Faith @ First - August 15, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith @ First - August 15, 2025

Posted by Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross on August 15, 2025

In Mark 2, four friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, tearing through the roof so he could be healed. They didn’t just send “thoughts and prayers” from afar—they intervened.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to do the same. The problems of our world can seem impossibly big. Sometimes, we wonder if what we do even matters. But the Holy Spirit has a way of guiding us to the right people, in the right place, at the right time—where our small acts of faith become life-changing for someone else.

One place our congregation will always intervene in is the lives of young people. We believe God has called us to encourage, equip, and cheer for them as they grow into they were made them to be. That’s why this Sunday, we’re hosting our Back-to-School Carnival at 4 PM, and inviting youth for the Youth Kickoff at 6 PM. We’ll even take pies in the face—joyfully!—to raise donations for our youth ministry (click here to donate).

Intervention doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s a conversation. A prayer whispered in faith. Showing up when others don’t. Or, yes—smiling with whipped cream sliding down your cheek because you believe in the next generation. Most importantly, we’re grateful that Jesus intervened for us. He is the faithful friend who carries us when we cannot walk on our own.

So—who’s your four? Who will you carry to Jesus this week?

Let’s gather this Sunday in gratitude, worship Jesus, and commit to being the ones who intervene.

Keep the Faith @First,
Pastor Nicole

About the Author

Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross

Favorite TV show or movie
Anything Masterpiece on PBS (Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Endeavour)

Favorite book
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Favorite music or band
Anything Ella Fitzegerald or Beyonce

Favorite Bible verse, parable or passage
“There is a light in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Family
I’m married to Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross and we are outnumbered by our 3 children: Joshua, Olivia and Isabella and our Yorkie: Nina Simone.

Hobbies
Voracious reading, Zumba, Podcasting, Monon Walking, Non-profit board leadership, Writing (New Book The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life) and Hosting Dinner Parties (Charcuterie Boards are my JAM)!

Where are you from originally?
Originally from the Motor City: Detroit!

Where do you live now?
Noblesville

What do you like most about living there?
I love the pond behind my house where I get a daily reminder of God’s ecosystem of abundance.

What led you to Noblesville First?
God led me to Noblesville First. It wasn’t something I was seeking but God always has a plan that is bigger than we ask, think or imagine.

What do you look forward to most about your new role?
I am most looking forward to GROWING: Growing new relationships, new ministries and new disciples. Let’s GO and GROW people!

What else do you think the congregation might enjoy learning about you?
I have dared myself to go skydiving for my next birthday. Who is coming with me?

When Pastor Nicole's not serving and leading in the local church she’s innovating and connecting with people in God’s largest mission field: the digital space. In 2018 she founded The Well, a virtual community of women that grew to 500 members in 90 days. She has since transformed this community into a podcast, The Well Unfiltered, which has over 1500 downloads and reaches listeners in 6 countries, 12 states and across Indiana. Noting her ability to connect with people in digital and physical spaces, Nicole has been tapped to develop resources and convene conversations with Amplify Media and Abingdon Press. In 2020 she co-authored Justice or Just Us: A Biblical Call to Confront Racism and in 2022 she will release The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life with her co-author the Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross. While God’s call has led Nicole to Dubai, U.A.E. Calcutta, India, Johannesburg, South Africa and Havana, Cuba, her most meaningful mission field is in Noblesville, Indiana where she resides with her partner in marriage and ministry: Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross. They are outnumbered by their three children: Joshua Alexander, Olivia Grace and Isabella Joy.