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Join us in worship!

Sunday Traditional Worship Service:

In the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.

In-person or online

Sunday Contemporary Worship Service:
In Aldersgate Hall at 9:00 a.m.

(located behind the Sanctuary)

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

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Plan a Visit

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.

  • What can I expect?

    At Front Street UMC you can expect to grow in your relationship with God and others. As we continue to grow ourselves you can expect to be loved as a child of God yourself.

  • What should I wear?

    We know the intention behind “Sunday best” is well meaning, and yet for some it’s a hinderance. More than that, we know God accepts you just as you are, so we will accept you in the clothes you’re comfortable in.

  • What is available for my children?

    Children teach us how to worship, so there is space for children to worship and learn and play. Visit our children and youth ministries page to learn more about what we offer.

  • View livestream

    Front Street UMC has 2 services. You can watch the live stream of our Sunday 11am Traditional Service and see past services linked from our worship page.

  • Listen to the podcast

    Our  contemporary Aldersgate service is recorded and shared via our podcast.

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.

MISSIONS

Mission opportunities both local and global.

Upcoming Events

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Notes from the Pastor

Thought provoking inspiration from our leadership team

At The Table

Video Series

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March 31, 2026
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
March 2, 2026
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
January 30, 2026
Before moving to Burlington, I lived in Atlanta while I was getting my Master of Divinity and serving part time as a Youth Minister. After a full week of classes, it is Sunday morning and I found myself in the pews listening to my Pastor preach. In full transparency, I have a hard time remembering most sermons and integrating what I’ve heard into my life of faith. However, there are a few sermons from over the years that have stayed with me and continue to shape me. As my Pastor was preaching on this particular Sunday, I remember one thing he said that has stuck with me ever since: “Shared joys are multiplied joys, and shared burdens are lightened burdens.” I’ve only been at Front Street UMC for a few months and I am sure y’all have heard me say this phrase many times already! It is a phrase that captures a deep truth and reminds me that we ought not walk this journey of faith alone, and in fact we cannot walk it alone. There is some good news though! We do not walk this journey of faith alone. God has chosen to be with us and to walk with us. Furthermore, we have a community that we can walk alongside. Since being at Front Street UMC, I have heard a deep yearning for community. Many of us have our connections and relationships, both inside and outside of Front Street UMC, that nourish our lives of faith. Still, there is a desire to go deeper in our relationships with God and one another as we go on our journeys of faith. Front Street UMC is launching a new Sunday School group called Faithful Families! Faithful Families aims to take seriously this desire to grow in our relationships with God and one another. If you are a parent of children or youth that is yearning for Christian community, we hope that you will join us in Room 301 during the Sunday School hour starting on February 8th. If you aren’t a parent of children or youth but still share this yearning for community, we encourage you to get connected through our other worship, discipleship, and service opportunities at Front Street UMC. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have! -Daniel Polito
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