Faith @ First - June 5, 2026 | Faith@First

Faith @ First - June 5, 2026

Posted by Rev. Brittney Stephan on June 05, 2026

Dear Noblesville First Family,

One of my greatest passions in ministry is helping children and youth discover that they are loved by God, valued by the church, and capable of making a difference right now. They are not just the future of the church. They are an important part of the church today. Their faith, questions, and enthusiasm strengthen our congregation and help shape who we are together.

Camping ministry holds a special place in my heart because it was at church camp that I first sensed God's call to ministry. Away from the distractions of everyday life and surrounded by a caring Christian community, I encountered God in a new way through worship, prayer, and Scripture. That experience became the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and service.

Since then, I have seen camp make a lasting impact on countless young people. Camp creates space for youth to build friendships, grow in faith, ask meaningful questions, and experience God's presence in a powerful way. For many, it becomes a catalyst for deeper discipleship that continues long after the week has ended. If you know a child or youth who would enjoy attending camp this summer, please see more information on that below!

As we continue our Sealed with Hope Envelope Fundraiser, I invite you to remember that your generosity helps make ministries like these possible. Gifts support a wide range of missions and ministries throughout our church, including opportunities that help children and youth grow in faith, discover their gifts, and respond to God's call in their lives. Together, we are helping seal the next generation with hope. It is a hope that shapes lives, strengthens faith, and impacts the world for years to come.

Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Brittney

About the Author

Rev. Brittney Stephan

Rev. Brittney Stephan is an Indiana native and was called to ministry at 14 years of age while attending church camp at Epworth Forest. She is an ordained Elder in the Indiana Conference who currently serves in extension ministry as the Associate Director for Multi-Cultural Vibrancy for the Michigan Conference. She has received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Organizational Communication, and Peace & Conflict Studies from Butler University and a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a concentration in Liturgy & Music Across Cultures.

A third-generation Methodist, Brittney grew up on a dirt road outside of Huntington, Indiana. She has spent the last decade living in Indianapolis, Chicago, and currently Metro Detroit working in a variety of contexts for The United Methodist Church. Much of her work in the Michigan Conference has consisted of engaging individuals and teams alike to build our cultural proficiency in a way that moves us toward an anti-biased/anti-racist identity that seeks to diversify worship experiences and leadership as a collective whole. Previously, Brittney has served on staff at Huntington Evangelical UMC (Huntington, IN), Sherman UMC (Evanston, IL), Libertyville First UMC (Libertyville, IL), and Meridian Street UMC (Indianapolis, IN). She is passionate about equipping, engaging, and empowering local congregations to foster equitable communities of learning and discipleship.

She has spent time in Zimbabwe at Africa University, initiated a campus ministry at Butler University, and served as a youth leader for a number of years. Brittney’s leadership extends beyond the local church through her involvement in the launch of the new Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music & Worship in the Black Church & Beyond, serving on the Convocation Design Team for The Fellowship of Worship Artists, and on the advisory board with the Center for Congregational Song.