Hey Noblesville First Family,
Welcome to my very first newsletter message as your senior pastor! This week has been full of firsts for me as I began serving our congregation and as my three children had their first week of school.
It’s a tradition in our family on the first day of school to take a picture in the front yard with a chalkboard indicating each child’s grade, teacher, favorite book and what they want to be when they grow up. My husband Jevon, a fellow pastor (and whose name you may often hear in sermon illustrations which are all 100% true), insisted that I take a first day picture too. I thought this suggestion was ridiculous but I finally gave in. I took the picture because I realized that as we mature in years and in faith we can often forget to celebrate. We can let meaningful milestones and moments slip by unnoticed and when we do two things happen:
1. We miss the opportunity to praise God. God is always growing, teaching and developing us as disciples. This doesn’t stop when we graduate from high school or college or even kindergarten. It continues as long as we journey with Jesus. Celebrating what God is doing in our faith and life is a testimony to the truth that God is present and working on us.
2. We miss the blessing of community. When I posted this picture on Facebook within a few hours several hundred people expressed support, prayer and even offered their own milestones of celebration. I’ve learned over the years of pastoring that ministry and faith is not a solo sport. God calls us into community because God knows we need and rely on one another. By sharing this new beginning, I heard the stories of others first experiences. I was lifted up in prayer and encouraged with thoughts of love and support. Yet, most importantly, I was reminded that I am not alone: there is a community of people praying, rooting and celebrating what God is doing with me and with us at Noblesville First!
In other news around the church, the Teter Farm to Table Dinner fundraiser is Friday, September 9 and tickets will be available for purchase after all three worship services this Sunday. Proceeds from the dinner help support the farm's food security mission and help to pay expenses that are on the rise, including labor, gas, seed and soil. And there is a greater need for the food as more families are struggling to put food on the table. Tickets can also be purchased online or you can make a donation or sign up to be a business sponsor or table sponsor. Learn more at TeterOrganicFarm.com/FarmToTable.
Youth Group for 6th-12th graders will meet this Sunday from 6-8PM at Teter for fun and outdoor festivities. Visit NoblesvilleFirst.com/TeenOutreach for details.
This Sunday is Promotion Sunday for Noblesville First Kids and the Middle & High School Ministries. The kids will be moving up into their new small groups, with locations as follows:
- Nursery: Birth-2 Years Old
- Preschool 3-5 Years Old
- K-2nd Grade: In the Birooms
- 3rd-5th Grade: In Stephenson Hall
- 6th-12th Grade: In the Vine
If you are interested in giving your time to our children’s ministry, Ally Hall is in need of a K-2nd grade assistant. Contact her at ahall@NoblesvilleFirst.com or call the church office at 317-773-2500 if you are interested or want more information.
Have you lost a loved one or know someone who finds it difficult to face each day? GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Visit or join the group at any time. And attend as many meetings as you like. The group will meet on Thursday evenings beginning August 11 from 6:30-8:30 through November 10. Learn more at NoblesvilleFirst.com/GriefShare.
DivorceCare is a 13-week faith-based support and educational program for those experiencing divorce or separation. The next session for this group begins Tuesday, August 23 from 6:30-8PM in the church parlor (Door 1) but people can join at any time. Learn more at NoblesvilleFirst.com/DivorceCare.
It is time to relaunch the Kids Hope USA program at White River Elementary School! Please consider becoming involved as either a mentor or prayer partner. Mentors meet weekly with a specific student during the school day to provide support and build a caring relationship. Prayer partners faithfully and consistently pray for a specific student, mentor, and relationship.
Additionally, mentors are needed for the White River After School All Stars mentoring program that meets weekly or biweekly after school in a group setting. Contact Jolie Anderson at joliea@icloud.com or 317-847-1314 or Jean Morris at mrsejmorris@sbcglobal.net or 317-294-0886 for more information.
Don’t forget to let Pastor Jill and I know if you’re interested in a 10 day trip to The Holy Land, April 18-27, 2023. The trip will feature all the major sites, such as the Sea of Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Jordan River, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and more! Details at NoblesvilleFirst.com/HolyLand or email Pastor Jill at jmoffett@noblesvillefirst.com.
Pastor Mary Eileen Spence will be leading Thursday Worship tonight at 6:30 in The Vine (Door 5) and on Zoom. She'll be launching our "Great Expectations" series with a message from Luke 5:17-20. Find the Zoom link for tonight at ... NoblesvilleFirst.com/ThursdayWorship.
I will share the message at all three worship services on Sunday, also launching the "Great Expectations" series. My message, "A Future with Hope" was inspired by Jeremiah 29:11-13. We'll also enjoy a special summer performance from the Chancel Choir at 9:45 and partake in Holy Communion.
I would encourage you today to celebrate. It may not be your first week back to school or your first week in a new role but God IS doing something in your life. I can’t wait to hear all about it and celebrate with you.
God Loves you, I do too and there’s NOTHING you can do about it!
Pastor Nicole