The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of October 26, 2025
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
THE 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
October 26, 2025 · 11:00 AM
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS..................................................................... ..Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
PRELUDE A Mighty Fortress............................................................................Arr. Jeff Cranfill Smoke Rise Instruments, Rudy Wilson, director
GREETING..................................................................
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Bart McNiel Associate Pastor
OPENING LITANY............................................................... .................................Rev. McNiel
Let we who live with faith in God proclaim, “Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress, my God I will trust forever." Let we who trust in the Lord know that holy love surrounds us. God's protection will follow us throughout our days. When we call out to the Lord, we know that we are heard. God is with us in every trial and temptation, therefore we will rejoice in the salvation of the Almighty! Amen! based on Psalm 91
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
PRAYER OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
SONG OF PRAISE
The First Song of Isaiah.................................... .................. Jack Noble White
Children Choristers, Youth Choir and Sanctuary Choir
Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and He will be my Savior.
Therefore, you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation and on that day you shall say, “Give thanks to the Lord and call upon God’s name.”
Make His deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that His name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord, for He has done great things and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion; ring out your joy, for the Great One in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
INTERLUDE
At this time children, ages three through 2nd grade will depart for Godly Play in room 207.
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.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18..........................................................Rev.
Jeremiah Hamby Interim Minister of Youth
6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
16At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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!
YOUTH CHOIR
Hymn of Promise
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there ’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity . In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Natalie Sleeth
A Holy Longing
We Walk by Faith..............................................................................
CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
PARTING WORDS..........
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Dr. George
Recessional on Ein Feste Burg................................................Franklin D. Ashdown
†All who are able are invited to stand.
Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
Rev. Jeremiah Hamby Presented as Minister of Youth and Missions
The Personnel Committee and Youth Minister Search Committee are pleased to present Rev. Jeremiah Hamby as our candidate for Minister of Youth and Missions. Jeremiah has faithfully served in the role as our Interim Youth Minister, bringing deep passion, creativity, and care to our youth ministry. He has served in both church and university settings, helping others grow in faith through study, service, and community. Join us as we vote to affirm Jeremiah as our new minister and celebrate this exciting step.
Church Vote Sunday, October 26, during morning worship
Reception
Following worship, with light refreshments
November 2 11:00 AM Worship
We invite you to join us next Sunday as we remember those who have passed away from us in this place and gone before us into God’s presence. We pause to give thanks to God for their good lives.
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 October 23, 2025 at 9:00 am
Deaths
Ronnie Smith
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
Ohlen and Martha Wilson
Concerns
*Martha Abner's friend, Tom Kunz
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Betty Bedsole
Reed Bennett
Janet Benford
Gleason & Janet Benford’s daughter, Jennifer
Joy Bouchard's son-in-law, Charles
Mary Brannon
Candace Caswell
Linda Caswell
Robert Cherry
Joanne Cofer
Ed Cooper
Victoria Crosby’s friend, Nancy Costo
Jane Cummins' son-in-law, Larry Beebe
Carol Densford
Brenda Dugger
**Jim Farmer
Mark Gaines
Denny Goodenow
Janet Granade's nephew, Ron Spain
Norma Green
**Jeremiah Hamby's grandfather, Luther Smith
Georgianne and Joel Harrison's son-in-law, Evan Vitch
Mike and Martha Holt's brother-in-law, Steve
Gaddis
Steve & Sandy Huff's sister-in-law, Malie Huff
*Larry Insko
Charlotte Johnson’s son-in-law
Carol Johnson
**John Jones
John Jones' nephew, Randy Bolling
Joan Kennedy
Bob and Vicki King's grandson, Jack
Jean L’Amoreaux's grandsons Anderson & Collins Easom
**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
Alli and Randy Nicolais, and their family
Sara Ann Pepper's nephew, Jeff Paul
Joel Price
Miranda Rouk's mother, Sue Mathis
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Hugh Bennawitz
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Erin O'Brian
Debbie Scott
Catherine Sloan’s great-grandson, Cade Walker
Debra Smith
Nancy Snell
Jean and Mark Sowell's family friend, Michael Boswell
Mark Sowell
A PEOPLE OF
Prayer
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
Carolyn Springston
Debbie Stephenson
Ernie Strauss' son and granddaughter
*Ralph Sutera
Nell Thomas
**Jan Vreeland
Jim and Dinah Watsons daughter-in-law, Pilar
Brian Weatherby
Alexis Weaver's aunt, Martha Jones
Bobbie and Jim Wehner
Michael and Debby Willis’ nephew, Cameron
Willis
John Wilson
Academy of Arts teacher, Kim Britt
Academy of Arts teacher, Janet Chadwick
Brookwood Orchestra Teacher, Ms. Kendall
FBC Gainesville Senior Pastor, Jeremy Shoulta
Retired minister from Briarlake, Larry Sullivan
Missionary Partners, Joshua and Amy Pun
Missionary Partners in the Middle East, names withheld for safety
God of our beginning and our ending, we thank you that you are with us through every phase of our lives. Thank you for abiding with us and within us, and for being our refuge and strength in times of joy and in times of despair. Amen.
Our Church Calendar
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
October Events
& Rooted
November Events
Getting Through the Holidays
November 16 5:00 PM|Room 308
All are invitied to our special gathering of our grief support group. We will focus on coping with loss during the coming holiday season. Whether your loss is recent or from years past, you are welcome here.
Faithful Voices
November 3 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
November 22 | 9:30 am Mint Coffeehouse
Young Adults are invited to Coffee Boat for a time of fellowship each month.
NEURODIVERSITY CAREGIVERS GROUP
October 27 | 7:00 PM | Room 308
This group will both share in the joys of neurodivergence, as well as be a sounding board and support to help caregivers provide the best care possible to their family members.
Confidential RSVP to Martha at mabner@smokerisebaptist.org to receive group updates.
November 13 | 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
November 10 | 1:30 PM | Room 223
Please bring a salad or dessert for our luncheon at this month's gathering. Sadies' Ladies Circle
Fite Circle
November 4 | 10:00 AM | Parlor
All our welcome to join us for a time of community and supprt.
Gathered & Rooted
A Space for Families
Family Ministries invites families with children and youth to join us for Gathered & Rooted—a time to connect, fellowship, and grow together. Our next gathering is today, October 26, from 5–7 PM at the Murdock’s home (in place of evening activities at church). Dinner will be provided. We hope you’ll join us!
Church in Conference
Join us on November 9th in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service for our quarterly Church in Conference meeting and luncheon. RSVP with the church office at mabner@ smokerisebaptist.org or 770.469.5856.
September Financial Update
The SRBC Fiscal Year runs April through March
($41,825.85) Expenses
NOVEMBER 11 6:30 PM Tickets are $20 and are for sale on Sunday mornings and Wednesday Evenings.
This year will get to hear from speaker, MAGGIE WALLEM ROWE. She will be speaking on the song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.
WEDNESDAY
EVENING ACTIVITIES
This week is Octoberfest. Come join us for a fun evening of fellowship!
This Weeks Menu (10/29)
BBQ, corn dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, cookies
Dinner Pricing
Adults $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50
Immediate Family Maximum $25
October 29 5-7 p.m.
To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
Waiting as a Spiritual Discipline November 5-19
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Audrey Thomas
Candy Donations
Candy is needed for Octoberfest. Please no chocolate or nuts. Donations can be brought to the church office. Trunk or Treat • Inflatables
Volunteers Needed
Dinner Pricing
$8 for Adults, $3 for Kids, $25 Family Max
Anyone interested in volunteering for Octoberfest can contact MaryLynn Manley: (770) 925-7509, bunnydog55@comcast.net
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.
Smoke Rise Academy of Arts Presents
November 7 & 8 at 7:00 PM Get Your Tickets at SmokeRiseBaptist.org/show/
Saturday, November 22 6:00-7:30pm
Sign up to bring an item at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/
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/
Help us reach our goal!
Thank you all for joining us in celebrating Mission Sunday! We have received $16,465 toward our world mission offering goal of $55,000. Through this offering you help feed the hungry, restore homes, bring medical care, and share God’s love near and far. Each of our 11 mission partners have a $5,000 project that will directly impact their community!
Thanksgiving
with your Smoke Rise Family
November 23 at 6:00 PM
Church Dinner
We welcome you to a time of good food and fellowship as we express our thankfulness for our wonderful church family.
Food Baskets
After dinner, we will gather in the gym to put together Thanksgiving baskets for NETWorks and the Lilburn Co-op. Food will be collected from, Sunday, October 26 - Wednesday, November 19. Collection bins will be located throughout the church.
• 1 large can sweet potatoes
• 3 cans green beans
• 2 cans corn
• 1 can fruit
• 1 can cranberry sauce
• 2 packets gravy (NO JARS)
• 1 box stuffing
• 2 boxes mac and cheese
• 2 packets potatoes (NO BOXES)
• 1 package of muffin mix
• 1 package of cookies
• 1 can of pie filling (cherry or apple)
• 1 box Jiffy pie crust
• 1 package Thanksgiving luncheon napkins
• $15 Gift Card for meat (Please bring cards to the church office and deposit in the Thanksgiving box.)
Support for every stage of life.
Find care, renewal, and guidance in a welcoming and compassionate space.
Find Support For:
Grief . Anxiety . Depression Life Transitions
All 50 minute sessions are only $25 thanks to a generous donation.
Our Counselors
Eliza Sanford
LAPC, NCC, MS (334) 596-5566
Office Hours: Monday – 8am to Noon Friday – Noon to 6pm
Eliza completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She has her National Counseling Certification (NCC) and is in the process of obtaining full professional counseling licensure. Eliza has previous work experience in a variety of settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and residential. She specializes in trauma care, eating disorder recovery, couples/families therapy, mood-related disorders, and cooccurring disorders.
Alli Nicolais
LCSW, LMFT (404) 990-4888
Office Hours: Thursdays – 11am to 1pm
Alli Nicolais offers counseling services to older adults, including those living in independent living communities or care settings as they navigate life transitions and the anxiety, depression and other adjustment issues that may arise. At The University of Georgia, Alli studied Clinical Social Work with a special focus in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is licensed as both a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She also has additional training in brainspotting and EMDR.