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Lessons from the Middle of the Story
The Bridge #49
Summerside Community Church
December 05, 2024
Hey SCC Family !
Welcome to the 49th edition of The Bridge Weekly. We’re inching closer to the big 5-0—can you believe it? Let’s dive into what’s been happening in our community.
This past Sunday, Josh and Erin Hoffert shared a heartfelt reflection on their time at SCC and their upcoming transition to British Columbia. In their candid message, they discussed the importance of trusting God’s guidance, embracing an eternal perspective, and building relationships rooted in affection rather than programs or performance. They recounted meaningful memories, including moments of prayer and connection, while offering insights into their journey of faith and calling.
Josh and Erin outlined their vision to equip leaders across Canada with a deeper understanding of their purpose in God’s Kingdom. This move is not just a new chapter but an extension of the work they’ve been doing at SCC, carrying forward the love, lessons, and community they’ve cherished. We were blessed to hear their hearts and are excited to see how God will use them in this next season. We’re blessed to know that they won’t be leaving right away—they’ll still be with us until sometime in January, so we’ll have more opportunities to connect with them.
If you still want to donate to support Josh and Erin’s move, there’s an opportunity to do so. Just make a note that your contribution is for Josh & Erin when you give. Your support is greatly appreciated as they follow God’s leading into this exciting new chapter.
This past Sunday was so full of hope as Josh and Erin shared the beautiful things God has been doing in and through them during their seven years here in Summerside. They pointed us to our hope in Jesus, reminding us that He holds us all in the palms of His hands. Even though they’re moving physically, we’re still connected in Christ, and there’s so much hope in all that God is doing.
In her latest Listening & Responding episode, Tracy reflected on this message of hope. She reminded us of Isaiah 49:16, where God says, “I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” That’s our God—ever faithful and ever-present.
As we entered the first week of Advent, Tracy encouraged us to take time this week to ask God to show us the hope we have in Him. She invited us to be open to the many ways He speaks to us—through conversations, scripture, and the people around us. Tracy shared how she’s felt hope rising in her heart through conversations reminding her of Jesus’ beauty and faithfulness.
This Sunday, Tracy will be wrapping up our Lord’s Prayer series by exploring Matthew 6:13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We’ll dive into what this means for us today and how we can apply it in our daily lives.
We’re also celebrating the second week of Advent, focusing on the theme of Peace. It’s a wonderful time to come together, reflect, and prepare our hearts during this special season.
Let’s bring joy to families in need this holiday season through our Christmas Blessing initiative. This year, in partnership with Loaves and Fishes, we will support families over Christmas with gifts and food. Please consider what you will give beyond your regular giving to SCC for this special blessing. The last day to give is December 15th. Christmas Blessing will be an option in Nucleus Giving, and we ask that you note this when using eTransfer as well.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to Operation Christmas Child this year. Thanks to your generosity, we collected 802 shoeboxes in the Summerside area. Each box represents a child who will experience joy and hope this Christmas because of your kindness. There’s a possibility we’ll find out which country our boxes are headed to, so stay tuned for more information.
Do you want to understand and love the Bible more? Are you looking for a community to encourage and challenge you in living out the Gospel?
Consider joining a D-Group! We’re starting a 6-week study on the Book of Acts beginning the week of January 5, 2025. Groups will be for men or women only, with the potential for a married couples group if there’s enough interest. Meetings will be held at SCC during the day. Sign up online or chat with Joel Wydysh for more details.
Click on the group names for more details.
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Join us for a special Inter-Church Christmas Nativity Play at 7pm on December 21st at the Harbourfront Theatre. Tickets are free but limited! To reserve yours, call 902 888 2500 (Mon–Fri, 12 PM–5 PM).
We also invite you to the dress rehearsal at 2 pm on December 15th at St. Paul’s Church. Your presence will help our performers shine! Instead of an admission fee, please bring a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.
Have you ever felt like you’re in the middle of your story, and the pieces just aren’t fitting together? Life can sometimes feel like a series of disconnected moments—some joyful, some challenging, and many just ordinary. It’s easy to focus on beginnings and endings, but what if the real growth happens in the middle? Maybe the uncertainties and waiting periods are actually invitations to trust that there’s a bigger picture we can’t fully see yet. God sees the whole story—past, present, and future—and holds it all together with a wisdom far beyond our own. What if embracing this part of the journey could deepen our faith and help us find peace in the midst of the unknown?
If you’d like to explore these thoughts further, feel free to read our latest blog post here.
Let’s celebrate Amanda Linkletter, someone who brings so much warmth and enthusiasm to our church family! Amanda leads our Women’s Ministry, “The Table | A Place for Women,” where she creates a welcoming space for women to connect, share, and grow together. She has a real heart for fostering genuine relationships and making everyone feel valued. But that’s not all—Amanda also helps out with our youth group alongside Colby, bringing her care and energy to support and inspire the next generation. Her dedication to building connections across all ages is truly something special. Next time you see Amanda, be sure to say hello and thank her for all the wonderful ways she contributes!
Amanda’s enthusiasm is truly contagious! If her commitment has sparked something in you, we’d be thrilled to have you join us in making a difference. Our church family is always growing, and there’s always room for more hearts and hands. We’d love to welcome you aboard!
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 continue this week, let’s remember that we are all in the middle of our stories, and there’s so much more ahead. With eternity in mind, we can’t even begin to grasp all that God has in store for us. Like those faithful ones described in Hebrews 11, who caught a glimpse of God’s promises and believed and accepted that this world is not our true home even without seeing them fulfilled. They looked ahead, knowing that the hope before them was far better than anything behind. We only see in part now, but one day, we will fully experience everything we’ve longed for and so much more.
May you be blessed this week to see with clear eyes and open hearts the hope you have before you in Jesus!
Thanks for spending time with us in this week’s edition of The Bridge Weekly! We love keeping this connection going and sharing updates with you each week. Can’t wait to catch up with you again next week. Until then, take care and have a fantastic weekend!
P.S. As we finish our Lord’s Prayer series, take a moment to read Matthew 6:13 and reflect on its significance in your life.
Liking what you see in The Bridge Weekly? Spread the joy by sharing it with a friend! We put a lot of care into each issue, and by sharing, you help us reach and uplift even more people. Let’s keep our community growing together!