It’s hard to believe that Advent is upon us! The crisp air, the last of the autumn leaves stubbornly clinging to the trees, people scurrying to and fro making plans--it all adds to the sense of anticipation, doesn’t it? But hark! Have you heard the voices of the season ringing out?!  If so, it’s more than likely the Northbrook UMC Chancel Choir which has been diligently preparing for the 2025 Comforts and Joys musical celebration, which will be Sunday, December 14 at 11 a.m. Come early to get your seat!
 
This year’s selection of music features some classic English and German carols to warm the heart as well as a riveting piece that reveals what it might have been for Mary to “ponder these things in her heart.” We will also have a visitor from that time period, someone who was there at the manger. The service will end with a spectacular and moving arrangement to welcome the Christ Child.
 
It is the hope and prayer of the entire music ministry that you will find warmth, joy, peace, and blessings from the service. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented and committed singers and musicians on a weekly basis. And what a blessing it is to be part of a church that recognizes the importance of sacred music in worship.  
 
Let’s prepare the way for the coming of the Christ child!
 
With Joy!
Dr. Chad Hunt, Director of Worship & Music

By now most of our Thanksgiving celebrations are behind us and, if you're lucky, your fridge is full of some good leftovers to hold you over for the week.
 
Right on the heels of Thanksgiving, we begin a new church year. This Sunday is the start of the season of Advent during which we prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Christ, not only as a baby, but also in his coming again in glory.
 
This Advent we will be led by the words of the prophet Isaiah in an inspiring study called "Immanuel" written by Rev. Kena Newkirk. www.northbrookumc.com/uploads/1/0/8/6/108635649/advent_devo_2025__3_.pdf
​Sometime this weekend I would encourage you to go ahead and read the "Introduction" and the section for the first Sunday of Advent. Then read along and reflect on the included daily readings.
 
This coming holiday season is one that is challenging for most people in one way or another. The lowlight of this time of year along with the busy schedule and obligations can cause stress. The absence of a dear loved one from the table, the decline of old age, the diagnosis we didn't want to hear, and the strain of finances can weigh heavily.
 
Let us begin by acknowledging our feelings, both good and bad, thankful and regretful, then take them to the Lord in prayer. God wants us to share our hearts and to encourage us through the Spirit's presence and the love of our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are lonely or need spiritual support, don't hesitate to reach out to the church staff or your friends in faith. We're all in this life together and for that I am most thankful. I wouldn't want to do life with anyone else, but this church called Northbrook.
 
A recent guest at church greeted me after the worship service. With tears in his eyes he told me, "Being here today was like coming home."
 
How good it is to be able to "come home" for the holidays, a home where all are welcome and all are loved, a place we can call home because Jesus comes to make his home with us.
 
See you Sunday,
 Jennifer Andone, Senior Pastor

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of doing birthday blessings at Northbrook Preschool Chapel. It is such a highlight to celebrate with these young disciples as we sing and dance in our beloved sanctuary. During chapel, the talented Leslie Bowers led the children in a fun chanting song about being thankful. Part of the song was call-and-response, and it went something like this:

Thankful that He died for me
Thankful that He set me free
Thankful that He helps me grow
Thankful that He loves me so

We then practiced adding different things we might be thankful for, such as turkey on Thanksgiving Day or restful naps for parents. It is a simple but essential task that we, as the church, must cultivate an attitude and discipline of gratefulness with our young people. This is not a practice endorsed by our political or economic system. The cyclical beast of materialism--of consumption and disposal--is not fed by contentment but by discontent, greed, jealousy, and the fear of scarcity.

We must teach our children and remind ourselves to be thankful. We must cultivate the spiritual discipline of Thanksgiving. Waltar Bruggaman argues that "Gratitude is an act of subversion.... In missional and liturgical ways, the church in its gratitude witnesses to 'a more excellent way,' a way that corresponds to God’s good intention for God’s world."

Cultivating a community of gratitude and thanksgiving might seem like a monumental task. There are so many challenges we must face while pursuing it. “Gratitude is an act of rebellion towards the powers that govern our world. Thanksgiving is an attitude antithetical to the culture and disruptive to the systems of commerce. It is not nature, as evidenced by Jesus' experience in Luke 17:11-19, in which he healed 10 people suffering from leprosy, and only one turned back to thank him—and he was a Samaritan."
 
As daunting as the task may seem, cultivating a community of gratitude is as simple as singing a song. Being a thankful person means you take time regularly to verbally and physically express your thanks. In small, regular ways, thanksgiving becomes less of a one-time holiday and more of a spiritual discipline that reshapes a person's heart to be more receptive to the blessings of Jesus. May we all take time to express our gratitude to God each day, remembering that it is a small but mighty act of rebellion in this world. 
 
In gratitude,
Kena Newkirk, Associate Pastor
Discipleship & Connections
 

​Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving? Americans celebrate Thanksgiving to give thanks for a harvest and national blessings. It started in a 1621 feast and was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Over time the holiday changed from its religious roots of harvest and celebrations. Modern day Thanksgiving is a holiday focused on family and gratitude. It's celebrated with a large meal featuring roasted turkey, stuffing and sweet potato pie. We sit around watching the Macy's parade, while at the same time anticipating some action-packed football soon to come. It's a day of joy and laughter whether it's with family or friends. But none the least, getting your bellies full.
 
We as Christians are more fine-tuned than a once-a-year day of thanksgiving. The true meaning of thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude especially to God. Christians celebrate thanksgiving daily by starting the day with a prayer of gratitude, thanking God in personal prayer. We have so many things to be thankful for that we often take for granted. We wake up each morning to a beautiful sunrise, having food to eat and a roof over our heads. Be thankful for good health and good doctors that we can rely on when needed. Appreciate the world around you and the beauty of nature that God has provided for you and I. Give thanks for the Holy Spirit who provides guidance and helps in making choices. Each day is an opportunity for a fresh start, and God offers daily forgiveness for our mistakes. Let us be thankful in all circumstances and recognize that God will forever provide our needs.
 
Dear God, thank you for all the blessings in my life, for the food I eat, the people I love, and the quiet moments of peace. Help me recognize your goodness in every day given.
Amen.
 
In Christ,
Jerome Young
Facilities Manager
 

Last Sunday was All Saint’s Day, a special time when we celebrate loved ones who died during the past year. A time to reflect, grieve and celebrate an earthly life ending, and the new beginning of life in Heaven.
 
As a young parent, the idea of having to talk to my child about death was daunting. I remember taking a walk with Emily and seeing a dead bird on the sidewalk. I made an immediate about face as I shielded her from the reality of this lifeless bird. Making death a normal and accepted part of life is easier said than done, when words are required to make meaning of death to children.
 
The Godly Play stories face this existential limit head on, including death as a normal part of the stories. The Old Testament stories that occur in the desert begin with talking about the dangers of the desert and that people die in the desert from exposure, getting lost, or running out of food or water. When Sarah dies in the desert, we bury the wooden shape representing Sarah under the sand as part of the story, and later Abraham joins her. It is only in facing and talking about death that we can understand all that heaven means to us, as we get to the stories of Jesus’ life and death.
 
But where do we begin in talking with our children about death? Often the death of a pet is the first encounter with the topic as evidenced during our group prayer at the end of class, when deceased pets are offered by the children for prayer. Helping children see a loved one’s transition to Heaven as a joyful event through the tears of grief, while still acknowledging the sadness felt by the earthly loss, begins the process.

Sometimes a death in the family is the first time for a child to see their parent shed tears. Reinforce for them (and ourselves) that our deceased loved one did not stop loving us when they left, they will love their family members forever, just as God loves us. And when overwhelmed with sad feelings, you can talk to Jesus about your feelings as he understands and will comfort us. Having a special place or item to remember a loved one may also bring closeness and comfort as well as new traditions such as celebrating “heavenly birthdays.”  And always remembering that your loving church family will wrap your family in love during this grief-filled time and walk alongside all of you in your grief.
 
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: There shall be no more death, not sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  ​Revelation 21:4
​
Faithfully yours,
Christy Merritt
Director of Children’s Ministry

On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding through the last year and a half of construction here at Northbrook UMC. With the refurbishment of Simmons Hall and the parking lot the Trustees have fulfilled our blessing from the merger with Christ Church. While the combined membership created new energy within the body of the church, the Trustees, with improved finances, went about tackling many of the larger needs of the facilities.
 
Below is a list of the projects completed:
 

• For the buildings of the Northbrook Campus (Bldgs. A, B, C and D), i.e. new roofs installed, installed new gutters, gutter guards and downspouts
• Painted and caulked all wooden windows (Bldgs. A & B)
• Corrected the moisture problem in Building B (Big Dig)
• Stopped water leak in Building B utility closet
• New Boiler for heat in the Sanctuary (Bldg. D)
• Two new Air-conditioning compressors for the Sanctuary (Bldg. D)
• Refurbished Parking Lot
• Refurbished Simmons Hall
• Repaired and painted Portico Ceiling

 
A special thanks to our Staff Liaison, Allen Whittaker, for his tireless effort in coordinating and minimizing the impact on the many activities and group meetings that utilize our facilities.
 
The Trustees will continue to endeavor through maintenance and projects to enhance our facilities to match the warmth and ministry of our church.
 
Faithfully yours,
Comer Train
Trustees Chair
 

As we approach Commitment Sunday, I pray that the Holy Spirit touches your heart to continue your steadfast financial commitment to Northbrook. Our heavenly Father is the epitome of commitment. Despite our rebellious attitudes and actions, He never gives up on us. As I look back over my life, God has always been so faithful to me—even when I didn’t know He cared. My three-score plus seven years journey has taken many twists and turns over the years, from me giving up on God to realizing He is the best thing in my life. Because of His faithfulness and my understanding, I walk out biblical teachings with my annual financial commitment to the church. By doing so, every need has always been met—good health, peace of mind, wisdom, and even some miraculous gifts of money--when I was in need caring for my mother.
 
Proverbs 21:20 states that the wise man stores up precious treasure and oil, while the foolish man squanders it.
 
This means the wise person uses resources prudently for both present needs and future security, whereas the foolish person consumes everything they have without foresight.

In addition to savings and investment plans, for now and the future, part of my financial plan includes storing precious treasure and oil by giving generously to the church. It has not failed me yet. As a leader, I must lead by example--it is very important to serve with my time and finances. So, giving to the church is a personal budget line item in my household with automatic debits. As we read, speak, and have faith in “The Word” see what the Lord will do. 
 
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!”    
Isaiah 55:11
 
… Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. 11 I will rebuke the locust[b] for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will count you happy, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.  
Malachi 3:10-12
 
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver…
​2 Corinthians 9:7
 
Your annual financial commitment and fulfillment support the mission and ministries of the church. There is no better way to show love for your church family and the community than by using your resources to meet their short-term and long-term goals. So, as we plan for 2026, remember…
 

• The wise man: 

Stores up "precious treasure and oil" in his dwelling. He understands the importance of saving for the future and for times of need.
 

• The foolish man: 

"Devours it up" or "gulps it down.” He consumes all his resources immediately without any thought for tomorrow.
 
Faithfully yours,
 
Phyllis J. Baskin
Office Manager

A couple of weeks ago, the Northbrook UMC Chancel Choir had the unique opportunity to perform at the Georgia Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association at Kennesaw State University. This invitation was rare, in that a local church choir was asked to appear before an audience of choral directors who work in universities, high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and community choral groups.  
 
Reflecting on present day events and realizing that many of our churches are allowing their differences to drive a wedge between themselves and working together as a community. Therefore, I invited choir members from Roswell First Baptist Church and Roswell United Methodist Church to participate in the choral event. We dubbed ourselves, the Sacred Voices of Roswell with about 80 members in attendance.  
 
I chose to conduct Craig Courtney’s soul-stirring piece, I Am Not My Own. It is a powerful statement of faith proclaiming, “I am not my own, I am not my own. Not in body, not in soul, in life nor even death. I am not my own, I am not my own. I belong unto my faithful savior Jesus Christ. I belong to Him, I belong to Him, in life, in death, my only comfort, I belong to Him, I will live for Him…”
 
We, as children of God, belong to the One who sent His son to redeem humankind. It is through God’s love, strength, and grace that we are able to live from year to year, day to day, and moment by moment. Yet, we also depend on each other - our brothers and sisters in Christ. This combined choir represented the commonality of believers.
​
I have been blessed with opportunities to perform at Carnegie Hall and various cathedrals throughout Europe, but I’ve never been more proud than when I stood on stage with our church choir on that Saturday. Our group represented young and “older,” from all walks of life. It was an opportunity to show choral students that one’s love for music doesn’t have to end at graduation. It can extend into a person’s golden years each week at their place of worship. This is one of the many positive aspects of our choir at Northbrook - it reaches across generations and unites in voice to minister to people each Sunday.  
 
As we quickly approach Advent, I hope you will make plans to attend the upcoming musical events designed to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child; one born of humility and a love for all.  
 
With Joy,

Dr. Chad M. Hunt
Director of Worship & Music

My sweet Cora had a birthday last weekend.  I’ve spent much of this week thinking of teeny-tiny (9lb 6oz) baby Cora cuddles because squishy, baby cuddles are one of my love languages. They’re my version of manna from heaven. They’re so peaceful and uninhibited.  There’s something about a newborn that feels so very close to God.
 
Now, of course I have much larger 17- and 10-year-olds.  It’s considerably harder to get them on my shoulder and carry them around for a cuddle, but I still find peace, love, and a whisper of God when I watch them sleep. On my most exhausting and difficult days, you can almost always find me spending a few minutes watching my girls sleep. When they’re sleeping so peacefully, it’s impossible not to marvel over all God has planned for them, all the “becoming” they are doing as God’s children, all that is amazing and wonderful and in the image of God about my girls.  
 
It is this particular parenting activity that has made me totally reassess the meaning of one of my favorite scriptures, Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  I’ve always thought it to only be that we need to be still so our body, mind, and soul can have enough space to remember that God is God. And I DO still believe that. But watching my children sleep makes me think that maybe sometimes God wants us to be still so God can marvel at the miracles we are--so God can truly gaze at all the “becoming” we are doing and see all the parts of us that are in God’s image. 
 
On my most stressful days, when I am feeling blue or “less than,” I like the idea of God marveling over me when I sleep. I like to remember that any God that is “The Father” loves me as overwhelmingly as I love my girls. God loves us--every single one of us--in a breath-taking, awe-filled, can’t-take-my-eyes-off-of-your-amazingness kind of way.
 
Be still.
Leslie Bowers
Director of Creative Services

In June of 2025, I experienced a life changing week. I, along with other Northbrook Student youth members, Reverend McDaniel, our parents, and community members, journeyed to Western North Carolina on a mission trip to provide Hurricane Helene Relief.
 
Praying Pelican Missions helped to connect us with specific needs in the area. We stayed at the Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp in Lake Lure, NC. This camp is a wonderful place that has opened up its doors to mission groups looking to help rebuild Western, NC.  The Cumming First United Methodist Church youth group also stayed at the camp. We slept in the dorms and ate breakfast at camp. During the day the majority of people left camp to do mission work in the community, and each evening we all came back to camp to eat dinner together and then gathered in worship. Some of our work included: yard work and painting at the Bible Camp, food distribution, and demolition.
 
I worked mostly at Mullen Bible Camp painting their office building. It was hard work being out in the sun all day, but I loved it! I found a little frog friend in the process and named him “Mr. Gorgeous”! Another day I went to the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, (ABCCM) a food and clothing distribution center, in the Asheville, NC area. There we received a list, and we filled boxes according to what was on the list. We put the boxes on pallets and stacked them like Jenga. We worked hard and fast and due to our competitive nature, we were proud to learn that our church completed more boxes than the group that was there from the day before! Those food boxes were given to community members in need. The other people from Northbrook worked the week at a home in Old Fort, NC that had been flooded from the hurricane. They performed backbreaking work to help gut the home for it to be remodeled and mold free so the family could move back in.
 
At the end of each day both churches met in the pavilion at the camp for worship. We sang worship songs, discussed our work, and talked about how we saw God in our day. Hearing the stories of the devastation and people in need made me feel really grateful for everything I have.
 
We got one day off our mission work duties, so our Northbrook group went river tubing in Marion, NC. It was so much fun! We also stopped for some sweet treats from Pelican’s Snoballs!
 
Over the course of this week, I learned to be adaptable, creative, and come to love the Lord and his people even more!  I formed lifelong bonds with youth members, was grateful my mom was there for support, and loved how we all came together to help those in need. This mission trip was especially meaningful since I was born in North Carolina and most of my family lives in Western North Carolina!
 
I feel blessed to be a part of a church that gives back. God was there!

Blessings to all,
Macy Millon
Youth Ministry