The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 9, 2025
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
November 9, 2025 · 11:00 AM
The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS....................................................................... Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
ORGAN PRELUDE
Morning Song.............. ........................................ ................................ David Schelat GREETING.................................................................. ....................................Rev. Bart McNiel Associate Pastor
The joy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you.
OPENING LITANY............................................................... .................................Rev. McNiel
Hear again the promise God made to His people long ago: Do not be discouraged!
Be strong and courageous.
Keep working, for I am with you.
My Spirit remains with you, and is living among you.
So do not be afraid!
We will worship the God of all generations and our hope for years to come. Based on Haggai 2:4-5 INVOCATION
Rev. McNiel
O God, Our Help in Ages Past ..................................................................ST. ANNE
THE PSALM
Psalm 34:1-8........................................................... ......Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight Minister of Families and Faith Formation
1I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
THE INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE............................................................Dr. George
QUIET
MEDITATION AND CONFESSION
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER....................Rev. Caswell-Speight
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.
CHORAL MUSIC Celtic Laud
Music, Craig Courtney; Words, Pamela Martin
For fruit of the vine, for harvest of wheat, for bread and for wine, the gift of Your feast, the cup of thanksgiving I gratefully raise, O Lord of my living, my love and my praise.
For dove in the sky, for wind in the trees, for coal in the fire, Your Spirit in me, the cup of thanksgiving I gratefully raise, O Lord of my living, my love and my praise.
For springtime’s green earth, for morning’s first light, for every new birth, for grace and for life, the cup of thanksgiving I gratefully raise, O Lord of my living, my love and my Praise.
†HYMN OF TESTIMONY 620
Because He Lives.................................................................................. RESURRECTION
OFFERTORY PRAYER............................................................ ........Rev. Mitzi Ethridge -Cantrell Pastoral Care Assistant
PIANO
OFFERTORY
I Then Shall Live as One Who’s Been Forgiven ........................Arr. Mark Hayes Music, FINLANDIA by Jean Sibelius
SCRIPTURE READING
Haggai 1:15b-2:9......................................................................Rev. Ethridge- Cantrell
In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty -first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: 2Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say, 3Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? 4Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, 5according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. 6For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; 7and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, sa ys the Lord of hosts. 8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. 9The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.
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!
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Postlude in Classic Style ...................................................................Gordon Young †All who are able are invited to stand. Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
Tuesday, November 11, our country celebrates Veteran’s Day. Let us remember and give thanks for those who selflessly served to defend our freedoms. .
Upcoming Worship Services
November 16
The Servant's Song and Story Acts 6:1-7
November 23
The Kingdom of Long Memory and Last Chances Luke 23:26-43
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.)
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 6, 2025 at 9:00 am
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
Ohlen and Martha Wilson
Concerns
Martha Abner's friend, Tom Kunz
Martha and Brian Abner’s daughter, Christina
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Flora Bargeron
*Shirley Baskin
Terry Bates
Reed Bennett
Janet Benford
Gleason & Janet Benford’s daughter, Jennifer
Joy Bouchard's son-in-law, Charles
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
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
Charlotte Johnson’s son-in-law
John Jones' nephew, Randy Bolling
Joan Kennedy
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
Joel Price
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Hugh Bennawitz
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Erin O'Brian
Debbie Scott
**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
Robert Towe
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
We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the summer fields, and taste of the autumn fruits, and rejoice in the feel of the snow, and smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty; and save our souls from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory,
—Walter Rauschenbusch
Our Church Calendar
Sunday Evening - 5pm Children's Choir Only
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
Peter Mayer Concert Men's Prayer Group
Gathering
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
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
November 22 | 9:30 am Mint Coffeehouse
Young Adults are invited to Coffee Boat for a time of fellowship each month.
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
This month we will have a coat drive for Clarkston. We will see you there! Sadies' Ladies Circle
Fite Circle
December 9 | 10:00 AM | Parlor
All our welcome to join us for a time of community and supprt.
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.”
NOVEMBER 11
6:30 PM
Tickets are $20 and are for sale on Sunday mornings and Wednesday Evenings.
September Financial Update
The SRBC Fiscal Year runs April through March
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. Month to Date
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 (11/12)
Lasagna, Baked Chicken, Corn Dogs, Broccoli Casserole, Green Beans, Salad & Dessert
Dinner Pricing
Adults $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50
Immediate Family Maximum $25
Deacon Ordination
On November 16th we will honor and affirm God’s call in their lives. This is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate an individual as they prepare to serve on the diaconate for the first time.
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
Old Stories & New Ways at Christmas
December 3-10
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Bart McNiel
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.
CBF GEORGIA
Following God From the Inside OuT
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/
Friendsgiving
Saturday, November 22 6:00-7:30pm HELLO YOUTH, JOIN US FOR
Sign up to bring an item at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/
Academy of Arts
FUNDRAISER
Support our Junior Theater Festival team and decorate with fresh holiday greenery this year!
Place your order by November 10th at smokerisebaptist.org/arts/.
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
End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign
November 16 - December 31
Goal: $600,000
All gifts received from November 16 to December 31 will go toward our goal of $600,000, assuring the continued health and vitality of our church.
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!
Ways to Give
Give the traditional way by check or cash each week through the mail or in the offering plate.
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.
Text
Give through text, by texting "givesrbc" to 73256 followed by the gift amount to give.
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.
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
First Sunday of Advent
November 30 · Anticipation
Scripture: Luke 1:28-36
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7 · Affirmation
Scripture: Luke 1:38b-45
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.