It’s easy to confuse generosity with faithfulness. We can give something and still keep ourselves at the center. That raises an uncomfortable question worth sitting with: are we offering God what costs us, or only what feels safe? This matters because generosity shaped by grace loosens our grip on control and reorders what we truly trust.
This Sunday, we’ll turn to Mark 12:41-44 and watch Jesus quietly observe a moment most people missed. A poor widow gives almost nothing by the world’s standards, yet Jesus says her gift outweighs all the rest. This passage presses us to rethink generosity not as an amount, but as a response. It invites us to see giving as worship shaped by surrender, faith, and a deep confidence in God’s provision. As we continue our FORWARD journey, this moment helps recalibrate what it really means to move God’s mission ahead with open hands and willing hearts.
As you head into the week, ask yourself this honestly: what does my giving reveal about what I trust God with, and what I’m still holding back?
Let’s come ready to listen closely to Jesus and allow him to reshape how we view generosity and grace.
Weekend Service Update
We currently plan to meet as usual on Sunday with Life Groups at 9:00 am and Worship at 10:30 am. There will be no breakfast. Please stay tuned for any weather-related updates via email, text, or Northbrook’s social media.
What's Happening
FORWARD: By Faith. On Mission. Together.
Commitment Sunday: February 8
As we move toward Commitment Sunday on February 8, we’re continuing to lean in together through prayer, faith, and obedience. That day, we’re trusting God for two things:
$300,000 in kickstart giving and
$3 million in three-year commitments
All for the sake of advancing his mission. Let’s keep preparing our hearts and take our next steps forward—together.
FORWARD 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Week 2: January 25-31
We're inviting Life Groups to slow down and seek God together around how we steward our relationships—with one another, our families, and those God has placed in our lives. The goal is not to rush through prayers, but to create space for God to shape how we love, encourage, forgive, and walk together as his people.
Week 3: Feb 2-6 › 21 Days: Corporate Prayer & Worship (Stewarding Our Mission)
Make plans to join us for a time of corporate prayer and worship at 6:00am each day in the worship center.
Midweek Intensives
February 4-March 25
Join us for the next 8-week semester of Intensives beginning February 4. The three options are:
Women's Intensive: Created to Commune. Sign up →
Men's Intensive: BetterMan Defined: Real Mean Better God's World. Sign up →
Younique Intensive: Discovering God's Design through Personal Calling.
Sign up →
Each week, dinner is served at 5pm and Intensives are 6:30-7:30pm. Kids, Preteen, and Student activities available.
Discover Northbrook in True North
February 8, 15, & 22
True North is the place to learn about the life, mission, and ministry of Northbrook. Sessions 1 and 2 meet at 9:00 am in the conference room on the second-floor.
True North KIDS
February 22 & March 1 at 9:00 am
True North KIDS gives children the opportunity to walk through the gospel in a kid-friendly, hands-on environment. It will also help them understand the importance of baptism, Lord's Supper, church membership and more!
Save the Dates: Mens & Womens Events
2026 Rooted Journals Available
2026 Rooted Journals are available for purchase in the merch store or online. The cost is $20 per journal. Pick one up this Sunday or purchase online at northbrookbc.com/rooted ›
Enjoy RightNow Media
Northbrook now has free access to RightNow Media—20,000+ Bible studies and videos for you and your family. Check your email for the invite link to get started or click here to sign up today ›
On The Horizon
Ministry events and opportunities coming up over the next couple of months. Save these dates:
FORWARD Commitment Sunday | February 8
Adult Luncheon | March 3 at 10:30am
Baptism Sunday | March 15
REACH Week | March 15-21
Kingdom Investors
How We Multiply What God Is Doing
At Northbrook, the goal is not simply personal growth but faithful reproduction. God intends our lives to bear fruit that outlasts us—disciples who make disciples, faith that is passed on, and obedience that multiplies. Kingdom Investors invest in people, not just programs.
Who is God inviting you to intentionally invest in so that your faith might be multiplied in someone else?
Next Steps
Find ways to serve › We're better together.
Connect to a Life Group › Life-change happens best in relationships.
Have a gospel conversation › Live on mission.
Discover ways to give › Fuel the mission.
Dig into God's Word together › Follow the Rooted Journal.
Listen to the weekly sermon podcast › Refresh your soul.