Faith@First - November 28, 2025 | Faith@First

Faith@First - November 28, 2025

Posted by Rev. Brittney Stephan on November 28, 2025

Advent always begins with a sense of holy anticipation, a stirring in our spirits that God is near, God is moving, and God is doing something new. This first Sunday of Advent invites us into Wonder: not the kind that requires answers, but the kind that opens our hearts to possibility, curiosity, and awe. As we light the first candle of Advent, may we pause long enough to notice the signs of God’s presence in our own lives: the unexpected encouragement, the moment of quiet joy, the relationships that give us strength. May we receive the invitation to watch, to listen, and to marvel.

This week, we turn to one of Scripture’s most tender and astonishing encounters, the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. Both women, carrying miracles they never expected, greet one another with joy that seems to shake the very air around them. Elizabeth’s child leaps in her womb. Mary bursts into praise. And in that quiet home, two women become witnesses to God’s impossible, hope-bearing work. Their story reminds us that wonder is not passive. It is active. It moves us. Wonder draws us closer to God and to one another. It widens our vision to see that even in uncertainty, God is weaving grace into our days.

And you’re invited to journey a little deeper this season. Beginning this week, I’ll be hosting a 3-Week Advent Study on Thursdays at 6:30pm in The Vine, where we’ll explore beloved holiday films alongside Scripture, reflection, and conversation. There’s no prep needed—just come as you are, whenever you can. You are encouraged to sign up here.

My hope is that this Advent, we make space to be surprised, moved, and renewed by holy wonder.

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.