Faith@First - May 23, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith@First - May 23, 2025

Posted by Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross on May 23, 2025

One of my mentors once baptized a little boy who asked, “Is that it?! When does the magic start?”

It was a hilarious—but also profound—question, one that reflects what many of us wonder when it comes to baptism. We often imagine that the moment we say yes to God, something dramatic or magical will occur—like spiritual fireworks, an immediate sense of peace, or a glowing halo floating above our heads. But baptism rarely works that way. The water dries. The moment passes. And when we look in the mirror, we don’t see anything different in our reflection.

But if we could look into our hearts, we’d see that something has forever changed.

That’s because baptism is more than a moment—it’s a milestone. It’s a claim. A promise. A holy declaration where God says, “You belong to me.” And the Church says, “We belong to each other.”

This week in worship, we’ll celebrate the milestone of baptism—not just the act itself, but the transformation it sets in motion. Whether you were sprinkled as an infant or fully dunked as an adult—whether you remember every detail or only know it happened—baptism marks the beginning of a grace-filled journey. It doesn’t always look like magic, but it always reflects a miracle.

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate this sacred milestone together:

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.