Our Transitional Work at Saxe Gotha,

Part 3: Vision, Mission, or Slogan?

In last week’s post, I mentioned how I often hear people say, “Pastor, we just need to come up with a clear vision, then we’ll be able sort everything out.” Whenever I hear this, I think to myself: If coming up with a shared vision was something easy to do, then the good leaders of this church surely would have done it by now!

The truth is a lot messier. Part of the mess stems from the fact that the terms “vision” and “mission” are often used interchangeably. I notice this happening even in the books about leadership I study. To add to the confusion, we then fold in slogans, tag lines, and mottos. A church I once served had license plate frames made with the name of the church on top and the phrase “To Know Christ and Make Christ Known” at the bottom. Was this their vision, their mission or their branding slogan? If I’d asked the committee who chose it, they probably would have said, “Yes – all of the above!"

Here are my working definitions for these terms:

A vision is a clear picture of a preferable future. Visions can be vague or specific, but the clearer that picture is, the easier it becomes to make choices that support it. If my vision for retirement involves lots of salmon fishing, I will probably settle down in Alaska instead of Arizona but I will definitely invest in bait and tackle. The future is coming whether we have a vision for it or not. A picture of a preferable future means we move forward with hope instead of fear.

A mission is a succinct description of purposeful action. Our mission statement describes what we do, for whom and why. Healthy mission statements direct our energy and action outward—toward others who aren’t part of us. Here’s the mission statement of one of my favorite companies:

We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of

the best quality products at the best everyday prices. Through our rewarding

products and knowledgeable, friendly Crew Members, we have been transforming

grocery shopping into a welcoming journey full of discovery and fun since 1967.

If you love Trader Joe’s as much as I do, then you see yourself as the beneficiary of this mission statement. You know that the folks who work at TJ’s are an upbeat mix of eclectic people who enjoy the unique items they sell as much as their customers do. Because of that, you will happily drive to the other side of Columbia just to get your hands on their jalapeño artichoke dip and cinnamon dragons.

A slogan or a motto is a very short phrase intended to grab someone’s attention and spark their imagination. A slogan may imply things about the organization’s vision and/or mission, but its effectiveness is measured by how well it gets us to remember the brand positively. The care Burger King puts into making fast food isn’t greater than what their competitors do, but “Have It Your Way” memorably plants the idea that they might.

When it comes to companies, developing these written expressions of corporate identity can be significant undertakings. This is all done in the name of setting a company apart from its competitors in the marketplace. Doing this work as a church is a different kind of challenge, for at least two reasons. First, the vision and mission have been given to us by our founder, Jesus Christ. The vision is to see the love of God permeate every aspect of life on this planet: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The mission is expressed in various ways, but the one we tend to gravitate toward is the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples…” From this standpoint, no church needs to invest time developing a vision or a mission statement. We already have them.

This leads to the second challenge: If every church has the same vision and mission given to us by Jesus himself, then how are we supposed to differentiate ourselves from other churches? How are we going to set ourselves apart in the marketplace of Christian faith communities? And how can we do that without undermining a core aspect of Jesus’ vision for the church – namely, unity?

Saxe Gotha may not have a fundamentally different vision or mission from other churches, but there are things that set us apart. This church was organized around a particular set of values, and the Holy Spirit has endowed Saxe Gotha with very specific gifts. Our values and our gifting give us a unique calling as part of Christ’s body. Remembering and rediscovering our values and our essential gifts to the larger community is the starting point for renewed vision and reenergized mission. 

-Pastor Morgan

Christian Love is extended to Jimmie Rooks on the death of her mother.



All are invited to join the Foundations Sunday School class on Sundays at 9:45 am in Light House Room 138. They will be discussing the church-wide Sermon Series "WITH" that Pastor Morgan will be covering in the worship services. We would like to welcome anyone looking to join a Sunday School class.

Brand New Saxe Gotha Orchestra

Begins THIS Sunday, January 29

Are you currently playing or have played a musical instrument before? Do you have passion and heart to play musical instruments? Look no further, Saxe Gotha is looking to form an orchestra drawing from the five main instrument families: woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion and keyboards.

Whether you are a student or an adult, we have place for you to lead worship with your instrument. Arrangements of music will come from Lorenz, Lillenas and PraiseCharts. Rehearsals will be Sundays at 12:15 pm for forty-five minutes in the 2^nd floor Music Suite of the Main Campus starting on January 29. The regular orchestra season would be from mid-September and conclude in May. The orchestra will help lead worship periodically through the church season and using a variety of musical styles driven from traditional music. Rehearsal CDs and downloadable MP3s will be provided. Come to a place that finds joy playing unique and glorious music that celebrates God! If you would like more information, please contact Garth Olson, Director of Music and Worship Arts Ministries at golson@saxegotha.org or 803.359.7770, ext. 113.

NEW Liturgical Arts Team

Do you have a passion and gift for creating and decorating, such as: painting, fabric or textile designing, sculpting, decorating, banner making, woodworking, set designing, photographing, etc.? Do you enjoy using your imagination, expressing your creativity for God’s glory? 

We are looking to form a group of volunteers who have a passion for creating beautiful, meaningful and inspiring elements that deepen and inspire our encounters with God. This new Liturgical Arts Team would plan and design liturgical arts for high times of the church season, including sermon series, and special events. The liturgical arts are not just for the worship areas, (the Sanctuary and the Light House), but for other areas of the church property also.

Perhaps you already have ideas for how liturgical arts could help worshipers visualize and experience the power of the Holy Spirit in Scripture? Are you moved by art and beauty? Does it ever inspire you so that you can hear the sermon more clearly or listen to the music more intently? Can you imagine how visual elements could inspire and connect people in new ways? 

Does this interest you? We would like to form the Liturgical Arts Team by early February so that we can begin a dialogue, create a vision and plan for designing sacred spaces that enhance and accentuate the Word of God and liturgy through visual arts. Please contact Garth Olson, Director of Music and Worship Arts Ministries at golson@saxegotha.org or 803.359.7770 ext. 113.

South Sudanese SALT Scholarship Recipients 

Students from left to right: Korok, Dikira, Paul, Johnson and Agout 



The SALT Scholarships (Serving And Learning Together) come from a faith based South Sudanese Non-Profit with which we work in carrying out our ministry. 

A condition of our support is that for each year of our support, on graduation the graduate must return to his/her hometown and use the education to improve the lives of the community. Thank you for your support of these students who will use their education to benefit their communities.

Prayer Cross in Front of Light House

Thank you to Paxton Mergo for the beautiful Prayer Cross in front of the Light House. This special project is his Eagle Scout Project for Troop 331.

Supper is from 5:00 - 6:00 pm in the Gym (Ash Wednesday Service will be at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary). Menu: Pancakes, bacon, pork sausage links, eggs, biscuits, home fries and fresh fruit. Suggested donation is $5; kids under 12 eat free.

We will include a volunteer sign up to work in the kitchen and a dinner reservation form soon. Questions, please contact Helen Harrison Ham at hhham@saxegotha.org.

Out On A WIM...

Women in Ministry Highlight: New Life Circle

The New Life Circle is a welcoming and active group of women that meet the 3rd Thursday at 7:00 pm in member’s homes. They support the Child Development Center and various mission activities within Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church. New Life Circle is currently studying the book The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. Contact Kay Hendrix if you are interested in visiting a circle meeting or if you have any questions: jhendrix8@sc.rr.com or 803-530-7935.

Child Development Center - Afterschool Position Open

Saxe Gotha CDC is looking for an Afterschool teacher to work with our 2^nd grade class. This is a part time position, Monday-Friday with typical hours of 2:00-5:30 pm. On days that Lexington School District 1 is out for teacher workdays, the scheduled hours may vary. We are looking for an individual who has a love of children and desires to guide them in a positive, Christ-like manner. Please contact Hope Andrews at handrews@saxegotha.org or 803-359-2058 for more detailed information.

One Church App

Stay connected to our church wherever you go by downloading the free My One Church App for iPhone and Android devices. Use it to communicate with your groups, RSVP to events, update profile information and more.

With One Church, you can connect throughout the week and know what’s happening:

• Groups—Keeps everyone up-to-date with the latest posts, information and events for your group and for your church as a whole 

• Events—See event details (date, time, location, etc), submit your RSVP and make payments for events

• Service Opportunities —Volunteer with Saxe Gotha, make a donation to a local or international mission and join a Congregational Care team 

• People—See names and basic profile details for church members or groups, based on their privacy preferences 

Upcoming Sermon Series

WITH: Cultivating a With-God Life

Audience: Anyone who has been disappointed that their relationship with God and with how church has not lived up to what they imagined or hoped it could be. 

Purpose: To illumine (or even expose) the ways we relate to God that are less than the Biblical vision for a with-God life, and far less than God’s best for us. 

Description: From the Garden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the Bible presents a vision of God and humanity being in loving communion with one another. In Jesus Christ as Immanuel, we have the clearest demonstration of God’s desire to be fully “with” us. Why is it then that we have settled for a relationship with God that is far less intimate and so disconnected from this vision? Instead of a with-God life, we tend to settle for lives that are under God, over God, from God or for God. Drawing heavily from Skye Jethani’s book With: Reimagining The Way You Relate to God (Thomas Nelson, 2011), we will discover how we all tend to settle for these lesser relationships, the huge price we pay for doing so, and how we can enjoy the life Jesus always wanted us to have. 

Sermons :

Jan. 29 WITH is better than Over

Feb. 5  WITH is better than From

Feb. 12 WITH is better than For

Feb. 19 WITH Faith, Hope & Love

Benefits: Understanding the difference between an authentic With-God relationship versus the ones we settle for: 

• Life Under God: If I obey God’s rules and stay inside God’s boundaries, then me and mine will be protected and blessed. 
• Life Over God: If I follow the right principles for success, then I will have a good life. 
• Life From God: If I stay on God’s good side, then I can get the things I want for a happy life. 
• Life For God: If I accomplish great things for God, then God will love and accept me. 

Drive Thru Prayer: Tuesday, February 21

(7:15-8:15 am)

(3rd Tuesday of the month) 7:15-8:15 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. 

To Volunteer, contact Loretta Gobbel at 319-4608 or Pete Eckert at 608-9835 or email missions@saxegotha.org.

Widows in Group Share

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. We will continue to meet the 2nd Saturday of every month for a time of Christian fellowship and sharing.    

Please contact Carol Harden at 217-652-2768 to let her know if you are able to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone!

Prayer Shawl Ministry

This ministry meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:30 am in Room 154 in the Main Building.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will not meet on February 2.

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. 137.

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 CDC is always looking for individuals who are interested in teaching preschoolers. Experience working with children is preferred. If you are interested in possibly becoming a part of the Child Development Family please send an updated resume to Hope Andrews at handrews@saxegotha.org. Sharing the love of Jesus is one of our priorities!

Kids Sunday School

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

Room 214: 2-3 year olds

Room 224: 4-5 year olds

Nursery for 3 and younger will be in Room 215.

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

WANTED: SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS 

We want YOU to serve our 2s and 3s Sunday School Classes.

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.

Questions, please contact: Erin Stoudemire​.

Seekers Update:

Seekers enjoyed a great start to the new semester with a kick-off party! We packed backpacks, shared ice cream and played fun games in the gym. Please join us next week for more fun as we continue to study the Attributes of God. Don’t forget to bring a friend.

Club45 Update:

Club45 got back in the swing of things this week. They joined forces with Seekers to pack bags for the Backpack Ministry. Then, they went back to the Light House for a lesson on Matthew and how the gospels are the same story from different peoples' point of views. Two people can watch the exact same thing happen and will tell the story two different ways. Join us next week to learn about Mark. 

Please refer to the schedule below for Weekly Events 

Tuesday Evenings, 6:30-7:30- The following Small Groups meet in the Light House

Middle School Girls - The Well, Room 148

High School Girls - Room 138 

Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-7:30- A Small Group for Middle School Boys meets in LH Cafe

Thursday Mornings, Morning Bible Studies

6:45-7:45 am Middle School Bible Study meets in the Light House Atrium

7:15-8:00 am High School Bible Study meets at Chick-fil-A, 5560 Sunset Blvd.

Sunday Mornings, 9:45-10:30- Sunday School meets in the Light House

Middle School - Room 144

High School - Room 143

Confirmation - Room145/146

Sunday Afternoons, 4:00-5:30- Sunday Afternoon Groups meet in the Light House

Oasis (Grades: 6-8) - The Well, Room 148

Refuge (Grades: 9-12) - Room 138 

Details, contact Justin Hall at jhall@saxegotha.org.

Services Available Online: We livestream our 8:30 am Traditional Service and our 10:45 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.