I hope you’ve had a good week. One of the things I’ve been reminded of lately is how easy it is to drift spiritually without even realizing it. Not necessarily through some dramatic rebellion, but through distraction, noise, exhaustion, and slowly learning to live without depth. That’s why I’m grateful for rhythms like Sunday worship that call us back to what’s true and lasting.
This weekend, we’re beginning a brand-new sermon series through Romans called Unashamed, and I genuinely believe this journey is going to shape our church in a powerful way over the months ahead. Romans is deep, rich, and incredibly practical. It confronts our sin honestly, but it also puts the power and beauty of the gospel on full display. Paul reminds us that the gospel is not just religious information or good advice. It is “the power of God for salvation” for those who believe.
This Sunday in Romans 1:16-25, we’ll wrestle with a hard but necessary truth: we were never meant to build life around ourselves. The more we suppress God’s truth and replace Him with lesser things, the more life unravels. But the gospel offers something we could never achieve on our own—righteousness as a gift, not a reward.
Here’s a question to carry with you this week...where are you looking for life, satisfaction, or identity apart from Christ?
Let’s come ready to worship, listen carefully, and go deeper into the well of the gospel together.
Highlight
VBS is one of the clearest opportunities we have each year to help kids hear the gospel, experience the love of Christ, and connect with our church family in meaningful ways. If you’ve been looking for a place to serve, this is a great step to take. We’d love to have you on the team! Sign up to Volunteer ›
What's Happening
Church-Wide Picnic
May 20 | 5pm
Let's celebrate another great semester of Midweek with fun and fellowship for all ages. Hope to see you there!
Graduate Recognition Sunday
May 17
Join us as we celebrate and commission our graduates today. A special luncheon for graduates and their families will follow in the Atrium. Commit to pray for them as they step into this next chapter!
Elder Council Update
Jason Dockery has been nominated by the Elder Council to serve as an Elder. The congregation will vote this Sunday to affirm this recommendation. Please pray for Jason and our Elder Council as they lead and shepherd Northbrook.
Vacation Bible School: KingdomQuest
June 14-17
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!
Introducing Preteen Week!
5th & 6th graders we're planning a special week for you too! Register so we know you're coming—and get ready for Preteen Week! Look for the Preteen Week! option on the registration form.
Deacon Nominations
June 7 & 14
We will receive deacon nominations during the first two weeks of June. Please prayerfully consider those who reflect the biblical qualifications for this role. The list of men who meet the minimum requirements to be nominated will be available next week.
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.
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.
Kingdom Investor Focus
How We Pray with Dependence
At Northbrook, prayer is not a last resort but a daily dependence on God. We do not trust our wisdom, strength, or plans to change hearts and sustain the mission. Kingdom Investors seek the Lord first, believing He alone gives growth and power.
What burden, decision, or situation do you need to stop carrying alone and begin bringing faithfully before God in prayer?
Next Steps
We're better together: Find ways to serve ›
Life-change happens best in relationships: Connect to a Life Group ›
Live on mission: Have a gospel conversation ›
Fuel the mission: Discover ways to give ›
Follow the Rooted Journal: Dig into God's Word together ›
Refresh your soul: Listen to the weekly sermon podcast ›
