Sixty-Eight Charter Members and a Methodist Presence in Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth United Methodist Church traces its beginnings to the early 1960s, when a small group of local Methodists, sensing the absence of a Methodist presence in their community, began gathering informally in homes. In 1962, under the leadership of Reverend James Smith, sixty-eight charter members came together to worship at what is now List School. That same year, the congregation formally organized itself, and a Methodist witness in Frankenmuth took root that has continued ever since.
From its earliest days, the church has carried an ecumenical spirit. The year it was founded, the new congregation opened its building to the newly formed Blessed Trinity Catholic Church for worship. The two congregations shared the facility until April 1976, when Blessed Trinity moved into its own building on Tuscola Road. That pattern of partnership, reaching across denominational lines to serve the same town, has shaped FUMC ever since.
The Bread Pan and the Clothesline
Service has always sat at the center of FUMC's identity. One of its earliest outreach efforts was the monthly "Bread Pan" offering, named for the literal metal bread pans used to collect donations. The proceeds supported efforts to combat hunger and assist those in need locally and around the world, and the tradition of generous giving continues to this day.
In 2004, the church expanded its outreach through the opening of the Clothesline Resale Shop, founded by volunteer Mary McEwen. Reflecting the congregation's ecumenical spirit, the shop partnered with several other local churches, including Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, St. John's Lutheran Church, and the Bible Church. Open to all, the Clothesline donates its profits each year to local charities, and it remains one of the church's signature community ministries.
FUMC has also joined other area congregations in supporting CrossRoads Counseling Ministry, a Christ-centered program offering professional counseling and educational services to the community.
A Worship Blend in the Heart of Frankenmuth
Sunday worship gathers at 9:30 AM at 346 East Vates Street. Services typically run about an hour and are described as a blend of music and meaningful moments that help people connect with God, paired with practical, Scripture-rooted teaching that speaks to everyday faith. Recent messages have walked through series such as "Muscle Memory" from Hebrews 5:14 and "Business as Usual" from Acts 18, with sermons livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
Visitors are welcomed by friendly faces and invited to grab a cup of coffee on the way in. The Hospitality Team helps newcomers feel at home without any pressure or spotlight. There is no dress code. Some attend in jeans, others more traditionally; both fit comfortably in the same room.
Children are welcome in worship, and a nursery space is available for younger ones. For those ready to let the team know they are coming, a Plan Your Visit form lets newcomers reserve a spot.
Come. Grow. Serve.
The church's mission is shaped around three words. Come: invite people to Jesus and create space for them to encounter him and belong, grounded in Matthew 11:28 and Luke 14:23. Grow: pursue transformation into active discipleship in Christ, rooted in Ephesians 4:15. Serve: faithfully participate in ministry through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, based on Mark 10:45 and Galatians 5:13.
FUMC describes itself as a welcoming church centered on Jesus, passionate about helping people take their next step in faith. The simple invitation is, "You're invited this Sunday."
Sprouts: Where Kids Have Fun and Grow in Faith
Children's ministry at FUMC is called Sprouts and meets on Sunday afternoons for students in PreK through fifth grade. Each gathering includes interactive Bible teaching, music, games, and hands-on activities designed to help kids build a strong foundation of faith in a way that feels fun and age-appropriate.
Sprouts runs in seasonal sessions through the year: a fall session from September 20 through November 15, and a winter session from January 10 through March 14. Each Sunday, kids gather from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Parents of children in PreK through first grade are asked to stay and help assist with activities; all other parents are welcome and encouraged to remain as well.
All Sprouts volunteers are trained and Safe Gatherings certified, giving parents confidence that their children are in safe hands. Pre-registration is recommended so the team can prepare t-shirts, materials, and any dietary needs, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Rooted: A Place for Students to Belong
Middle and high school students gather through the church's youth ministry, called Rooted. Rooted Jr. serves students in grades 5 through 8 on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, and Rooted Sr. serves grades 9 through 12 on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Rooted is built around three rhythms: real friendships, growing in faith, and serving others. Each week includes engaging Bible teaching, meaningful conversation, games, trips, and time to hang out. Students also have opportunities to put their faith into action through local outreach and mission trips. Like Sprouts, all Rooted leaders are trained and Safe Gatherings certified.
Registration ahead of time is helpful but not required, and students are encouraged to bring friends along. The church describes Rooted as a place where students move from attending church to owning their faith.
Small Groups Across the Community
Beyond Sunday mornings, life at FUMC is shaped by small groups that meet throughout the week across the area. Three types of groups are available: men's groups that build friendships and accountability among men; women's groups that offer encouragement and spiritual growth; and mixed groups that gather people together around shared study and conversation.
Each group has its own personality, but all share a relaxed environment where people pray together, support one another, and walk through life side by side. New groups form regularly, and the Find a Group form helps newcomers find or even start a group that fits their schedule and stage of life.
Serve Teams That Reach the Community
FUMC offers a wide range of ways to serve. Within the church, the Hospitality Team welcomes guests and serves coffee, the Music Ministry leads congregational singing, and the Technology Team runs sound, slides, livestream, and cameras. A Kitchen Ministry supports church meals and events.
Community outreach includes the Bike Ministry, which repairs and gives bikes to those who need them; the Bag Ladies, a sewing ministry that creates items for people in need and for local hospitals; and the Clothesline Resale Shop, the long-running thrift store whose profits support local outreach.
Care and encouragement ministries include Care Connection, which provides meals and support for those going through difficult seasons; the Prayer Team, which prays for the church, its ministries, and the community; and Friend Connection, which pairs volunteers for one-on-one encouragement through regular visits and conversation.
What FUMC Believes
The congregation summarizes its beliefs in a short statement of faith. FUMC believes in the life-changing love of God revealed through Jesus Christ - his life, death, and resurrection. It believes God is one, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It believes the Bible is God's Word and guides how the church lives and grows in faith. It believes God's kingdom is at work in the world today and will be fully realized in the future. And it believes the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others and sharing his love.
Leadership and Staff
FUMC is led by Rev. Dr. Ryan Lee Wenburg, an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, with doctoral work focused on Leadership, Formation, and Church Planting. He and his wife Beth have four children and were appointed to Frankenmuth UMC in 2019, with a plan to make Frankenmuth their long-term home.
The staff team includes Heather Morse as Worship Director, Noah June as Youth and Young Adults Coordinator, and Orlene Kitzman as Sprouts Coordinator.
Staying Connected
The church is located at 346 East Vates Street in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM and Friday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Sunday worship is at 9:30 AM, and services are livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
Giving is available online, and newcomers are encouraged to fill out a Plan Your Visit form so the church can save a spot for them and help with children. Prayer and care requests, building requests, and media requests can all be submitted online, and a Seeds Study Guide helps members stay rooted throughout the week.