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KEY to TWASG
White writing above links you to appropriate section in TWASG. Green writing in articles indicates there is a hyperlink attached to these words; when you click on one, it links you to a person's email or a relevant website. Know that some photos in this newsletter are hyperlinked to lead you to websites that are appropriate to that section (e.g., clicking on Splash image takes you to SGPC Children's Ministry page).
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Save These Dates!
To help you plan for the New Year, we thought the following dates would be helpful for you to know and note on your calendar. JAN. 6th FAITH FAIR in the Gym from 9:30-12:30 (No Sunday School except for Confirmation Class) JAN. 9th WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - ADULT Classes, CONNECT & CONVERGE Wednesdays, & SPLASH Dock All Begin Jan. 13 SUNDAY NIGHTS - ADULT Classes Begin & Family Bonfire for Children & Youth (Middle & High School) Jan. 20 No programming for Youth due to long weekend/school break Jan. 27 CONNECT & CONVERGE Sundays Begin & SNL Musical Auditions Held ________________
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Run for God
Run for God will begin again at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian in January! The group will meet on Monday evenings in the Light House. Come to Faith Fair this Sunday to learn more and sign up!
Run for God is part Bible study and part training program. The primary goal is to learn to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while understanding the parallels of running and faith. Participants can potentially run their first 5k in just 12 weeks! And you will learn how the sport of running relates to your faith.
Run for God is for all ages and all levels of runners; families are encouraged to participate together. Whether you are young or old, an experienced runner or have never run in your life, this is a program for you!
Hope to see you this Sunday at our Run for God table at Faith Fair!
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SGPC International Mission TripsThis New Year plan to join our SGPC Missions team on an international mission trip in 2013! Our proposed international mission trips for the year are:
Eleuthera, Bahamas: Scheduled for April 1-6, 2013, this is planned as a family mission trip for parents and their children, as well as other adults. The cost of $1,100 is all inclusive. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent. Visit our Bahamas Mission Trip webpage to learn more.
Kenya, Africa: Scheduled for June 20 - July 2, 2013, this trip will the third for SGPC mission team members. The cost is $3,500 and it's all inclusive except for meals during travel time. Visit our Kenya Missions webpage to learn more about past trips and the future one that's planned. For any other questions regarding international missions, please contact Tammy Pearson at 803.359.7770 ext. 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All power in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age." - Matthew 28: 18-20 ________________
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Remember All
in Your Prayers!
- Janet Lehman's aunt
- Jessica Elkins
- Keith Walker's father
- Pam Blackwell's grandmother
- Pam Woody's mother-in-law
- Patsy Burkhold
- Patty Zeigler's mother
- Richard Pound's father
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS
- Alysia Kehoe's aunt
- Amanda Liggett's mother
- Anna Chassereau's father
- Bill Schwartz's daughter
- Catherine Sherpy
- Coke Floyd's brother
- Connie Miller
- Donna McBride
- Edwin Crawford
- Frank Havird's brother
- Janet Padalino's brother
- Katie Atkinson
- Mary Staton
- Merritt Wham
- Shelly Perkins' grandmother
- Tanya Hudson's mother
- Tim Kehoe's sister
- Benjamin Apple
- Brian Bishop
- Jatorin Owens
- Jeffrey Spiegel
- Jesse Lowe
- Jonathan Songer
- Troy Lawson
IN NON-COMBAT ZONES
- Adam Gilmore - Air Force (CO)
- David Lundy - Marine (NC)
- Justin Smith - Air Force (Germany)
- Kyle Carpenter - Marine (Home in Lexington)
- Matthew C. Robinson (GA)
- Sean Spence - Coast Guard (Coos Bay, OR)
- Wyatt Hughes - Army (NC)
Christian Love & Sympathy is extended to Hal McIntosh upon the death of his mother; Solomon Encina upon the passing of his grandmother; and Lauraette Kirkland upon the death of her brother.
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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Congratulations to proud parents Mike and Dawn Merck upon the birth of Joseph William Merck who was born December 13th. Proud grandmother is Mary McIlwain.
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 Message from Jim
Dear Fellow Servants of Jesus Christ,
Happy New Year! As we enter this New Year, we find ourselves in a time of uncertainty as Congress addresses the so-called "fiscal cliff." Many ponder the question, "What will 2013 bring?" And some approach the New Year with a lot of fear and doubt. In the face of such uncertainty, we will be focusing on the assurances that we have as Christians. To assure is to "put beyond all doubt." The world may be unsettling, but we enjoy confidence and hope as we stand on the promises of God. Here are five assurances that we will study in the upcoming sermons: 1) Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:11-12 2) Assurance of Answered Prayer John 16:24 3) Assurance of Victory 1 Corinthians 10:13 4) Assurance of Forgiveness 1 John 1:9 5) Assurance of Guidance Proverbs 3:5-6 All of us know people who need to hear about the assurance that God offers us in Christ. Let's be sure to invite them to study God's promises with us. Also, if you haven't made your New Year's resolutions, it's not too late to craft some that will deepen your relationship with the Lord. In fact, this Sunday is Faith Fair! During the Sunday school hour, you will have the opportunity to explore the various classes and mission opportunities that we will be offering this spring. Be sure to participate in these activities that will make you strong in the Lord. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8 Let us enjoy the blessings of putting our confidence in the Lord as we begin this New Year! In Christ's love, Pastor Jim |
Membership
Thanks So Much! Please know how grateful the SGPC staff was for all of the generosity exhibited via the 2012 Love Offering. Your kindness and appreciation during the Christmas season was truly a blessing!
Giving Envelopes Just a reminder to please pick up your giving envelopes if you haven't already. They are located outside of the worship service areas on Sundays. Also, if for whatever reason you need a pack of giving envelopes, or were inadvertently left off the member list who receives them, please contact Andrea Summers (359.7770 ext. 34) in the SGPC business office. We have plenty available!
Name Tags If you have lost your SGPC name tag and need a replacement one, please contact Melissa Peel (ext. 63). As a member, please be sure to wear your name tag, too, as it's a huge help for members you may not know to learn your name, as well as for guests who are visiting the church. Thanks for your help in this regard!
Denominational Issues Know that all denominational updates are on our SGPC Denominational News page, which is a link on our SGPC Home page. Questions regarding denominational concerns may be directed to Joe Moore, SGPC Clerk of Session (803.779.3939).
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Congregational Care 
Thanks to Former Saxe Gotha Knitters
A former SGPC ministry, the Saxe Gotha Knitters, recently donated 107 knitted caps to the Central Midland Transitional Retreat for Veterans in Lexington, which provides limited housing and job training for displaced Veterans . These caps will be given out to these CMTR Veterans to keep them warm in the cold winter months. Helmet liners are now issued as a standard item for all military uniforms, so donations of helmet liners are no longer accepted by the US Armed Forces. Thank you to all of our Saxe Gotha Knitters for your time, commitment and talent to provide warmth to the present and past military!
 WinGS next meeting is Saturday, January 12th! Widows in Group Share is a wonderful group of ladies who get together monthly to share in their unique journey of being a widow. Gathering for a meal at a local restaurant, they provide each other with vital fellowship, friendship and support- and have a lot of fun along the way! All widows are welcome no matter the age! Co-Chairs are Jan Harrison and Carol Harden. To be included in dinner reservations, or learn more, please contact Jan (803/520-6640).
Christians in Career Transition Did you know that we have career counseling services available here at SGPC? CICT provides help in writing a resume, improving interview skills, and encouragement and support as one goes through this time of transition. The group meets every Monday (except holidays) from 9:00-11:00 AM in the SGPC Library (MB but enter at SGPC staff offices entrance) and anyone is welcome to attend. Know that CICT meetings will resume for the New Year on January 7, 2013. To learn more, visit the CICT webpage. The services are free and open to anyone in the community in need of career guidance. For questions, contact Kathy Arrowsmith via email or phone (803.238.6905).
 Stephen Ministry Training
Do you have the gift of compassion? Do you find that people seek you out when they need perspective in their lives? If so, we'd like to invite you to consider becoming a Stephen Minister! You'll take a comprehensive, 12-week training class that will prepare you to minister to people through various seasons of life's circumstances, while using the gifts that God has given you. Class dates are January 6 - March 24, 2013 from 4:00-6:00 PM in MB Room 234. For an application or more information, please contact Stephen Leaders Jon Myers, Carol Perrin, Debbie Knight, or Kathy Medlen, or staff member Melissa Peel (359.7770, ext. 63). Deadline to sign up is today, Wednesday, January 2, 2013 (contact Melissa Peel). Please prayerfully consider joining our Stephen Ministry team.
 GriefShare Begins on January 6th Did you know that SGPC is involved with GriefShare? Annually our church holds this 13-week, Biblically based program for individuals who are grieving the death of someone close. Our next program is scheduled for the first Sunday in January if you need to get involved in a GriefShare group. The specific dates are January 6 - April 7, 2013 and meetings will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM in the SGPC Welcome Center. These sessions are open to anyone who has experienced loss. This is a journey of faith, hope and healing as individuals gather for a weekly seminar and support group. To register, please contact Janet Padalino (960-6509) or Melissa Peel (359.7770 ext. 63). Deadline to register is Thursday, January 3, 2013. Materials are provided. Prayer Shawl Our next Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting will be Monday, January 7, 2012 from 10:00-11:30 AM in MB Room 155. Please plan to join us! The group  normally meets the first and third Monday of each month. Know that the Needler (102 E. Main St., Lexington) will give a 20% discount on needles and yarn for those making prayer shawls for this ministry. And the group has teachers available to teacher beginners how to knit or crochet. All newcomers need to bring are needles thanks to a generous donation of yarn. If you would like further information on this ministry, please call Kathy Medlen (803.359.3380).
To learn more about all such ministries, please visit our Congregational Care ministries webpage.
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Adults 
Faith Fair is January 6th!
Be sure to save Sunday, January 6, 2013 on your calendar as that's the date for our mid-year Faith Fair. Plan to join us to learn about the many ministries and classes that our church will offer this winter and spring. Invite friends to attend as well to learn more about Saxe Gotha Presbyterian! Please note that there will be no Sunday school that day due to the Faith Fair, except for those youth in Confirmation Class. Also, check out all of our Adult Classes that we'll offer this winter/spring (know you can find this link on our home page, too, under details about Faith Fair). Plan to come to Faith Fair to learn more about these classes and all of our SGPC ministries!
NEW Adult Sunday School Class: Regeneration Regeneration is for single adults over 30 years old who are restoring their faith after a divorce or the dissolution of a significant relationship. Please join Carl Maki and this new class in the Light House Rm. 138 on Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM starting on January 13, 2013. Contact Carl Maki via email for more information or visit with him at our upcoming Faith Fair on January 6th.
Revelation Revealed: Fourth and Final Class to be Offered Dr. David Stallard will offer this non-denominational class again in the New Year. It will be taught in the first person, as David takes on the role of John the apostle himself, in order to make it more understandable, engaging and fruitful. The class will take us on Jesus Christ's directed journey through the often controversial and mysterious final book of the Holy Bible. Learn how to read and interpret Apocalyptic Literature, understand ancient picture and numeric symbols, recognize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and discover what Christ expects from us as His followers as well as outline His promises to us for Eternal Life. Class dates are Thursday nights from Jan. 10-March 21, 2013 (excluding 2/21/13) from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. The cost is free. Location is Presbyterian Community Chapel, 700 Davega Dr., Lexington, SC. Seating and study materials are provided and there are no required books. To sign up, please contact David Stallard via email or phone (381-7318).
Young Christian Professionals Group Yo Pros is a group of young professionals (married & single) in the Lexington/Columbia area gathering together to encourage each other and friends in the Lord. Our gatherings vary in purpose and format. The meetings vary in purpose and format, but they meet each Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Watershed or local restaurants, such as Metonoia or The Publick House. They also have a fun monthly gathering for things like rafting, camping or beach trips. To learn more about how to get involved, please visit the WFYP Facebook page.
To learn more about adult ministries, please click Bible photo above.
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Senior Ministries
Caring Connections Ministry Reminder that this group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 3:45 PM in MB Room 155. All are welcome to join us! To learn more about this terrific ministry, which visits individuals in need, please visit the Caring Connections webpage.  Senior Adult Luncheon: January 17th On Thursday, January 17th at 12:00 Noon, we'll hold our Senior Adult Luncheon in the Light House Atrium. Please plan to join us! Our entertainment will be provided by Glen Ward, a professional humorist and inspirational speaker. Per Glen's website, "His wholesome humor involves hilariously accurate impersonations of well-known political and musical celebrities...as well as life lessons learned from growing up in a minister's home." Our luncheon will be catered by Vegetable Medley. Please make reservations by contacting Pansy Floyd via email or phone (359-7770, ext. 37) by Monday, January 14th.
For more information on Senior Ministries, please click the couple's photo above.
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Children's Ministries
Wed. Night PM: No Programming
Sunday AM: Sunday School 9:45-10:30 AM normally in various locations, but no Sunday School on Jan. 6th due to Faith Fair Sunday PM: No programming
SNL Important Information:
Jan. 13 (Sun ): Family Bonfire!! SNL resumes with a Family Bonfire from 5:00-6:30 PM in the Light House parking lot to include all children, youth and their parents! Plan to join us for an evening of fun!
Jan. 27 (Sun): Auditions for Spring Children's Musical! More to details to come next week, so be on the lookout for the full scoop!
Wednesday Nights SPLASH Dock & Veggies Tales both resume on January 9th.
SPLASH Children's Ministry Values: Worship, Relationships, The Bible, Service and Fun!
Moms In Prayer Please know that there is now a Moms In Prayer group for Meadow Glen Elementary School. Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other women. To learn more, please contact Catherine Bost via email or phone (252-414-3529). Know that there are also a few SGPC Moms in Prayer groups. For more information please visit the SGPC Adults page and scroll to the end for the details.
To get more information about our children's ministries, which includes learning more about our newly adopted SPLASH Children's Ministry Values, please click SPLASH link above!
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Middle School Youth 
SUNDAY AM: SUNDAY SCHOOL from 9:45-10:30 AM
6th Graders - LH Room 145
7th & 8th Graders - LH Rm. 146
Confirmation Class - LH Rm. 147
No Sunday School this Sunday EXCEPT for Confirmation Students due to Faith Fair. Also, check out the New Year schedule for start dates for youth.
Jan. 13th - Family Bonfire For all children and all youth! Plan to join us that Sunday evening in the Light House parking lot from 5:00-6:30 PM. Parents are also welcome! It should be an evening of full of fun to kick off Sunday nights!
 Middle "C" (6th-8th grade choir) Our group will begin meeting again on Wednesday, January 16th. We normally meet on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:15 PM in Room 143 in the Light House. All middle school kids are welcome to join us! Please contact Bethany Encina (359.7770, ext. 30) with questions regarding this group.
CONNECT Ski Ret  reat This Winter: February 1-3, 2013For those who signed up to join us for our trip to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, reminder that the final payments are due on January 13th. Cost per person is $200 and include lodging, transportation, ski lift and rentals, beginner ski lessons and meals (with the exception of dinner to and lunch on way back). There is an extra cost to upgrade to a snowboard, but no beginners are allowed. Can't wait until the trip!
To get the full scoop on CONNECT, click the logo above!
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High School Youth
Sunday AM: Sunday School from 9:45-10:30 AM
- 9th & 10th Graders in Light House Room 141
- 10th & 11th Graders in Light House Room 142
But NO SUNDAY SCHOOL this Sunday due to Faith Fair!
Jan. 13th - Family Bonfire It's for for all CONVERGE students, our CONNECT students and our children! Plan to join us that Sunday evening in the Light House parking lot from 5:00-6:30 PM. Parents are also welcome! It should be an evening of full of fun to kick off Sunday nights!
 S.O.U.L. (High School Vocal Ensemble) Our group normally meets on Sunday evenings from 6:30-7;30 PM in the Music Suite. All high school students are welcome! Questions about the group should be directed to Hal McIntosh (359.7770 ext. 13).
Converge Ski Retreat: January 17-19, 2013 For those who signed up and plan to join us fo r the trip to Beech Mountain Ski Resort in NC, we are looking forward to a terrific time! For all who signed up, please be sure to read the Ski Trip Participant Letter that details what youth need to bring. Remember that youth need to bring cash for the cost of 2 meals during travel to and from mountain and extra spending money. It will be lots of fun for our CONVERGE high school youth! To see more on High School ministries, including weekly class schedules/locations, click CONVERGE link above! |
Missions: Give God Joy Through Service
 Nailbenders next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 12th! Join us!
 Thanks for Christmas Blessings!
We have our final numbers in and it's pretty amazing
the impact that our SGPC members have had on serving others this holiday season! We helped so many with our holiday missions efforts. So read the details, praise God for all that was done and enjoy celebrating the many w
ays our church members have helped others!
- Friendship Dinner: It entertained and served 130 people a delicious meal at our Christmas themed event.
- Love A Family: Assisted 25 families at Mission of Hope.
- Operation Turkey: Served 1700+ meals to those in need in our local community.
- Operation Warmth: Collected 100+ jackets and sweatshirts to donate to the local homeless adults and needy children attending schools in Lexington District 1.
- Bike Drive: Collected and refurbished 141 gently used bikes that were then donated to LICS and Ministry of Hope for needy families with children.
- Operation Christmas Child: We packed 736 shoe boxes to send to children worldwide who need Christ's love.
- Angel Tree: Provided 82 children with Bibles and presents this Christmas.
- Project Joy: Helped 2 families with Christmas gifts.
- Neema Children's Home: $8,000 was donated to build a new church in Kisumu AND $6,500 was given to purchase 2 acres of land to build a school for the children.
- Andrews Family Rebuild: Although efforts are still underway, so much was accomplished thanks to Bill Seymour, Kathy Coyle and so many others who volunteered their time, in-kind items and/or money. We hope to complete the project in early 2013.
A tremendous thanks to everyone who gave via the many SGPC mission efforts this year! Many less fortunate families and children were shown Christ's love through your generosity this holiday season in particular. We know that these efforts gave God great joy as by serving others we are serving Him!
 Serve by Sponsoring a Lunch! We would love to have a lunch sponsor for the Andrews Home Build volunteers when they meet on January 19th and February 16th. Individuals could donate money towards the expense or a Sunday School class, small group, circle or individual could provide the food. If you are looking for a great way to serve others, please contact Bill Seymour or Tammy Pearson to sign up to provide lunch.  Eye Glasses/Hearing Aids Collection Please continue to bring any eye glasses and hearing aids that are no longer needed to the collection box that is located in the area near the SGPC receptionist's desk (main office entrance). They will be collected by the Lexington Lions club for re-use. All that are collected will go to individuals in great need! Know that this is an ongoing effort.
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Recreation/Health 
WORLD VISION WRITERS NEEDED!! We need writers for some of our World Vision children who are sponsored by Lexington's Race Against Hunger at SGPC. We sponsor 14 children and 1 family through World Vision.
Becoming a writer does NOT require any money, just a few minutes of your time. We pay the sponsorship fee and mail the letters for you. You are only asked to write a short letter to your assigned child four times a year. Can you imagine the excitement of a little child receiving a letter from you?
To volunteer or get more information, please contact Pansy Floyd via email or phone (359-7770, ext. 37).
To learn more about SGPC recreation/health ministry efforts, please click the photo above.
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