Dear Saxe Gotha Church Family,

What has become of civility, respectful dialogue, and the rule of law? How long will the American experiment in democracy last? These are questions that you may have pondered after watching the evening news.

The disrespect and violence increasingly common in our society points to our failure to truly value others as human beings. The Bible begins, not with humans as evolved animals, but rather special creations of a loving Creator who made humans in his image. In contrast to secular worldviews, the Christian worldview has always insisted that human beings have value. Value not from what they can produce or the views they express, but because they are created and redeemed by God. We possess intrinsic worth because we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-17) and God has declared human life to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The incarnation of Christ uplifts the value of human life as God himself becomes flesh and dwells among us in the person of Jesus (John 1:14). The life, death and resurrection of Jesus all point to the truth that life is good and worth redeeming.

The future success of our democracy will require us to embrace the value of human life afresh. Racism, abuse, bullying, disrespectful behavior and even poor manners have no place in such a society – and certainly no place in the church! Indeed, our country needs the church to authentically live out being the church – a people who truly love God and love others. God calls his people to serve as salt and light and go the extra mile to show others love, grace and respect.

While we may not be able to control what others do, we can control what we do. So, let us recommit ourselves to valuing others as bearers of the image of God through our words and deeds. Let us represent Christ faithfully in those places in which he has placed us knowing that the midst of the chaos and unrest God is on the throne and is with us.

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.

Each child identified as having need will receive a backpack filled with child-friendly, nutritious, easy-to-open food to last over the weekend. 

Items Needed for Backpacks:

  juice boxes

cereal/granola bars

snack crackers

single serving cereal boxes / bowls

mac and cheese / Chef Boyardee

peanut butter

fruit cups/pouches, raisins ( please no applesauce cups )

pudding cups

oatmeal packets

Please contact Holly Waldrip for a donation pick-up: 803-931-6218 or [email protected].

Upcoming Events:

Rising 6th Grade - 12th Grade

Tigerball: TODAY, July 29 - It's time to get out and play! We'll meet at Gibson fields from 6:00-7:30 pm for some Tigerball and other games. Come out and let's have some fun!

Saxe Gotha Parking Lot Prom: August 5 - Who said prom wasn't happening this year? Join us from 7:30-8:30 pm for the Saxe Gotha Parking Lot Prom. We'll bring the speakers, you bring the moves, but leave room for Jesus! Please register here: https://saxegotha.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/481520.

Please contact Justin Hall with questions: [email protected] .

Upcoming Events:

Rising 1st - 5th Grade (family friendly)

Cowboy Water Day - Several of our Saxe Gotha kids came out today and enjoyed Cowboy Water Day...proving it really is best to stay wet on these hot summer days!

We are collecting non-perishable food items to be used for the Sistercare Ministry. There are 3 boxes for donations: 1 outside the main office during the week, 1 in the Narthex and 1 in the Auditorium on Sundays. Also, stay tuned - there will be a food drive for Sistercare by Missions in August.

The Sistercare Ministry provides dinner for 20-25 women and their children to the West Columbia shelter. Contact: Stacey Rowlette, 803-312-5570, [email protected] .

They will be connecting at 8:30 am next Monday for a brief lesson and to pray for each other and for other people. Contact Scott Welborn at   [email protected]  for meeting information. This Bible study is open to men of all ages.

Giving Update: