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Who Are You—Really?
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
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Being Good News
September Sermon Series
The Good News of Jesus Christ isn’t meant to be stored away or kept to ourselves. It flows through us like electricity, sparking light and life in a world often overshadowed by darkness. This sermon series invites us to discover how the Good News shapes the way we live, love, and serve. Together we’ll explore what it looks like to embody hope in difficult times, to practice generosity that transforms lives, and to share love that reaches beyond boundaries. Come and be part of the journey as we learn how to not only receive the Good News, but become Good News for the world.
Worship with us online at 9:00 and 11:00 AM here.
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Centennial Mural: Stories on the Wall
- A Front Street Seniors Event
Calling all Front Street Seniors—Join us on Thursday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall for a special Front Street Seniors gathering as we watch Centennial Mural Documentary: A History of Burlington’s 100 Years.
This engaging film highlights the fascinating history behind Burlington’s iconic Centennial Mural, featuring interviews with mural artist Rodney Moser and local historian and Times-News Editor Emeritus Don Bolden. As they share personal stories and historical insights, each panel of the mural comes to life with meaning and memory.
Beyond the dates and events, this documentary reveals the heart behind the artwork—Mr. Moser’s creative journey and Mr. Bolden’s deep ties to Burlington’s past. You’re invited not only to watch and listen, but also to share your own memories of Burlington and reflect together on our city’s unique story.
Popcorn and drinks will be served, so come ready to enjoy a great film, good company, and meaningful conversation. Please let us know you're coming by emailing Leslie at lesliebpeavy@gmail.com or call the church office by Monday, September 15.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Church Office Closed
The church office will be closed next Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.
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This is also the last week of our summer office hours, when we're closed on Fridays. Regular office hours resume on Tuesday, September 2:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM-4:00PM
Friday: 8:30AM-12:30PM
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Celebrating Jackie Long's Retirement
Congratulations to Jackie Long on his retirement, which began August 1! Jackie has been a valued member of the Front Street staff for 24 years, as our Building Superintendent. While he is retiring from full-time service, we are grateful that he will continue to serve part-time on the maintenance team.
In honor of his dedicated service, we will recognize Jackie during the 11:00 AM worship service on Sunday, September 21, followed by a reception in the Heritage Center. We hope you will join us to celebrate his contributions!
We are also accepting a “Love Offering” to show our appreciation for Jackie's faithful service to Front Street UMC. Gifts can be mailed to the church, dropped off at the church office, or placed in the offering plate. Please make checks payable to Front Street UMC with “Gift for Jackie Long” noted in the memo line. All gifts should be submitted by Wednesday, September 17.
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Front Street Adult Choir Resuming
Chancel Choir
Wednesday, September 3 @ 7:00 PM
Epworth Ringers
Tuesday, September 9 @ 6:15 PM.
Both choirs will be led initially by our interim organist, Tim Baker, until a permanent Director of Music is appointed.
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United Women in Faith
The Morning Circle will meet on Monday, September 8 at 10:00 AM in the Heritage Center. Suzie Lambeth will share about the upcoming Market for Missions in November and ways we can all help make it a success. This year, our booth will feature a Frozen Casserole Ministry, organized by a team of eight volunteer leaders. Tried-and-true recipes will be provided—let’s work together to fill the FSUMC Mission Fund!
We are also in need of a UWF Treasurer for 2025–2026. Emily has graciously stepped in to help us get started but will be stepping away as she returns to full-time work. Please prayerfully consider this important role.
Circle 5 will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 PM in the Heritage Center. Instead of our usual salad supper, we’ll enjoy a Casserole Tasting Party! Suzie Lambeth will again be with us to share more details about the November Market and the new Casserole Ministry. We hope you’ll join us for fellowship and fun!
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Men's Breakfast Bible Study
Resumes September 9
Good Christian men rejoice and mark your calendars. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study will resume weekly meetings on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 8 AM in the Heritage Center. Arrive early and ham biscuits, coffee, and orange juice are available.
Jim Pace will be our guide as we study and discuss the book of Isaiah and how its message is relevant to the whole unfolding Bible story from Genesis to Revelation, and continues to speak to modern times and our church community today.
We love to welcome new members— come and enjoy great Christian fellowship. (A zoom option will be available if you cannot attend in person.) If you have questions or want more information, contact Dex Peach (jdp838@aol.com, 336-446-0664).
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Cynthia Powell Women’s Bible Study Resumes September 9
The Cynthia Powell Women’s Bible Study (formerly known as the Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study) will resume on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Room 401. This season, the group will explore Blessed by Nancy Guthrie.
Books are available for purchase in the church office for $10.29 (exact change or check only please). All women are warmly invited to join us for fellowship and growth.
For questions or more information, please contact Patty Diming (336-570-9739) or Salley Bradford at salleybradford@yahoo.com.
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Kids Sunday School Resumes September 7!
We’re excited to welcome children back to Sunday School on Sunday, September 7, and to launch our brand-new Sunday School Incentive Program!
Each week, children will learn, grow, and have fun with friends—and now they’ll also have the chance to earn special rewards. With consistent attendance, kids will receive unique badges to proudly display on their very own Sunday School stole. These badges are a joyful way to celebrate their faith journey and serve as reminders of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Join us each week, collect your badges, and watch your stole tell the story of your growth in Christ!
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Youth Ministry Update
Summer may be ending, but youth ministry is just getting started! Check out upcoming September events and ways to get involved. Click on the image for all the details!
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Join Us for the Market for Missions!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Front Street UMC! We’re excited to welcome back many of our wonderful vendors from the past two years, along with some brand-new faces bringing fresh finds.
Enjoy a day of holiday cheer with our silent auction, bake sale, Santa visits, and so much more. This is the perfect chance to shop for unique gifts while supporting local missions near and far.
There are plenty of ways to volunteer, especially for our bake sale—If you love to bake, we need your sweet creations to make this event a success!
Come shop, mingle, and kick off the season while making a difference.
Click on the images below (or visit frontstreetumc.org/events)to learn more and sign up for volunteer opportunities.
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Fresh Mobile Market
Wednesday, September 17
2:00-3:30 PM
We need helping hands to pack food, load cars, and direct traffic at our Fresh Mobile Market. Your time and energy make a direct impact—thank you for helping get food into the hands of the hungry!
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Women Build Update
On Tuesday, September 17, ten women from Front Street—our "Tool Time Disciples"—will join Habitat for Humanity to help build a new home near Rauhut Street in Burlington. This home will soon provide a fresh start for a mother and her family. Please keep our volunteers in prayer for safety as they serve, and for the family as they prepare to move into their new home.
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CROP Walk
Saturday, October 4
Trinity Worship Center
Come join Alamance County to WALK for global hunger and disaster relief. Registration is at 8:30 AM and the Walk kicks off at 9:30 AM.
This is a family friendly event and there is no minimum donation. Stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings to learn more.
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Support Our Playschool.
As a new year begins at our Playschool, you have an opportunity to support this important ministry! If you would like to help, we have put together a list of items that would be especially useful to the program. Donations may be dropped off in the Donation Center. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming environment for our children!
- Clorox/Lysol Wipes
- Baby Wipes (unscented only)
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray
- Latex Gloves
- Cardstock- white and colored
- Colored copy paper
- Kleenex
- Bounty paper towels
- Bounty napkins
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September Food Collection
- canned corn
- canned tuna
- granola bars
- rice (1lb bags)
Thank you for your continued generous support of our Backpack Ministry.
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Cereal Sunday
September 7 is Cereal Sunday. To help stock the food pantry at The Salvation Army, please bring cereal or other canned/dry goods. Thank you!
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Altar Flowers
The following dates are available to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of a loved one:
September 7, 14, and 28
October 5, 12, and 19
Contact Linda Paul for details or to reserve a date:
📱 336-543-5081 (cell)
📧 ldrose4717@gmail.com
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Prayer & Meditation
Thursdays, September 4 and 18
9:30-10:00 AM
John Wesley Room/Zoom
Join the Prayer Ministry Team in praying for our church, nation, and the world. All are welcome!
Find the Zoom invitation here.
(If required, the passcode is 076844)
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Martha Brannock who is recovering from knee replacement surgery
Hy Harris as she settles into her new home at Village of Brookwood’s independent living
Alliene Johnson and family upon the death of her husband, Jim Johnson, on August 24
Tim Laverity who is recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery
John Maynard and family upon the death of his mother, Joie Maynard, on August 23
Julian Mims recovering from a recent hospital stay due to a bacterial infection in his bloodstream
Jim Pace recovering from hip replacement surgery
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Congratulations to Robert and Caitlin Register upon the birth of their twin sons, James Gray and Charles "Charlie" Vaughan Register born on 7/31/25.
Proud grandparents are Robert and Jan Register.
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Financial Generosity Update (thru 8/28/2025)
YTD Actual Giving: $716,845.56
YTD Budgeted Giving: $982,653.52
YTD Ending Balance (Excess/Deficit): (198,589.16)
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One Year of Connection: E-Newsletter Feedback Survey
It’s hard to believe, but our simple church e-newsletter just turned 1 year old ! As we mark this milestone, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you read it every month or just once in a while, your feedback will help us reflect on what’s working well—and shape what comes next. This short survey takes just a few minutes and helps us better serve and connect with our church family.
Thank you for being part of the journey!
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