This Week's Newsletter
April 21, 2021
Dear Saxe Gotha Church Family,

This Sunday we are blessed to have our young people lead us in worship at both the 8:30 am traditional and 11:00 am AWE (contemporary) services! What a treat to see how the Lord is working among our young people!

Saxe Gotha places a strong emphasis on our ministries to our children, youth and families – and for good reason. The International Bible Society conducted a study that revealed that 83% of all Christians make their decision to follow Jesus Christ as a child or early teenager, generally between the ages of 4 and 14. Not surprisingly, some speak of the “4-14 Window” as a strategic focus for reaching people with the gospel.

Christian pollster George Barna supported these findings with his own research:
"…the probability of someone embracing Jesus as his or her Savior was 32 percent for those between the ages of 5 and 12; 4 percent for those in the 13-18 range; and 6 percent for people 19 or older. In other words, if people do not embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior before they reach their teenage years, the chance of their doing so at all is slim."

Barna goes on to say,
“Consider the facts. People are much more likely to accept Christ as their Savior when they are young. Absorption of biblical information and principles typically peaks during the preteen years. . . . Habits related to the practice of one’s faith develop when one is young and change surprisingly little over time.”

Our ministries to our children, youth and families are critical in our obeying Lord’s command to make disciples. Please continue to support these vital efforts.

Looking forward to worshiping with “all y'all” this Sunday at our 2 youth-led worship services!

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jim
Prayer Focus for April:
Our Government Leaders.
Christian Love is extended to the family of Mike Mallison on his passing. Please keep his wife, Ree, and daughter, Michelle Smoak, and family in your prayers.
Free Exercise Class

Free Exercise classes are held on Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Contact Vicky Beatty with questions: vpbeatty@gmail.com.
Record Change for South Sudan Collection!

Message from Bill Andress:
Your donations in March for Change for South Sudan set a record! Over a two week period, $12,843.25 was received. This is almost three times as much as we ever have received before for a single collection. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Praise God for your generosity!

The photograph shows part of the food that was purchased for famine relief; your generosity allows us to do more.
We're looking for some amazing Children's Ministry Summer Interns!

We have positions open for college age interns to share Jesus with our kids. Please see below for the position description and contact Melinda Boyle at mboyle@saxegotha.org if you are interested.
2021 Summer Camps:
We look forward to you joining us for the 2021 Summer Camps. We missed you last summer! All Summer Camps will follow CDC Safety Guidelines. All camps are for boys and girls, ages are noted. For complete details, please go to saxegotha.org/summer or contact Pansy Floyd: pfloyd@saxegotha.org.

Kelly’s Flip Fly Gymnastics Camp:
June 7 - 10, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Room 145/146 in SGPC Light House. (Ages 4 - 9) Cost: $94. 

Soccer Shots Camp:
June 14 - 17, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, SGPC Gym. (Ages 4 – 8) Cost: $115
 
Family Vacation Bible School:
June 28 - July 1, Evenings, Monday – Thursday, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. (Families with Rising 3’s – Rising 6th Graders) COST: FREE. 
 
Kelly’s Gladiator Nerf Kids Camp:
July 5 - 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Room 145/146 in the SGPC Light House. (Ages 4 - 9) Cost: $94.  

Art Camp: 
July 12 - 16, Art Camps for Early Childhood and Elementary/Intermediate Art Students. Early Childhood Art Camp, from 9:30 to 11:00 am, Rooms 231-235. (Ages 4 - 6) Cost: $95. Elementary/Intermediate Art Camp, from 12:30 to 3:45 pm, Rooms 231-235. (Ages 7 -11) Cost: $165.
 
Kelly’s Survivor Ninja Challenge Camp:
July 19 - 22, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Room 145-146 in the SGPC Light House. (Ages 4 - 9) Cost: $94. 
 
Basketball Camp:
August 2 - 5, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, SGPC Gym. (Ages 6 - 12) Cost: $100.
Annual Women's Spring Luncheon -
Ticket Now On Sale
The Annual Women’s Spring Luncheon will be on May 16 at 12:30 pm in the Gym. We will eat boxed lunches and then enjoy our speaker. Tickets are now available online and through the green envelopes in the pew pockets in the Sanctuary and at the table at the back of the Light House Auditorium during worship services. They will be sold through May 2.

Our guest speaker will be Melanie Shull, Founder and Editor in Chief for Living Real
Magazine and the host of The Living Real Podcast. Melanie Shull has spent the past 10 years providing a platform for real people to tell their stories of how faith in Christ affects real life. Her topic will be ""Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear," focusing on Isaiah 41:10.
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.

To view the Saxe Gotha Services and other resources, please go to: youtube.com/user/SaxeGothaPres.

We would love to chat with you online during the services. Please turn on the YouTube chat function if you would like to comment.
Sunday School Classes - In Person and Online Options
Sunday School In-Person Plans:
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.
Wednesday classes for adults have resumed from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. We offer the following classes:

·  The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant? - Join this casual conversation facilitated by Jenni Gannon. They will meet in 155 MB. Each week a separate topic will be covered. Feel free to jump in at any point and if you miss a class, you can come back and pick up with the commandment being studied that week. Class ends May 5. (jennifer.gannon@dominionenergy.com)

·  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. Class ends May 12. (hhham@saxegotha.org) Book $14.00.

For everyone’s safety, we will continue to wear masks inside the buildings and maintain the safe social distance of six feet. If you have any questions or would like more information about how to grow deeper in your faith in 2021 or the above classes, please contact hhham@saxegotha.org or 803-359-7770.
Prayer Shawl Blessing
The Prayer Shawl Women recently completed several prayer shawls to be distributed to those who are in need of comfort during a difficult time. These shawls were blessed and can now be distributed. Thank you to this special group of women who are using their talents to serve others!
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
803-917-6690 or by email tictic8000@yahoo.com.

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-on-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, relocation or chronic or terminal illness.

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.
Next Gen Family Day
Thank you to all that participated in Next Generation Family Day. We had such a great time on the scavenger hunt around Lexington!
Kids Sunday School -
Join us in person this week!
From learning more of God's Word to creating meaningful projects to completing creative Bible challenges, Sunday School is a way for kids to grow spiritually! We meet at 9:45 am in the gym. This week we will continue our study of the prophets while learning about Isaiah.
Sunday School Online -
Will not be held this Sunday
Dawn Merck is offering a 9:45 am 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.

Sunday School will move to all in person after May 23.

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. 
Children's Worship during the AWE Contemporary Service
Children ages 4-6 are invited to join us for a series focusing on worship and the sermon topic in an age-appropriate way. Kids will begin their worship time with their parents in the AWE Service and will join Children’s Ministry leaders in a designated room in the Light House, where parents will pick them up when the service ends.

Email Erin Stoudemire with any questions or to let her know that your children will be participating.
Family Evening VBS -
Have you registered?
June 28 - July 1, Evenings, Monday – Thursday, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. (Families with Rising 3’s – Rising 6th Graders) COST: FREE. Welcome to Wilderness Escape—an exciting journey with God’s people, the Israelites, that brings God’s Word to life for kids! Our SGPC Vacation Bible School is always a great time for children to learn about God’s word through terrific music; fun, hands-on activities; creative, multi-sensory experiences; and energetic large group ensemble led by our youth praise band and adult “characters” who dramatically tell about the VBS Biblical theme to Trust God. VBS is a free experience that’s open to the community. For questions, to volunteer or to register by phone call Melinda Boyle at 359-7770, ext. 64 or email mboyle@saxegotha.org.
Mystery Wednesday Nights
Our midweek mystery series continues in the Fellowship Hall TONIGHT.

Though we will always meet at the same time (6:30 on Wednesdays) and the same place (Fellowship Hall), you'll never know what mystery activity we will do to learn more about all the wonderful surprises in the Bible and the life of Jesus! For the month of April, we will be engaging our creativity through art, music and games.
Sunday Nursery and Preschool
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 until spring/warmer weather.

We are following CDC guidelines--temperature checks will be given at check-in. Please contact Sara McCarter at smccarter@saxegotha.org if you have any questions.
Kid's Choir
Great job kids on all of your recordings! The Jonah video was shown last week - and was a big hit! The preschooler's video will be shown at a later date.

Preschool Choir will meet on the playground at 3:30 pm on Sundays (April 25 and May 2).

Elementary Choir will NOT meet, but will resume in the Fall.
SEEKERS: K-3rd Grade
This bible study and fellowship time for kindergarten - 3rd graders is on Sundays from 4:00-5:30 pm. Drop off and pick up kids under the covered awning to keep everyone socially distanced. The kids will be in MB Room 224/225. Bring a mask and friend!! Contact Sara McCarter at smccarter@saxegotha.org.

We had a great Sunday learning about the Helmet of Salvation. We also made cards for Matthew Rivers who is serving in the Navy and his unit. We will conclude the Armor of God next week with the Sword of the Spirit. May 2nd will be our end of the semester celebration  with service project and fun! We will be packing bags for the Backpack Ministry. Feel free to bring in peanut butter packets, mac and cheese cups, juice boxes, granola bars, grits, oatmeal, cereal or fruit cups next week to help with packing. Thanks for sharing your kids with us!
Club 45
Bible Study, fellowship time and games for 4th and 5th graders. Sundays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Light House.

We had a great Sunday learning about the Sword of the Spirit. We will wrap up the Armor of God series next Sunday. Mark your calendars for April 30th for our end of the year celebrations! Here is the registration link: https://saxegotha.org/club-45-event. Thanks for sharing your kids with us!
Downpour - Wednesday Nights
Each week on Wednesdays, Downpour starts at 6:30 pm in person in the Light House Auditorium or on the Saxe Gotha YouTube channel.

Students Sunday School Classes In Person
Middle School: 146/145
High School: 144/143
 
If you arrive before 9:55 am, you'll find us all hanging out in the Atrium for some fellowship before Justin Hall sends you back to your classroom.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study for Middle School
Meeting Wednesday Mornings from 7:15 - 8:00 am in the Light House Atrium. Breakfast will not be served, but you can purchase a Chick-Fil-A biscuit to go. Rides are available to school. Contact: Justin Hall at jhall@saxegotha.org.
Youth Sunday will be THIS SUNDAY, April 25 during the Traditional (8:30 am) and Contemporary (11:00 am) Services. If you have any questions, just email Justin.
Middle School Group - The Oasis
Bible Study and fellowship time for Middle School Students. Sundays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Light House.
High School Group - Refuge
Fellowship time for High School Students. Sundays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Girl's Small Groups
6th-8th Girls Bible Study
This group will be going through the book of 1 John. We will study what it means to love one another and the love of God. As we dig into the Word together, we will also have some time to deepen our friendships and fellowship with one another. We meet on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 pm at Stephanie McGee’s home. This group is led by Kalie Wehunt, Livvy McGee and Stephanie McGee. For more information, contact Kalie Wehunt

9th-11th Girls Bible Study
Meets on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm at Jennifer Gissendaner's house.: 248 Clubside Drive. For more information, contact Justin

12th Grade Girls Small Group
This group is going through a semester of apologetics. We will learn how to defend our faith and how to handle the Word of Truth to do so. Meets on Mondays 6:00-7:00 pm. Meeting at Liz Carpenter's house: 84 Rocky Cove Road. For more information, contact Justin.
Boy's Small Groups
Middle School Boys Bible Study
Join in for a Bible Study that's just for the guys. This group meets every other Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Light House Cafe. For more information, contact Justin.  

High School Boys Small Group
We know that iron sharpens iron, so why not pump some iron, too? We're going to get together twice a week to study the word, work out, and get better. Barry and Justin are going to be leading this small group as we dig into the word and then hit the gym. We'll meet twice a week in the church gym. Monday afternoons at 5:00-6:00 pm and Thursday mornings at 6:00-7:00 am. You can join in for one or both meetings each week, but make sure you have rides worked out beforehand because we won't be doing school runs since we'll be done around 7:00 am on Thursdays. Wear clothes you can work out in and close-toed shoes. If you have any questions, you can contact Justin.
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.
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.
Moms in Ministry
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.

Please like and follow this group on Facebook at SG Moms in Ministry or on Instagram.
Sermons Available Online: To listen to past sermons, please go to saxegotha.org/media. To watch past sermons, please go to our Saxe Gotha YouTube Channel and make sure to subscribe.
Monday Morning Women's Bible Studies
Debbie Knight’s Monday morning group will resume later this year. Contact Debbie Knight: lexdeb73@gmail.com

The Young Mother's Bible Study will resume later this year. Contact Meredith Cully: mcully@saxegotha.org.
The Monday Morning Men’s Bible study is online!
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.
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:
Helen Harrison Ham: hhham@saxegotha.org
Patrick Cherry: pcherry@saxegotha.org
Justin Hall: jhall@saxegotha.org
Melinda Boyle: mboyle@saxegotha.org
Hal McIntosh: hmcintosh@saxegotha.org

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!
Giving Update:
5503 Sunset Boulevard
Lexington, SC 29072
803.359.7770

Office Hours
M – Th  8:30 – 5:00 pm

Sunday Worship
Traditional       8:30 am
Contemporary 11:00 am

Livestream Services youtube.com/user/SaxeGothaPres