Dear Saxe Gotha Church Family,

“The Church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning.” Feel free to read that over again a few times to let it sink in. These words penned by Swiss Reformed Theologian, Emil Brunner, have stuck with me ever since I first heard them years ago. I like this quote because it speaks to our larger purpose as a church, the Mission of God! The Church is meant to be at work in our world, as ambassadors for Christ. Saxe Gotha has a long history of partnering with our community to serve others with the hope of meeting far more than perceived needs, to share the greatest need of all: our need of a Savior.

This Monday, while schools were off and many businesses closed, a group of twenty-five people of all ages gathered in our gym to BE the church for our first Missions Monday. We began by breaking down over 500 lbs. of pet food into gallon sized bags that Mission Lexington will use to help those in need. Because Mission Lexington does such a great job coordinating and seeing to the assistance of our community, we are always happy to jump in and help them whenever a need arises. So much can be accomplished when we come together in mission!

Next, (after washing our hands of course!) we wrote 150 “thank you” notes to the staff of the Presbyterian Home. The Presbyterian Home has served as a home to some of our members during various seasons. These extended care facilities have been hit hard during the pandemic due to COVID protocols to keep everyone safe. This has meant limited contact with the residents, but also the staff who care for all those wonderful people. During a time when everyone feels a bit down, disconnected and underappreciated, we wanted to share a word of encouragement and hope with each of them.

Pastor Jim often reminds us that our greater impact on this world is not limited to our hands. We should never underestimate the power of prayer. Oswald Chambers once said, “Prayer is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God.” Perhaps there is no greater way to end a morning of missions than with the powerful act of prayer. To close, we sent prayer teams to various parts of Lexington to pray…to pray for our neighbors…to pray for our schools…to pray for our healthcare workers and those they serve…to pray for our leaders and civil servants…to pray for area businesses…to seek together to draw upon the grace of God for our community.

We are truly grateful for everyone who helped us to make our first Missions Monday a huge success. Thank you for giving of your morning and day off to see to the needs of others. We appreciate you and know that God will use every gift for the building up of His Kingdom.

Did you miss out for one reason or another? No need to worry. There will be more opportunities to serve during the New Year…because to stop would be disastrous. Brunner goes on to say, “Where there is no mission there is no Church;” and we want to make sure that God’s Mission continues to guide us forward for many days and years to come!

Grace & Peace,

Patrick Cherry

New Member: Please join us in welcoming new member Coleen Graham, this Sunday, January 23 during the 8:30 Traditional Service.

Cancellation: The Lydia Circle has suspended meetings through February.

Re-Starting: The Monday Morning Women's Bible Study will resume at 10:00 am on Monday, January 24 in the Library.

The classes will run for 7 weeks from January 12 to February 23.

Paul’s description of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 is more than a pretty piece of literature. It is how we believers are to live each day of our lives. Come learn about each piece of the armor and how to pray as a victorious warrior. Please bring your Bible. Location: Main Building 155

Many people think the small book of Jonah is just a big whale of a tale for children. It is God’s story of redemption for all His children, no matter their ages and no matter their disobedience. This class is taught by Dr. Barry Jenkins, a new member of our church family. Barry is a retired ECO Presbyterian minister and father of member Ryan Jenkins. Please bring your Bible. Location: Main Building 152/Library

The term “wokeness” that emerged from the social unrest of 2020 has swept through schools, businesses and even sports. Join Jim Glatz, Brad Farrar and Matt Patterson as they explore these current topics and point to the only hope for our world: Christ crucified for us. Book: $15.00. Location: Light House 112/113

What is Run For God? It is a changed body, a changed life, a community of support and a deeper understanding of how God plays a role in all of it. Run for God draws the parallels of faith and endurance. Jenni Gannon and Jennifer Gibbons know what it feels like to be right where you are. Maybe it's lack of drive, obesity, spiritual malnutrition or just a loss of motivation. It doesn't matter if you're a brand-new runner or a seasoned veteran – let’s Run for God! Location: Main Building 151

The 13-week GriefShare 2022 class has begun in the Library Room 152, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

It can be very hard to deal with the loss of a loved one. Daily life, responsibilities and the many feelings that are associated with a death can be difficult to manage. You are not alone. Come and join us as we look at ways to manage the many aspects of life that have changed. Being with others that have lived through the passing of a loved one, along with being around others that understand how you feel, can be very beneficial. We are here for you. Workbook, $20.

Offering envelopes for the new year are located in alphabetical order on tables in the Narthex outside the Sanctuary of the main building. If you have not yet picked up yours, please do so soon. Let the church office know if you would prefer to have your envelopes delivered or mailed to you instead. Contact Alisha Hudson at ahudson@saxegotha.org.

The Woman of J.O.Y Award was established to recognize a woman who has shown distinguished service to SGPC through contribution to mission and activities of the church, it’s members and community, both close by and around the world.  All of this work to honor the glory of God.

The word JOY in this award stands for Jesus, Others, Yourself, and is based on the scripture from 2 Corinthians 9:13:   Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Return forms to the Women in Ministry box in the Church Office. All nominations are due by Thursday, February 17.

WINGS (Widows in Group Share) This ministry provides support and fellowship to widows. The group is made up of Saxe Gotha widows and their friends who are also widows. Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month for a time of Christian fellowship and sharing.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: This ministry meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:30 am in Room 154 in the Main Building. Just bring needles and learn to knit. The shawls made are blessed and given to members in need. Everyone is welcome to serve in this ministry, no experience required.

Questions? Contact Renee Starnes at rstarnes@saxegotha.org or 803-359-7770, ext. 37. Will not meet until further notice due to the rise in COVID cases.

The Lexington Lion’s Club is collecting old eye glasses and hearing aids. The glasses and hearing aids are used in other countries for people who cannot afford them. Collect all those old eye glasses and hearing aids and donate them for a good cause. The collection box is located in the Church Office.

We're looking for Teachers and a Media Content Coordinator and Videographer!

The Child Development Center is looking for Teachers interested in teaching children ages 2-4 in the morning or kindergarten-fifth graders in the afternoon. For specific details please contact Hope Andrews at 803-359-2058 or handrews@saxegotha.org.

We are looking for a Media Content Coordinator and Videographer. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact ahudson@saxegotha.org. See below for the complete job description.

***We are also looking for AV Tech Volunteers, please contact Alisha at ahudson@saxegotha.org if you are interested.

Free Exercise classes are held on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Contact Vicky Beatty with questions: vpbeatty@gmail.com.

Caring Connections Brotherhood:

Men - looking for a local band of brothers? This group of gentlemen meets weekly to provide fellowship and support for men in our church family and in the greater community. Join them each Tuesday at 12:00 noon at the Flight Deck Restaurant here in Lexington (109-A Old Chapin Rd.). The Brotherhood does more than just meet for lunch and laughter – on occasion they also have special speakers, take day excursions and visit other men who are homebound. To get involved, please contact: Mike Graves (703-481-8166) or at digger7006@yahoo.com.

To view the Saxe Gotha Services and other resources, please go to: youtube.com/user/SaxeGothaPres.

The United Heroes Ministry here at SGPC sends cards and care packages to our military. We are in the process of updating our list of names and addresses. Please send the name and address of those that are active duty, serving overseas or stateside to Jody Sullivan at unitedheroes@saxegotha.org or call 704-798-5444 to get your loved one added to the list.

Grade schoolers will begin in the gym precisely at 9:45 am for an opening celebration, worship and introduction to the main lesson. Then they will be dismissed to classrooms for small group activities and discussion. Teachers will return them to the gym at 10:25 am for large group games to enrich the lesson of the day.

Important: For the safety of our kids, parents will need to drop off and pick up in the gym. Please step inside the gym to sign in your child. We need to have eyes on every parent, grandparent or guardian. We will also use this time to pass along any information that you need to know.

Nursery is available for ALL services and Sunday School. Friends ages 3 and younger can join us in Room 215 during the worship services.

Preschool Sunday School for ages 2 through kindergarten will be meeting in rooms 214 and 224.

Please contact Sara McCarter if you have any questions.

Kid's Choir for preschoolers through 5th graders begins at 3:00 pm. Preschoolers (age 2-kindergarten) meet in room 214; grade schoolers will meet in the choir room.

Any kids attending choir will be taken to the Seekers and Club45 locations.

Seekers (grades K-3) and Club45 (grades 4-5) meet from 4:00-5:30 pm. Seekers pick up under the CDC covered awning. Club45 pick up at the Light House. Will resume in January.

If you have any questions, contact Sara McCarter (for Seekers questions) or Meredith Jenkins (for Club45 questions). 

Join us this semester as we dig into the Bible like detectives. This program for kids (nursery to grade 5) will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Erin Stoudemire with questions: estoudemire@saxegotha.org.

Sunday School is the foundation for Christian education in Student Ministry. Every Sunday morning, a variety of teachers will present lessons to students about foundational Biblical principles that are essential for those who are still discerning their own faith, but also excellent for the growth of students who have taken hold of their own faith. All students begin in the Light House Atrium at 9:45 am for fellowship before going to their classes and wrapping things up at 10:30 am. The classes and their locations are:

- Middle School - Room 144

- Confirmation - Room 146

- High School - Room 143

Downpour is our Wednesday night student worship service that meets in the Light House Auditorium from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. It's a night of worship, games, teaching, and discussion all aimed at building up our students in their relationship with Jesus and their relationships with one another. We always open up the evening with worship or a game to get things moving before we move into our time of teaching. This semester, our teaching is going to be focused on exploring questions that students are asking about the world around them and seeing what answers the Bible offers on those topics. Then we'll break out, and our amazing group of volunteers will lead the discussion groups to give students the opportunity to consider and apply these principles. Downpour on Wednesday nights is something you won't want to miss!

This Semester: Students are told way too often that they are "too young" for this and that. Our first series is all about people in the Bible who were young, but did amazing things for God. When it comes to Kingdom work, nobody is too young.

Sunday Afternoons in Student Ministry are always exciting! We have two great opportunities that are perfect for connection whether you're new to Student Ministry or if you've been with us for years. Both groups meet from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, and you can find the details of each below.

Oasis: Oasis is a place of refreshment for middle school students. This fantastic group meets in the Light House Atrium for fellowship, games, snacks, a lesson and more. It's a perfect place for middle school students to draw together and connect. Come and join in on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.

Refuge: Refuge is a place for high school students to get away from the business of the week to relax, fellowship together, and dive into some very real conversations. We explore some hard questions, but the great news is that you don't have to wrestle with the hard questions alone. Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.

Bible Studies are groups that are specifically designed to go deeper into the Word of God. Each of our programs include an aspect of teaching, but Bible Studies are a place for students to really go deep into Scripture and discuss the things that they find. We currently have two Bible studies that meet at the church before school on Wednesday mornings. We find that this early morning study is a perfect way to provide a midweek refocus for students and to start off their day immersed in Scripture.

Middle School Bible Study - Our Middle School Bible Study meets in the Light House Atrium on Wednesday mornings. Students are invited to come as early as 6:45 am for fellowship time, and we will kick off our teaching time at 7:00 am. We provide transportation to school (or you are welcome to pick your student up at 7:45 am), and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast is available for $5. This semester, we'll be going through the book of Ephesians. Make sure you have a ride to school lined up, and if you need help finding a ride, just email Justin.

High School Bible Study - This semester, we will meet in the church Library (next to the gym) to continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Don't worry if you've never come before, any time is a perfect time to jump in! Doors will be open at 6:45 am for anyone who wants to bring their own breakfast and eat or come fellowship before we dive into Scripture, but just make sure you're in by 7:00 am because that's when we'll begin our time of study. Make sure you have a ride to school lined up, and if you need help finding a ride, just email Justin.

Small Groups are a place aimed at deep relationship building. Small groups commit to one another that they will consistently meet together and share life with one another while continually lifting one another up in prayer. While study is certainly a part of it, the committed intentional relationship building is the key to small groups. We have a small group available for everyone:

Middle School Girls Small Group - Middle school girls meet together in the Light House Cafe on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with Kalie and Gracie to study and share together.

Middle School Boys Small Group - Middle school boys are invited to join Justin on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Well (Light House). We're going to start out discussing why we should be reading Scripture, and work on holding each other accountable for our own personal study.

High School Girls Small Group - High school girls will meet with Mrs. Jennifer and Mrs. Liz on Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Meetings will be at Mrs. Jennifer's house. The address is 248 Clubside Drive. As we share life together, we'll also be journaling our way through the Psalms.

High School Boys Small Group - On Monday evenings, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, High school boys are encouraged to join Barry and Justin in the gym for a time of devotion, prayer and basketball. Come ready to go!

For questions about any of these groups, reach out to Justin Hall and he can get you in touch with the leaders.

Jamaica Mission Trip - We will be going to Jamaica from July 2-9, 2022. Contact Justin Hall at jhall@saxegotha.org for details.

Saxe Gotha is officially headed back to Snowbird for 2022! This amazing trip is available to all current Middle School and High School students as we come together as a whole group to learn, fellowship and worship. The dates are July 25 - 29, and the cost is $500. Space is limited, so sign up early to ensure a spot. Click Here to Register. Deadline to register is January 26.

Contact Justin Hall with questions about the Youth events: jhall@saxegotha.org.

Please contact Hope Andrew at handrews@saxegotha.org or 803.359.7770 ext. 26 or stop by the Child Development Center to pick up a Registration Packet.