We are entering the blessed Christmas season with much anticipation and joy. Unfortunately, this time of year is not always joyful for many of our neighbors in need. We still have several names left on the Love-A-Family trees. Most of these names are adults referred to us by the SC Department of Mental Health. These adults often do not have any family or friends to visit them or to buy necessities or gifts for them. If you have not done so already, please prayerfully consider taking one of these names and serving someone who is in need.

The American physician and author, Dr. Ira Byock, once wrote the following:

That is truly when we are at our best – in service to others. That is a message of the gospel. 

The deadline to return these gifts is this Sunday, December 5th. If you would like to get a name but do not have time to come to Saxe Gotha before Sunday, please call the office before 5:00 pm on Thursday and we will happily email you one of the remaining Love-A-Family tags. If you will not be here on Sunday but would still like to participate, please contact Kathy Seymour at 803-920-7385 or 4kathys@gmail.com.

Faithfully,

Alisha Hudson

Soul Shop Save-the-Date: Soul Shop will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Saxe Gotha. It is a one-day training workshop designed to equip clergy, staff, lay pastors and faith-based clinicians with the resources and guidance they need to foster hope and healing in their community. You may remember that this event last came to Saxe Gotha in 2017. Registration details will be available soon.

A meeting of the congregation has been called for THIS SUNDAY, December 5, following the 11:00 am Traditional Service for the following purposes: (1) To receive the report of the Nominating Committee and to elect the new class of Elders and Deacons and (2) To approve the action taken by the Session and affirm the following individuals as members of the Nominating Committee Trish Proctor, Byron Kirby, Bob Speaks, Bob Wall, Carl Hammond, Lindsay Dulin, Rebekah Flanagan and Jason Flores.

We will collect a Christmas Love Offering for the SGPC staff members online and in person during the worship services through Sunday, December 12. To donate online, please go to: saxegotha.org/give. The ushers will have the Staff Love Offering envelopes during the services and the envelopes will be in the pew pockets in the Sanctuary. The Pastors and Staff sincerely thank you!

Calling all Men! Join us for a Men in Ministry BBQ TOMORROW, Thursday, December 2 at 6:00 pm outside of the Light House. Guest Speaker: Brooks Anderson, Missionary to Thailand. The menu will be pulled pork BBQ, hash and rice, mac and cheese, slaw, and banana pudding for dessert.$10 for adults, $7 for kids. Please register below.

Calling Women of All Ages...We would like to invite you to come fellowship, enjoy some snacks and paint an ornament on Sunday, December 5 (2-4 pm). Our very own, Beth Maddox (from Lexington Paint & Pour), will be offering 6 different paintable ornaments for you to choose from. Each ornament will be $15. Hope to see you there!

Spread Christmas love by purchasing gifts for a local person or family in need. Select a tag off of the trees in the Narthex or Light House Atrium, purchase the gift listed and then return it wrapped under the tree. Please contact Kathy Seymour at 920-7385 or 4kathys@gmail.com if you have any questions. These gifts should be returned by THIS SUNDAY, December 5.

This year we are working with Frontier Fellowship, our missions partner, in a special advent devotional just for Saxe Gotha. Frontier Fellowship connects followers of Jesus to engage the world's least reached peoples and places with the good news of His Kingdom.

Join us this advent season as we prepare for the coming of our Savior. In the midst of the holiday rush here, let us not forget the frontier: the over 2 billion people worldwide who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and the hope, peace, joy and love he brings.

This devotional will also incorporate the lighting of your home advent wreath. If you need candles for this year's celebration, you can add them to your reservation for $10.

If you have any questions about the devotionals or advent, please contact HH Ham at hhham@saxegotha.org.

How do we know what God is like? What does it mean to love? 

Our Advent sermon series will address these important questions as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God entering into human history as a baby born in Bethlehem reveals what God is like and what it means to love. Please come and join us as we explore the implications of God coming down and loving us by giving us his Son.

Christmas Cantata: The Silence and the Sound

Our annual Christmas Cantata will be presented on Sunday, December 19 at 10 am in the Sanctuary (One Service Sunday, Sunday School will not be held for adults. The Family Christmas Celebration will be held from 9-9:45 am in the Light House Parking Lot).

About the Cantata: Heather Sorenson's first Christmas cantata is more than just a retelling of the nativity; this work explores both the mystery and the majesty of Christ's birth. Filled with original sacred songs and beloved carols, this innovative cantata is a true worship experience. The richness of both contemporary and traditional elements, along with thoughtful narrations make for a beautiful Christmas offering.

We can't say thank you enough for the countless ways that volunteers keep Saxe Gotha going. Many things would not occur without our volunteers. Those that have continued to help despite the pandemic really have gone above and beyond.  Again, we say, THANK YOU!

Please contact Renee Starnes at 359-7770 ext. 37 or rstarnes@saxegotha.org if you are interested.

WINGS (Widows in Group Share) provides support and fellowship to widows. The group is made up of Saxe Gotha widows and their friends who are also widows. Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month for a time of Christian fellowship and sharing. Please contact Carol Harden at 217-652-2768 or Colette Phillips at 803-553-8741.

This month's meeting will be held on December 11 at 11:30 am at Ferrara Pizza and Pasta, 109-J Old Chaplin Rd, located in the Shoppes of Flight Deck (next door down from Flight Deck).

Prayer Shawl Ministry: This ministry meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:30 am in Room 154 in the Main Building. Just bring needles and learn to knit. The shawls made are blessed and given to members in need. Everyone is welcome to serve in this ministry, no experience required.

Questions? Contact Renee Starnes at rstarnes@saxegotha.org or 803-359-7770, ext. 37.

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 Teachers and a Media Content Coordinator and Videographer!

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.

We are looking for a Media Content Coordinator and Videographer. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact ahudson@saxegotha.org. See below for the complete job description.

***We are also looking for AV Tech Volunteers, please contact Alisha at ahudson@saxegotha.org if you are interested.

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.

Our annual Family Christmas Celebration is outside again this year in the Light House Parking Lot on Sunday, December 19 from 9-9:45 am. Join us for crafts, s'mores and fellowship! Then, stay for the Cantata at 10:00 in the Sanctuary.

We are so excited to take another group to one of the biggest preteen events of the year, SuperStart! Preteens, 4^th-6^th grade can engage in ministry that is specifically aimed toward them, and their unique needs. They will dance, laugh, study, learn and praise the weekend away! All while building relationships unified in Christ that will go on to encourage them for years to come, and growing in their knowledge and wisdom of HIM as they learn to own their faith.

To find out more about this event, click here.

Grade schoolers will begin in the gym precisely at 9:45 am for an opening celebration, worship and introduction to the main lesson. Then they will be dismissed to classrooms for small group activities and discussion. Teachers will return them to the gym at 10:25 for large group games to enrich the lesson of the day.

This is very important: for the security of our kids, parents will need to drop off and pick up in the gym. Please step inside the gym to sign in your child. We need to have eyes on every parent, grandparent or guardian. We will also use this time to pass along any information that you need to know.

Kid's Choir for preschoolers through 5th graders begins at 3:00 pm. Preschoolers (age 2-kindergarten) meet in room 214; grade schoolers will meet in the choir room.

Choir Update: We have begun working on music for the Christmas Cantata, so please come join us! For the Cantata, please reserve the afternoon of December 12 and the evening of December 15 for dress rehearsals. Call times will be posted as soon as they are available. Dress for the Cantata will be Sunday Best and festive.

Seekers (grades K-3) and Club45 (grades 4-5) meet from 4:00-5:30 pm. Seekers pick up under the CDC covered awning. Club45 pick up at the Light House.

If you have any questions, contact Sara McCarter (for Seekers questions) or Meredith Jenkins (for Club45 questions). 

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.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest news and inside look at all things Kid's Ministry.

Also sign up to receive text messages through Remind. You can also text @psalm136 to 81010.

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 144

- Confirmation - Room 146

- High School - Room 143

Wednesday Nights in Student Ministry are all about Downpour! Downpour is our Wednesday night student worship service that meets in the Light House Auditorium from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. It's a night of worship, games, teaching, and discussion all aimed at building up our students in their relationship with Jesus and their relationships with one another. We always open up the evening with worship or a game to get things moving before we move into our time of teaching. This semester, our teaching is going to be focused on exploring questions that students are asking about the world around them and seeing what answers the Bible offers on those topics. Then we'll break out, and our amazing group of volunteers will lead the discussion groups to give students the opportunity to consider and apply these principles. Downpour on Wednesday nights is something you won't want to miss!

Sunday Afternoons in Student Ministry are always exciting! We have two great opportunities that are perfect for connection whether you're new to Student Ministry or if you've been with us for years. Both groups meet from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, and you can find the details of each below.

Oasis: Oasis is a place of refreshment for middle school students. This fantastic group meets in the Light House Atrium for fellowship, games, snacks, a lesson, and more. It's a perfect place for middle school students to draw together and connect. Come and join in on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.

Refuge: Refuge is a place for high school students to get away from the business of the week to relax, fellowship together, and dive into some very real conversations. We explore some hard questions, but the great news is that you don't have to wrestle with the hard questions alone. Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.

Bible Studies are groups that are specifically designed to go deeper into the Word of God. All of our different programs include an aspect of teaching, but Bible Studies are a place for students to really go deep into Scripture and discuss the things that they find. We currently have two Bible studies that meet at the church before school on Wednesday mornings. We find that this early morning study is a perfect way to provide a midweek refocus for students and to start off their day immersed in Scripture.

Middle School Bible Study - Our Middle School Bible Study meets in the Light House Atrium on Wednesday mornings. Students are invited to come as early as 6:45 am for fellowship time, and we will kick off our teaching time at 7:00 am. We provide transportation to school (or you are welcome to pick your student up at 7:45 am), and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast is available for $5. This semester, we'll be going through the book of Ephesians. Make sure you have a ride to school lined up, and if you need help finding a ride, just email Justin.

High School Bible Study - This semester, we will meet in the church Library (next to the gym) to continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Don't worry if you've never come before, any time is a perfect time to jump in! Doors will be open at 6:45 am for anyone who wants to bring their own breakfast and eat or come fellowship before we dive into Scripture, but just make sure you're in by 7:00 am because that's when we'll begin our time of study. Make sure you have a ride to school lined up, and if you need help finding a ride, just email Justin.

Small Groups are a place aimed at deep relationship building. Small groups commit to one another that they will consistently meet together and share life with one another while continually lifting one another up in prayer. While study is certainly a part of it, the committed intentional relationship building is the key to small groups. We have a small group available for everyone:

Middle School Girls Small Group - Middle school girls meet together in the Light House Cafe on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with Kalie and Gracie to study and share together.

Middle School Boys Small Group - Middle school boys are invited to join Justin on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Well (Light House). We're going to start out discussing why we should be reading Scripture, and work on holding each other accountable for our own personal study.

High School Girls Small Group - High school girls will meet with Mrs. Jennifer and Mrs. Liz on Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:00. Meetings will be at Mrs. Jennifer's house. The address is 248 Clubside Drive . As we share life together, we'll also be journaling our way through the Psalms.

High School Boys Small Group - On Monday evenings, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, High school boys are encouraged to join Barry and Justin in the gym for a time of devotion, prayer, and basketball. Come ready to go!

For questions about any of these groups, reach out to Justin, and he can get you in touch with the leaders.

High School Fall Retreat - We'll be taking our retreat to Awanita the weekend of November 19-21. Any adults who want to join in can email Justin to let him know.

Jamaica Mission Trip - We will be going to Jamaica from July 2-9, 2022, and it is open to current high school students who will be at least 14 by the date of the trip.

Snowbird Summer Camp - Snowbird is a great opportunity for any current student, 6th-12th grade, to take a week out of their summer and gather together for tons of fun and fellowship, along with some great teaching. Snowbird is an opportunity that you won't want to miss! We'll release those dates and a registration soon!

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

Please contact Hope Andrew at handrews@saxegotha.org or 803.359.7770 ext. 26 or stop by the Child Development Center to pick up a Registration Packet.