Continuing the Journey: Worship at Front Street UMC



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

The Wilderness Diaries

May Sermon Series

In the Bible, the wilderness is both a real landscape—rugged, barren, and demanding—and a vivid metaphor for the seasons of adversity we all face. Each of us carries our own wilderness diary: pages marked by loss, resistance, loneliness, or despair. Through our sermon series, The Wilderness Diaries, we will open the journals of some biblical figures who found themselves in desolate places. As we read their entries, we uncover the wisdom, faith, and resilience that can guide us through the wilderness chapters of our own lives.

Worship with us online at 9:00 and 11:00 AM here.

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 7

This year’s theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations: Seeking Him in All Generations,” inspired by 1 Chronicles 16:24, invites us into a meaningful time of united prayer.

The Front Street Prayer Team encourages you to join believers across the nation on Thursday, May 7, as we lift up our country in prayer. Whether you gather with others at church or pray from wherever you are, we invite you to set aside 30 minutes for focused intercession. You can sign up to participate here or by visiting the Welcome Center.

A prayer guide, along with a list of local, state, and national leaders, is available at the Welcome Center to help you during your time of prayer.

Let’s come together in faith and hope, trusting God to work through our prayers in powerful ways.

Confirmation Sunday: A Joyful Milestone in Faith

Sunday, May 17

On May 17 at our 11:00 AM worship service, we will joyfully welcome our confirmands into the life of our church family. This special moment marks their first public affirmation of faith made on their own, as they step forward to declare their commitment to Christ and His Church.

Confirmation is more than a ceremony—it is a meaningful milestone in a young person’s spiritual journey. Our confirmands are affirming their baptismal promises and taking on the responsibility of living as active members of the body of Christ. With this step, they also embrace the call to grow in faith, serve others, and participate in God’s work in the world.

We celebrate their dedication and the journey that has brought them to this point, and we give thanks for the mentors, families, and congregation who have supported them along the way.

Please join us in worship as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday and surround our confirmands with prayer, encouragement, and joy as they begin this new chapter of faith.

Let’s Celebrate the Achievements of Our College Grads!

If you have a loved one who recently graduated, we’d love to recognize them. Please share with us their name, alma mater, and degree earned.

Submit the online graduate form here or simply email the information to Joanna (joanna@frontstreetumc.org) by Friday, May 22.

We’ll feature the list of 2026 graduates in the June newsletter.

Celebrate a great spring in our youth ministry, see what’s ahead as the semester wraps up, and follow along as they head to the beach—click the image to read this week’s Chris’ Corner!

Easter Joy Continues: Music, Creation, and Community

Hi everyone, I hope you’re enjoying the Easter season as much as we are. Remember, Easter isn’t just one day—it’s fifty days of celebrating new life, joy, and resurrection. You may have felt a little “mini‑Easter” on April 19 with the children, handbells, choir, and that wonderful Widor Toccata.

Looking ahead, May 10 is going to be especially fun. The Children and Epworth Ringers will share “All Creatures Great and Small,” and the children will sing “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” The handbells will even bring a few musical “animals” to life. It’s a playful reminder that all creation belongs to God.

We’re also excited to welcome back David Moran at the end of the season. If you heard him on Easter, you know he’s not just a drummer—he’s a true percussionist. He’ll be playing marimba and a variety of percussion instruments, and even other church music directors commented on how outstanding he was. We’re hoping to have him with us every Christmas and Easter while he’s in college nearby.

A quick update about the building: several of the large organ pipes will be removed for repair this summer. Thanks be to God for the foresight of the organ committee, who set aside funds specifically for future needs like this. The goal is not to make any changes to the instrument, but to restore the organ to its original, God intended glory.

The Handbell Room will temporarily become a locked staging area at the end of May, once the ringers have finished their season.

-Matt Estes

Financial Generosity Update (thru 4/17/2026)

 YTD Actual Giving: $410,389.07

YTD Budgeted Giving: $426,184.52

YTD Ending Balance (Excess/Deficit): $51,023.18

Positive Attitude Youth Center Celebrates 32 Years

The Positive Attitude Youth Center (PAYC) is celebrating 32 years of serving youth and families in Alamance County. To mark this milestone and support its ongoing mission, PAYC invites you to its annual fundraising banquet on May 7 at 6:30 PM.

This year’s theme, “Keep Moving Forward,” reflects the organization’s continued commitment to growth and impact. The evening will highlight PAYC’s five program areas, including its 4-star daycare, Positive Day School Academy (PreK–12), afterschool care, summer camp, and recreation programs, along with stories from staff, children, and families.

Supporters are invited to participate by sponsoring a table or attending individually. The event aims to raise funds for the upcoming fiscal year so PAYC can continue providing vital services to the community.

PAYC expresses gratitude for the continued prayers and support that help sustain its work with local families. Learn more and reserve your table here.

Furniture Ministry at First Pres

The Furniture Ministry at First Presbyterian Church provides essential support to families across Alamance County by collecting and distributing gently used furniture and household items. Each year, the ministry serves approximately 500 individuals in more than 200 households, helping meet basic needs with dignity and care.

Donations are welcomed year-round and are always appreciated. Smaller items may be dropped off at the Furniture Ministry warehouse, located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Outreach Center at 411 W. Fifth Street in Burlington. To schedule a pickup for larger items, please call 336-212-2937.

The ministry accepts the following items (new or in very good condition):