When we pray...

Hey SCC Family !

Welcome to The Bridge Weekly #41! Hard to believe we’ve crossed 41 weeks together this year—what a journey it’s been so far. Here’s to making the most of these last few months!

This week, we’re excited to begin a 7-week series on The Lord’s Prayer, with Tracy leading us on this journey. In her message, she kicked things off by exploring Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:5-8. Tracy reminded us that prayer isn’t about fancy words or impressing anyone—it’s about genuine connection with God. It’s an invitation to step away from the noise and be present with the Father, aligning ourselves with His heart.

Tracy’s recent Listening & Responding episode digs deeper into this. She shared how prayer isn’t about giving God information, but about aligning ourselves with Him, asking, “God, what are you doing today? What do you have in store for me?” It’s about stepping away from distractions and into the quiet spaces where God meets us.

Catch Tracy's episode here and if you missed Sunday’s message, you can watch it here.

This Sunday, Josh will begin our journey through the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on Matthew 6:9—“Our Father in Heaven.” We’ll dive into the significance of approaching God as our loving Father and recognizing His holiness. It’s also Thanksgiving weekend, so we’ll have a photo booth set up for anyone who wants to capture some special moments with family and friends after the service. Come and enjoy the connection, fellowship, and fun!

This Thanksgiving Sunday, October 13th, we will be taking up a special offering for Celebrate Recovery, alongside our regular Sunday offering. This annual CR Thanksgiving Offering supports the incredible work of CR groups across Canada. The goal is to raise $20,000 to help establish new groups in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and the Territories, to grow more leaders, and to equip volunteer leaders with resources to reach more people for Jesus. You can bring extra cash or use SCC eTransfer (note ‘CR’). Let’s sow a seed into this vital ministry and help others find healing from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits!

The Salvation Army Food Bank plays a vital role in supporting those in need in our community. This October, we have set a goal to collect 200 food items to help families facing difficult times. You can drop off non-perishable food donations at the table in our lobby. Whether you give food or financial contributions, your generosity ensures that no one goes without a meal. Let’s continue to show love and care by supporting this important cause and reaching our goal together!

Did you notice the Christmas tree in the great room last Sunday? That’s a sure sign that our Operation Christmas Child campaign is here! Feel free to grab a shoebox from under the tree and start thinking about what to include—whether it’s school supplies, toys, or hygiene items. Each gift shares Jesus’ love and brings hope to children in need around the world. Let’s come together and make a meaningful impact as we reflect His love. The final drop-off date is November 21-23.

Connect Groups are kicking off! As you settle into your fall routine, consider how your daily habits are shaping your spiritual journey. Whether you’re looking to join or lead, Connect Groups offer a great opportunity to strengthen your faith this season. These gatherings provide a warm space to build new relationships, grow together, and uplift each other in prayer. Most groups have already started or are starting this week, so it’s a perfect time to get involved! For more details or to find the right group for you, CLICK HERE.

In the Bible Recap this week, we're continuing through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In Luke, we read about Jesus healing the centurion’s servant from a distance. This story reminds us to trust in Jesus’ power, even when we can't see it. How can we grow in faith like the centurion, who believed without needing to see proof?

We’re gearing up for our fall clean-up on October 19, and we really can’t do it without you! We need all hands on deck to help make this a success. This is our shared space, and your help will make a big difference. We’ve got two time slots, 10-1 and 1-4, so you can choose what works best. Whether you can give a few hours or the whole day, your contribution is essential. Please sign up at the hub and be part of this important effort!

Join us on Sunday, October 20th, for our October ‘Fest’ Gulu Mission Fundraiser! We’ll serve sausages and baked potatoes, with all proceeds going toward our outreach efforts in Gulu. Our team has plans to serve in the Women’s and Children’s Prison, the local hospital, with university students, and more. Your support helps make these ministry opportunities possible, and we’re so grateful for your love and generosity!

Sometimes, prayer can feel like just another task on our to-do list. We’ve all experienced moments when it’s hard to connect, leaving us uncertain if we’re even doing it right. But Jesus reminds us that prayer isn’t about perfect words or rituals—it’s about being present with God. Like a vine tended by a gardener, prayer is about resting in God’s presence and letting that relationship deepen naturally. Taking time to slow down and just be with Him can transform how we experience prayer.

For more reflections on prayer, check out our latest blog post 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 hanging out with us in this week’s edition of The Bridge Weekly! It’s always a joy to stay connected, and we can’t wait to catch up with you again next week. Until then, take care and have a great weekend!

P.S. Don’t forget to take a moment to read Matthew 6:9 before Sunday! This verse reminds us to approach God as our Father—both personal and holy. It’s a powerful starting point for Josh's message this week. Looking forward to seeing how it speaks to you!