Faith@First - January 23, 2026
Last weekend, our community witnessed something holy taking shape. Through MLK celebrations that included conversation, worship, and hands-on service, nearly 800 people engaged across our wider community. That kind of response does not happen by accident. It reflected a growing desire to live into what Dr. King called the Beloved Community—a vision grounded in justice, dignity, and love.
For us, that moment also echoed the covenant we made in September 2024 around a renewed vision and logo: embracing all people, with no exceptions. Last weekend's events were more than a remembrance; it was a lived commitment. It marked a first fruit of our church’s justice ministry that has been meeting for months—listening, learning, partnering and preparing quietly. Scripture speaks to this kind of steady work: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). What we experienced publicly was the result of faithfulness practiced privately, over time.
Now we arrive at this weekend with a sacred question before us: how do we make that kind of fresh commitment stick? Jesus offers an image that helps: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them is like a wise person who built their house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24). Fresh starts endure when they are grounded deeply—shaped into habits, practices, and shared life, not just moments of inspiration.
God’s grace remains central in this work. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for the one who has promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). We do not sustain new beginnings by our strength alone. God’s faithfulness carries us as we learn, stumble, and begin again.
Since last weekend, I’ve been reflecting on how God forms commitments that last. That reflection will guide our message this Sunday, and all are invited to worship. But as do, I hope—for our church, for our community, and for your own fresh starts in faith—that God would establish the work of our hands and lead us more fully into beloved community together. We also invite you to lift up the family of Phyllis Baade who passed away last week. Her funeral service will be Saturday, January 24th with Visitation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, in Noblesville.
P.S. Here were two of your Pastors on that Vision Sunday, in a shade of lipstick I like to call "Methodist Red" :)
Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Nicole
