“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2a, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
God’s people were standing on the edge of the Promised Land. It had taken them years to get where they were. Undoubtedly, the anticipation of walking into the long-promised land was overwhelming; but, Moses took a pause and urged them to “remember the long way the Lord your God has led you” (Deuteronomy 8:2a). He wanted them to not forget the journey as they approached the end of it. They were on the edge of the wilderness, about to experience joy and abundance. Moses didn’t want them thinking that they had made it where they were about to go on their own. When the good/better/prosperous times come, it is easy to think we’ve made it to that good place out of our own efforts. Moses knew better. He wanted the people to remember that it was God who led and sustained them each step of the way.
As I look back on 2025, I am (as I have been these last few years) astounded by how much has been accomplished. We are not a large congregation; and yet, God continues to enable and do a tremendous work through us. It’s not hard to see better days on the horizon. And, like Moses, I want to remind us, and future generations who may read this record, not to confuse God’s provision with our efforts. All that has been done was not due to our power of will but God working among us; and, it is God that keeps us moving forward, together, for Christ’s sake.
PHASE II CONTINUES
Phase II of the Defining Our Generation capital campaign is just over halfway complete. Roughly 70% of pledges have been returned with just over a year left in the campaign. This year, we completed the repair of the stained-glass windows, added additional pew cutouts for handicap accessibility, fastened down pews, and left a few short ones and the chairs loose to allow some flexibility for expanded and varied use of the sanctuary. A major achievement of this year is that our Permanent Endowment continues to grow and we are in a position to expand our endowment to include funds that better support the entirety of our ministry.
CPA GRANT APPROVED!
On July 23, 2025, the Franklin Town Council approved the use of Community Preservation Funds to be used for the exterior restoration of our facility. The grant, totaling $100,245, will return the church to its historic colors (based on historic photographs and postcards) and restore some of the Victorian Gothic details that are threatened or have been lost over time. We are awaiting the finalization and approval of the deed restriction. We anticipate (hope!) this restoration work will begin in Spring of 2026.
PHASE III BEGINS
Phase III of the Defining Our Generation capital campaign is well underway. At a special-called charge conference on July 27. 2025, the Franklin UMC voted to move forward with $450,000 construction loan (that will turn into a mortgage upon completion of the project) through the United Methodist Foundation of New England and signed a contract with Capital Roofing and Construction to be our general contractor. We also negotiated a long-term lease agreement with Aprende Spanish Immersion which will cover mortgage payments through the terms of the lease.
Phase III has been met with a major challenge. In early October, we were notified that the permits for the work were denied by the Town of Franklin Building Department. The inspector noted a Massachusetts state law requiring sprinklers in public buildings of a certain size. Taking the matter to the Building Team and Church Council, there was a unanimous decision to not appeal the decision of the Building Inspector but—for the sake of the children who will use our space and the long-term viability of the building—to move forward with the design and installation of a sprinkler system. We move forward trusting that God will provide. Certain parts of the Phase II campaign may need to be delayed so that we can fund the new sprinkler system which adds an estimated $80,000-$100,000 to the Phase III project.
As of the writing of this report, engineers have performed their due diligence and we anticipate being able to submit updated plans to the Building Department next week. We are hopeful that work can begin yet this year. We hope to have a fully renovated lower-level and addition with lift by spring/summer 2026.
UPDATING OF FINANCIAL POLICIES & PERSONNEL
This year we have transitioned to a new church treasurer with new responsibilities, created an updated staff position (Resource Manager), and volunteer positions (Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Bookkeeper) to oversee the church’s finances. We have updated our financial policies and moved to a cloud-based financial software program that is linked to our church database. We’re performing a full audit of the 2025 books as we input all 2025 transactions into the new system. This is giving us a much clearer picture of our financial situation.
EXPANDING COMMUNITY
The Community @FranklinUMC continues to grow and provide opportunities for neighbors to meet, serve, and share with one another. We had four Community Cookouts this year, including our Annual Trunk or Treat, which had a total attendance of 262 persons. The Community Concerts, to date, have welcomed 247 people to five concerts each of a different musical style. The Community Closet has been open weekly on Tuesdays from 12-2p and welcomed just over 400 people to shop for free clothing. We have begun to create community contact lists to better engage individuals participating in these programs.
To help with the disposal of clothing donations that are damaged, soiled, or out of season, we have placed a Helpsy bin outside the church. Helpsy compensates the church $0.10 per pound of clothing placed in the bin. We anticipate this generating income of $100-$200 per month to support the Community @FranklinUMC programs. Clothing placed in the Helpsy bin is thrifted or recycled.
This has been a busy year. Much has been accomplished. It is more than we could have ever done on our own. May we always remember, it was God working through us. And, as we move into a new year together, may we be receptive to the ways God will continue to work through us for Christ’s sake. I can’t wait to see what God will accomplish in the coming year!
Respectfully submitted by Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, November 21, 2025
This report is part of the annual Charge Conference reports submitted each year to the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Charge Conference is the annual meeting of the local congregation. This year, the charge conference is being held jointly with other local United Methodist Churches on November 23, beginning at 3p. It is being held at the Plainville UMC (16 E. Bacon St., Plainville.