear His voice and align our lives with His way. Over time, the consistent rhythm of meeting Jesus in the quiet place bears the fruit of compassion, empathy, and gratitude. And when these qualities overflow in us, generosity becomes a natural response. Our eyes open to the needs around us, and our hearts are moved to act. So, what would it look like for you to regularly retreat with Jesus? How might time alone with Him begin to shape your heart in the area of generosity? Today, pause and consider the impact your acts of generosity could have in your corner of the world. -Pastor Ray
Is your identity defined by your clothes, your hobbies, where you’re from, or what others say about you? These are the questions that quietly echo deeper ones: Do I matter? Am I valuable? Is there more to life than just getting through the day? When we don’t have clear answers, it’s easy to cling to whatever gives us a sense of self. But here’s the good news: God sees beyond all the noise and speaks directly to your worth. From the very beginning, God made it clear. “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…” “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them…” — Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) You are not a mistake or an accident. You’re not just biology or instinct. You are created in the image of God—the Creator of heaven and earth. That means you reflect something of Him. And that gives you unshakable value. You are His masterpiece. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) Even when you doubt your worth, God doesn’t. After creating everything else, He called it good . But after creating humans, He said it was very good (Genesis 1:31). In our next message series we will be thinking about - Being - Being and becoming Christ's presence in the world. So, who are you? You are made in the image of God. You are deeply valuable. You are His masterpiece. Even if you don’t feel like it today—rest in that truth. -Pastor Ray
Have you ever heard the term “liminal space”? “Liminal space” refers to a place of transition—a space between what was and what is yet to come. This can be physical, emotional, or even spiritual. The word liminal comes from the Latin limen, meaning threshold. One website describes it beautifully: “Liminal space is the uncertain transition between where you've been and where you're going—physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. To be in a liminal space means to be on the precipice of something new but not quite there yet.” We’ve all experienced moments like this—when the familiar is behind us, and the future isn’t yet fully visible. It’s a place filled with both opportunity and anxiety, hope and hesitation. It’s the moment when we’ve accepted that change is coming, even though it hasn’t fully arrived. How do you feel about being in such a space? Does it excite you—or unsettle you? The unknown can be intimidating, but it can also hold incredible promise. Right now, I find myself in a liminal space. It feels, quite honestly, unsettling. We are in the midst of discerning our next Director of Music Ministries. I’m also processing the transition of my dear friend and ministry colleague, Pastor Stephan, as he moves on to serve another congregation. These are changes that stir emotions and raise questions about the future. And yet, I’m reminded of this truth: our Lord already knows what lies ahead. That knowledge brings peace. Because God is sovereign over our transitions, we can rest in the assurance that all will be well. I’m grateful for our dedicated Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), who are working diligently to fill the music ministry position and are prayerfully identifying next steps for our associate pastor role. They are in active conversation with our District Superintendent and Bishop, seeking the right person for this season of ministry. As we live through this liminal time together, I encourage you to be in prayer. Pray for those in leadership who are faithfully seeking God’s guidance. Pray also for Pastor Stephan and his family as they prepare for their next chapter in ministry. We may not yet know what’s coming, but we trust in the One who does. And in that trust, we find peace. -Pastor Ray
