LogoSGPC
5503 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072 803-359-7770
 
This Week at Saxe Gotha 
September 12 , 2018

Remember All 
in Your Prayers!
 
PRAYER LIST
  • Alysia Kehoe
  • Bryan Cully's aunt and uncle
  • Deborah McNair
  • Dick Howle
  • Don Harrison's wife
  • Edwin Crawford
  • Isabelle Keisler
  • Jody Sullivan's husband
  • Kathy Arrowsmith's mother
  • Lois Tuell's granddaughter
  • Mike Graves
  • Pam Cope's mother
  • Ricky Lundy
  • Ruthellen West's sister
  • Stacy Morgan's sister
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS
  • Alice Peck
  • Ann Austin
  • Auddie Brown
  • Bea Amsler
  • Beth Klaes
  • Bill McCarter
  • Bill Schwartz
  • Carol Gose's nephew
  • Dawn Barber's mother
  • Donnelle Glatz's mother
  • Gary and Edie Athey's son
  • Jana Gunter's mother
  • Jody Sullivan's husband
  • John Burbage
  • Jon Myers
  • Joyce Murphy's mother
  • Jule Bland
  • Kay Luthren's mother
  • Leslie Clark's father
  • Lydia Ropp
  • Marshall Edens
  • Melinda Martin's mother
  • Merritt Wham
  • Nickie Nickles' father
  • Pansy Floyd's sister
  • Rhonda Russell
  • Robby Kerr's mother
  • Sarah Harvie's daughter and Bootsie Wynne's sister
  • Stephanie Jones-Fitts
  • Sunny Jewell's father
  • Tillman Kyzer
  • Tim Kehoe's sister
  • Tristan Groscost
  • Trudi Greene
  • Vicki Williamson's granddaughter
  • Wanda McCarthy
DEPLOYED
 (Non-Combat Zones) 
  • Chad Nabors
  • Ray Hammond's nephew
SERVING WITHIN THE USA
  • Adam Gilmore
  • B. J. Manis
  • Bob Rabon
  • Brian Bishop
  • Jamie Glatz 
  • John"Tripp" Bartlett
  • Ken Culbertson 
  • 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!  To see a complete list of prayer request policies, please refer to our  Prayer webpage.
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Dear Fellow Servants of Jesus Christ, Jim casual 8-2014
 
Hurricane Florence threatens the Carolinas. This powerful storm that is being calling a "monster" will punish the eastern coast with unbelievable wind, rain, storm surge and flooding. The cost of the storm will be staggering, and people's lives forever changed.
 
The storms of life come in many forms - natural disasters, illnesses, financial ruin, the loss of loved ones. No matter which form these storms come, they all have one thing in common - they reveal the victim's faith or lack of it.
 
Such was the case when Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4:35-41. The disciples were in a boat with Jesus out on the Sea of Galilee when a storm struck. It must have been a tremendous storm because the disciples - some seasoned fishermen - were frightened. So, they woke Jesus, who was sleeping in the boat, and asked, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Peace, be still." The storm stopped, and it became completely calm. Then, Jesus asked his disciples this pointed question, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
 
How often does Jesus say that to you in the storms of life? 
Again, adversity reveals our faith or lack of it.
 
You see, faith makes all the difference in how we respond to the storms of life. My seminary teacher told us a story about two women that always impressed me. Both of these women were about the same age and had the same terminal condition.
 
The one woman's response was bitterness that she was so sick. She complained and fussed about everything. People didn't like to visit her because she was so negative, irritable and ungrateful for any assistance she received. The other woman was a joy to be around, even though she was hurting. She was grateful for her life and anything anybody did for her. She praised God and held fast to Christ even in her suffering.
 
Then, the professor would make his point that the difference between believers and unbelievers is not in what they suffer. Christians get sick, face tragedy, deal with terrible physical conditions and die like everyone else. The difference between believers and unbelievers is not in what they suffer, but how they suffer - that believers suffer with faith, hope and love.
 
Let's us pray for those struggling in the midst of the storms of life. Let's us pray that the Lord's hand be upon them and that he blesses them with the ability to respond to suffering and hardship with faith, hope and love.
 
In Christ's love,
Pastor Jim
Prayer Focus for September:  Pray for the Sick and Suffering.  

Save-the-Date:
Church Yard Sale 2019 will be held on Saturday, July 27.  

Sermons Available Online: To listen to past sermons, please go to  www.saxegotha.org/media .
Wednesday Night Dinner at 5:30 and Classes at 6:30  - Programming Cancelled due to Forecasted Inclement Weather

Menu (Sept. 12)- Dinner Cancelled
Menu (Sept. 19): Ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and dessert.
Cost:   Adults $5, Kids 3-11 $3, Family Max of $20.  Make reservations by completing the tear-off form on the bulletin or call the church office 359-7770 by noon on Monday. 

NEW - You can also make online reservations:
We will not be taking standing reservations this year.
Kirkin' O' The Tartan - Oct. 7 (One-Service Sunday at 11:00 am with Potluck following the service in the gym). This service includes music and garb from our Scottish heritage, including bagpipes and drums; the presenting of the tartans, cross and Bible; as well as Scottish attire for church leaders. Members are also encouraged to wear their tartan plaids that day! It's a wonderful musical anniversary celebration that you will not want to miss! Potluck RSVP:  https://saxegotha.churchcenter.com/people/forms/7388.
Fall Festival 2018: Sunday, Oct. 28 (4:00-6:00 pm). Join us for family style fun and fellowship!   Trunk or Treat, Cakewalk, Carnival Games and Inflatables!  Wear your Favorite Costume!  Join us for the Fun!
 
Please invite friends and family to this FREE Event which is Open to the Community!
 
To VOLUNTEER contact Lori Lowman:   [email protected] or call 359-7770 ex. 28).
Operation Turkey 2018: For 23 years we have provided meals to people in our community. We need three key leaders: 1) initial contact person and route planner, 2) person to order and arrange for cooking of meals and 3) person to get the meals out on Thanksgiving morning.  Without these three key volunteers, we will be unable to have Operation Turkey for 2018. Please contact Eve Barker ( [email protected] by Sept. 17.  If we do not have these lead volunteers, we will have to cancel the program.
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party:  Date Change!
The packing party will now be held on Sunday, November 11, 2018 with dinner from 5:00-5:45 in the gym and the shoe box  packing will be from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Memory Café (Last Thursday of the month, 10:30-11:30 am in the Light House Atrium) provides a gathering place for friends with Alzheimer's (or other dementias), along with their caregivers and families, to relax and enjoy socialization, refreshments, discussion and Christ-centered encouragement. Contact Jennifer Dever: [email protected]   or 359-7770 ext. 63 if you are interested in volunteering or attending.
Senior Adult Luncheon: Thursday, Sept. 20 (11:30 -1:30 pm, MB RM 151). Entertainment provided by AnnaBelle Lusk and Hannah Thompson (Master Students in the USC School of Voice, under the direction of Tina Stallard). $7 per person (payable at the door). Reservations required by Sept. 18. Call Carol: 217-652-2768 or Pansy: 359-7770 ext. 11.  

Senior Adult Move Night: Thursday, Sept. 27 (5:00-8:00 pm, LH Room 112-113). Movie "Red" Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren. Movie begins at 5:30 pm. Please bring appetizer and/or desserts to share with friends. Popcorn, tea and water provided. Reservations not required.
Change for Sudan Collection: (Sunday, Sept. 23) This is the last collection for our South Sudan ministry for the year. Special Needs at this time: a teacher to organize and help sustain children's Sunday School, a volunteer to teach a woman how to sew and make uniforms for school, and a teacher to help us implement a program to sustain new schools. Volunteers can contact Greg Force: [email protected] or Bill Andress: [email protected] .
Discovery Class - Sun., Oct. 21 and 28 (9:45 - 10:45 am, Light  House Café)   We invite new members and active guests to discover your spiritual gifts, what it means to be a Presbyterian and how to "Give God Joy" as a fully engaged member of Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church! Periodically throughout the year, SGPC offers a Discovery Class to help new members and guests get plugged into Saxe Gotha. The class lasts for about an hour, but it is extremely helpful in introducing individuals to all aspects of our church and its ministries. Please contact Renee Starnes at  [email protected]   or (803-359-7770, ext. 37) if you would like to attend.
Church Directory Pictures This Fall! 
Saxe Gotha is working with LifeTouch to create a Member Directory this fall.  Every member will receive a print directory and access to an updated online and mobile directory.  You will receive a free 8 x 10 photo of your family for participating in the photo session.  Please take the time to get your photograph made - we would like all members to be included! 

The photography sessions will be in LH Rooms 141-142 on the following dates:

October Date:
Tues.             10-16-18                2-9pm
Wed.             10-17-18                2-9pm
Thurs.           10-18-18                2-9pm
Fri.                 10-19-18               2-9pm
Sat.                10-20-18              10-5pm
 
To book an appointment for your Saxe Gotha Directory photography session:
https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/ydh61cv6/ .

Volunteers Needed: If you are able to help, we need volunteers to assist the LifeTouch photographers to sign-in families and help them get ready for their photography session.
(Oct. 16-20) 
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A4FA9AC22A5FF2-saxe 

Contact Renee Starnes with questions: [email protected] or 359-7770 ext. 37.      
SuperStart Preteen Worship Conference (Oct. 19-20 in Duluth, GA)
This overnight event is specifically designed for 4th and 5th graders as the 
demand for preteen-specific ministry has continued to increase within America's churches over the past decade. They need teaching that is specific to their age group - not too young (or "boring," as they would say it) and not too old. SuperStart exists to help fill the void for this age group, and to come alongside the church in a fun, inventive way to reach students that are often overlooked.
 
Cost for the event is $90 per child and $45 per chaperone (limited spaces). Register now by going to: www.saxegotha.org/events. Contact Lori Lowman with any questions: [email protected].  
Fall Sermon Series & Small Groups:
"We Were Made for Relationships" a 6-week study "40 Days of Love" by Rick Warren.

If you would like to participate in a small group, please see HH or sign-up here: 
Study Books:  The study guide that goes along with this series is $7.  We are also recommending buying and reading "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holliday, which is $13.   You can purchase the books online, or HH will have some available at the church.
Postponed---Moe's Night Benefiting Missions: Please join us at Moe's in Lexington on Wednesday, September 12 for an all day fundraiser benefiting   our youth mission trips. Moe's spirit night will be rescheduled as soon as possible.  
 
YAMming in the Bible:  There's a brand new Sunday school class for young adults (approximately 21 - 35 years old).  We're starting September 9, and we will be participating in the 40 Days of Love study.  Come join us in room 235 underneath the Fellowship Hall.  For more information, please contact Kalie Wehunt at 803-727-0696.
 
The next  Young Adult Ministry (YAM) Bible Study will be Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 pm at Justin and Maddie Hall's home.  We will be discussing Chapter 5 & 6 of  Setting Down Roots:  Leaving Behind the Tumbleweed Life by Eddie Hilburn.  For more information, please contact Justin Hall at 803-466-5886 or Kathleen McDonagh at 803-606-9745.  We will finish our study on Saturday, October 13.
Usher Ministry: Would you like to help out by being an Usher, Greeter or Crew member? If you would like to enjoy fellowship in serving, join the FISH Team.  Contact Deck Hudson 359-5482 or email  [email protected].  
Temporary Location Change for Nailbenders :
Meet at 8:00 a.m. (Second Saturday of the month) at the Lexington IHOP (while the Chick-fil-A at 5560 Sunset Blvd. is under construction) then leave from there to assist individuals in need.  Everyone is welcome to help! Contact Keith Hall with questions: 
[email protected] .
Prayer Shawl Ministry:  If you like to knit, or would like to learn to knit, this group is for you. Meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month in the MB, Room 154  (10:00-11:30 am). Questions?  Please call Polly Askew at 803-359-7263.   

Drive Thru Prayer:  (September 18, 3rd Tuesday of the month) 7 :00-8:00 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. In August, 9 cars stopped in and over 8,600 people viewed our Facebook post about the success of the program.  To Volunteer, contact Loretta Gobbel at 319-4608 or Pete Eckert at 608-9835 or email  [email protected] .

Renewal:  Scripture Memorization
Don't forget to join the Scripture memory challenge, Renewal!  It's not too late to begin. For more details and to stay up to date, check out the Renewal Facebook page.  All you need to do on the 1st and 15th of the month is post your name, city, state and scripture.  Let's join together and fill our hearts with scripture! 
WANTED: A few good women to provide one dish per month to the Sistercare shelter in West Columbia.  Contact Stacey Rowlette for further information:  803-312-5570 or  [email protected].
Flower Ministry: The presence of flowers in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings brings added beauty and Glory to God during our weekly gatherings for worship. There is a notebook available on the podium in the Narthex to sign-up to provide flowers or you can contact Robin Wilkes at: 803-530-7603.
 

Volunteers Needed for The Bereavement Ministry:  
If you enjoy cooking, baking or serving others, please prayerfully consider volunteering to help with the Bereavement Ministry. We provide light food for receptions following funerals for Saxe Gotha members or a meal for family members on the day of a funeral. This could not happen without help from Saxe Gotha members. If you think you may be interested in helping with this much needed Ministry please call Vicki Williamson at 803-957-5068 for more information.
Stephen Ministry  is our congregation's one-to-one care giving ministry. These connections are confidential and matched up by gender. God works through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person whose life seems barren and forlorn because of crisis or tragedy.  What do Stephen Ministers do?  These individuals listen to people in need, explore feelings, pray, share Christ's love, maintain confidentiality, and attend to the care-giving process, while leaving the results to God.  Stephen Ministers have big hearts.  If you are feeling unloved or need a friend, contact  Carol Perrin  at (803)917-6690 , the referral coordinator. Please know that your identity and requests are kept confidential.
CHRISTIANS IN CAREER TRANSITION (C.I.C.T.):
In today's economy, many individuals are facing the difficult reality of finding a new position or alternative employment. This ministry assists individuals with writing a resume, improving interviewing skills, or providing support as one goes through this time of transition. The group is available to meet with you on an as needed basis.  Please contact Kathy Arrowsmith (803.238.6905 or at [email protected]) to schedule a meeting with the Christians in Career Transition Ministry.
Amazon SmileWhen shopping on Amazon.com, please remember to go through  smile.amazon.com . This sends donations to Saxe Gotha with each purchase.
Tips for Giving By Text:  
Saxe Gotha's Text Giving #: 803-302-3499
  • 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).
F.I.S.H Teams:  9/16: Team 6, 9/23: Team 1, 9/30: Team 2.

Debt Free in Three
  Year 1 - Ended
July 31, 2017: $504,811
Year 2 - Ended
July 31, 2018: $371,954


Year 3 - Ending
July 31, 2019
(Raised as of Sept. 9, 2018)  
To give to the Debt Free in Three Campaign or General Budget, 
Hebrews 12:1 "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down ... and run with endurance the race."