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Grace Without End
The Bridge #27
Summerside Community Church
July 04, 2024
Hey there, SCC Family!
Welcome to the 27th edition of The Bridge—our weekly connection that keeps us bound together in faith and community! Who knew sermons could be as exhilarating as a summer blockbuster? This week, Josh tackled Romans 8, shining a light on its central role in our Christian beliefs. Unlike Paul's other letters, Romans offers a comprehensive look at themes applicable to every believer. In his message, Josh encouraged us to reevaluate how we approach the Bible, placing Jesus’ teachings at the heart of our study to deepen our connection with His life and words. Dive deeper into this discussion here.
Josh's message went beyond tradition; it was a heartfelt call to view God’s actions through the lens of an affectionate Father, not an angry judge. He laid out a compelling vision of God sacrificing Himself out of love to free us from the debt of sin—a Father whose love declares we are more than conquerors, forever embraced and never separated from His care. How do we live in light of this tremendous gift? It’s about seeing ourselves as cherished sons and daughters, not fearful orphans.
For a daily reminder that we belong in God’s family, embracing His fatherly affection can transform how we face each day. If Romans 8 resonates with you, consider carrying its powerful message in your heart. And don’t miss Tracy’s latest insights in her Listening & Responding episode, as she explores how an encounter with God’s love changes everything.
Tracy will continue our series on Romans 8, diving into verses 17-21. These passages remind us of the hope and glory that await us despite our present sufferings. It’s a powerful message about the eager expectation of creation for the revealing of the children of God and how our current struggles are not worth comparing with future glory.
After the service, be sure to stick around for Connect Cafe! It's the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up with friends or make new ones. Plus, we're calling all hands on deck to help assemble some IKEA furniture for our multipurpose room right after the service. We’ll provide lunch, so come for the fun and stay for the team effort of building together.
Click on the group names for more details.
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Saturday: | Loaves and Fishes meal preparation day. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact Susan Gower at (902) 315-2866 to get involved. |
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Tommie Zito Join us at Faithworks Centre, 1288 Loyalist Rd, North Wiltshire, PE, from July 14th through July 20th for a week with Tommie Zito and his team. Morning sessions at 10 am will focus on mastering faith sharing and providing practical training to enhance your evangelism skills. Evening sessions at 7 pm are designed to refresh and revive the church, offering powerful worship and inspiring messages.
Healing Trauma Conference- Join us from September 27-29, 2024, at SCC. This conference is open to everyone—survivors, caregivers, professionals, and anyone interested in learning about trauma's impact and healing methods. Enjoy breakouts on a range of interventions and practices on Saturday afternoon. Early bird registration is $100 until August 16; after that, it's $120. Students register for $60, and groups of six or more can register for $80 each if booked by August 16. See you there—let's explore healing together!
Help Needed Sunday!! We need some helping hands to put together cabinets for our multipurpose room right after church. If you’ve got a knack for assembling furniture (or just want to give it a try), we’d love to have you join us. It’s a great way to spend some time together and get things ready for all the awesome activities we have planned for this room. Plus, there will be plenty of laughs and maybe even some pizza! Let’s make it a fun team effort. Hope to see you there!
Ever feel like your spiritual journey is more about rules than relationship? Romans 8 reminds us that we’re not just followers of Jesus; we’re God’s children. This means we have a loving Father, not a distant rule-enforcer.
Romans 8:15 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" This is about knowing you belong at God's table, fully accepted just as you are.
How would your life change if you truly believed you are God’s cherished child? How might this understanding affect the way you face challenges or interact with others, knowing we’re all loved by the same generous Father? Let's live like we truly belong in God’s loving family. For more insights, check out our latest blog post: Grace Without End.
Darren Stretch is a true multitasker in our community. Serving as one of our elders and the treasurer on our board, he plays a crucial role in guiding us both financially and spiritually. Beyond these roles, he oversees our connect groups, puts together the men’s breakfast, and even pitches in at kids' church. Darren's readiness to help wherever needed and his commitment to our community ensure that every aspect of our church operates seamlessly. He's absolutely essential to our team!
Stay Connected: Your engagement brings our community to life! Haven't visited our website yet? Click here to explore more opportunities for connection and involvement.
As we wrap up this week’s email, let’s reflect on a crucial shift in our understanding of God and our identity. Paul’s message in Romans 8 challenges us to move from seeing ourselves as orphans who fend for themselves under a wrathful God to recognizing ourselves as beloved children of a tender, loving Father. This isn't just about theology; it's about daily life—choosing each day to reject the lies of inadequacy and embrace the truth of God’s profound love for us.
Imagine the difference it makes when we view each challenge and interaction through the lens of sonship. This perspective fosters security, diminishes fear, and cultivates joy. How might this understanding change how you approach your day and interact with others?
For more on living out our identity in Christ, explore the insights in "The Heart of the Orphan vs. The Heart of Sonship" here. Let’s commit to living freely and joyfully as God's cherished children.
Thanks for taking a moment to catch up with us in this edition of The Bridge Weekly. We love sharing this journey with you and can't wait to connect again next week!
P.S. As we reflect on Romans 8:12-17, let's remember our incredible position as God’s children, not bound by fear but led by the Spirit of adoption. Each day, this identity offers us a fresh start. How might recognizing yourself as a cherished child of God change your outlook this week? What steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and assurance that comes from this profound relationship? Let’s step into the coming days with the confidence of those who know they are deeply loved.
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