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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
KNOW
GROW
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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
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
In 2011, I began searching for a preschool for my one-year-old son while I was teaching at Highland Elementary. When I asked colleagues for recommendations, one preschool was consistently recommended. Gayle Canaday suggested Front Street Playschool, and I decided to schedule a tour. From the moment we stepped into the classroom, we felt right at home. My son immediately sat down and joined the other children for snack time, as if he had always belonged. In that instant, I knew Front Street Playschool was the right place for him to begin his preschool journey. All three of my sons went on to graduate from Front Street Playschool, and our family made countless cherished memories here. It is my sincere hope that every family who walks through our doors experiences the same sense of belonging. We want each family to leave with lasting memories and treasured childhood keepsakes from their time with us. As we look ahead to spring, we are excited to continue our beloved Front Street Playschool traditions, including our annual Art Show. Families enjoy viewing the artwork their children have created throughout the year. The teachers spend time planning and saving each piece. It is truly a highlight of the year and a day many families remember for years to come. During this season, we also reflect on the true meaning of Easter. In Chapel Time and in our classrooms, we share about Jesus and the message of His love. We look forward to celebrating together on Playschool Sunday, April 19th, at the 11:00 a.m. service. Playschool families are invited to attend, and the children will share a simple, special song about Jesus. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with families during these precious early years and to be part of each child’s story. -Staci Poplin, Playschool Director
These past few weeks, we walked through the Gospel of Luke in our message series, “Misfit’s Messiah”. All through his Gospel, Luke has been telling us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham—and not just for Israel, but for the whole world. Luke is saying, " This is it. This is happening in Jesus." But it’s not what anyone expected. Even the disciples, right before Jesus’ death, are still arguing about who is the greatest. They haven’t yet grasped how upside-down Jesus’ Kingdom really is. Jesus’ Kingdom is for everyone— especially the people pushed to the margins . Jesus is Lord—but not like kings or political powers. His Kingdom is above all those. His authority isn’t built on force or power. It’s built on humility. His Kingdom isn’t violent. It’s marked by peace . The church—that’s you—is called to live this out in a world obsessed with dominance and contro l . And here’s what’s remarkable: this Lordship doesn’t just change world history—it changes individual lives—that’s you and me. God’s justice isn’t only about nations rising and falling. It’s about the humble, the poor, the overlooked person being lifted up. We often understand salvation as a purely personal thing. But originally, it was a hope for the whole people of Israel. Through Jesus, it becomes both: a promise for the world and for each person who is humble, meek, and open to God. Because this Kingdom touches individuals, it calls for personal obedience too. In Luke especially, Jesus challenges our attachment to power, wealth, and status. Again and again, He exposes how easily these become idols. Life isn’t about having more, controlling more, or securing your place socially. God is generous and trustworthy—and faith in Him means learning to value what He values, not what the world does. It seems we often think Lent is a season to feel bad about ourselves. However, that is not the purpose of Lent. Rather, Lent is a season to tell the truth about ourselves . Where might you be resisting God’s way of humility and peace without even realizing it? Ask God to bring God’s great reversal to life in you. -Pastor Ray
