Faith @ First - August 1, 2025
This week, my Facebook feed has been full of those familiar, joy-filled "first day of school" photos—kids in crisp clothes, holding chalkboards announcing their new grade, standing proudly on porches. I smile every time I post pictures of my own children and scroll through the sweet smiles of so many others.
But this year there’s another picture that has brought me great joy. It’s of my husband Jevon, holding a chalkboard of his own—for his first day as the Director of Revitalization and New Development for the United Methodist Church of Indiana. He stood in front of the hydrangea in the front of our house as our children do each year, full of anticipation and faith. And in that moment, I was reminded that first days aren’t just for kids.
They’re for all of us.
No matter our age, we are all still learners. We all have more to discover, more to teach, more to start—and to start again. Whether you’re entering third grade or starting a new calling decades into adulthood, each first day is a holy invitation to trust God with what comes next.
That’s why this Sunday in worship our message theme is “Meet the Teacher.” We’ll be praying a blessing over all educators, school staff, and students. Because every new year is a sacred journey. And we’ll remember that the greatest Teacher of all—Jesus—walks beside us, guiding us into wisdom, grace, and truth.
So whether you’re packing a lunchbox or packing up your office on a new adventure, I hope you’ll join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30. Come ready to meet the Teacher. Come ready to be reminded that first days never stop with God. There’s always more to learn. Always more to teach. Always more to begin—together.
Keep the Faith @First,
Pastor Nicole
