"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

"Just as we prepare for a summer road trip with maps, snacks, and a destination in mind, God invites us to travel through life with Him as our Guide."

When was the last time you went on a road trip? There was excitement about packing your bags, mapping the route, and wondering what adventures awaited around the next bend. As I reflect, sometimes the roads were smooth and easy. Other times there were road detours, traffic jams, challenging weather, or other unexpected delays.

Life is a lot like a road trip.

As our scripture referenced, when Joshua received this message from God, he was preparing for a journey into unknown territory. Moses was gone, and Joshua was now responsible for leading God's people into the Promised Land. The road ahead was unfamiliar territory, it seemed challenging, and there were many reasons he could have been afraid to move forward.

Yet God did not hand Joshua a detailed map showing every turn. Instead, God gave him something even better—His presence. God promised, "I will be with you wherever you go."

The same promise is true for us today. Whether we are traveling to a new place, starting a new school year, making new friends, facing a difficult decision, or stepping into an unfamiliar season of life, God goes with us--we do not travel alone. Knowing this should provide some comfort, but we usually feel anxious about the unknown.

When fear tries to take the driver's seat, God tells us to be strong and courageous. Our courage does not come from knowing every detail of the journey. It comes from knowing the One who is traveling with us. God's Word is our spiritual Global Positioning System (GPS). The Word guides our everyday decisions, redirects us when we make wrong turns, and reminds us that our destination is always found in following Him.

As we enjoy this VBS Road Trip adventure, let's remember that every day is another opportunity to journey with God. Wherever the road leads, His presence goes before us, beside us, and behind us.

Yours In Christ,
Phyllis Baskin
Office Manager
 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen   __1 Peter 4:10-11 

This month, one of our local mission partners, The Drake House, is celebrating 20 years of service to single homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton. This nonprofit was started by a group of volunteers in a leadership class through The North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. They identified an unmet need in our community and found four families who anonymously backed a mortgage for a condemnable apartment building. After forming a Board of Directors, they hired two employees: 1) one would find funding and a sponsor to make the apartments habitable; and 2) the other would discern who to serve and how to serve them. This also included finding partners within the community to identify families in need; to secure a variety of supportive services; and to secure additional partnerships, as there were limited funds. Both daunting and sometimes seemingly impossible feats. John Smith and I were both prayerful and hopeful as we set out on this journey laid before us.
 
​The first partnership that would serve as a firm foundation would be our local faith community. I distinctly remember the day I scheduled an appointment with Rev. Jenny Andone in 2005. Northbrook was sponsoring an apartment at another local nonprofit, Homestretch, where I had previously worked.  My goal was to convince Jenny that sponsoring the new Drake House apartment was a worthy adoption for the church. I was laying out the conditions of the relationship with The Drake House when Jenny interrupted me to say, “Yes,” we’ll take one! That was one of many moments of encouragement from God, that His presence would be made known along the way.
 
Many of you remember that time as members were gathered to help paint and furnish the apartment, making it welcoming to an anxious family in crisis. And others volunteered to walk alongside the mom and children providing unconditional support and encouragement during their stay. Or maybe you made homemade ice cream to serve at our community fundraiser in the town square, “Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin.” And member Stephanie Schutte organized a meeting with her fellow Fulton County school social workers to identify and refer families who had temporary and unstable living situations, such as weekly hotels. The Body of Christ was at work as we assembled services to help meet the needs of the families and boost them to self-sufficiency through an intense program of accountability and education. 
 
Years later, Linda Sandstrom still hears from the mother she mentored at The Drake House, her unconditional support and encouragement was not forgotten by this former resident.  And my own heart was filled when I ran into a mom at the ballpark recently--she was coaching her son’s team, fully integrated into our community and volunteering, just as it was modeled for her years ago when she brought her two young sons to The Drake House.
 
Happy 20th year anniversary to The Drake House for their continued service to families in need and to Northbrook United Methodist Church for being with them every step of the way! You have shared the love of Christ and a forever home through sharing your many gifts and talents over the years.
 
In gratitude,
Christy Merritt
Coordinator of Godly Play

A few weeks ago, my family took our first vacation with three children. I use the word vacation somewhat generously. I organized the trip for my husband, our three kids, my parents, my two brothers, and my brother’s spouse. There was a mountain of preparation: booking the Airbnb, planning meals, ordering groceries, packing clothes, swimsuits, toys, towels, snacks, sand toys, coolers, and everything else that comes with transporting a small army to the beach.

We loaded the car in pouring rain, making frantic trips back and forth to ensure every bag was packed and every child was buckled. When we finally pulled out of the driveway, I felt an enormous sense of relief. Unfortunately, it lasted only a few moments.

That trip reminded me of something I have come to believe: every journey has two parts—the first step, and every step after it. The first step is difficult because it requires us to leave what is familiar. But every step that follows demands perseverance, trust, and faithfulness.

Genesis 12 marks the first step in God’s great plan of redemption. The first eleven chapters of Genesis tell the story of a world repeatedly losing its way. Creation gives way to rebellion. Hope gives way to violence. The flood reveals humanity’s brokenness. Babel reveals humanity’s pride. Dream after dream falls apart.

Then God calls Abram. “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” With those words, a new story begins. Abram is asked to leave behind everything that provides security and stability. He is not given a detailed map. He is not told exactly where he is going. Instead, God offers a promise and asks Abram to trust enough to take the first step. What makes Abram remarkable is not who he was, but that he went.

After generations of curses, God promises blessing. After humanity scatters, God gathers one family and commissions them to become a blessing for all families of the earth. God’s purpose has always been larger than a single individual or community. Blessing is meant to flow outward. That same pattern continues today.

Over the years, Northbrook has taken faithful first steps of its own. Previous generations discerned the need to raise resources, reduce debt, and invest in ministries not yet imagined. Those decisions led to the Beyond Fund, the merger with Christ United Methodist Church, and opportunities to share significant resources with the wider community. Because others responded faithfully to God’s call, we are able to bless our neighbors today.

As we move through the remainder of this year, we will be focusing on our theme, A Season of Belonging. We are creating new opportunities to welcome people, deepen connections, and ensure everyone can find a meaningful place at the table. In a world increasingly marked by division and isolation, Northbrook is called to embody a different way—a community shaped by grace, hospitality, forgiveness, and love.

I believe God has blessed this congregation with stability, resilience, and beloved community for a reason. Like Abram, we are called not simply to receive blessings, but to become a blessing. We are heirs of the promise and participants in God’s ongoing journey of restoration.

The first step is never easy. But it is always worthwhile when God is the one calling us forward.
​
Grace and peace,
Rev. Kena Newkirk, Associate Pastor
​

Many of you know of my deep appreciation for traditional worship and sacred church music, especially the timeless hymns of the church that have shaped the faith of generations. Among these treasured hymns, Blessed Assurance remains at the top of my list.
 
Written by Fanny Crosby, this cherished hymn has encouraged generations of believers through its powerful message of faith and hope. Its words call us to rest in the assurance that God’s promises are true and His presence is constant. A close friend of Crosby’s, Phoebe Knapp, composed the music for this hymn. According to tradition, Knapp played a melody on the piano and asked Crosby what the tune said to her. Crosby immediately replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” From that moment, one of the most beloved hymns in church history was born.
 
What makes this hymn so enduring is its message of unwavering confidence in Christ. The lyrics speak of peace, surrender, joy, and hope:
 
“This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.”

For many believers, these words are more than poetry, they are a personal testimony! The hymn reminds us that faith is not built on uncertainty or fear, but on the assurance of God’s love and salvation.
 
Fanny Crosby is one of the most influential hymn writers in Christian history. Though she lost her eyesight as an infant, Crosby’s spiritual vision and poetic gift touched millions around the world. Over her lifetime, she wrote more than 8,000 hymns, including many still sung today in churches of every denomination. Hymns like “To God Be the Glory,” “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,” “Close to Thee,” and “Rescue the Perishing,” just to name a few.
 
Crosby often wrote from personal experiences. Despite physical hardship and challenges, her hymns consistently reflected joy and trust in God. Her life serves as a powerful example of how faith can overcome adversity and inspire generations.
 
I would encourage you to reflect on the message of Blessed Assurance and the influence of Fanny Crosby’s hymns. May we also choose to live with the same unwavering faith and confidence in God’s promises. Let us be encouraged today to walk by faith, to praise God in every season, and to hold firmly to the assurance that Jesus is with us always. My prayer is that my life, like Crosby’s hymns, will be a testimony of hope, joy, and steadfast trust in the Lord.
 
With Joy,
 Dr. Chad Hunt
Director of Worship & Music
 

                                                             Photo from Eternity News/Wikimedia and Hymnary.org