Shared Joys, Lightened Burdens: Growing Together in Faith

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

Inclement Weather Update:

An important message from Pastor Ray



Pastor Ray shares an important weather-related update and invites you to a special "At The Table" video this Sunday at 10:00 AM as we continue our discussion on The Misfits' Messiah and encouragement for our church family.

Watch online and stay connected—wherever you are.

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Follow our social media pages, website or MyFox8 for updates about in-person service cancellations this week.

An Unlikely Lent

- A Lenten Sermon Series

The story of Easter is rightfully centered on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. But the resurrection was not witnessed in isolation. It unfolded before a crowd! An Unlikely Lent, our Lenten sermon series inspired by Rachel Billups’ book and Bible study, will invite us to step into the overlooked stories of unlikely men and women that played a role in the Easter story. As we journey through Lent by stepping into their stories, we may discover a new dimension of God’s pervading love and a fresh resurrection experience for our own lives.

Can't make it in person? Worship with us online at 9:00 and 11:00 AM here.

Do You Have Your Ticket?

Join us on Sunday, February 15 in Aldersgate Hall for our Mardi Gras Pancake Supper! Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM for a fun and delicious evening of food and fellowship—all in support of a wonderful cause.

Proceeds will benefit Front Street Playschool and Children’s Ministries, helping us continue to nurture and grow our ministry with children.

Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family and may be purchased online, on Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center, through the church office (cash or check only), or at the door on February 15.

We hope you’ll join us for this special evening of great food and community.

Front Street Week at Camp Chestnut Ridge

Looking for summer plans for your kids in kindergarten through 12^th grade? Consider Camp Chestnut Ridge in Efland! Camp Chestnut Ridge offers full-day camp or overnight camp and provides activities like swimming, gardening, archery, farming, and more—fun for every child.

Front Street kids can attend camp together during the week of July 13-17. Transportation for day campers will be provided if there are sufficient kids registered. We will leave the church each morning before camp begins and arrive back at the church when camp ends. (Specific departure and arrival times will be provided later)

Learn more or register here. When signing up, select Week 5 and use the code “Front” at checkout for a $50 discount, available for both day and residential campers.

In addition to the $50 discount offered by Camp Chestnut Ridge, Front Street members may receive an additional $150 toward the cost of camp—while funds last. That’s a total savings of $200 on an amazing camp your child will love! Space and funding are limited, so don’t delay—sign up today!

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Questions? Contact Ms. Melissa at melissa@frontstreetumc.org

Prayer Buddies

Front Street Children’s Ministry is restarting Prayer Buddies for the new year—pairing each child with a caring adult in the church who will pray diligently for the child throughout the year. If you would like to be a prayer partner, please email or call Ms. Melissa by February 15.

Parents and grandparents: We would LOVE to match your child/grandchild with a prayer partner from our church. Your child’s prayer partner will intentionally pray for your child during the entire year! To participate, email Ms. Melissa (melissa@frontstreetumc.org with your (grand)child’s name, grade, birthday, and school by February 15.

Wheelchair Ramp Ministry (WCRM)

An Interview with Tom Sineath, the Volunteer Coordinator

How did the Wheelchair Ramp Ministry begin?

WCRM started in 1997 as an Eagle Scout project by Josiah Barbour, the son of Jim and JoAnn Barbour. His dream was to build ramps that would keep going long after his project ended. Today, that seed has grown into 422 ramps built so far—what a blessing and a success.

What drew you to this ministry?

I’ve been the volunteer coordinator since 2016. I had helped build a few ramps before I retired and quickly realized how vital this ministry is. I wanted to be more involved.

How does the process work?

People apply through our church website, by mail, or through the church office. Most hear about us by word of mouth or through agencies that know our work. We serve Alamance County and focus on homeowners or those buying their homes, and we don’t build for short-term needs. After I visit the site, we schedule the build—right now the wait time is usually about five to six months.

What happens on a build day?

We arrive at 8:30, open with prayer, and usually finish in four to five hours. We set the frame, build the structure, add decking and handrails, and clean up. We close with prayer and attach a plaque that reads, “May the work of our hands glorify Jesus Christ.”

What impact have you seen?

There have been many tears of joy. One woman told us, “This is the best gift I have ever received.” This ministry makes our church visible in the community. When someone can finally get in and out of their home safely, that’s the Gospel you can see.

Who builds the ramps?

Usually eight to ten volunteers, sometimes more. You don’t have to be an expert—just willing. There’s digging, cutting, screwing, carrying, and cleaning. Our team rocks. They’re cheerful, faithful, and have true servant hearts.

What are your biggest needs right now?

We need both volunteers and funding. The need keeps growing, and I’d love to see a second team to shorten the wait time. Consistent financial support allows us to keep building.

Where do you see God at work?

I see God moments all the time—phone calls connecting at just the right moment, things falling into place when they shouldn’t. It reminds me that God is deeply involved in this work.

What do you hope each recipient feels?

That they are seen. That they are loved. That they are not alone—and that this church cares.

How can people get involved?

Think about your gifts. It takes more than lumber and screws. You can bring refreshments, help build, or just show up and serve. There’s a place for everyone.

Any final thoughts?

This ministry began as a small seed nearly 30 years ago, and look what God has done. What seeds do we need to plant now?

Thank you to Front Street and all our volunteers for making this ministry possible.

Wheelchair Ramp Build

Rescheduled for Saturday, February 21

8:30 AM

Due to the extremely cold temperatures and the threat of inclement weather, our next ramp project has been postponed to February 21. Volunteers are needed to make a difference in someone’s life! Youth & adults welcome—no experience needed. Just bring your heart to serve!



Contact Tom Sineath (tom.sineath@gmail.com) for details.

Altar Flowers

The following dates are available to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of a loved one:

March 15, 22 and 29

Contact Linda Paul for details or to reserve a date:

  📱 336-543-5081 (cell)

📧 ldrose4717@gmail.com

Financial Generosity Update (thru 1/29/2026)

YTD Actual Giving: $136,555.14

YTD Budgeted Giving: $106,546.13

YTD Ending Balance (Excess/Deficit): $87,282.15