The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 23, 2025
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
November 23, 2025 · 11:00 AM
REIGN OF CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
The observance of Christ the King (or Reign of Christ) ends our marking of Ordinary Time after the Day of Pentecost, and moves us to the threshold of Advent, the season of hope for Christ’s coming again at the end of time.
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS.....................................................................
Rev. Bart McNiel
Associate Pastor
ORGAN PRELUDE
All Creatures of Our God and King...........................
OPENING LITANY..................................................................
Arr. Robert A. Hobby
Jeremiah Hamby Minister of Youth and Missions
On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, may the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
We come to worship Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega, the One Who is, Who was, and is to come.
We come to worship the One Who rules justly and with integrity.
We come to worship Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. The firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth.
He is the Eternal Word, the Great I AM.
He is the Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace!
We come to worship Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords! To Him alone be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
CHORAL INTROIT
We Gather Together ........................................................... Anonymous Dutch Hymn
†PROCESSIONAL
HYMN 371 Now Thank We All Our God............................................ ....................
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE
THANKSGIVING LITANY.............................................................Rev.
Rebecca Caswell -Speight Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
We give thanks for this good earth, Your gift to us and our home ; we pray for wisdom and gentleness to care for Your creation, O God.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into God’s presence with singing. We gather with grateful hearts, remembering Your mercy and strength, Your justice and Your compassion, Your goodness and Your grace.
Know that the Lord is God.
May we live what we know of You and strive for what You seek, O God.
We are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture. In humility we pray for the entire human family, remembering those in need and all who are alone, dishonored or excluded.
Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise. Move us through thanksgiving and praise to action. Use us to heal wherever there is violence and harm.
Give thanks to God; bless God’s name.
May we embrace Your just purpose, O God, and offer ourselves in prophetic witness. For the Lord is good; we pray for Your goodness to flow outward, flooding this world with love.
God’s steadfast love endures forever .
We pray for Your loving purpose in every life this day and into the days to come ; and God’s faithfulness to all generations .
CHORAL MUSIC
Look at the World......................................... ....................... .....
John Rutter
Look at the world , everything all around us: look at the world, and marvel everyday. Look at the world , so many joys and wonders, so many miracles along our way.
(Refrain) Praise to thee, O Lord for all creation; give us thankful hearts, that we may see: all the gifts we share and every blessing , all things come of Thee.
Look at the earth: bringing forth fruit and flower; look at the sky, the sunshine and the rain ; look at the hills; look at the trees and mountains, valley and flowing river, field and plain; (refrain)
Think of the spring ; think of the warmth of summer bringing the harvest before the winter’s cold. Everything grows, everything has a season, ’til it is gathered to the Father’s fold. (refrain) Every good gift, all that we need and cherish comes from the Lord in token of His love; we are His hands, stewards of all His bounty; His is the earth and His the heavens above . (refrain)
PASTORAL PRAYER WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER....................................Dr. Page Fulgham
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen. †HYMN 376
For the Fruit of All Creation..............................................................
At this time children, ages three through 2nd grade , will depart for Godly Play in room 207.
OFFERTORY PRAYER............................................................
Danny Vancil
PIANO DUET
Now Thank We All Our God...................................................... ....Arr. Mark Hayes
Heather
Huff and Judy Parker, pi anists
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 23: 26-43............................................................................Rev. Kathy Dobbins
26As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God!
SERMON....................................................................... ....................................... Rev. McNiel
A Kingdom Harvest from the Hard Ground
†HYMN OF RESPONSE 372
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come............................. .......ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR
PARTING WORDS.......... ...................................................................... ...............Rev. McNiel
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Nun Danket All Gott (Marche Triomphale) ............................ Sigfrid Karg-Elert
†All who are able are invited to stand. Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
.
Thanksgiving with your Smoke Rise Family
Today, November 23 at 6:00 PM
Church Dinner and Basket Project
We welcome you to a time of good food and fellowship as we express our thankfulness for our wonderful church family. After dinner, we will gather in the gym to put together Thanksgiving baskets for NETWorks and the Lilburn Co-op.
First Sunday of Advent
November 30 · Anticipation
Scripture: Luke 1:28-36
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7 · Affirmation
Scripture: Luke 1:38b-45
Third Sunday of Advent
December 14 · Celebration
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21 · Preparation
Scripture: Luke 2:1-6
Prayer List
Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Please let us know if someone needs to be added or removed from this list by calling 770.469.5856
*Indicates new concerns
**Recent surgery or hospitalization
Updated November 20, 2025 at 9:00 am
Deaths
Ann Carrollton
Jeremiah Hamby's grandfather, Luther Smith
Martha Abner's mother, Maria Rodriguez
Hospice
Jeanie Duvall
Elaine Headley
Dee Dee Poss
Home Care
Gloria Adams
Brenda Brantly
Lillian Gulley
Jim Harris
Sandra McNiel
Ken Underwood
Rehabilitation/Assisted Living/Long Term Care
Martha Albertson
David Bishop, Sr.
Lois Brecht
Lynn Buckhalt
Nancy and Richard Davis
JoAnne Frith
Shirley Furr
Jim Griffith
Beverly Hammack
Carol Hand
Sandra Hawkins
Jan Lammert
Warren Mason
Dixie Meister
Donna Metz
Nita Mitchell
Pat Thompson
Jerry Wade
Don Wells
Martha Wilson
Concerns
Martha Abner's friend, Tom Kunz
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Flora Bargeron
**Terry Bates
*Terry Bates' brother, Gary Bates
Reed Bennett
Janet Benford
Gleason & Janet Benford’s daughter, Jennifer
Joy Bouchard's son-in-law, Charles
Orlando Blancato's sister, Norma Mortenson
Mary Brannon
Candace Caswell
Linda Caswell
Bill Cates
Robert Cherry
Joanne Cofer
Ed Cooper
Victoria Crosby’s friend, Nancy Costo
Jane Cummins' son-in-law, Larry Beebe
Carol Densford
Peggy Duke
Mitzi Ethride-Cantrell's family friend, Jonathan
Skully
**Jim Farmer
Lynne Felton's sister, Pat Bass
Mark Gaines
Janet Granade's nephew, Ron Spain
Norma Green
Georgianne and Joel Harrison's son-in-law, Evan Vitch
Janie Hart's son, Paul
Mike and Martha Holt's brother-in-law, Steve Gaddis
Steve & Sandy Huff's sister-in-law, Malie Huff
Charlotte Johnson’s son-in-law
John Jones' nephew, Randy Bolling
Bob and Vicki King's grandson, Jack
Nathan Langley
Don McChesney’s brother-in-law, Bob Lewis
Nancy Mitchell
Alice Moore’s niece, Deanne Peacock
Ken Morgan’s son-in-law, Brad Dennis
Dennis Nelson
Alli and Randy Nicolais, and their family
Sara Ann Pepper's nephew, Jeff Paul
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Hugh Bennawitz
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Erin O'Brian
**Debbie Scott
Debra Smith
Nancy Snell
A PEOPLE OF Prayer
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
Jean and Mark Sowell's family friend, Michael Boswell
Mark Sowell
Carolyn Springston
Ernie Strauss' son and granddaughter
Nell Thomas
Jan Vreeland
Jim and Dinah Watsons daughter-in-law, Pilar
Brian Weatherby
Alexis Weaver's aunt, Martha Jones
Bobbie and Jim Wehner
Elizabeth Wells
Michael and Debby Willis’ nephew, Cameron
Willis
Academy of Arts teacher, Kim Britt
Academy of Arts teacher, Janet Chadwick
Missionary Partners, Joshua and Amy Pun
Missionary Partners in the Middle East, names withheld for safety
"If
the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."
— Meister Eckhart
Coffee and Donuts - 9:00 am
In-Person and Zoom Sunday School - 9:45 am
In-Person and Live stream Worship Service - 11:00 am
Children and Youth Activities - 5:00 pm
Dinner - 5:00 pm
Prayer Concerns - 6:00 pm
Youth and Children’s Activities - 6:00 pm
In-Person and Live stream Journeys - 6:00 pm
Sanctuary Choir - 7:00 pm
November Events
December Events
Grief Support Group
December 21 5:00 PM | Room 308
Our grief support group meets once a month to provide a safe space for sharing, healing, and encouragement. Whether you’re experiencing recent loss or carrying grief from the past, you are welcome here.
Faithful Voices
December 1
10:30 am | Chapel
One Monday a month come and lift your voice in praise as we celebrate through music and fellowship. All are welcome!
Smoke Rise Young Adults
December 27 | 9:30 am Mint Coffeehouse
Young Adults are invited to Coffee Boat for a time of fellowship each month.
December 11 | 11:30 am Magnolia Room Cafeteria
All men are invited for a wonderful time of devotion, prayer, great food, and fellowship. RSVP to Martha in the church office at 770.469.5856.
Circle Groups
All Women are Welcome to Our
December 8 | 1:30 PM | Room 223
We gather each month for fellowship and to support a local mission effort. Sadies' Ladies Circle
Fite Circle
December 9 | 10:00 AM | Parlor
All our welcome to join us for a time of community and supprt.
Children's Winter Retreat
January 23-25 Grades 3-5
Rock Eagle, Eatonton, GA
Deposit: $90
Due by December 1 2nd Payment: $90 Due by January 21
Register at smokerisebaptist.org/children/
FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND
February 27 - March 1
Montreat, North Carolina
Register by January 1
Register at smokerisebaptist.org/children/.
Family Deposit: $100
The second payment will be determined after the Chili Cook-off on February 1.
Individual Full Cost: $100
Winter Day Trip
Thursday, December 4
First Stop
Shopping and lunch on your own in historic Ellijay, GA.
Second Stop
A tour of Chip Wade’s Mountain Retreat Show Home, Pinhoti Peak. Chip Wade is an HGTV television Host, Designer and Producer.
Additional Details
ȧ Register with Martha Abner in the church office.
ȧ $25 transportation fee if you choose to take the bus.
ȧ We will leave the church at 8:00 AM.
URGENT NEED FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE
Our mission partners, NETworks Co-op in Tucker and the Lilburn Co-op, have expressed an urgent need for funds to support the deluge of requests from families facing food insecurity in our area. Due to recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), there has been a significant surge in demand at our partner co-ops.
If you would like to help meet this increased need, you may give online or by check to Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Mark your memo line, “Co-op Food.”
A Fall Devotional
We invited several Smoke Rise members to share moments that have shaped their love for the Church. These stories, along with reflection questions, scripture, and a prayer, will be posted at smokerisebaptist.org each Tuesday. These personal stories help us get to know one another while reflecting on our own faith journeys.
Academy of Arts
HolidayMarket
Saturday, December 13
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Enjoy festive music and dance performances, shop from local vendors, and treat yourself to delicious coffee, donuts, and hot dogs. Bring the whole family for a joyful day of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration — and don’t forget to stop by for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
To learn more visit
smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
Old Stories & New Ways at Christmas
December 3-10
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Bart McNiel
Progressive Dinner x youth
December 20
Meeting at the church at 6:00 p.m
Join us for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship as we travel together from home to home for a three-course adventure! Each stop will feature delicious food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs with friends.
December 7
Before Worship 9-10:45 a.m.
After Worship 12 -12:30 p.m.
Before Concert 6:15 -7:00 p.m Concert Intermission
LIGHT
An Advent Devotional in Every Hue
From darkness to light, we invite you to explore a different hue of Advent’s light each week: the hidden black, the tender gray, the unseen violet, and the radiant white.
Through scripture, reflection, and prayer, these devotionals remind us that God’s light meets us in every shade of life—from darkness and uncertainty to hope and wholeness. Each Tuesday in Advent, a new devotional will be posted at smokerisebaptist.org.
The Give More Store is an opportunity to buy items from some of our mission partners. It is an ideal time to buy gifts for Christmas and support various ministries!
Peter Mayer
Stars & Promises Christmas Concert
December 7 | 7:00 PM
Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, will be at Smoke Rise for his Stars & Promises Christmas show. This concert is free and open to the public!
In the spirit of generosity and community, we invite you to make an offering after the show to support the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry.
Christmas Breakfast Churchwide
December 21 | 9:00-9:45 Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 21 Presented by The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra 7:00 PM
December 24th
Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 PM
Candlelight Communion Service at 7:00 PM
The service will be available via live stream.
Ways to Give
Give the traditional way by check or cash each week through the mail or in the offering plate.
Text
Give through text, by texting "givesrbc" to 73256 followed by the gift amount to give.
Online
Give online at smokerisebaptist.org/ give/. Through online giving, you can set up a recurring gift or tithe.
Stock
To give through a transfer of stock and securities, please contact Fe Williams in our church office at financeoffice@ smokerisebaptist. org or by phone at 770.469.5856.
End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign
November 16 - December 31
We have collected $41,540.47 of our $600,000 goal.
Church
Family,
As we prepare for Thanksgiving and look ahead to the Advent season, our end-of-year giving campaign is underway. Each year, this season plays an important role in supporting our ministry plan, and it has done so for many years.
Last year, during this giving season, tithes and offerings made up 30 percent of all giving for the entire fiscal year. The total reached $739,000 dollars. Based on giving through the fiscal year thus far, we need to exceed our goal and reach at least this same level and percentage of giving during this season to avoid a significant impact on our church reserves.
We are grateful for the wide generosity we share at Smoke Rise and look forward to worshipping together in this season of gratitude and grace.
In God's Peace, Bart
McNiel, Associate Pastor