One Wednesday night a few years back, the Northbrook kids and I talked about feeling crushed spiritually. Now, I would imagine most people, when thinking of K-3rd graders (the make-up of that Wednesday night group), you would sort of chuckle at there being anything "crushing" in their lives, but you'd be amazed at the things that feel crushing to them (homework, bullies, and eggs, apparently).
  
In fact, I have discussed this so many times with different people in different contexts. It is so easy, in the midst of YOUR problems, to hear someone else's problems and think how insignificant they are. A mom of teenaged boys talked about how much easier the irritating habits of a fifth grader seem to her now that she has teenagers. But anyone who has a fifth grader can tell you that there are things happening with that kid that feel crushing to you as a parent sometimes. Listening to a student talk about a best friend shunning them or college applications can sound trivial to adults who have bills to pay, children to raise, and work stress--BUT I remember feeling like those things had the ability to actually make the world stop turning. The pain YOU are going through can be crushing, no matter what that pain is; no matter what age you are.  
  
 We all know what it feels like to be crushed in the spirit--to feel like the weight of what you are going through might take you under--like the air is being sucked right out of your lungs.
  
But here's the beauty. Our lungs are not just filled with oxygen, and our bodies aren't just filled with our spirits. We have, right inside of us, the breath of God AND the Holy Spirit. And God has promised that when our spirits feel crushed and the air is leaving our lungs, his breath will sustain us, and his Spirit will hold us up.
  
When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
  
So, when your world is crushing you, take a moment and find the breath of God inside you. And when you see someone in your life looking like they might be going under, make yourself the hand of God that holds them up--if only briefly. Encourage them. Pray for them or WITH them. Remind them that they, too, have the breath of God right there inside them and he promises not that we won't go through deep waters, great trouble, or the fire of oppression, but that he will sustain us through it.
 
Yours In Christ,
 
Leslie Bowers
Director of Creative Services
 

​It is my hope that by sharing some of my experiences, others will benefit and shorten their learning curve. It has taken me several decades to realize the importance of consistently spending quality time with the Lord. I would get so lazy early in the morning and so busy throughout the day or so tired in the evening, I would not spend quiet time with the Lord. I would cherish sleep more than spending time with the Lord. I would say I am too busy to sit still. I would get bored with sitting still—I would just make up all kinds of excuses. Although, I could find time to do whatever I really wanted to do and express my desires and dreams to the Lord. As I am writing, I must repent for being so disobedient and selfish. 

27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

I still do not have it all together. I have more time to read the Bible, pray and spend quality time with the Lord. I even have time to get additional sleep after waking up early to meditate and pray. But still, I struggle with maintaining a daily meditation, praise and worship schedule. So, rather than dwell on what I am not doing--I choose to focus on what I am doing. I have learned that this is how the Father operates as well. He loves me unconditionally—he knows all my faults—he knows all my thoughts—he knows my heart. 
 
After much trial and error, I have found that talking with my heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit throughout the day works best for me. You might ask, how can you do that? I talk in the shower, throughout the house, in the car, at work, while walking, shopping, and wherever I am. It is not necessary to be in a specific place to have these special and intimate conversations. I listen to inspirational music and messages. I also work hard at being quiet too throughout the day. As women, we love to talk, but you must listen as well. You must be quiet to hear the still small voice that speaks from within. This is the way I cultivate a true relationship with the Lord.

Since I am not a morning person, this type of dialogue works well for me. However, I have found that quiet time early in the morning, around 5AM, before the day gets hectic or problems arise is the optimal time to listen. During this time, I obtain the strength to tackle the day with clarity in thought and focus. So, I encourage you to try meditating on the Word each day, along with praise and worship, and see what a difference it makes—find your individual rhythm. These routines are more important than exercise, checking social media, watching TV or worrying. Spending quality time with Jesus is like touching base with a significant other who knows all your concerns, needs, and desires. The difference is—he is truly the one who can help you resolve problems and fulfill your needs.

When we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul, we spend quality time with Him!
 
​Yours In Christ,
 
Phyllis Baskin
Office Manager

Reflecting on this past year, it shouldn’t come as a surprise how deeply involved I’ve become in the music ministry at Northbrook. After all, it’s the very reason God called my family to this church.

We attended our first service at Northbrook on December 24th, 2023, and after hearing the beautiful choir, I thought to myself, now that’s a church choir. We came back on Easter Sunday, and once again I was moved by the incredible music. I left that day determined to be part of it. I emailed Chad to ask if I could join, and the rest is history.

Now, a little more than a year later, I’m serving as Director of Children’s Music—leading our amazing children’s choir, still singing with the Chancel Choir, and preparing for my newest role as the music and movement teacher in the Preschool.

I asked God to lead me where I was meant to serve musically. It never occurred to me it might be my church, and never did I think he'd lead me to teaching at a preschool, but here I am. While sometimes His answers are subtle, this one feels like a very clear message.

So, here’s what I know: God led me here to be part of the music ministry on the Northbrook campus, and now I’m asking you to be part of it, too.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

If your child has been thinking about joining the children’s choir or is just curious about what we do—bring them to a rehearsal! The choir is called Joyful Noise because that’s exactly what it is: joyful and noisy. It’s not called Peaceful Perfection—that choir only exists in heaven.

We meet on Wednesday nights from 5:45–6:25 p.m., and I never know exactly what rehearsal will look like. Sometimes we spend ten minutes just talking about our days. Sometimes we start with a cardio warm-up. We almost always end rehearsal with a dance party. It’s a bit chaotic, but that’s because we all have the “zoomies” by the end of the day. And guess what? I love it.

We’ll be starting Christmas rehearsals soon. I know what you’re thinking, it's too soon—but the choral world operates a lot like retail: it takes time to prepare all that Christmas magic. And trust me, you won’t want to miss what we have planned for the children’s performance on December 7th. Between now and the time of holly jolly, the children's choir will perform on the second Sunday of the month for our traditional services at 11am.

I know, I know—leave it to me to bring up Christmas when the kids have just gone back to school (they’re never going to ask me to write the log again… heheh). 
​
So, on that note, Happy Back to School! But while I'm on a roll... Merry Christmas, too. 

Hope I see you soon!
​
In singing,

Chelsea Spits
Director of Children's Music

I am so honored and humbled to be stepping into the role of Modern Worship Leader here at Northbrook United Methodist Church. From the moment my family and I first connected with this community, we sensed something special: a genuine love for God, a spirit of welcome, and a hunger for worship that is both real and rooted in Christ.
 
A little about me: I’m originally from Dawsonville, Georgia, and I’ve spent much of my life immersed in music. I studied classical voice at Piedmont College (now Piedmont University), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance, and then went on to study Opera Performance for a year at Oklahoma City University. I’ve had the privilege of training and performing in a wide range of musical settings, but over time, I’ve discovered that my deepest calling is not just to sing, but to lead people into meaningful, Spirit-led worship where they can truly encounter the presence of God. I’m currently finishing my Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education at Georgia College and State University, and I continue to teach private voice/piano, which gives me the chance to mentor and encourage others as they grow both musically and spiritually.
 
Over the last few years, my journey has taken a deeply personal turn. Our daughter was born prematurely and with several serious health conditions, and very early on, my wife and I realized she would need full-time, one-on-one care. In that season, I stepped away from full-time work to become a stay-at-home dad, dedicating myself to walking with her through every procedure, appointment, and challenge. These years have been filled with both heartbreak and deep joy, and through it all, we have experienced the incredible love, provision, and sovereignty of God in ways we never could have imagined. Our daughter’s life is nothing short of a miracle. She is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and wonder, and a daily reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, God's presence never leaves us. Watching her fight, grow, and flourish has transformed my heart and deepened my understanding of what it means to worship with honesty, dependence, and gratitude.
 
Today, my wife, Kristen, daughter, Cecilia, and I live in Alpharetta (alongside our very energetic dog, Duke), and we are excited to step into this new season with you. I do not come with a performance mindset or a polished plan, instead, I come with a willing heart, ready to serve, lead, and grow alongside you. My prayer is that our times of worship at Northbrook will be places of encounter, healing, and joy, where Jesus is lifted high and hearts are drawn near to Him.
 
Thank you for welcoming me and my family so graciously. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in the days ahead.
 
With joy and gratitude,
Chance Passmore
Modern Worship Leader