Get Ready for Sunday: When Work Feels Like It Doesn’t Matter

Hope you’ve had a great week. We’re coming up on week two of our new series, CLEAR: Clarity for Clouded Minds, where we’re walking through Ecclesiastes and facing some of the deeper questions we all carry about meaning, purpose, and how to make sense of life when things feel unclear. It’s been a helpful journey so far. We still have a few copies of a great companion resource, Living Life Backward by David Gibson, for $10 if you want to go a little deeper alongside the series. You can pick up your copy at Guest Connections on Sunday.

And as we keep leaning into this conversation, one question keeps surfacing: does what I’m giving my life to actually matter?

This Sunday, we’ll be in Ecclesiastes 2:17–26, where the "Preacher" turns his attention to work, achievement, and success. After building, accomplishing, and gaining more than most ever could, he comes to a sobering realization: if work is what defines your worth, it will eventually leave you empty.

But the passage doesn’t leave us there. It begins to reframe work as something different, not the source of our identity, but a gift from God to be received and stewarded. When your identity is rooted in Christ, the pressure to prove yourself begins to lift, and joy starts to return, even in the middle of ordinary, everyday work.

Here’s a question to carry with you this week...where have you been looking to your work to give you something only Jesus can provide?

Let’s come ready to worship with honest hearts and a renewed perspective on what really gives life meaning.

What's Happening

Vacation Bible School: KingdomQuest

June 14-17  |  Registration open Monday (April 6)

Join us for Kingdom Quest: An Epic Journey to Discover God’s Kingdom for 4-year-olds through 4th grade, nightly from 6-8pm. Kids will enjoy four fun-filled nights of stories, games, worship, and discovery as they learn to follow Jesus, the Light of the world. A free dinner will be served nightly at 5:30pm. All abilities welcome! 

Register for VBS ›

Midweek at Northbrook

Wednesdays at 6:30pm

Join us for Godward, Midweek Summit for adults on the nature and attributes of God, along with regular activities for kids and students. Dinner begins at 5:00pm. We’d love to see you there.

Volunteer for VBS

June 14-17

VBS is just around the corner and we need your help! If you are interested in being on the Decoration team or a Rotation leader (crafts, missions, recreation) please email katie@northbrookbc.com. If you're not sure where to serve but want to be a part, click on the button below.

Sign Up to Volunteer ›

Find Your Place to Serve

God has uniquely wired and gifted you for a purpose—and there’s a place for you to use those gifts at Northbrook. Whether you’re ready to jump in or just exploring where you might fit, we’d love to help you take your next step.

Start by taking our “Discovering Your Fit” assessment. It’s a simple way to identify how God has shaped you and where you can best serve.

Learn More & Get Started ›

Moving Forward Together

We’re grateful for the continued momentum of the Forward Initiative—renovations at the Caring Center are underway! Thank you for your faithful giving. As we move ahead, consider automating your giving, keep praying, and let’s continue pressing forward—by faith, on mission, together. Follow along for more updates at northbrookbc.com/forward

Follow Forward Updates ›

Kingdom Investor Focus

How We Fight for Joy in Christ

At Northbrook, joy isn’t found in circumstances but in Christ Himself. Even in hardship, God invites us to trust His goodness and rest in His promises. Kingdom Investors learn to anchor their hearts in Him, not in what is shifting around them.

  • What is threatening your joy right now, and how is God calling you to trust Him in it?

On The Horizon

Ministry events and opportunities coming up over the next couple of months. Save these dates:

  • Elder Vote | May 17

  • Family (Baby) Dedication | May 10

  • Graduate Recognition & Commissioning Luncheon | May 17

  • Church Picnic | May 20

  • Pine Cove City | May 25-29  Sign Up ›

  • VBS26: Kingdom Quest  | June 14-17  Learn More ›

  • Students Summer Camp at the Beach | June 19-22  Sign Up ›

Next Steps