Faith @ First - June 20, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith @ First - June 20, 2025

Posted by Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross on June 29, 2025

There’s something about fire that draws us in. It’s not just the heat—it’s the glow, the movement, the way it speaks without words. Whether it’s a campfire under the stars or a hearth at home, fire has a way of pulling people closer. Even our Yorkshire Terrier, Nina Simone knows: the warmest, safest place is right by the fire. It’s no wonder, then, that God used fire to get Moses’ attention.

This week in worship, we’re returning to one of the most well-known and powerful stories of faith and fire: Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3). Out in the wilderness, Moses saw a bush that burned but wasn’t consumed—and from that flame, God spoke. Moses was called by name, drawn near, and given purpose.

It’s a story that still speaks to us today.

Because the truth is: the bush is still burning. The Divine still shows up, still calls us close, and still invites us to listen and respond. Maybe not through literal flames, but through moments that stir our souls—unexpected nudges, quiet whispers, sacred reminders that we are not alone and we are not forgotten.
If your faith feels dim or distant, if you’re seeking direction, or if you simply need to be reminded of God’s presence and purpose—come to worship this week.

Come, not just to remember Moses' encounter, but to open yourself to your own. To draw near. To be reignited. To hear your name called from holy ground.

The bush is still burning. God is still calling. And there’s a place for you by the fire

I’ll see you Sunday,
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.