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

In the book, An Altar in the World, Barbara Brown Taylor has a chapter on the spiritual practice of pronouncing blessings.  Taylor says that we should be blessing things more often because when we are seeing things closely enough to bless them, we are looking at them through the eyes of God.  Pronouncing blessings, she says, might be the closest we ever get to God.  Blessing things and people and spaces is a way of looking at them not for what they can do for you or what they have accomplished, but simply for the wonder that God made them to be. So as I say goodbye as a staff member at Northbrook, where I have laughed, grown, stressed, worked, loved, and been loved for 12 years, I would like to pronounce some blessings - a benediction if you will - “a blessing that comes at the end of something, to send people on their way.”

Northbrook, you are a church filled with love.  

• You notice people.  
• You check-in with people.  
• You encourage people.  
• You welcome people - not just with a quick hello, but with a “join me in my pew/sit at my table."  You aren’t afraid to dig-into-scripture, to hard conversations, to the gritty work of service, to seeing the world both as it is and as it could be.  
• You are joyful.
• Your spaces are filled with laughter more often than not.

 
When I tell people about the wonderful church that you are, I tell them that you will always choose loving the person in front of you over holding tight to some belief with which you are grappling.
 
You have loved my family so well.  You have cheered my girls on, helped keep them safe, taught them the stories of God, and made sure they knew how loved they were.  You have been a home for all three of us for more than a decade.
 
You have made an indelible mark on my life, and I will forever be thankful for my time (and all 400 jobs I have held) at Northbrook.
 
And until we meet again, remember you are a beloved child of God (and loved so fiercely by me).

Many Blessings,
Leslie Bowers
Former Director of Creative Services

School's out for summer, and I am eagerly anticipating it all — pool days, popsicles, summer salads, house projects, and a daze of patriotic celebrations that give my husband an excuse to crank up the grill and feed the masses. So, if you're craving a Smashburger this weekend, you know where to find us.

Summer also means wonder. My oldest son and I have been spending our mornings outside, watching new blooms arrive and looking up at the sky. He's very curious, and we've been having all sorts of conversations sparked by his curiosity. He once asked me if heaven is in the clouds. I'm still thinking about it. Matthew 6:25–34 reminds us not to worry about our daily needs but to marvel at the world around us. We're trying to start our days with a bit of this wonder.

We also have exciting things happening with the children's choir this summer. We have a full season of themed rehearsals planned, and our kickoff is "Fun in the Sun" — so if you're wandering through campus next Wednesday, don't be surprised if you spot some goofy sunglasses and bright colors. Worshipping God through music has always been joyful — this summer, we're adding a little sprinkle of sunshine to it.

My family and I are always eager to share our love for Northbrook. It is such a special place to us — for school, for worship, and for community. Lately, discipleship keeps coming up in conversations and messaging. It has led me to pause and consider what it really means and what it looks like for our family right now. I keep coming back to John 1:39: "Come and you will see." If you're wondering whether this is where your family belongs, come and see. Come and be! We're here to welcome you.

Let us wonder, wander, and share our love of God this summer. And let us enjoy the season we're in.

In Christ,
 Chelsea Spits, Director of Children’s Music

I love the game of baseball. Like many Americans I look forward to this time of the year. I was introduced to baseball at a very young age. My older brother taught me all that I needed to know. We would sit around the radio listening as he explained every pitch. It felt as though we had front row seats in the stadium! We would listen to the Houston Astros or the Chicago White Sox. As a matter of fact, we were so into the sport that my brother, Lucien, invented a replica of the game. I'll share with you how it was played.
​
A 12x12 piece of cardboard was cut out and used for the diamond. A circle was drawn in the center for the pitcher's mound. First, second, third and home plate were labeled on the corners. It was placed on the floor where two walls met using the baseboards for the outfield walls. It was a perfect height for our players. So now we need some players. An old chess game came in handy. Several pieces were selected and given a name and position. Letters were marked on players for better identification. For instance, there could be a Knight A and a Knight R. One could be a shortstop and the other a catcher. A few toy soldiers were also added to the rosters.
 
Now let's play ball! Each pitch was determined by the roll of a dice borrowed from a monopoly game. If a three is rolled, it's a ball thrown by the pitcher. A six is a call strike and four is a strike swing and a miss. Four balls you walk, and three strikes and you are out! Roll a one and it's a liner to the outfield. Roll another one and it drops in for a single. Roll a two and it's a fly ball. Roll another two and it becomes a homer. A two rolled followed by a one becomes a double, with a chance of becoming a triple with the roll of another one. Oops, I almost forgot. The roll of a five was an infield ground ball which the batter would be safe at first only if a one was rolled next. Nine innings were played for every complete game. If the score was tied at the end of nine innings, the game went into extra innings until a team scored a run. Every pitcher had a win/loss record along with strike outs accomplished. For every position player's batting average was calculated and a record was kept of his hits, runs, homers and runs batted in.
 
I think that covers it my friends. That is why I love the game of baseball. Thank you Lu for teaching me the ropes of my favorite sport. Until we meet again, love all.
 
GO BRAVES!
 
In Christ,
Jerome Young, Facilities Manager
 

​And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."
--Mark 3:33-35

When Mother's Day is approaching, we often talk in our weekly worship staff meeting about being sensitive on Mother's Day to the variety of feelings people have around the day based on their own family and life experiences. We recognize the day can bring as much sadness and grief as joy and celebration, depending upon one's vantage point in life. One of the ways we address this is by trying to focus on the word "mother" more as a verb rather than a noun.

In her book Captivating, Stasi Eldredge writes, "...the word mother is more powerful when used as a verb rather than a noun. All women are not mothers, but all women are called to mother...A woman is not less of a woman because she is not a wife or has not physically born a child...All women are made in the image of God in that we bring forth life."

To mother is "to give birth to, to create, to watch over, nourish, and protect." As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit blesses each of us, male and female, with gifts to help others fully become who God created them to be. When we love and nurture others in the faith, we are partnering with God in bringing forth new life in the name of the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life."

Think, if you will, about those who have mothered or fathered you in the faith and offer thanks to God for them. Then consider this question: "Who, outside of my family, am I mothering or fathering in the faith?" Then ask God to reveal to you who and how you can mother and father someone outside your family.

I hope to see you on this "Mothering" Sunday at Northbrook, a spiritual family where God welcomes ALL as members of the family of God!

Pastor Jennie

My cousin’s daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer weeks after she received a heart transplant. Wildfires burn in South Georgia. The war in Ukraine is in its fourth year. The conflict and uncertainty in Iran and the Middle East continue to have a global impact. Political division and violence fill the headlines. Over 25 million people in Sudan are facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. And the list goes on and on…If you are anything like me, you may be wondering, “Where is Easter when we need it?” WARNING: You might not like what’s about to follow.

Stay with me for a second… many theologians describe our current period of salvation history as the “already not yet.” Put simply, the kingdom of God has “already” come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but it has “not yet” fully come (and won’t until Christ comes again). We live in the in-between when all that is broken, evil, and sinful is colliding with all that is right, whole, and good.

Our world is convinced we can fix every headline if we have the right power: political, religious, financial, medical, technological, ideological, or militaristic. Surely, we can vote, believe, pay, inject, innovate, think, or bomb our way into a better world?

The hard truth… there is no Easter without emptiness, humility, suffering, and sacrifice. Tombs can’t become empty if they aren’t first occupied, and tombs can’t be occupied unless someone is willing to lay down their life.

The first Easter came because Jesus “did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross (Phil 2:6-8). And our world cannot experience other Easters unless we, the body of Christ are willing to do the same.

Our hearts, our families, our community, our nation, and our world need another Easter. The question Jesus is asking you and me, “Will you follow me from the manger, to the cross, and through the tomb?”

This fourth week of Eastertide it is my prayer that regardless of the cost we will each reply, “Wherever you lead I’ll go.”

Pastor Allen

​“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1

​There is something deeply comforting about these words. In just one sentence, we are reminded that we are not alone, not forgotten, and not without care. Psalm 23 has long been one of my favorite passages because it speaks directly to the human condition—our need for guidance, protection, and provision.
Interestingly, scripture often compares us to sheep. At first thought, that may not feel flattering. But when we take a closer look, the comparison reveals something profoundly honest—and hopeful.

Understanding the Nature of Sheep
Sheep are uniquely dependent creatures. They are not designed to survive on their own, and their characteristics mirror many of our own human tendencies:

• Defenseless: Sheep have no natural means of protecting themselves. Without a shepherd, they are vulnerable to danger.
• Prone to Wander: They easily lose their way, often drifting into unsafe places without realizing it.
• Dependent and Docile: Sheep rely entirely on their shepherd for food, water, and safety.
• Easily Anxious: They can become stressed quickly and depend on the presence of the shepherd for calm.
• Voice-Aware and Loyal: Sheep recognize and respond to the voice of their shepherd, following the one they trust.
• Not Meant for Heavy Burdens: They are not built to carry weight and can suffer when overloaded.

If we’re honest, many of these traits reflect our own lives. We can feel defenseless in difficult seasons, anxious about the unknown, or lost when trying to navigate life on our own. We may carry burdens we were never meant to bear.

Why Sheep Need a Shepherd
Because of these traits, sheep cannot thrive without a shepherd. They need someone to:

• Protect them from predators and unseen dangers
• Guide them to nourishing pastures and clean water
• Rescue them when they are stuck, lost, or in distress
• Lead them back when they wander too far

​Without a shepherd, sheep are at risk. With a shepherd, they flourish. In the same way, we need a Shepherd.
Psalm 23 reveals the heart of God as our loving and faithful guide. He does not expect us to figure everything out on our own. Instead, He invites us to trust Him—through the guidance of His word, which leads us to follow His voice and rest in His care.

Today, whatever you may be facing, take comfort in this truth: You are not meant to carry life alone. You have a Shepherd.

And in Him, you truly have all that you need. In your quiet time read Psalm 23.

Peace and blessings,  
 Phyllis Baskin, Office Manager

As some of you may know, before I came to Northbrook, I spent over 20 years serving
in Youth Ministry for several different churches in North Georgia. I always like to say, “In
my previous life, I was a Youth Director.”

In addition, as some of you may know as well, I served for over 8 years at Lawrenceville
First UMC, where Davis Chappell (one of Northbrook’s former pastors) was the Senior
Minister and Andrew Chappell (his son and another Northbrook former pastor) was in
my Youth Program. See above for a nice throwback photo of me and Andrew from
around 19 years ago give or take at a beach retreat with the youth group…

A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a former student’s wedding.
This student was also from Lawrenceville First UMC and one that I had known since
she was about 4 years old. And now she’s 27 and married! It was a true joy and honor
to be a small part of her wedding day. People ask me all the time, if helping participate
in former students’ wedding celebrations makes me feel “old.” And honestly, I know it
probably should, it really doesn’t. I think it’s more just feeling like a proud older
brother/fun uncle. And really for me, it’s about thanking God for allowing me to be a
small part of their life journeys. My prayer for them has always been that they would
stay strong in their faith, make great decisions with their lives and find happiness with
whomever they end up with.

I think about Paul’s letter to the Phillippians in Chapter 1, Verse 3, where he says, “I
thank my God every time I remember you.” That’s how I think about these former
students and how grateful I am for the time I had with each one of them.

And my Northbrook friends, I am thankful for each one of you! God has blessed us all
with such a wonderful community of faith. As we journey through this life, my prayer for
each one of you (as it is for my former students): that you would stay strong in your
faith, make great decisions with your lives and find happiness with whoever you end up
with. Until we meet again…

​Allen Whittaker
Executive Director

We are nearing the end of our third year of teaching Godly Play, a unique and innovative way to foster the innate spirituality of our children by storytelling the Bible and wondering with them about the meaning of the stories. The 14 children who were in pre-kindergarten during that inaugural year will soon be transitioning from 1st grade to the older classroom for 2nd-5th graders. And we will then welcome our newest four-year-old pre-kindergarten students into our magical classroom of Godly Play.
 
One of the first things they will learn is that we have a “feast” each week before our closing prayer and blessing. This feast is provided by our wonderful neighbors in the Fellowship classroom--a juicy halo tangerine, which they learn how to peal. They will also quickly notice the big round calendar that looks like a clock hanging in the room, with green, red, purple and white shapes around the perimeter and one hand like a clock in the middle. This is our liturgical year calendar and will move us through the year beginning with the creation.
 
Old Testament stories follow in our “desert (sand) box”, and the ways that people of God “got close to God” and learned about His will for us through prophets and without the benefit of the Holy Bible. Then we experience the mystery of Christmas with our Advent stories, and begin the new year learning about Jesus, his parables and life, followed by Lent and Jesus’ death. We now begin lessons about how “the twelve” were equipped to carry Jesus’ ministry to others, through Pentecost and the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
 
It is such a natural cycle that explains why Jesus is born and dies every year, and why we continue to learn and understand anew, each time we experience these wonders. Once this foundation is laid there are extension and enrichment second-tier stories that bring us deeper into the Bible and acquaint us with all of the other people who encountered God and have lessons to teach us from their actions, both in following God’s direction for their lives, and in failing to listen to Him.
 
This is just the beginning for these little ones, to grow in both their love and relationship with the Trinity, and in experiencing regular Bible study with their church family. If you have a rising pre-kindergartener or would like to know more about our Godly Play program and how you could volunteer to walk alongside our precious children, please contact me at [email protected]. I’d love to meet with you.
 
Peace and blessings,  
Christy Merritt
Coordinator of Godly Play

A few weeks ago, Leslie led our children’s sermon on John 11 and the story of Lazarus. She talked with the children about something simple and deeply true--everyone cries. Even Jesus cried. Even people of faith cry. Tears are part of being human, and they are part of loving deeply.

My son Jonah was sitting right next to her and wanted to talk more. In that quiet and patient way Leslie always does, she gently walked him back to his seat and took time to listen to what he was trying to say. I didn’t know what he was talking about in that moment, but later I learned that he had been telling her about his great-grandfather’s funeral which we watched online back in January. It has been his first experience with loss that he will remember. Leslie made space for him to share his grief in the middle of a busy Sunday morning, simply by listening.

I then preached a sermon on John 11. At the end of the service, Jonah came up to me with a question.
“Why did you say it so many times? ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died?’” It was such an honest question.

I told him that everyone experiences hurt and loss, and when we hurt, we often ask God why. We repeat those questions because grief has a way of circling back again and again. Martha says it. Mary says it. The community feels it. The same words echo because the pain is real.

“Lord, if you had been here…”
Good Friday is filled with the same kind of questions.
Why did this have to happen?
Where was God in the suffering?
Why does death still touch the people we love?
Why does pain seem to come so close to home?

On Good Friday, we stand at the cross with those same questions. We see Jesus suffering. We see loss, grief, injustice, and death. We hear the cries of the world and the cries of our own hearts. And we are reminded that God does not stand far away from our pain. In Jesus, God enters fully into it.

Jesus weeps at Lazarus’ tomb.
Jesus cries out from the cross.
Jesus knows our grief from the inside.

That is why Good Friday matters. It reminds us that God hears every “Lord, if you had been here” that we whisper or shout. God is present in our sorrow, even when we cannot see it. It allows us to gather together and patiently listen to each other's confusion, hurt and pain.

And yet, Good Friday is not the end of the story.

 Easter is the time we celebrate Jesus’ triumph over the hurt. Easter is the promise that grief does not have the final word, that death does not win, that tears will one day be wiped away. The cross is real, but so is the resurrection.
Today, as we remember the cross, we hold both truths together: the pain is real, and so is the hope.

If you find yourself asking God why, you are not alone.
If you find yourself grieving, you are not alone.
If you find yourself waiting for Easter, you are not alone.
​
God is present in every tear, every question, and every quiet moment of grief—and God is already at work bringing new life.

Grace and peace this Good Friday,
Rev. Kena Newkirk
Associate Pastor, Discipleship and Family Ministries