One-on-One with Pastor Jill is a weekly report on family news and church and community activities, events, ministries and missions. Visit this page each week or sign up to receive it weekly in your inbox. Archive issues can be viewed at NoblesvilleFirst.com/one-on-one-archive.
June 30, 2022
Several weeks ago at our staff meeting, we came up with a list of things we wanted to focus on and hope for during this time of transition. It’s never easy to be in the “in-between” time. As a United Methodist pastor who has moved now five times, I can tell you that the worst period of time is between moving day and my first day at a new congregation. My emotions are usually all over the place. I have left behind people and places that I have loved and served, and then anticipating what is to come. So church, I know that we are in this in-between time. But we are in this together.
As a staff, we hoped for…
- Smooth transitions
- Peaceful spaces
- Positive attitudes
- Embracing new changes
- Diversity
- Maintaining congregational sacredness
- Thoughtful discourse
- Attentive observation
I hope that we can all ponder these hopes and goals as we sit together in this “in between” time.
Here is what’s happening this week and weeks to come here at Noblesville First:
Please take note that there is no kids programming this Sunday morning during the 9:45 time. This allows kids to be with their families and gives our volunteers and staff a much needed break! Happy 4th!
Parents and their children under age five are invited to Pop In and Play on the Noblesville First playground every Wednesday from 10AM-12PM beginning through the end of July. And in the event of rain, we’ll open the indoor play space, so this is a rain or shine event. You can find more details at NoblesvilleFirst.com/PopIn.
During the school year, Noblesville First Moms meets at the church on Wednesdays at 9:15AM in Wesley Hall. This summer they're meeting monthly at a park. Mark your calendar for July 13, 3:30-5PM at Billericay Park and splash pad, 12690 Promise Road in Fishers. All moms of young children are welcome to attend! Details at NoblesvilleFirst.com/moms. Bring your child’s swimsuit, sunscreen, and a snack!
Sunshine Friends, the church’s monthly ministry for special needs adults, will embark on their annual outing to Conner Prairie on Saturday, July 9 from 10 am to 1 pm. They'll walk the grounds, including Prairietown, Lenape Village, Animal Encounters, Treetop Outpost and the Civil War Journey. Admission for each friend and their caregiver will be paid and everyone is invited to bring a sack lunch or purchase lunch at Cafe on the Commons. Find more details and a link the liability waiver required for each friend at NoblesvilleFirst.com/SunshineFriends. To reserve your spot, please RSVP by tomorrow, July 1 to Anita Beck at or 317-753-3111.
There are a number of special Youth Group activities scheduled for incoming 6th-12th graders. The next event is Mini Golf at Birdie’s in Westfield next Wednesday, July 6 from 5-7PM. And Youth Group on Sunday, July 10 will be at Teter from 6-8PM. Visit NoblesvilleFirst.com/TeenOutreach for details. Note there will be no Youth Group this Sunday so that everyone can celebrate the July 4th holiday with family and friends.
Join myself and incoming Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross for 10 days in The Holy Land, April 18-27. 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. Now is the time to think about signing up!
Creation Care Camp is coming up at Teter Farm July 25-29 for kids ages 7-11. Kids will learn about the value of soil and water, how plants grow, why insects aren’t here to “bug” us, who our animal neighbors are, and how we all fit into God’s design. Campers and volunteers wanted! Sign up at TeterOrganicFarm.com/camp.
Come for Yoga on the Farm at Teter on Friday mornings at 9AM with Amber Good in the outdoor worship grove at Teter. Cost is $5 per person. Bring a mat and water. Optional items include a yoga block for modifications and an eye pillow, but these aren't required. We will focus on health and well-being for body and spirit. Note ... If you volunteer at Teter, you can attend yoga for FREE! Learn more about volunteer opportunities at TeterOrganicFarm.com/volunteer. Questions? Contact Amber Good at .
Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross will assume the role of lead pastor at Noblesville First on August 1! A number of group meet and greet sessions have been scheduled to give the congregation the opportunity to meet and welcome Pastor Nicole. Click the link at NoblesvilleFirst.com/Caldwell-Gross or stop by the office to view the dates and sign up.
This week in worship, we will continue our series on “Doing a New Thing: A Church in Transition” with the focus on Jesus calling his first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22. These new disciples “drop their nets” and follow him. They seemingly do this without hesitation, abandoning their fishing boats and a profession they have been a part of their entire lives. How do we imagine they discerned this transition? Were they prepared for what this would mean for their lives, and in turn, the rest of the world?
I will be preaching at all three worship opportunities on Sunday ... Outdoor Worship at Teter at 8:15, Traditional Worship at 9:45 in the Sanctuary (Door 1) and Contemporary Worship at 11:00 in Celebration Hall (Door 2,7).
Thursday Worship continues tonight at 6:30 pm in the Vine (Door 5) and on Zoom. This week, David McKenzie will be giving the message and leading the discussion. All are welcome to attend! Find the Zoom link at NoblesvilleFirst.com/ThursdayWorship.
I hope you are having a great summer. We look forward to seeing you in one form or another very soon!
In Christ,
Pastor Jill
