“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 There are many verses in the Bible that have sustained me over the years, but this one has taken on special meaning as I reflect on my journey of faith and service. My faith story did not fully take root until after college. Growing up, church attendance at Front Street UMC was simply part of life. My brothers and I were expected to be there every Sunday—for Sunday School, worship, and everything in between. At the time, it may have felt routine, but looking back, I can clearly see how those early years laid the foundation for my faith. One of the people who shaped me most during those formative years was Margaret Anne Biddle, Front Street’s Director of Christian Education. Along with many faithful youth volunteers, she helped create a vibrant church community that left a lasting mark on my life. Their investment in me is something I have carried ever since. In 2001, Betsy and I were asked to host small groups in our home, and we said yes without hesitation. That simple yes began what would become a 25-year involvement with the youth program at Front Street. Years later, I began volunteering on Sunday nights with our high school students, serving alongside incredible leaders and building relationships that deeply impacted me. In the spring of 2018, I felt led to step away from volunteering so my daughter, Mary Elizabeth, could have the space to grow in her own faith. It was not an easy decision. I had come to love these students and treasured the opportunity to walk alongside them. But after much prayer and conversation, I felt at peace with the decision. Then, on April 15, 2018, God made it clear that His plans were different from mine. That very day—just before I planned to share that I was stepping down—I learned that our youth director was leaving. In that moment, I could only laugh and look up. The Lord had other plans. Soon after, I was asked to serve as youth director on a part-time basis, and what followed has been one of the most meaningful and humbling seasons of my life. As this chapter comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude. I am thankful for my family—especially Betsy—for their love, encouragement, and partnership. I am grateful for the volunteers, snack supper providers, trip chaperones, mission participants, church staff, and every person who has supported the youth ministry through prayer, generosity, and presence. Your faithfulness has made a lasting difference. Looking back, I return again to Jeremiah 29:11. God’s plans are often unexpected, but they are always good. It has been a privilege to serve, and I will always be thankful for the ways God used this ministry to shape not only the lives of our students, but my own as well. See you at church. Humbly, Chris Huneycutt

Friends, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on our shared journey of worship at Front Street UMC. Over the past several months, we have moved through a meaningful rhythm of seasons in the life of the church. As the new year began, we set out with renewed and revitalized intentions for how we might live more fully as Christ’s people in 2026. As February arrived, we entered the season of Lent—fasting from what distracts us and feasting on what draws us closer to God. By the end of March, we stepped into Holy Week, walking together through Jesus’ final days and remembering the saving work accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. Now, we find ourselves in the Easter season, continuing to reflect on the new life God offers and what it means to live today as resurrection people. Looking ahead, there is much to celebrate in the life of Front Street UMC this May: • Confirmation Sunday – May 17 Josh and I have had the privilege of walking alongside our confirmands as they’ve grown in faith, learned about Methodism, and discerned how they are called to live as disciples of Christ. We invite you to join us in the 11:00 AM Traditional Service on May 17 as these confirmands make their public profession of faith and are welcomed fully into the life of the church. • New Member Sunday – May 24 (Pentecost Sunday) Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church, and what better way to celebrate than by welcoming new members into the body of Christ here at Front Street? Join us for both the 9:00 and 11:00 AM services as we celebrate those joining our church family. If Front Street has become home for you and its people feel like family, I invite you to prayerfully consider membership. Please reach out to me at daniel@frontstreetumc.org if you are interested in taking that next step. • Senior Sunday – May 31 On Senior Sunday, we will celebrate the faith, accomplishments, and next steps of our graduating seniors. Join us at the 11:00 AM Traditional Service as we honor them, give thanks for their journey thus far, and surround them with prayer as they step into what comes next. What a gift it is to walk through these seasons together as a church family. -Daniel Polito