Faith @ First - November 6, 2026
Last week, I traveled to Florida to volunteer with Give Kids the World, an organization that provides children facing critical illnesses and their families with an unforgettable resort experience.
Unfortunately, COVID cut my trip short, but not before I experienced Halloween!
You see, at Give Kids the World, Halloween and Christmas come every single week! And on Halloween night, I had the privilege of handing out costumes and holding a cauldron overflowing with candy.
I've wrapped countless gifts and carefully chosen special presents for people I love. But nothing compares to the joy of handing a small piece of candy to a child facing a serious illness and watching their face light up. For just a moment, they weren't thinking about diagnoses, medications, or treatment plans. They were simply being kids.
As families passed through, parents offered a chorus of heartfelt thank-yous, amazed that volunteers would give their time and resources to create such a special experience.
But I kept reminding them that we were the grateful ones. Because in serving their families, we received something just as precious: the joy of giving.
It's the kind of joy Scripture describes as unspeakable. A joy that cannot be measured by what we gain or explained by what we deserve. A joy that lifts our spirits, warms our hearts, and, in my case, was so powerful that I almost forgot I was getting sick!
And here's the beautiful thing: You don't have to fly to Florida to experience it.
Every time we invest our time, talents, and treasure in the ministry of our church, we create opportunities for others to experience joy—and discover that same joy ourselves.
This Sunday, I look forward to exploring how generosity cultivates joy, reuniting with you COVID-free, and celebrating all the ways God is using our congregation to share the joy of Jesus—from Noblesville to Florida, Guatemala, and beyond!
Keep the faith, First! I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor Nicole
