Faith@First - June 6, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith@First - June 6, 2025

Posted by Rev. Brittney Stephan on June 05, 2025

This week, we begin a brand new sermon series called “Campfire”—Around the campfire, stories are shared, friendships are deepened, and the Spirit often stirs in simple yet powerful ways. In this series, we’ll gather around the fire to explore how God moves through the warmth of community, the spark of the Spirit, and the invitation to share our stories and faith with others.

This Sunday is Pentecost and it has always been one of my favorite days of the year. There’s just something about it—the energy, the unpredictability, the accessibility—that stirs something deep in me. It’s not polished or predictable. It’s not something we plan or control. Pentecost shows up with wind and fire and holy chaos. It’s the day the Holy Spirit came rushing in and everything changed. People spoke in different languages. Doors were opened. Walls were broken down. And suddenly, a new kind of community was born.

That’s why we often call Pentecost the birthday of the Church. It’s the moment the disciples stopped waiting and started moving. It’s when the Church became alive—Spirit-led, diverse, bold, and beautifully messy.

And honestly? That’s the kind of Church I want to be part of!

Pentecost reminds us that the Church isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, being open to the Spirit, and welcoming everyone—with no exceptions! No matter who they are, where they’re from, or what they bring–Pentecost is radically inclusive. It’s timeless. And it’s powerful.

That’s why it feels extra special that this Pentecost season, we get to celebrate something else as a church too—Pastor Amber’s ordination! After years of seminary, prayer, hard work, and faithful ministry, Pastor Amber is being ordained as a Deacon in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church. It’s a huge milestone—not just for her, but for all of us who have witnessed her ministry and been blessed by her leadership.

You’re invited to celebrate with us:

Ordination Service – Friday, June 6 at 6:30 PM at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis
Reception – Sunday, June 8 in the Church Parlor after the 10:30 AM worship service

Let’s show up and surround her with love, gratitude, and support as she steps into this next chapter of her calling.

So this Pentecost, let’s wear red. Let’s come ready for the Spirit to move. Let’s celebrate the birthday of the Church—and the beautiful, bold future that’s still being written.
Keep the Faith@First,

Pastor Brittney

About the Author

Rev. Brittney Stephan

The Indiana UMC Conference Cabinet and Bishop Julius Trimble have appointed a new associate pastor for Noblesville First. 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.

Brittney was hoping for the opportunity to serve in her native Indiana and is overjoyed to join the Noblesville First team beginning July 5 and begin sharing her gifts in family ministries and digital ministry engagement.