Faith@First - September 20, 2024 | Faith@First

Faith@First - September 20, 2024

Posted by Rev. Brittney Stephan on September 20, 2024

Dear Noblesville First Family,
When working with children and youth, I find you rarely have to wonder what they are thinking, because they’ll tell you! And you never know what might come out of their mouths!

I think the children and youth among us have so much to teach us about life and living. Their curiosity, their sense of wonder, and the innocent way they experience the world around them is something that we seem to forget as we age, but something we should tune in to, nonetheless. The video I shared is Robby Novak, a kid best known for his role as the YouTube sensation, "Kid President." While this video is from a number of years ago, whenever I’m having a rough day, I still find myself looking to his videos as a sure way to make me smile.

One of my favorite Kid President-isms is when he encourages us to “treat everyone like it’s their birthday…even if they don’t deserve it.” I just love that! Imagine the impact we can have if we extend this grace to everyone we meet, celebrating them, acknowledging their worth, and affirming their place in our community. This kind of radical hospitality can transform lives and make people feel truly seen and loved. We are reminded of Jesus’ powerful words: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). This scripture calls us to embrace, nurture, and empower our children and youth, ensuring that they are seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of life.

Our sermon series for this month is, “No Exceptions: Living and Loving Like Jesus.” This Sunday, we will explore what it means to not only empower children and youth, but also find ways to encourage one another to embrace our God-given potential, to live boldly and authentically, knowing we are all beloved children of God.

So, to give Kid President the last word of inspiration, “Remember this–you’re awake and you’re awesome. Let’s live like it!”

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.