Community Brookside

I just got back from Annual Conference and I am excited for church tomorrow morning. I hope if you are in town, you will join us for a fun morning of hearing once again the beautiful stories of Jesus!

our Presence Matters
Sometimes we underestimate the power of simply showing up. The woman in Luke 7 could have stayed home, convinced that someone like her didn't belong in such company. She could have let shame keep her away from Jesus. But she chose to be present, and her presence changed everything. Your presence matters more than you realize. When you show up to that difficult conversation, when you attend that meeting where you feel out of place, when you choose to be vulnerable in relationships - you're making a difference. You don't have to be the loudest voice in the room or have all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there. Think about the women in your life who have impacted you most. Often, it wasn't because of grand gestures or perfect words. It was because they showed up consistently, offering their authentic presence in both joyful and difficult moments. Jesus honored this woman's courage to be present, even when others questioned her right to be there. He honors your courage too. Your willingness to show up, to be vulnerable, to offer your authentic self - these acts of presence are sacred gifts that the world desperately needs.

Bible Verse
'Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.' - Luke 7:40 (New International Version (NIV)

Reflection Question
Where is God calling you to show up more fully, even when you feel uncertain about your place or worthiness?

Sermon Quote
What you do matters. Your presence matters. Your courage matters. Your leadership matters. Your devotion matters. You matter.

Prayer
God, give me courage to show up authentically in the places You've called me. Help me trust that my presence matters, even when I feel inadequate.

The God Who Sees
In a world that often overlooks women's contributions, it's easy to feel invisible. You send those late-night emails, remember the forgotten details, and carry emotional burdens that others don't even notice. Your work keeps families, communities, and organizations running smoothly, yet it rarely receives recognition. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus sees you. When a woman entered that dinner party in Luke 7, the religious leaders saw only her reputation. They judged her past and questioned her presence. But Jesus saw something entirely different - her courage, her devotion, and her inherent worth. He didn't focus on what others whispered about her; He focused on who she truly was. Today, remember that your faithfulness doesn't go unnoticed by the One who matters most. Every sacrifice you make, every burden you carry, every moment you choose love over convenience - Jesus sees it all. You are valued not for what you produce or provide, but simply because you are His beloved daughter.

Bible Verse
'One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.' - Luke 7:36-38 (New International Version (NIV)

Reflection Question
What areas of your life feel unseen or unappreciated, and how might knowing that Jesus sees you change your perspective on those moments?

Sermon Quote
Most of a woman's work goes unseen. Uncelebrated, unapplauded, Unnoticed.

Prayer
Lord, help me remember that You see every act of love and faithfulness, even when others don't. Give me strength to continue serving with joy, knowing that my worth comes from You alone.