As we conclude our Sealed with Hope series, I invited longtime member and leader Coleen Albright to share a letter from her heart. Her words remind us that one of the greatest strengths of our church is not only how we celebrate life's joys, but how we walk together through its deepest sorrows.

When grief comes, this congregation shows up—with meals, prayers, cards, presence, and hope. Through ministries like GriefShare and countless quiet acts of compassion, we help one another keep our eyes fixed on the light of Christ. I hope you'll join us this Sunday as we thank God for the gift of Christian community—a family that walks together in both life and faith. 

P.S. Enjoy this photo of prayers tucked into the wailing wall in Jerusalem, taken while traveling with Coleen and church members in 2023. 

Keep the Faith at First,
Pastor Nicole

Dear Noblesville First Family,

Thank you for being my church family for 35 years! We’ve experienced a lot together: the birth and baptism of my daughter, the confirmations and graduations of both of my daughters, and the death of my husband in 2009 after a 10-year battle with colon cancer. Through each of these milestones—and many more—the caring heart of this church has surrounded my family and me with cards, meals, prayers, and unwavering support.

Fifteen years ago, members of our congregation recognized a need to minister to those experiencing grief. At the encouragement of Greg and Pam Cammack, a group of us attended a GriefShare program at a nearby church to experience its biblical, nondenominational approach to grief support. We were deeply moved by what we learned. In January 2012, with Carol Miller as our leader, Roger and Jean Sherman, Dick Judson, and I facilitated the very first GriefShare session here at Noblesville First.

Since then, many facilitators—both members of our church and others whose lives were touched by the ministry—have stepped forward to walk alongside people in their grief. We've seen individuals come angry with God and discover God's abiding presence. We've watched people who felt lost begin to find hope and the tools to navigate a new normal. We've witnessed those who arrived lonely and uncertain realize they are not alone—that God continues to walk faithfully beside them every step of the journey.

I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a church that embraces people during life's most difficult moments. I regularly receive calls, texts, and emails from members of our congregation asking about GriefShare for friends, neighbors, and family members. Every inquiry is another reminder of the compassionate heart of this church.

The other facilitators and I never cease to marvel at the transformation we witness as the Holy Spirit brings healing, comfort, encouragement, and hope. A quote we often hear is, "Grief is the price we pay for loving someone." Sadly, every one of us will experience grief. When that day comes, I am grateful to belong to a church family that chooses to love, support, comfort, and remind one another that hope in Christ is never lost.

With gratitude,
Coleen Albright