Dear Friends,

During our daily Bible reading, Clay and I reread the beloved story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. This story has fascinated our culture with a plethora of books, movies and cartoons, as well as Bibles, passing down the story to the next generation of little heroic shepherds. We know the story so well that the horror can be lost on us: Goliath waged emotional warfare on the Israelite army by yelling and belittling them twice a day for 40 days in a row. The result was the creation of a mob mentality and the Israelite army failed to stand up to their opponent. Until one day a teenage shepherd boy came and challenged the anticipated by confronting Goliath with the truth.

David fearlessly proclaims to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, “⁴⁵ You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. ⁴⁷ All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” And the Lord did just that.

David’s Goliath was not the last one. There are all kinds of Goliaths today: temptations, fears, anxieties and insecurities. Some are big, some are small. Some are technological or man-made, some are natural but still a temptation. Some are warm and fuzzy on the outside, while others look terrifying. What does your Goliath look like? No matter your Goliath’s appearance, no matter what kind of battle you are facing today – remember the battle is the Lord’s and He fights for us! You are not alone on the battlefield; not only is the Lord with you, but your church family is here for you as well. We stand up for each so that we are not be overtaken by fear. We must remind each other to be confident in the Lord, to wait on Him and be strong.

We can be strong for each other by praying for and helping each other. If you have a confidential prayer request, please email prayer@saxegotha.org and our intercessory prayer team will lift you up in prayer. And if you are looking for ways to help, our Congregational Care teams have opportunities to contribute your time and talents to the care and wellbeing of your fellow church members. Contact Renee Starnes at rstarnes@saxegotha.org or 803-359-7770 to find out ways that you can get involved.

Grace and peace,

Helen Harrison

Christian Love is extended to John and Dianne Anderson on the death of their daughter. And to Bob Hawks on the death of his stepmother.

The 40th Anniversary Kirkin' O' the Tartan will be held on the weekend of October 15.

Please be in prayer for our church, its leaders, these committees, candidates, their families, and consider how you can support Saxe Gotha’s season of transition. All prayerful donations to the special designated account are greatly appreciated! If you feel led to give to this restricted account, please donate online at saxegotha.org/give (and select Transition Fund) or include Transition Fund in the memo line of your check.

During our mission trip to Juba, South Sudan in June, we distributed 402 Talking Bibles that were acquired with the generous donations from our congregation at Saxe Gotha during our Change for South Sudan offering. Over 124 representatives from 27 different Presbyterian Churches received training on the use and care of the Talking Bibles during seven sessions. The Bibles distributed were translated in eight different South Sudanese languages: Dinka Bor (40); Dinka Pagdang (55); Nuer (95); Shilluk (90); Mule (40); Anyauk (60); Tennent (40) and Arabic (22). Each congregation were instructed on how to form listening groups within their churches and outside in their communities to maximize the use of the Talking Bibles. They were also asked for ideas about how the Talking Bibles might be used to accomplish various goals their churches may have; such as evangelism, trauma healing, theological education, church planting, etc. Since an estimated 80% of the population cannot read or write, all of the participants agreed that the Talking Bibles will be a blessing to them and their congregations!

Five members of Trinity South Sudan Ministry traveled to Juba, South Sudan between June 15 and June 27 to meet leaders and congregations of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) and various organizations providing humanitarian assistance and services to the citizens of South Sudan.

The members of the mission team were: Rev. Dr. Ben Sloan, Greg Force, Amy Smith, Robert Cely and Lee Ann Alexander. On arrival in Juba, they were joined by two South Sudanese volunteers: Abass Odiel and Johnson Kengen.

2023 Officer Nominations for Elder and Deacon.

Who is God? How can we better understand who God is to us? Throughout Scripture, God is given many names. Each name gives us a glimpse into God’s Character. Join us in our latest sermon series as we seek to better understand God as we explore the Names of God!

If you would like to preview the music that will be included in the AWE Contemporary Worship Service this week, click on the link below.

As you run across old photos, please send them to Meredith Cully at mcully@saxegotha.org.

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 AV Professionals and Teachers!

We are looking for a Part-Time AV Technician. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Alisha Hudson at ahudson@saxegotha.org. See below for complete job descriptions.

**Looking to gain a new skill and work with some of the best! We are looking for AV Tech Volunteers, please contact Alisha Hudson at ahudson@saxegotha.org if you are interested.**

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.

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.

Preschool Sunday School meets in the Nursery Area @ 9:45 am.

Room 214: 2-3 year olds

Room 225: 4-5 year olds

Join us as we play our way through the Bible! Parents please pick up by 10:40 am. 

Requirements: Review prepared lesson each week to teach our children as they journey through the Bible. Each lesson includes Biblical truths, scripture, games and activities.

Hours: 9:30 - 10:30 am on Sunday Mornings.

Search: Find another person or couple to team teach every other Sunday with you.

Reward: You will delve deeper into God's word as the kids learn along with you.

Start: September 11th.

Questions, please contact: Erin Stoudemire​.

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.

Our Children's Ministry staff is here to help if you are participating in the worship service and need assistance with childcare during the service. Contact Erin Stoudemire if you would like to make special arrangements for your child: 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 146

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

Please contact Hope Andrews at handrews@saxegotha.org or 803.359.7770 ext. 126 or stop by the Child Development Center to pick up a Registration Packet.