PRAYER LIST
- Alysia Kehoe
- Bryan Cully's aunt and uncle
- Deborah McNair
- Dick Howle
- Don Harrison
- Edwin Crawford
- Isabelle Keisler
- Kathy Arrowsmith's mother
- Pam Cope's mother
- Parris McBride
- Ricky Lundy
- Ruthellen West's sister
- Stacy Morgan's sister
- Tripp Hunter's mother
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
- Stephanie Jones-Fitts
- Sunny Jewell's father
- Tillman Kyzer
- Tim Kehoe's sister
- Tristan Groscost
- Trudi Greene
- Wanda McCarthy
DEPLOYED
(Non-Combat Zones)
- Chad Nabors
- Ray Hammond's nephew
- 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,
The devastation caused by Hurricane Florence is immense. The death toll is currently at 32 people including a one-year-old child. Homes and businesses have been destroyed. Lives will never be the same.
As the victims rebuild their lives, many will question God. Where is God in all of this? If God is all-powerful, couldn't he have prevented all this destruction? If God is all-loving, wouldn't he have wanted to stop it? It appears to many that the only explanation is that God is neither all-powerful or all-loving. Claiming both God's sovereignty and his love doesn't seem possible.
Yet, this is exactly what Christians do in the face of the reality of evil. I have done very few funerals without reading Psalm 23 - The Shepherd's Psalm. Why is the 23rd Psalm such a source of comfort in the face of death? It is because it eloquently affirms God's greatness, God's goodness and the reality of evil.
In just one verse we have both God's greatness and goodness -- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Let's look at this psalm in more detail in outline form.
God is great
; he is my shepherd. And because of his great, abundant care as my shepherd, I lack nothing. He is able to meet all of my needs--even in death for "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"
God is good
; he is my shepherd. I have a personal relationship with him. He is not a distant God who is completely uninvolved in my life. Rather, he lovingly works to provide me with good things--green pastures and still waters. He even restores my soul.
Evil is real.
The psalm does not gloss over the pain and suffering of this world but acknowledges the reality of evil: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Why? "For Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Notice the appeal to God's greatness (the protection offered by his rod and staff) and goodness (the fact that God does protect and comfort). God is able to protect and comfort because he is sovereign. But not only is God able, he is willing to protect and comfort because he is loving.
The psalm closes with the assurance of God's goodness, and the sure hope that God's power will keep us in his presence now and forever -- "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." No wonder this psalm has been a tremendous comfort to God's people in times of tragedy, sickness and death! It affirms three truth in response to the problem of evil: God is great; God is good; evil is real.
Let's pray for the victims of Hurricane Florence that they may find solace in the arms of the Good Shepherd.
In Christ's love,
Pastor Jim
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Prayer Focus for September:
Pray for the Sick and Suffering.
Christian Love & Sympathy
is extended to Frank Havird on the death of his brother, Bootsie Wynne on the death of her sister and Sarah Harvie on the death of her daughter.
Congregational Meeting will be held to elect officers following the 11:00 am Traditional Service on September 30.
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Wednesday Night Dinner at 5:30 and Classes at 6:30
Menu (Sept. 19):
Ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and dessert.
Menu (Sept. 26):
Chicken bog, slaw, rolls 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.
Online Dinner Reservations:
We will
not be taking standing reservations this year.
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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.
We ask each Family to bring a Dish to Feed your family
PLUS 5 others as follows (based on first letter of last name):
A-O: Sides (Casseroles, Vegetables, Starches, Salads)
P-Z: Desserts
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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!
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Upward Fall Basketball 2018 Session:
(Girls and Boys - 5K through 6th  Grade), Cost: $80.
Basketball Evaluations beginning on October 15.
First Practice - Week of November 5th / First Game - Week of November 26th.
All games are played on weeknights & practices are held on Saturday at the Saxe Gotha Gym. Questions, call Terry Cagle at 803-331-1622 or Pete Eckert at 803-608-9835.
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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.
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Sing! National City Tour: (Thursday, October 18 at First Baptist Church,  Downtown Columbia) Day-long conference for adults and children led by Keith and Kristyn Getty and friends. The day-long conference culminates in a free evening concert featuring a mass choir from local churches. For additional details and to register, click here.
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Senior Adult Movie Night:
Thursday, September 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.
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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]
.
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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.
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Church Directory Pictures This Fall! 
Saxe Gotha is working with LifeTouch to create a Member Directory this fall. Every member will receive access to an updated online and mobile directory. You will receive a free 8 x 10 photo of your family and a print directory 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 Dates:
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
*If all of the time slots are filled, please sign-up on the wait list.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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].
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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.
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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]
.
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YAMming in the Bible: There's a brand new Sunday school class for young adults (approximately 21 - 35 years old). We are 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.
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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 Thursd
ays of the month in the MB, Room 154 (10:00-11:30 am). Questions? Please call Polly Askew at 803-359-7263.
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Drive Thru Prayer:
(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 September, 9 cars stopped in as well as reporters from WLTX and Lexington Life magazine to find out more about the success of the program. To Volunteer, contact Loretta Gobbel at 319-4608 or Pete Eckert at 608-9835 or email
[email protected]
.
  
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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!
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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].
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Amazon Smile:
When shopping on Amazon.com, please remember to go through
smile.amazon.com
. This sends donations to Saxe Gotha with each purchase.
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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).
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F.I.S.H Teams:
9/23: Team 1, 9/30: Team 2.
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Year 1 - Ended
July 31, 2017: $504,811
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Year 2 - Ended
July 31, 2018: $371,954
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(Raised as of Sept. 16, 2018)
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To give to the Debt Free in Three Campaign or General Budget,
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Hebrews 12:1 "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down ... and run with endurance the race."
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