Faith@First is a weekly report on the pastor's family news, church and community activities, events, ministries and missions. Click here to sign up to receive it weekly in your email inbox or visit NoblesvilleFirst.com/FaithAtFirstArchive to peruse past issues.
March 22, 2024
Dear Noblesville First Family,
This week I had two very important jobs: prepare for Holy Week and prepare for the science fair. Though I may disagree, to my daughters these events have equal importance. Both of our girls entered experiments and Isabella was awarded second place, while Olivia did not place. Knowing how disappointed she might be, I suggested that if she did not feel up to going to the science spectacular held later that evening, she didn’t have to. I didn’t want her to feel even more disappointed than she might already be.
Yet, Olivia insisted that she wanted to go. In fact, when we entered the school library, she walked me over to Isabella‘s project and showed me her second place ribbon. As I watched her celebrate her sister, while she herself had lost, I knew she’d won first place, at least in my heart. Because Olivia was willing to be present for Isabella, win or lose.
That reminds me of our message for this Palm Sunday, where we see Jesus with the crowd when they shout praises for him and with the crowd when they shout crucify him. With him or against him, win or lose, Jesus always chooses to be with us---and that is something to celebrate. We hope you’ll join us in the celebration on Sunday as our children sing with our chancel choir and lead our palm processional in both worship services. Together we will worship the one who welcomes us, win or lose.
Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Nicole