This Week's Newsletter
June 9, 2021
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Church Family,
Parents are the #1 influence in their child’s life. I know it may not always feel that way when our child is ignoring us for the umpteenth time, but IT’S TRUE! One article I read recently surveyed a group of parents who overwhelmingly placed themselves last on a list of influences, after friends, teachers and media. While we cannot deny the power of those influences, it’s striking that the children of those same parents listed their parents at the top of the list, when they were polled. We hear this wisdom echo in the Old Testament Proverb 22:6 ESV, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This has been on our team’s minds as we began planning for this summer, so we decided to take a slightly different approach to Vacation Bible School this year. We were forced to pivot last year, and I could not be prouder of our entire team as we launched our first ever Virtual VBS. While we all longed for a return to in-person activity on campus, we learned a great deal. The biggest feedback that we received last year was that parents really enjoyed the opportunity to have more focused faith discussions with their own kids and family. I noted the impact in my own home as we participated in our Concrete & Cranes Virtual VBS 2020 in our own living room!
This year, we want to welcome children and families back in-person to our campus and hope to capture some of that same impact. Will there be fun songs and dancing? Absolutely! Will there be creative crafts and energetic games? You bet! Will there be tasty goodies and engaging teaching? Always! The biggest difference is that we will be hosting our VBS in the evening and encouraging families to come together as a family unit. Our hope in prayer is that this will help give families a leg up on those all-important faith conversations that create a lasting impact.
At the root of our NextGen Ministry is the large vision, to help the next generation find, follow and flourish in their life with Jesus in all their places. I hope you will bring your family, invite your neighbors and accompany your grandkids to this year’s exciting VBS Wilderness Escape (June 28 - July 1, Evenings, Monday – Thursday, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm). Don’t forget to register online, order your t-shirt and order food for your family. We are also looking for volunteers! Everything can be found at saxegotha.org/summer.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Grace & Peace,
Patrick Cherry
Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries
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Prayer Focus for June:
Muslims and Ramadan.
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Memorial Service for Alice Peck: We will be having a memorial service for SGPC member Alice Peck on Sunday, June 13 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Memorial Service for Rev. Bill Anderson: A Memorial Service for Rev. Bill Anderson will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, SC. A reception will follow at the Fellowship Hall at the church. The service will be live streamed and can be followed on 2 sites: Facebook - First Presbyterian Church, Clinton, SC or www.FPCclinton.org - click on Worship service. Rev. Bill Anderson and his wife Lois were Presbyterian missionaries in Sudan and South Sudan for 37 years and in Africa for 49 years. They answered His call to Go, Baptize, and Teach and are now in the company of Jesus and the Saints.
New Members: Please join us in welcoming new members Mike and Wendy Gaillard, as well as Albert (Danny) and Debbie Raines, this Sunday, June 13, 2021 during the 8:30 am Traditional Service. Mario and Christi Butel, as well as Susan Jenkins will join this Sunday during the 10:45 am AWE Contemporary Service.
Baptism: Kayla Butel will be baptized this Sunday, June 13 during the AWE Service.
New Baby: Hunter Dunovant and Izzy Jeffcoat welcomed a baby girl, Estella Mae Dunovant, on May 12, 2021. Proud grandparents are James and Sandy Dunovant. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Flowers: The flowers that grace our Sanctuary this Sunday are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Bob and Beth Speaks' 50th Wedding Anniversary.
The Encounters with God Devotional Books (July-September) are now available for pick-up in the Narthex and in the Light House on the racks by the doors. Please email Pansy at pfloyd@saxegotha.org if you would like them mailed to you.
The Church Office is now open to the public.
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All 3 Services are Back!
8:30 and 11:00 am Traditional Services
10:45 am AWE Contemporary Service
Saxe Gotha Campus Fully Re-Opened on June 6:
Safety Protocols: For the 8:30 am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary, attendees should sit in the pews with white signs. For the 11:00 am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary, attendees should sit in the pews with the blue signs.
Children's Worship: 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 services and will join Children’s Ministry leaders in the specified rooms, where parents will pick them up when the service ends. Children's Worship is held during the 10:45 am AWE Service in Light House Room 130. Children's Worship will begin on June 6 during the 11:00 am Traditional Service in the Fellowship Hall/Welcome Center. Children's Worship is not held during the 8:30 am Traditional Service.
Sunday School Classes: All Sunday School Classes are now In Person.
The Adult Choir is back in person during the 11:00 am Traditional Service.
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NextGen Summer Interns
Help us welcome our two NextGen Summer Interns to Saxe Gotha. Cayli Boyle interned with us last summer and is excited to be back to work with our Children’s Ministry. Seth Jackson is a familiar face over in our CDC and will be working with our Student Ministry. It’s going to be a GREAT SUMMER!!!
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New Worship Arts Admin:
Join us in welcoming Cindy Threatt as the new Music and Worship Arts Administrative Assistant. Cindy comes out of retirement and looks forward to helping organize our music library and database.
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Face Masks are Now Optional
As recommended by our Safety Team and passed by Session, face masks are now optional indoors on the Saxe Gotha campus. Social distancing is now 3 feet in the classrooms. Thank you for all each of you has done to keep everyone well!
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Would you like to be part of Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry that meets individually with those that are in need. If you would like to become a Stephen Minister, please email Renee Starnes at rstarnes@saxegotha.org or call 359-7770, ext. 37 to sign-up. Your experiences and compassion are gifts to be shared. We would like to start a training session soon, so we look forward to hearing from you!
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We're looking for an
AV Technician!
We are looking for an AV Tech to a ssist the AV Staff in providing quality sound, video, lighting and graphics support for all church services and special events, including attendance at most of those events. Please contact Alisha Hudson at ahudson@saxegotha.org if you are interested.
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Free Exercise Class
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. |
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Parents of Young Children Sunday School Class -
Join us for the Parents of Young Children SS class at 9:45 am in Room 235, under the Fellowship Hall. We are studying “It Starts at Home: Learn How to Confidently Teach your kids about God” by Matt Chandler, Gary Thomas and Kurt and Olivia Bruner. Nursery and childcare is available! Contact Stefanie Cain with questions: cain.stefanieg@gmail.com.
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It's not too late to join! We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm for 6 weeks and study "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin. "Women of the Word" provides women tools to aid in knowing and studying the Bible. This is a study that will really equip women to dig deeper into the word. Please join us as we grow together! Contact Meredith Jenkins with questions at meredith@ryanjenkins.net. |
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Caring Connections Brotherhood Meeting In Person:
Caring Connections Brotherhood has resumed gathering in person at The Flight Deck every Tuesday at 12:00 noon.
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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.
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: Camp is Full - Registration is Closed.
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.
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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.
We would love to chat with you online during the services. Please turn on the YouTube chat function if you would like to comment.
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The presence of flowers in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings brings added beauty and Glory to God during 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. Also, Robin will deliver the flowers to the nursing home of your choice if you do not have plans for them after the service. |
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United Heroes Ministry:
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 jodysully@hotmail.com or call 704-798-5444 to get your loved one added to the list. |
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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
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.
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Kids Sunday School
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.
Promotion Sunday: This Sunday, June 13 is our Official Promotion Sunday. Starting on that Sunday, your child will age-up and transition (if necessary) to their new Sunday School class. Kindergarteners moving into first grade will now be with the older kids in the gymnasium. Your rising 6th grader is now a bona fide Middle Schooler and will be joining us in the Light House for Sunday School. So, let’s celebrate this “coming of age” by gathering together in the gym at 9:45 am on Sunday, June 13th before heading off to our separate classes. Justin will meet up there with our rising Middle Schoolers to walk them over.
This promotion will also take affect for any summer activities. We recognize this may be a more challenging transition for some children, so please let us know if we need to consider any special cases. For instance, we are happy to let your child remain back with fifth graders Sunday School or VBS for the summer if that is your child’s desire. We want to make this a positive transition for your entire family.
Just a Reminder: Sunday School ends at 10:30 am. Please pick-up your children promptly, so that Kids Sunday School leaders can get to Children's Worship.
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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. (T-shirts are available for purchase.) For questions or to volunteer, please contact Melinda Boyle at 359-7770, ext. 64 or email mboyle@saxegotha.org. |
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This year's VBS shirt features the theme "Trust God, " which will be highlighted throughout the week. Purchase your t-shirt below.
To guarantee your t-shirt will be here before VBS, please order by Friday, June 11. All orders should be placed online, we will not have shirts available on site.
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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 services and will join Children’s Ministry leaders in the specified rooms, where parents will pick them up when the service ends. Children's Worship is held during the 10:45 am AWE Service in Light House Room 130. Children's Worship will begin on June 6 during the 11:00 am Traditional Service in the Fellowship Hall/Welcome Center. Children's Worship is not held during the 8:30 am Traditional Service.
Email Erin Stoudemire with any questions or to let her know that your children will be participating.
We need volunteers to love on young kids in our Children's Worship time for both the AWE service and the 11:00 am Traditional Service. Please email Erin to sign up to volunteer.
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God's Great Outdoors!
Summer Play Days
Our theme for the summer is all about God's Great Outdoors! God is an amazing Creator so we have days of fellowship and fun planned to celebrate His great big creation! Here are the dates––details with specific locations and times will be determined once our interns arrive.
June 15: Elementary Kids Activity (for rising 1st-rising 6th grade)
June 17: Preschool Kids Activity (for rising 3's-rising K5)
June 21: First Day of Summer Kid’s Community Hangout (popsicles in the park)
June 28-July 1: VBS in Evenings 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Wednesday evenings in July God on the Move series
July 13: Elementary Kid’s Activity
July 15: Preschool Kid’s Activity
July 28: Kid’s Community Hangout (place TBA)
Aug 29: NextGen Family Day
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Kids Programming Resumes in the Fall!
Seekers (K-3rd Grade), Club 45 (4-5th Grade) and Kids Choir for all ages.
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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.
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Students Sunday School Classes
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.
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Current Sermon Series: Characters |
Characters gives us a glimpse into the lives of people of faith. During this year, we are being 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 are being discovered as we see the challenges, struggles and opportunities faced by people seeking to follow God. In many of these stories, we can find ourselves and our need for a Savior. We pray that through these studies, we are transformed and better equipped to fulfill God’s purposes in our world today. |
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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.
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Meet at 8:00 am (June 12, the 2nd Saturday of the month) at the church outdoor patio in front of the Light House and bring a sack breakfast to eat, then leave from there to assist individuals in need. Contact Keith Hall with questions: Nailbenders.sg@gmail.com.
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Saxe Gotha Child Development Center Preschool and Extended Care Registration (2021-2022):
Registration Now Open to Public
Summer and Afterschool Registration:
Registration Now Open to Public
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Our Church staff offers free devotionals on Tuesday and Thursday. We hope that you and your family will use these devotionals to enrich your family’s spiritual life. Perhaps use them as a conversation starter for your mealtimes together. Our prayer is that this time of change will also be a time of renewal and renewed focus on Jesus Christ as the foundation of your family.
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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:
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!
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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. |
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Remember All in Your Prayers! |
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Allie Huggins
- Bob Arrowsmith
- Cindy Wise
- Debra Rowe
- Diana Patterson's mother
- Don Cope
- Donna Kirkland
- Eloise Faircloth
- Hal McIntosh's nephew
- Jeff Fuller
- Kellsey Senn
- Polly Askew
- Shelley Metropol
- Stephanie Jones-Fitts
- Tripp Hunter
- Windy Hammond’s mother
Those battling COVID-19, Healthcare Workers, First Responders.
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- Beth Klaes
- Bobby Zeigler
- Charlie Brooks
- Dawn Barber's brother
- Fran Griffith
- Herby Hucks' sister
- Jody Sullivan's husband
- Julian Mims
- Kay Luthren's mother
- Lois Ann Tuell's granddaughter
- Melinda Martin's mother
- Nita Bailey's daughter
- Parris McBride
- Regan Kolwyck
- Sarah Raines' mother
- Scott and Marilyn Welborn
- Steve Robert's brother
- Sunny Jewell's father
- Wanda McCarthy
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- Michael Smoak
- Ray Hammond's nephew
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- Aaron Thies
- Andrew Tuttle
- Adam Gilmore
- B. J. Manis
- Bob Rabon
- Brian Bishop
- Greg Adams
- Jamie Glatz
- John "Tripp" Bartlett
- Josh Lance
- Ken Culbertson
- Kyle Peck
- Marcus McGill
- Matthew Rivers
- Ram Matthews
- Robert Holder
- Ron Culbertson
- Sean Spence
- Steven Shealy
- Sumner Thomas
- Tony Guy
- William Moore
- William Rivers
- Wyatt Hughes
Please call the church office to make updates to our prayer list: 803-359-7770.
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Drive Thru Prayer: Tuesday, June 15 |
(the 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.
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May 18 Update: 7 volunteers came out to help. 10 cars stopped for prayer. Many more waved, honked or rolled down the window to give us words of encouragement for our efforts. |
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Caring Connections Brotherhood: VIRTUAL Until Further Notice |
Men - looking for a local band of brothers? Then check out the Caring Connections Brotherhood.
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 in the Caring Connections Brotherhood, please contact: Mike Graves (703-481-8166) or at digger7006@yahoo.com.
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F.I.S.H./First Impressions Teams:
6/13: Team 2, 6/20: Team 3, 6/27: Team 4.
The First Impressions Team is in need of Ushers and CREW members.
Please call or email Carl Hammond at Carl@AmeriCareMidlands.com or 803-767-0864 if you are interested. All volunteers assist once every 5 weeks.
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Amazon Smile: $126.72 was received from Amazon for the 1st Quarter of 2021! |
Did you know that when shopping Amazon, they will make a donation to Saxe Gotha with no additional cost to you? Please go to: http://smile.amazon.com instead of Amazon.com and choose Saxe Gotha as your charity of choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service, but with each purchase you help reduce the debt.
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Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select "Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone.
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features.
3. Select "Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church" as your charity.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.
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Amazon Prime Deal Days: June 21-22
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Tips for Giving By Text:
Saxe Gotha's Text Giving #:
803-302-3499
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- 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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Your tithes and gifts are vitally important to the ministry of our church! We ask that you prayerfully consider how God is leading you to give. "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
- I Corinthians 12:27
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5503 Sunset Boulevard
Lexington, SC 29072
803.359.7770
Office Hours
M – Th 8:30 – 5:00 pm
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Sunday Worship
Traditional 8:30 am
Contemporary 11:00 am
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