This Week's Newsletter
January 20, 2021
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Dear Saxe Gotha Church Family,
Today is Inauguration Day. After the swearing in ceremony, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will begin their terms of service. Our responsibility as Christians is to pray for our new president and his administration. That is God’s will for us and refusal to obey is sin.
A few months ago, I called your attention to the words that the Apostle Paul wrote the young pastor Timothy:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Please notice that the church in Ephesus was to pray “for everyone – for kings and all those in authority.” This was incredible given the historical context. These prayers were to be offered for the Roman Emperor Nero whose hostility toward Christians was increasing! Think about that! Paul told Timothy and the church in Ephesus to pray for an emperor who was hostile to the church!
God’s will for us as his people is that we pray “for everyone.” If we refuse, then there is an idol somewhere. It means that something other than Christ is first and foremost in your life – and that, plain and simple, is idolatry. What is more important – your political views or obeying Christ?
Friends, this is a time for us to pray. Through prayer, God works in amazing ways! He changes hearts, transforms situations and advances his kingdom. This is a time for us to uplift our leaders before the Lord asking him to renew their spirits, guide their decisions and bring their wills in line with his. Each and every Christian is called to the noble work of praying for our leaders. May we be obedient and faithful in praying. I am excited to see what God will do in response to our prayers!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jim
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Prayer Focus for January:
The persecuted church.
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Christian Love is extended to the family of John Lee on the death of his mother and to the family of Sharon Capps on the death of her father.
New Member: Please join us in welcoming a new member Cherie Brancati, this Sunday, January 24, 2021. She will be joining during the 8:30 am service.
New Phishing Attempt: Some of our staff and church members have recently received scam emails attempting to solicit gift cards. Please know that any email from the church will have the staff person's name and saxegotha.org, and we would never make such solicitations.
2021 Stewardship Campaign: Envelopes are available in the church office, please email Alisha Hudson at ahudson@saxegotha.org, and she will hold them for you in the Church Office.
Upward Basketball has been cancelled for the 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19. You should have been contacted about receiving a refund. If you have not, please contact Pete Eckert.
Encounters with God Books Available: We have the current booklets available. Please email Pansy Floyd to let her know that you would like to receive one via the mail: pfloyd@saxegotha.org.
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The church is open for worship services, but the church campus will remain temporarily closed for in person meetings until Monday, January 25.
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Worship With Us In Person or Online |
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We livestream our 8:30 am Traditional Service and our 11:00 am AWE Contemporary Service. If you prefer to view the Traditional Service at 11:00, you can re-play the 8:30 service at that time.
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Sunday School Classes -
Meeting Virtually for January 24
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When we are able to resume in person, the following will occur: |
Please know that the chairs in your classroom will be spread 6 feet apart and everyone will be required to wear a mask indoors. Outdoors social distancing is required, but masks are optional. Please also remember that the coffee machines and the water fountains will not be available. Finally, because we are still livestreaming both the 8:30 am and 11:00 am services, Lonnie and his AV team are unavailable to help any Sunday school classes with technical issues. Again, I appreciate your patience and flexibility with this new configuration of our Sunday school classes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at hhham@saxegotha.org.
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Parenting in a Defective World – Raising children is a tough challenge in today’s world. This class offers practical tools and solid biblical advice on how to effectively raise children in today’s world. Jim Glatz will lead this class both virtually and in person. They will meet in room 151 MB. (jglatz@saxegotha.org)
The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant? – Join this casual conversation facilitated by Jenni Gannon. They will meet in 155 MB. No book necessary and attendance not required! (jennifer.gannon@dominionenergy.com)
The Reason for God: Conversations on Faith and Life – This class will dig into the objections of the Christian faith to learn about both sides of the issues. Chuck Stoudemire will lead this class and teach some basics of apologetics. They will meet in room 154 MB. (cestoudemire@windstream.net)
Holy Conversations: Talking About God in Everyday Life – This interactive class will help us learn to engage in comfortable conversation about the good news of Jesus with those around us. Taught by Helen Harrison Ham and Pete Eckert and will meet in the Library/152 MB. (hhham@saxegotha.org)
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Virtual GriefShare
Held on Sundays (2:00-4:00 pm) for 13 weeks online.
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.
You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin.
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Student Ministry Assistant |
We are looking for someone to join our team! Primary role is to assist the Director of Student Ministry in the implementation of ministry to students. Please download the complete job description below. Contact pcherry@saxegotha.org with questions. We look forward to hearing from you! |
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Do you or someone you know need to talk to someone?
Have you heard about Stephen Ministers?
If you would like to talk to someone, contact Carol Perrin at
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ's love and care to people during a time of need.
Since 1975, more than 600,000 people from more than 13,000 congregations and other organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers.
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First Impressions Team - Call for Volunteers! |
The First Impressions Team is in need of Ushers and CREW members. Please call or email Carl Hammond at 803-767-0864 or hammondcb@yahoo.com if you are interested. All volunteers assist once every 6 weeks. |
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Sunday School Online
Dawn Merck is offering a Sunday morning Bible study time on Zoom. We are coordinating SS efforts, so she will also be using God's Story Cards and following along with Pastor Jim's sermon series.
Meeting ID: 845 8013 1133
Passcode: 0eh2sd
Can't wait to see you! If you have technical difficulties or questions, please text Melinda at 803.397.7034.
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Wednesday Nights Online
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday Nights at 6:00 pm (NEW TIME).
Our Mystery Family will tell us about one of the miracles of Jesus and then lead us through a building challenge.
You can join the Zoom meeting with the following information:
Meeting ID: 730 6284 6921
Passcode: WWMF21
If you have technical difficulties or questions, please text Melinda at 803.397.7034.
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Kids Paint Night
Friday, January 29 is Saxe Gotha Kids Paint Night at Lexington Paint and Pour. Beth Maddox will lead the kids through a safely distanced canvas painting experience. The cost is $25 for the first canvas, with a $5 discount for siblings. Click here to register! Can't wait to see our SG Kids create! |
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Club 45
Will resume in person when we are able to gather again.
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Downpour - Wednesday Nights
Sunday School Online
In Person Sunday School will not be held on January 24. Students Sunday School Online: Click here to join a Zoom Sunday School Meeting for Students. Middle and High School students will meet together and then go into Zoom breakout rooms. Contact: Justin Hall at jhall@saxegotha.org.
If you would like to join Zoom manually:
Meeting ID: 858 0312 2810
Passcode: M3HwJx
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Middle School Group - The Oasis
Will resume in person when we are able to gather again.
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High School Group - Refuge
Will resume in person when we are able to gather again.
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Snowbird Summer Conference
We're very excited to be returning to Snowbird's Summer Conference from July 26-31. This trip will be a chance for middle (current 5th-8th grade) and high school (current 9th-12th grade) students to grow in their faith and fellowship with one another. Snowbird, the camp that will be our home base for the week, is located in Andrews, NC. They will be hosting our meals, keeping us bunked, and providing worship and messages for us. The price also covers fun activities for students through the week like rafting and paintball!
The cost of the trip will be $500. A deposit of $150 is required to confirm your spot. If you have any questions or if you are a leader who would like to volunteer, email Justin at jhall@saxegotha.org.
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Girl's Small Groups
6th-8th Girls Bible Study
9th-11th Girls Bible Study
12th Grade Girls Small Group.
Will resume in person when we are able.
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Boy's Small Groups
High School Boys Small Group
Middle School Boys Bible Study
Will resume in person when we are able.
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Lexington School District One Backpack Program
Saxe Gotha will be partnering with Lexington School District One to support the Backpack Program. As a partner, we will help fill backpacks and send them to schools for weekly distribution to children who have great need.
Food items should be left in the Narthex, Atrium (when the church re-opens) or outside of the main office in the box labeled "backpack ministry." Monetary donations can be made to SGPC with “backpack ministry” in the memo line.
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Current Sermon Series: Characters |
Characters gives us a glimpse into the lives of people of faith. During the next year, we will be challenged as we dig deeper into the context and setting of each person’s life – gaining new insights into the world in which they lived and connecting their world with ours. Along the way, truths that impact our lives today will be discovered as we see the challenges, struggles and opportunities faced by people seeking to follow God. In many of these stories, we will find ourselves and our need for a Savior. We pray that through these studies, we will be transformed and better equipped to fulfill God’s purposes in our world today. |
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Saxe Gotha has a new group just for Moms...we will connect you with other moms (with kids under the age of 21) who are going through the same challenges you face. This is a place to share your concerns, be encouraged by God's Word, and enjoy fellowship with moms.
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Meet at 8:00 am (February 13, the 2nd Saturday of the month) at the church outdoor patio in front of the Light House and bring a sack breakfast to eat, then leave from there to assist individuals in need. Contact Keith Hall with questions: Nailbenders.sg@gmail.com.
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We have a vibrant Men's Bible Study meeting on Monday morning at 8:30 am taught by Scott Welborn.
If you are interested in participating in one of our classes online, please contact our Associate Pastor Helen Harrison Ham at hhham@saxegotha.org, and she will provide you the information needed to sign-in to the class of your choice.
Senior Adults:
Tuesdays at noon
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Saxe Gotha Child Development Center Preschool and Extended Care Registration (2021-2022):
January 25: Sibling Registration Day
January 26: Saxe Gotha Church Member Registration Day
January 27: Wait List Registration Day
February 2: Registration Open to Public
Summer and Afterschool Registration: *Tentative*
March 1-16: Current Student Registration
March 16: Sibling Registration
March 17: Saxe Gotha Church Member Registration
March 18: Waitlist Registration
March22: Registration Open to Public
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Being the Hands and Feet of Christ:
Our Missions Ministry has people standing by to help our congregation by running errands, picking up groceries or any essential items you may need.
Please contact Kathy Seymour at 4kathys@gmail.com or 803-920-7385 if you need this service |
Welcome to our daily devotionals that your church staff will be offering. Our prayer is that you and your family will use these devotionals to enrich your family's spiritual life. Perhaps these devotionals can be used as a conversation starter for your mealtimes together.
Our prayer is that you will look back on this crisis years from now and see that it was a turning point in your being the family God intended you to be - a family built on the foundation of Jesus Christ to love each other as Christ loves you.
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Remember All in Your Prayers! |
- Chuck and Mary Knobeloch's granddaughter
- Diana Patterson's parents
- Don Cope
- Hal McIntosh's nephew
- Jimmie Rooks' sister
- Kimberly Campbell
- Linda Schwartz
- Matt Lilienthal's father
- Mike Mallison
- Jimmie Rooks' sister
- Sharon Capps' mother
- Sunny Jewell
- Tripp Hunter
- Vicki Beatty
Those battling COVID-19, Healthcare Workers, First Responders.
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- Alice Peck
- Bea Amsler
- Beth Klaes
- Bobby Zeigler
- Charlie Brooks
- Dawn Barber's mother and brother
- Dawn Merck
- Fran Griffith
- Herby Hucks' sister
- Jody Sullivan's husband
- Julian Mims
- Kay Luthren's mother
- Lois Ann Tuell's granddaughter
- Melinda Martin's mother
- Meredith Inman Shirk
- Nita Bailey's daughter
- Parris McBride
- Regan Kolwyck
- Robby Kerr's mother
- Sarah Raines' mother
- Scott and Marilyn Welborn
- Steve Robert's brother
- Sunny Jewell's father
- Wanda McCarthy
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- Aaron Thies
- Adam Gilmore
- B. J. Manis
- Bob Rabon
- Brian Bishop
- Greg Adams
- Jamie Glatz
- John "Tripp" Bartlett
- Josh Lance
- Ken Culbertson
- Kyle Peck
- Michael Smoak
- Ram Matthews
- Robert Holder
- Ron Culbertson
- Sean Spence
- Steven Shealy
- Sumner Thomas
- William Moore
- Wyatt Hughes
Please call the church office to make updates to our prayer list: 803-359-7770.
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Saxe Gotha Church Office Closed:
Continuing to be mindful of the well-being of our members and staff, the Personnel Team and SGPC leadership have determined that the SGPC offices will continue to be closed to outside visitors until further notice.
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Monday Morning Women's Bible Studies |
Debbie Knight’s Monday morning group will resume later this Spring. To contact Debbie Knight: lexdeb73@gmail.com.
The Young Mother's Bible Study will resume this Spring. More details will be provided at a later date. They will be studying Its Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa TerkHeurst. Please contact Meredith Cully with questions: mcully@saxegotha.org. |
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The Monday Morning Men’s Bible study is online! |
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Meets virtually on Mondays at 8:30 am for a brief lesson and to pray for each other and for other people. Contact Scott Welborn at bleedbabyblu@gmail.com for meeting information. This Bible study is open to men of all ages.
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Drive Thru Prayer: February 16 |
(the 3rd Tuesday of the month) 7:15-8:15 am, SGPC Parking Lot. Join together as we love and support community members in need of prayer. We will need prayer warriors, enthusiastic sign holders and traffic directors.
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January 19 Update: What a morning it was for Drive Thru Prayer! It was 35 degrees. So not only were we bundled up for protection from the cold, but also protection from COVID.
We had 6 cars today and 8 total people. We even had people who had been through our DTP before and wanted to now pray for us!
Normally, we don't stand on the opposite side of the road with our signs, but today we had enough volunteers so one volunteer ventured out on the opposite side with his sign. God had a plan, because a lady pulled in that saw that sign on the other side of the road. She was in tears and in desperate need of fellowship and prayer.
What a joy to serve God the day before a Presidential Inauguration Day and pray for each other, our community, our country and our world!
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Did you know that Saxe Gotha has its own customized library on Right Now Media? |
Here is the specific link to it if you already have your account set up:
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/CustomLibrary/8737. Right Now is like the Netflix of Christian media and Bible studies. And if you're already tired of watching TV and scrolling the internet, then feed your mind and heart with good stuff! We have several different channels within Saxe Gotha's custom library: Adults, Youth, Children, Worship and the Arts, Missions and Outreach, Marriage, and Parenting.
If you need help setting up your Right Now account, you can contact one of the following:
The studies and videos inside Saxe Gotha's library on Right Now are just suggestions from our staff. Please feel free to explore and enjoy the many wonderful videos on Right Now while you are at home!
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Caring Connections Brotherhood: VIRTUAL Until Further Notice |
Men - looking for a local band of brothers? Then check out the Caring Connections Brotherhood.
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 in the Caring Connections Brotherhood, please contact: Mike Graves (703-481-8166) or at digger7006@yahoo.com.
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Amazon Smile: $110.81 was received from Amazon for the 3rd Quarter of 2020! |
Did you know that when shopping Amazon, they will make a donation to Saxe Gotha with no additional cost to you? Please go to: http://smile.amazon.com instead of Amazon.com and choose Saxe Gotha as your charity of choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service, but with each purchase you help reduce the debt.
AmazonSmile customers can now support Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
- Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
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Covered with God's Love Blankets: |
As part of Congregational Care, free soft blankets are available for any seriously ill child or a child who has lost a parent or sibling. Call Patti Schmitz at 467-6379 or Renee Starnes at 359-7770 ext. 37 or rstarnes@saxegotha.org.
Covered with God’s Love blankets are continuing to be made through the COVID-19 pandemic.
6 blankets delivered in South Carolina.
2 blankets delivered up north.
7 blankets delivered to the Hopi Tribe in Arizona (the Tribe was devastated by COVID-19).
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F.I.S.H./First Impressions Teams:
1/24: Team 3, 1/31: Team 4.
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Tips for Giving By Text:
Saxe Gotha's Text Giving #:
803-302-3499
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- If you text a monetary value, the funds are attributed to the church's default fund.
- If you text a monetary value + a fund name, the funds will be attributed to that fund name.
- You can also text the following: "Funds" (will give you a list of fund names), "Help" (to get assistance with gifting via text), or "Reset" (will remove saved credit card information).
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Your tithes and gifts are vitally important to the ministry of our church! We ask that you prayerfully consider how God is leading you to give. "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
- I Corinthians 12:27
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5503 Sunset Boulevard
Lexington, SC 29072
803.359.7770
Office Hours
M – Th 8:30 – 5:00 pm
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Sunday Worship
Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 11:00 am
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