God's Plans: Greater Than Our Own
June 30, 2026
“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
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
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
I have a confession: I don’t care for New Year’s Eve. The parties, the countdowns, the ball drop—it all makes me anxious. I’ve stopped making New Year’s resolutions, and honestly, that might be the best resolution I’ve ever made. They often feel forced and unrealistic. When I look back over the past year, regret can creep in. I didn’t write that children’s book. I didn’t read the Bible from cover to cover. And exercising? Let’s not even go there. Still, every New Year’s Day, as I prepare the traditional lunch of black-eyed peas and collards (full disclosure: I don’t actually eat them—I just decorate with them), my mind returns to one of my favorite verses: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22–23 Those words remind me that fresh starts are real and forgiveness is always available. God doesn’t require us to set lofty, unattainable goals or reinvent ourselves overnight. He simply invites us to step into a new day—and a new year—with faith, carrying forward what we’ve learned and trusting Him with the rest. The road ahead isn’t always easy, but we never walk it alone. So maybe this year we choose resolutions without pressure—ones rooted in grace, not perfection. Goals that lead to shame aren’t from God. A quote I recently read put it perfectly: “ Perfectionism leads to shame, not spiritual growth. ” God wants our hearts, not our flawless performance. I may skip the ball drop, and I may never love the gym, but I can choose gratitude. I can seek God daily, trusting that He will carry us when we cannot carry ourselves. So, shall we step into 2026 with a little more joy? Let’s try—and while we’re at it, feel free to send me your favorite collards recipe. -Leslie Peavy
What are the most powerful words on earth? They may not be what you expect—but once you understand them, they can completely transform your life. These words carry the power to shift your emotions, renew your faith, and change your circumstances for the better in every way. It’s no surprise that these words are found in the Bible. Their story begins in the Gospel of John, chapter 11—the story of Lazarus. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus knew them well. He loved them deeply, and they loved Him. When Lazarus fell ill and died, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus to tell Him what had happened. The message reached Him, but Jesus did not arrive right away. Whether He chose to delay or allowed the delay to happen, one truth remains: God’s timing is always perfect. It’s never too late with God. Whatever your situation may be, remember—it’s never too late for Him to move. “Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” (John 11:38–40) There’s a powerful lesson here: If you believe, you will see. That’s the essence of faith—believing before you see, trusting God’s Word before His promises are visible in your life. If you must see it first to believe it, that isn’t faith. But if you choose to believe, you will see. Then came the moment when Jesus spoke the most powerful words ever spoken on earth: “Then Jesus lifted His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You…’” (John 11:41) Notice how He prayed. He didn’t say, “Father, give Me power.” He didn’t say, “Father, raise him from the dead.” He didn’t plead, “Father, help Me,” or ask, “Father, can You?” No—He simply said, “Father, thank You.” These are the most powerful words on earth. The miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead began with a simple prayer of gratitude. The power of the miraculous begins with the power of thankfulness. Thank you, for YOU! -Pastor Ray Warren
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
Growth is rarely easy—but it is always a part of God’s story. In Exodus, when God called Moses to lead the people into a new future, it didn’t happen all at once. There were questions, doubts, and hard decisions. But God’s promise remained steady: “I will be with you.” As we look toward the future God is calling us into, we find ourselves in a season of thoughtful, Spirit-led change. Like Moses, we are being invited to step into something new—not just as individuals, but as a church family committed to growing together. Over the past several months, our Finance Team, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), Vision Team, and Trustees have been working diligently to realign our resources so that we can not only sustain our ministry but expand it into the future. These faithful leaders—volunteers from among you—are leading us in a course correction to reduce our budget by $300,000 over the next 12–24 months. That’s a big task, but we believe it is possible with faith, clarity, and shared commitment. One of the major steps is a reorganization of our staffing structure. Some of these changes are already underway: • Jackie Long , who has faithfully served as our Facilities Director for over 23 years, will be retiring on August 1. Thanks to a creative staffing proposal, Jackie will continue supporting the church part-time in this next chapter. • Hannah Reeves will assume increased leadership as our full-time Facilities Supervisor. • Zack Mace , our part-time maintenance worker, will begin reduced hours starting June 1. • At The Table , our weekly video series will come to an end beginning August 1. These adjustments, along with increased giving, represent about $160,000 in annual financial impact. SPRC is also reviewing another $150,000 in possible savings. To be candid, we pray more of that $150,000 will be offset in new and increased estimate of givings for the 2026 budget. In the area of worship, our Music Ministry is also entering a new chapter. We are actively searching for a new Director of Music Ministry/Organist, a role that will continue to lead and nurture our traditional worship while helping us grow into future possibilities. In the interim, we’re grateful to welcome Tim Baker, retired Director/Organist from University UMC in Chapel Hill, who will help lead us during the transition. All of these steps are being made with care, prayer, and a strong sense of mission. This is not about simply reducing costs—it’s about investing wisely in a future that is faithful, flexible, and full of possibility. I’m asking you to do a few things: • Pray for your church leaders as they continue this work on your behalf. • Trust that your committees are working diligently with love for the whole church. • Engage in the life of the church as you are able—your presence and support matter greatly. In this season of growing, each one of us has a part to play. Some will lead, some will support, some will step into new roles. Together, we will continue to be the church—rooted in Christ, moving forward in hope. -Pastor Ray
