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Kelly Whyde (seated) surrounded by our grateful staff.
March 17, 2023
Dear Noblesville First Family,
We are at half time. Half of this Lenten season is behind us and there’s another half to go. Social scientists teach us that half way through a task is when many people give up. We can see all that work it has taken to get to this point but still struggle to see the end in sight. With so much left to do and waning energy to do it, it’s at the half way point that many of us throw in the towel. Have you ever felt like that? If I’m honest, that thought crossed my mind this week but was quickly redirected by Kelly Whyde. You may or may not recognize Kelly’s face but I guarantee Kelly knows yours!
Over the last 20 years, Kelly has faithfully served as the daytime custodian of our church. In her tenure she’s seen major spills, incredible messes and outright disasters. I imagine that at some point over the last 20 years she wanted to quit (can someone say glitter after VBS?!) Yet, every day for the last 20 years Kelly has shown up to do her job. Not because she always like it. Not because it was easy. No, she’s stuck with it because to her this role is not just a job it’s a ministry. Kelly sees her work as service to God and it shows, in every swept hallway, vacuumed carpet and dusted pew. I wonder what difference it would make in our faith journey this Lent to see our spiritual commitments not as “jobs to be done” but service that blesses God and others? When we see it that way, the commitment doesn’t seem as daunting, the time doesn’t seem as long and the destination doesn’t seem as far off.
I pray you find your Kelly this week, who reminds you that a long walk with God is always a journey worth taking.
Or just join us at Noblesville First this Sunday when you can congratulate our Kelly on 20 years of service and worship with us as I continue our Prepare the Way: Celebrating Christ's Victory series with the theme “Victory over Failure.”
Let’s keep working and walking with Jesus together.
Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Nicole