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The Tie that Binds Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 15, 2026

THE WORSHIP OF GOD NOVEMBER 15, 2026 · 11:00 AM The Season of Ordinary Time CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS.......................................................................Dr. Chris George

Senior Pastor

PRELUDE DUET Prelude: Bourrée.......................................................Music by Johann Sebastian Bach Davis Payne, violin; Jason Payne, piano

CALL TO WORSHIP....................................................................Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight Praise the Lord! Praise God in the sanctuary. Praise God in the vault of heaven. Praise God in the earth and skies. Sing praises to the Lord. Shout and sing praises to God. We have witnessed God’s mighty acts. We have seen the Lord’s greatness. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Let everything that draws breath praise the Lord!

Minister of Families and Faith Formation

CHORAL INTROIT All People of God..............................................................................Don G. Fontana All people of God come worship the Lord. O come, He is here and He waits to hear voices and instruments in one great sound. Come, let us sing to our God.

INVOCATION...........................................................................................Rev. Caswell-Speight

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HYMN 335 Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him..............................................HYFRYDOL

DUET

Great Is Thy Faithfulness...............................................Arranged by Phillip Keveren Kathy Farmer, flute; Heather Huff, piano

THE CALL TO PRAYER.......................................................................................Dr. Jim Smith

Pastoral Care Associate

CHORAL MUSIC Psalm of Comfort...............................................................Music by Benjamin Harlan The Twenty-Third Psalm

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in pastures green. He leads me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leads me in righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy rod and staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

PASTORAL PRAYER WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER................................................Dr. Smith 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 48 Great Is Thy Faithfulness....................................................................FAITHFULNESS At this time children, ages three through 2nd grade will depart for Godly Play in room 207.

OFFERTORY PRAYER...................................................................................Rev. Bart McNiel

Associate Pastor

OFFERTORY DUET Largo e Dulce..........................................................................Johann Sebastian Bach Kathy Farmer, flute; Heather Huff, piano

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THE DOXOLOGY......................................................................................................OLD 100TH Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING 1 Kings 22:29-36..............................................................Rev. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell

Pastoral Care Associate

29So the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went up to Ramoth-Gilead. 30The

king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 31Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” 32When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is surely the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out. 33When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34But a certain man drew his bow and unknowingly struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate; so he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around, and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 35The battle grew hot that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans, until at evening he died; the blood from the wound had flowed into the bottom of the chariot. 36Then about sunset a shout went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!” 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

Random Arrows

Dr. George

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HYMN 57 Be Still, My Soul.........................................................................................FINLANDIA PARTING WORDS.................................................................................................Dr. George ORGAN POSTLUDE Voluntary on HYFRYDOL...................................................................Jason D. Payne RECESSIONAL

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All who are able are invited to stand.

Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist

Connect with us!

Welcome to Smoke Rise Baptist Church. If you are visiting with us we invited you to fill out our visitor card in the back of the pew, text hello to the number below, or scan the QR code so that we can get to know you.

Text Hello to 770.469.5856

Scan the QR Code

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 12, 2026 at 9:00 am

Hospice

Jeanie Duvall JoAnne Frith Elaine Headley Beverley Lake Dee Dee Poss

Home Care

Janet Benford Brenda Brantly Lillian Gulley Frances Maughon Sandra McNiel Carolyn Springston Graham Stovall Ken Underwood

Rehabilitation/Assisted Living/Long Term Care Martha Albertson Shirley Baskin David Bishop, Sr. Lois Brecht Claudie Brown Lynn Buckhalt Nancy Davis Peggy Duke Carol Freeman

Shirley Furr Carol and Mark Gaines Carol Hand Jim Harris Mike Holcomb Bob Knell Jan Lammert Marilyn Lunsford Warren Mason Dixie Meister Donna Metz Nita Mitchell Mary Ruth Parham Pete Seay Marie Solomon Pat Thompson Sally Tutterow Bobbie Wehner Don Wells June Anne Wheeler

Concerns

Jimmy Abner’s friend, Judy Wilson Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim **Rita Bowers Terry Cantrell's sister, Sherry Sally Cates Robert Cherry Kevin Culpepper’s father, Bill Jane Cummins Jane Cummins' son-in-law, Larry Beebe Carol Densford *Charlie Edmonds *Rebecca Edmond's niece Lynne Felton’s niece, Megan Finch *Lynne Felton and Marsha Kelley's friend, Mary Katherine Stahura Lynne Ginn's neighbor, Cane Norma Green Joel Harrison Ben and Sandra Hawkins Rhonda and Errol Hough Sandy Huff ’s sister, Nancy Prescott Milly Jenkins Bob Jernigan

Lou Jewell **Charlotte Johnson Charlotte Johnson’s son-in-law John Jones' nephew, Randy Bolling John Jones' sister-in-law, Phyllis Hall Rob Keeny's wife, Barb Patrece Keeter Joan Kennedy Bob and Vicki King's grandson, Jack Jack Lane Nathan Langley Don McChesney’s brother-in-law, Bob Lewis Sue Miller Nancy Mitchell Lisa Mixon's sister-in-law, Leslie Taylor Alice Moore’s niece, Deanne Peacock Ken Morgan’s son-in-law, Brad Dennis Judy Parker's cousin, Terri Cottle Mike Pattillo **Greg Pepper Christine Peredney's friend, Felicia Rodgers Larry Phillips *Mary Beth Pinckard's friend, Susan Price Joel Price

Prayer A PEOPLE OF

We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.

Marcia Price Patricia Roney Sara Salvadore’s friend, Hugh Bennawitz Sara Salvadore’s friend, Erin O'Brian **Don Sharp Alton and Kay Sims son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kathy *Antowyn Smith's family Debra Smith Jean and Mark Sowell's family friend, Michael Boswell Mark Sowell Vickie Sprinkle Jim Still's niece's husband, Matt Francis Ernie Strauss' son and granddaughter Pat Thompson's son, Joel Thompson Thomas Watson's friend, Robert Reeves Jim Watson Sally Weaver's son, Scott Jim Wehner Bill Wright Academy of Arts teacher, Janet Chadwick Academy of Art's parent, Sarah Skinner

God of all creation, when the hardships of life come out of nowhere, God, please send us your people to carry us through. When we want to hide from the struggles we face, push us to work through them creatively rather than trying to hide. And when we can find no way out, provide your light in our ever-present darkness. Because we know you are always there. Amen

Weekly Schedule

Our Church Calendar

Sunday 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 Wednesday 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 15

Gathered & Rooted

Grief Support

Thanksgiving Dinner and Basket Stuffing

Virtual Caregivers Support Group

Neurodiversity Caregivers Group

20 Mosaic Gathering

No 26 27 Wednesday Evening Activities Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed

21 Youth Friendsgiving

December Events 29

The First Sunday of Advent

Peter Mayer Concert

Faithful Voices

Fite Circle

Men's Prayer Lunch

Advent Experience

O Night Divine Christmas Concert

No Wednesday Evening Activities

Youth Progressive Dinner

Academy of Arts Holiday Market

College Christmas Party

Faithful Voices Monday, December 7 10:30 am | Chapel Once a month come and lift your voice in praise as we celebrate through music and fellowship. All are welcome!

Getting Through the Holidays November 15

5:00 PM|Room 308 All are invited 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.

NEURODIVERSITY

CAREGIVERS GROUP

November 16 | 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.

Smoke Rise Young Adults

December 10 | 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.

Keeping Women Connected Fite Circle

November 20 | 6:00 PM

December 8 | 11:30 AM | Three Blind Mice Come celebrate the Chirstmas season.

Bring a dish and join us for a Friendsgiving! We are excited to celebrate the season and give thanks together.

December 14 | 1:00 PM | Room 223 We hope you will join us for a Christmas luncheon.

Sadies' Ladies Circle

Virtual Caregivers Support Group Are you currently caring for a loved one? You don't have to walk this journey alone. Senior Provisions invites family caregivers to our free online Caregiver Support Group on the third Thursday of each month from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Join us to find encouragement, practical resources, and a supportive community. For more information contact Mitzi EthridgeCantrell, Pastoral Care Associate at mecantrell@smokerisebaptist.org

WEDNESDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES Join us for Fellowship Dinner from 5:00–6:00 PM, followed by activities for all ages from 6:00–7:00 PM.

This Weeks Menu (11/18) Fried chicken, baked chicken, rice and gravy, green beans, salad, and dessert

Dinner Pricing

Adults $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50 Immediate Family Maximum $25

To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/

The Composer Series

November 4-18 Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Rudy Wilson in conversation with Eric Nelson

Advent in Plain Sight

December 2-9 Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Chris George

Lamp & Light

Beginning January 7 (readings begins January 1) Thursdays at 7 PM | Zoom Meeting Led by Andrey Banks Thomas

You are invited to a one year, chronological read through and study of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If you’ve never read God’s word in tis entirety, this study is for you. If you would like to go deeper in your study, this study is also for you. Join us TODAY, November 15, immediately following worship in the parlor for a brief informational session.

A Space for Families

Gathered & Rooted

November 15 | 5:30-7:30 PM

FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND

February 26-28 Clarkesville, GA

You are invited for a service weekend for the entire church family! Learn more and register at smokerisebaptist.org/missions/. Family Deposit: $100 The second payment will be determined after the Chili Cook-Off on February 7. Individual Cost: $100

CHILI Cook-Off

February 7 | After the Worship Service We need chili, cornbread, and desserts, and people to come and eat some great food to support our Family Mission Weekend! Pick up a registration form in the church office or register online at smokerisebaptist.org/chili/.

Families with children and youth are invited to Gathered & Rooted—a time to connect, fellowship, and grow together. We will meet at the outdoor youth area for a campfire cookout. Dinner provided.

Youth Friendsgiving Saturday, November 21 6:00-7:30pm

September Financial Update The SRBC Fiscal Year runs April through March

Month to Date

Fiscal Year to Date

Giving $163,285.37

Giving $1,076,548.47

Expenses $212,384.07

Expenses $1,254,974.83

Balance ($49,098.70)

Balance ($178,426.36)

Advent Devotional

Advent Unhurried by Micha Boyett This year's devotional will give you space to slow down by reading 28 daily reflections centered on the traditional themes of the season of hope that is Advent. Each devotion integrates poems, prose, prayers, and practices, intertwined with custom illustrations throughout. Gathering all who read to slow down, make space for wonder, and to rediscover a more contemplative path toward Christmas.

Available for $15 in church office.

December 6-9

December 6: 12pm - 4pm December 7-8: 9:30am - 3pm December 9: 9:30am - 7pm This year’s Advent Experience will build on lessons from the pulpit taught throughout Advent. In the chapel, we will create sacred space for quiet contemplation, centered on 10 separate objects that may appear disjointed on their own, but together create a place to behold the fullness of the Christ-child.

Peter Mayer's

Stars & Promises Christmas Concert December 6 | 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.

O Night Divine Presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

Sunday, December 13 | 7:00 PM Join us as we journey to Bethlehem through beautiful music and the spoken word.

College Christmas Party December 19 | 7:00 PM at the Caswell-Speight Home

We will be reconnect between the fall and spring semesters and tap into the Christmas spirit together.

Holiday Market

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Progressive Dinner December 18

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.

Saturday, December 12 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us at the Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Holiday Market! Enjoy festive music and dance performances, shop from local vendors, treat yourself to delicious coffee, donuts, and hot dogs, and don’t forget to stop by for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign November 15 - December 31 Goal: $600,000 As we enter the season of Advent, the days grow shorter and the nights grow long. Our own church year moves in a similar rhythm, through seasons of steady giving followed by a season that is shorter, yet wide in its generosity and impact. Our end-of-year Gifts of Christmas offering continues to be a season of sacrificial giving that is fundamental to the financial health of our church family. Every gift made through the offering plate, online, or by gifts of stock received from November 15 through December 31 is needed to make our goal. There is much to celebrate at Smoke Rise as we prayerfully consider our end-of-year gifts for God’s work through Smoke Rise.

Together, we continue to see God at work through the addition of new members, expanded ministries, and meaningful impact in our community and abroad. In this season of waiting through shorter days, the longer arc of our ministry and mission reach is strengthened each year. Even as we live in the abundant fellowship and growth we are experiencing as a family of faith, we are committed to remain transparent and prudent in our financial stewardship. Our goal last year was $600,000—a goal we met and exceeded. This year, our goal remains $600,000. To cover our expenses, we need to meet and surpass this goal as we did last year and as we have done for many years past.

Ways to Give Text

Online

Mail

Stock

Give through text, by texting "givesrbc" to 73256 followed by the gift amount to give.

Give the traditional way by check or cash each week through the mail or in the offering plate.

Give online at smokerisebaptist.org/give/. Through online giving, you can set up a recurring gift or tithe.

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.

Through the end of September 2026, our giving trails our expenses by a deficit amount of $178,426.36. We invite members, associate members and all who are united with us in faith, fellowship and ministry to bring our very best to the Gifts of Christmas offering. Every gift, large or small, makes a great impact. We remain committed to fiscal discipline and financial responsibility, working within our approved ministry plan carefully managed month by month. Looking ahead, our finance committee and staff are already preparing next year's budget. Because we continue to have strong giving to our annual Gifts of Christmas Offering, along with consistent and committed month-to-month

giving throughout the church year, our fellowship and ministry reach is abundant. We will continue to budget with vision and prudence based on the commitment of our church family to faithfully give. There is an old, familiar pattern in the turning of the seasons: a time of contraction before a time of expansion, a season of rest before a season of growth. Our best days are not behind us, but in front of us, taking shape even now in the dark, when we generously share our treasures, time and talents. Thank you, Smoke Rise family of faith, for your generosity and commitment to God's good work among us. - Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

Thanksgiving with your Smoke Rise Family

November 22 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 25 - Wednesday, November 18. Collection bins will be located throughout the church and a box will be in the church office for gift card donations. ☐ large can of sweet potatoes ☐ canned green beans ☐ canned corn ☐ canned fruit ☐ canned jellied cranberry sauce ☐ gravy packets (NO GLASS JARS) ☐ boxed stuffing ☐ boxes of mac and cheese

☐ packages of cookies ☐ instant potato packets (NO BOXES) ☐ canned pie filling (apple or cherry) ☐ boxes of Jiffy pie crust ☐ muffin mix packets ☐ $20 Gift Cards (Kroger or Walmart)