Moving Forward in Hope

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

Perfect weather, baby animals, and over 40 smiling faces — our afternoon at Dinner Bell Farm was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the beauty of nature and Mother’s Day weekend with us. From planting seedlings to roasting s’mores, it was a beautiful day full of connection and joy. A great time was had by all!

Children’s Sunday School Shifts to Summer Format

As summer approaches, we’re shifting gears in our Children’s Sunday School program. Beginning in June, we’ll move to a one-room classroom format from 10:00–10:45 AM, following along with the sermon series, “The Gospel According to Bluey.” Find us in Room 301.

Nursery care will continue to be available from 8:30 AM through the end of the 11:00 AM service. During the Sunday school hour, we’ll also offer care for children of all ages, ensuring every child has a place to go while grown-ups attend class.

We’re excited for a fun, flexible, and meaningful summer with our kids!

PRAY

Please keep our children and their families in your prayers as they prepare to join us.

Pray for the leaders and volunteers who are working hard to plan and bring VBS to life. Your prayers are a powerful way to support this ministry!

VOLUNTEER

We still need helping hands during VBS week!

Adults and youth volunteers are needed to

* guide children from station to station

*assist with drop-off and pick-up—walking children from Aldersgate at the start of the day and back to their cars afterward.

GIVE

Support VBS by donating supplies or funds.

* T-Shirts: We hope to provide a special VBS t-shirt for each participant—this will cost approximately $350.

* Pizza Party: On the final day of VBS, we’re planning a family pizza party and would love help covering the $350 cost.

* Mission Collection: Throughout the week, children will collect donations for Mercy and Grace Ministries. We’re asking for bottled water, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. Donations can be dropped off anytime between now and July 11.

From First-Timers to Veterans: ASP Team Sets Out June 15

On Father’s Day, June 15, Front Street will send a team of 10 high school boys and 4 adult leaders to Jonesville, Virginia to participate in the Appalachia Service Project for the 42nd year.

Way back in 1990, I remember my mom informing me that I was participating in this out of town work thing when I was a freshman and had no idea what it was nor any real desire to go (if I am being honest). It was in its early stages with Front Street and the adults outnumbered the youth. I have no recollection of where we went, but I remember that it was an experience unlike anything I had ever done in my comfortable, west Burlington life. And I enjoyed it. Over my high school years it gradually grew in participation and eventually Front Street was sending so many teams that one year we had to be split between two centers. I served as a youth, then I lead teams as a 21 and 22 year old and now here I am at 50 on my 15th or 16th trip. I have been able to serve first with my friends, my brothers, my children, my wife and my mom. Two years ago, I got to serve with mom, Betsy and Graham, all on the same trip. Three generations all at the same center. That is what ASP does. 

Here we are, 35 years after my first trip and celebrating Front Street’s 42^nd trip overall. I am excited to be going with these folks and I am thrilled to have 6 first time youth joining us. My prayer is that they will experience the impact just as I did so many years ago and that more will want to be involved in the future so we can have another 42 years. 

Write to the Team

If you would like to write to us, letters may be addressed to our team, care of me:

Front Street UMC

– c/o Chris Huneycutt

383 ASP Lane

Jonesville, VA 24263

Youth Participants

Matthew Coble 

Porter Faucette

Tim Harris

Whitt Hayes

Matthew Coble 

Graham Huneycutt

Ethan Johnson

Timmy Klein

William Overby

Clay Thomas

Sam Wolff

Adult Participants

David Hoxie

Toby Thomas

Luc Stadler

Chris Huneycutt

I ask for your prayers for our safety, our skill, and for the Lord to work through us to help our fellow man make their homes "Warmer, Safer, and Drier".

-Chris Huneycutt

Shout Out to Savannah Sykes!



We want to give a special thank you to Savannah Sykes, granddaughter of Vickie Sykes, for her faithful service throughout the school year. Savannah has packed the food bags for Eastlawn Elementary every single week, helping ensure students had what they needed over the weekends. Her dedication and consistency have made a meaningful impact, and we are so grateful for her commitment!

Financial Generosity Update (thru 5/29/2025)

YTD Actual Giving: $420,471.02

YTD Budgeted Giving: $614,158.45

Summer Office Hours

Please note that our summer office hours will begin Thursday, June 12, and run through Thursday, August 28. During this time, the church office will be closed on Fridays. Thank you for planning accordingly!