Happy Thursday!

Hey there SCC Family !

Welcome to the 31st edition of The Bridge! Who else thinks Thursdays are secretly the best day of the week? Here’s why they’re my favourite: it’s when we get to share these moments together!

This Sunday, Tracy brought to life the message of Romans 8:22-27, unpacking the intense, collective longing of creation and our own personal struggles. She tied these universal groanings to our individual challenges, teaching us to see our weaknesses as invitations to engage with God’s Spirit. According to Tracy, our difficulties aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities for divine intervention and active participation in God’s redemptive plans. If you missed the message, you can catch it here: HOPE IN THE GROANING.

Our discussions don’t have to end with the sermon. Continue exploring these ideas with Tracy and Colby on this week’s episode of Listening and Responding. They dive into what it means to see God rightly and the impact it has on our approach to life’s ups and downs. Watch their engaging conversation here and follow along as Colby discusses his upcoming mission to Mexico, bringing hope and healing through Jesus’s message. This talk will surely expand your understanding and inspire you to think differently about your daily interactions with God.

SCC Annual BBQ 2024 - Thank you to everyone who made this year’s BBQ such a blast! We’re especially grateful to our amazing volunteers for their hard work in setting up, cooking, and organizing everything. A big thank you to everyone who brought delicious food to share.

And a special shout-out to those who supported the NYC Mission team and had fun dunking our pastors and friends—it was a highlight!

This was our biggest turnout since before COVID, and it was wonderful to see everyone connecting and enjoying time together. Here’s to many more gatherings like this!

This Sunday, Tracy will be sharing some great insights on Romans 8:28-30. These verses remind us that nothing happens by chance and that God is always working for the good of those who love Him. Tracy will talk about how even our tough times and challenges are used by God to shape us and fulfill His plan. It’s a comforting message about trusting that God has a bigger picture for our lives. Don’t forget to read these verses before Sunday to get the most out of the message!

After the service, come hang out at Connect Cafe! It’s a perfect time to grab some coffee, catch up, and chat about the sermon. See you there!

This Sunday also marks Ann and Jim Sutherland’s last day with us as they prepare to move to Redding, California, for studies at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. We’re incredibly thankful for the wonderful impact they’ve had on our community. As they start this new chapter, let’s show our support and love. If you’d like to help, please consider giving a financial gift directly to Ann and Jim to support their journey—every bit helps as they take this big step forward in their lives.

Street Evangelism - Now that we’ve wrapped up an incredible week with Tommie Zito and his team, we’re all fired up to keep the momentum going! Every second Friday, we hit the streets to share our faith, and you’re invited to join us. Our next street evangelism is tomorrow, August 2nd: we’ll start with some prep and training from 11 AM to 12 PM, and then from 12 PM to 1 PM, we’ll be out in the community. It’s a fantastic way to put our faith into action and connect with people. Hope to see you there—it’s always a rewarding experience!

Baptism Sunday is coming up on August 11 at 2 pm at Cabot Beach. It’s a special time for our community, and we’d love for you to join us. If you’re thinking about getting baptized and want to take this step in your faith, just get in touch with the church office or click the link below. We’re here to help and support you through this important decision. Also, to save you some time before heading to the beach, our NYC Mission team will be selling pizza and pop after church. Grab a quick bite to fuel up as we celebrate this significant event together!

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!

Our spiritual journey is often shaped by the trials we face and how we nurture our faith through them. God doesn’t discard us when we’re weak; instead, He works through our struggles. In Romans 8:22-27, Paul speaks of suffering that draws us closer to God’s purpose. Our weaknesses reveal our need for Him, and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bringing about God’s good purposes. How are you nurturing your faith amid challenges? Embrace your brokenness, trust God’s plan, and let your struggles draw you closer to Him. For more reflections, check out our latest blog HERE.

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.

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. Don’t forget to read Romans 8:28-30 before Sunday. These verses remind us that nothing happens by chance and that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. As you read, think about how God’s plan is unfolding in your life and preparing you for His purposes. See you Sunday!