Faith @ First - October 10, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith @ First - October 10, 2025

Posted by Pastor Mary Eileen Spence on October 10, 2025

Dear Noblesville First Family,

This week we continue our worship series, Passport: Essential Stops on the Journey of Faith a series guiding us through some of the great biblical destinations that have shaped God’s story and continue to shape ours today. We stopped in the Garden of Eden last week where we learned that God is constantly calling us home to dwell in our Creator’s grace and love even when we have gone astray and sinned. God seeks us no matter where we are in our journey of faith.

Our faith travels take us to Egypt this week and the story of God’s people, slaves and aliens in a foreign land, who cry out to God when they feel they can no longer endure the hardships of their present life, hoping their cry will be heard. In our lives we all have those times when we cry out to the Lord. We wonder if God hears us. Yet, the story of God’s people in Egypt reminds us that God does hear our pleas.

Pack your bags, grab your passport and join us at the sanctuary boarding gate as we take flight to Egypt to continue our journey of discovery and grace with God as our guide.

And as we travel together this month, we’d love to see where your passport has taken you! Share your favorite travel photos, whether from a recent trip or a memorable journey from the past. Send them to or tag #PassportNFUMC on social media so we can celebrate the many adventures and blessings that remind us of God’s presence wherever we go.

Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Mary Eileen

About the Author

Pastor Mary Eileen Spence

Favorite Movie
Gone with the Wind because this was one of the first epic movies I watched with my mom.

Favorite TV Show
Right now … Victoria on PBS and Madame Secretary on CBS

Favorite Music
Neil Diamond, Elton John and the Beatles

Favorite Book
Dan Brown’s latest book. His books intrigue me. The last one I read was Origin.

Favorite Bible verse
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you.” John 15-16a

Family
Spouse—Don who is a self-employed Financial Consultant. We have three children and grandchildren: Jennifer and her children—Alexandria, David, Amanda and Sam; Zachary married to Jill and their daughters—Kayla, Jenna and Autumn; and Jacob married to Lecia.

Hobbies
Walking, reading, boating, travel and spending time with family and friends.

What do you like about Noblesville?
It is in the Indianapolis metropolitan area but not in the city itself so we can benefit from what Noblesville offers and what Indianapolis offers.

What led you into ministry?
My desire to let others know how much God loves us and cares for us no matter what.

What led you to Noblesville First?
We moved to this area and were looking for a church to attend and specifically a United Methodist Church since I am a retired elder in the United Methodist Church.

What do you like most about Noblesville First?
All the opportunities to serve God through the ministries of this church. We also feel the congregation is welcoming.

What do you like most about your job?
It gives me the opportunity to serve others one-on-one as I interact with others in a pastoral role. Whether it is a joyful occasion, a stressful situation or sorrowful situation I strive to bring God’s love, peace, hope, joy and comfort in some small way to those I give pastoral care. I truly enjoy meeting people even when the circumstances may not always be the best.

What are the greatest challenges in your work?
Learning names! Besides learning names, one of the other challenges is learning and remembering people’s stories so I can learn how best how to meet their pastoral needs. Another challenge is working together with other Parish Care Team members so we may be effective in doing the Lord’s work as we care for God’s people as this team in this place and time. I should say I think we are off to a good start.

Work experience prior to Noblesville First.
Ministry is a second career for me. I am a retried elder who served 5 churches over a period of 22 years, all in the United Methodist Church in the northern half of Indiana. In my first career I worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration, a lending agency in the United States Department of Agriculture. My primary focus was to help farmers develop farming plans and determine how much the agency could lend to them. I have walked many a farm. As you can see, between my two careers, I have always been in the business or ministry of helping others, especially one-on-one.