Faith@First - February 7, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith@First - February 7, 2025

Posted by Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross on February 07, 2025

Dear Noblesville First Family,

Ding. Buzz. Ping. The average American receives dozens of notifications every hour—breaking news, social media updates, texts or emails from work. Our world moves fast, and the expectations placed on us can feel overwhelming. Between responsibilities, deadlines, and the constant flood of information, anxiety and uncertainty can creep in before we even realize it.

This week I felt especially inundated by what seemed a never-ending firehose of information pointing straight at us. But, then I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart and say: Don’t let the news make you forget The Good News. I was reminded that God’s peace is greater than our anxiety.

This Sunday, we’ll continue our Epic Meltdowns series and dive into how, even in seasons of great uncertainty, God’s peace is always available to us. No matter what pressures we face, God is our refuge, our calm in the storm.

And we’ll build on this wisdom by sharing practical ways to navigate stress and anxiety in our Managing Meltdowns Workshop on February 20. This will be a time to explore how faith and practical strategies can help us manage life’s challenges with grace and confidence. I can’t wait to see you Sunday—not sure of what will come next but certain of Who will be with us- no matter what.

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.