Vision

Over the past 40 years, God has been incredibly gracious to Northbrook. After much discussion and prayer, we believe the Beyond Initiative is what God will use to help us grow into an even healthier, more effective church. This is a brief overview to familiarize you with our upcoming Beyond Initiative.

Rev. Laurie Moeller
Rev. Andrew Chappell

northbrook's history

In the summer of 1979, a young pastor began visiting homes around north Roswell. Newly appointed by the bishop of the North Georgia Conference, the Rev. John A. Simmons was looking for other Christians who would share the vision for a new United Methodist congregation in Roswell, a vision he believed God had placed on his heart. Over the years, God has graciously used Northbrook as a vessel for change in the community. Whether that means increasing its footprint by acquiring land and building a new sanctuary, or creating opportunities for outreach through mission trips to Guatemala and partnerships with The Drake House, the people of Northbrook have continued to be a force for good in the community and the world.

northbrook today

Now, 39 years later, Northbrook has grown to a congregation of approximately 250 families with three buildings, two worship services, Sunday school, an accredited preschool, strong family ministries, numerous small groups, and countless outreach ministries. The vision God placed on the heart of a young pastor continues to grow in the hearts of the people of Northbrook as we worship together, grow in our faith, and serve Christ throughout the community and the world. Today at Northbrook we are focused on three specifc actions we must take in order to grow generously and develop our relationship with God.

our vision

We ENCOUNTER God — through worship, through learning, and through prayer. Many small groups for men, women, older adults, teenagers, and children have been established at Northbrook and are open to those wishing to participate. Community groups and special support groups have been created to provide additional opportunities for those who wish to expand their connection with Northbrook.

We are to LOVE others, the very people closest to us, our large extended family of faith, and all those whom God places in our path. Also, we continue to enhance our facilities to provide a safe and welcoming environment to our congregation and community.

We SERVE those in need and make intentional plans to learn more about the people in our community and the needs of the world. Currently, we have many programs dedicated to non-profits in our community.

what is the beyond initiative?

Beyond is a two-year generosity initiative in which all donations go into a single fund that allows us greater flexibility to expand our ministry and missions, and to significantly reduce our debt. In Ephesians 3:20, Paul gives glory to God, “who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by His power at work within us.” In the Beyond Initiative, we are asking you to join us on a journey that will no doubt challenge each of us. However, as we rise to this challenge together, we truly believe that God is going to do great things.

what is a one fund?

The One Fund is a comprehensive financial plan that allows us to support all of the ministry needs for two years. Many organizations will undertake two giving initiatives at one time — one for the operating budget and another for any capital needs. Through this One Fund, Northbrook will be merging these ideas into a single pledge, providing funding and support to expand upon our work for Christ in our neighborhood, city, and BEYOND.

beyond's focus

Northbrook’s Beyond Initiative seeks to provide the essential financial resources required for our operating budget, to enhance current ministries, and to take significant steps toward reducing our debt. The goal of $3.3 million includes normal budget items totaling $2.2 million for a two-year period PLUS expanded giving of $1.1 million over that same time period. The gifts pledged during this initiative (2019 & 2020) — in addition to funding our normal operating expenses and addressing our debt — will be earmarked for special projects to fund our future ministries according to Northbrook’s vision of Encounter, Love, and Serve. For specifics, look below.

operating budget - $2.2 million

We anticipate the total church budget for 2019 and 2020 to amount to $2.2 million. Our budget supports and funds the current operations, missions, ministries, and service of our church.

expanded giving - $1.1 million

70% of our expanded giving will go toward reducing our debt. Our loan balance from previous projects stands at just over $2 million. This amounts to $159,500 per year - in both principal and interest payments. Think of all the amazing mission and ministry we will accomplish when the debt is eradicated!

30% of our expanded giving will go toward enhancing our current ministries. Our ministries at Northbrook bless us and the community in incredible ways. In order to go beyond what we have always done, we need to provide additional resources. These additional resources will be used to honor our vision by:

ENCOUNTERING – funding and implementing worship opportunities that are progressive, creative, capturing, and inspiring by offering training and teaching in music, art, and Biblical interpretation.

LOVING – showing the love of God through ensuring that our facilities and grounds are safer, cleaner, and brighter, as well as user-friendly, welcoming, and comfortable to all.

SERVING – creating a mission strategy and offering opportunities for all to show compassion to those in need. A generous portion of funds raised in this area will be utilized in Guatemala, where Northbrook members Craig and Carol Hill serve as full-time missionaries.

what can you do?

Think beyond what God has already done at Northbrook and consider what you can do to respond to Northbrook’s vision for the future by:

PRAYING GENEROUSLY

Pray for your own generosity to grow as you examine your heart regarding the gifts God has given you.
Pray for generosity to abound in the hearts of Northbrook families.
Pray for Northbrook leadership and staff in ongoing decisions to be made during this initiative.

COMMITTING GENEROUSLY

Commit to being part of the Northbrook activities during Beyond.
Commit to living in a more generous way in all areas of your life.
On Commitment Sunday, November 4, make a two-year commitment of operating and expanded giving.

PARTICIPATING GENEROUSLY

Participate by giving generously to help reach our goal of $3.3 million over the next two years.This goal is not beyond what God can do.
Participate by joining one of the many small groups at Northbrook to expand your connection with this congregation.
Participate generously in the mission projects available at Northbrook.

TRUSTING GENEROUSLY

Trust in God’s faithful provision for Northbrook.
Put your hope not in your own abilities, but in God’s power, promise and faithfulness.
Know that God will never leave or forsake us.