The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 16, 2025
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
November 16, 2025 · 11:00 AM
The 23nd Sunday after Pentecost Deacon Ordination Service
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS....................................................................... Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
ORGAN PRELUDE
Prelude on “O Waly Waly”.......................................................Raymond H. Haan
GREETING.................................................................. ................
Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight Minister of Families and Faith Formation
The joy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you.
OPENING LITANY............................................................... ....................Rev. Caswell-Speight
Grace and peace to you from Him Who is, Who was and Who is to come . Amen.
There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all and through all and in all.
Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gifts. Christ appointed some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.
Christ did this to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, and for serving a broken world.
And so we come together in oneness of faith and in certain knowledge of the Son of God.
We come to bring glory to God alone, and to celebrate God’s gracious gifts to all of us.
In this spirit of unity and service, let us worship God.
†HYMN 477
We Are Called to Be God’s People
.................................................AUSTRIAN HYMN
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE
Gabe Arnold, crucifer; Noemi Arnold and Alice McLendon, acolytes
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain (that is, through His flesh), and since we have a great Priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:19-22).
The procession and the processional cross say in symbolic form exactly what the Holy Spirit inspired the writer of Hebrews to encourage in written form.
Jesus said: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus' coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus' coming into the presence of the worshiping c ommunity.
Opening the Bible is an act of worship. It is also a testimony to our belief in the presence of God through the proclaimed Word and our commitment to the “soul liberty” of the individual believer and his/her conscience. These twin commitments constitute a noble heritage, a present enjoyment and a treasured legacy. Therefore, as the Bible is opened, may we all, singly and corporately, open ourselves to the visitation of God’s Spirit and the gift of Holy Scripture. (Adapted from FBC Providence, RI, the First Baptist Church in America)
OFFERTORY PRAYER..................................................
OFFERTORY
Offertory......................
Rev. Bart McNiel
Associate Pastor
John Ness Beck; Arr. Rudy Wilson
Molly Colliver, oboe; David George and Evan Georg e, flute; Andy George , bassoon
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 6:1-7..................................................................
Jay White
Pastoral Care Assistant
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the
daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together wi th Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
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
................................................................................................................
Dr. George
The Servant’s Song and Story
ENSEMBLE
Use Me Lord...............................................Words and Music, Don Besig and Nancy Price Becky Mueller, soprano; Martha Holt, alto; Mike Holt, tenor; Danny Vancil, bass ; David George, flute
Use my life, Lord, to serve Your people, and follow You wherever You may lead. Let everything I do reveal my trust in You. Your faithful witness I will be. Use my hands, Lord, to help Your people, and share the many blessings I receive. Let every warm embrace reflect Your love and grace, so all may know You and believe. Use me, Lord, to be a true disciple. Use me, Lord, to comfort and forgive. Guide my way as I follow You in faith and serve You every day I live. Take my life and let it be used to serve You faithfully. Show me, Lord, what You have planned. Help me live as You command. Use my voice, Lord, to teach Your people, and tell the hope and promise of Your Word. Let every song I raise resound in grateful praise to share my joy with all the world. Use me, Lord, to be a true disciple. Use me, Lord, to comfort and forgive. Guide my way as I follow You in faith and serve You every day I live. Take my life and use me, Lord.
Persons being installed to the diaconate:
Don Addington, Cathy Blanton, Jan Gary, Beth Gibbons, Valerie Hardy , Connie Henry, Glenn Herndon, Detra Patillo, Beth Smith, Derek Smith, Richard Swindle, Naomi Walker
Persons being ordained as deacons:
Laura Colliver, Pat Herndon, Ken Johnson, Don McChesney, Melinda McChesney, Anna Murdock, Mary Beth Pinckard, Elaine Tudor
SHARING THEIR STORIES .................................................... Anna Murdock and Beth Gibbons
LAYING ON OF HANDS
LITANY OF DEDICATION
Minister to candidates: In this solemn and joyous hour when you are formally ordained and installed to the work of deacon, do you promise to give your best efforts to fulfilling worthily the responsibilities of the deacon fellowship?
Candidates: We do.
Minister to candidates: Do you promise to live honorably insofar as you are able in the sight of God and all people, to accept and fulfill specific responsibilities as they are placed before you, and to cooperate with the pastor and other deacons in seekin g to lead the members of the church in all opportunities of Christian maturity and Christian service?
Candidates: We do.
Minister to church: Do you as members of this church accept the deacons who have been installed and ordained, and do you promise, along with them, to serve faithfully in the places of responsibility which may be assigned to you?
Church: We do.
Minister to church: Do you promise, under God, to undergird all the spiritual leaders of our church by prayers and, along with them, to seek to grow in spiritual maturity and to serve God to the best of your ability in the places assigned to you?
Church: We do.
We Are Travelers on a Journey.........................................................
PARTING WORDS
RECESSIONAL
Dr. George
The acolytes leave the worship service, carrying out the lighted candlelighters symbolizing the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are to serve. Similarly, when Christians leave worship, they go back to their daily lives. There they carry out the tasks God has given them to do ; there they face trouble and temptation ; there they go and make disciples of all nations. As we depart, we do so under the shadow of the cross. Jesus’ final promise to His people, “I will be with you always” is proclaimed to us not only as words to our mind, therefore, but also in symbolism to our eyes.
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Postlude on “Beach Spring" ..........................................................Mark Thewes
†All
who are able are invited to stand.
Heather
Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
Altar flowers are given in loving memory of Ronnie Smit h by his family.
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 13, 2025 at 9:00 am
Deaths
Ohlen Wilson, Sr.
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
Martha and Brian Abner’s daughter, Christina
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Flora Bargeron
**Terry 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
**Ann Carrollton
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
Lynne Felton's sister, Pat Bass
Mark Gaines
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
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
Dear God, Encourage their spirit to serve your Church. We will be a better church because of their willingness to answer your call. Please give them Eyes to see the needs of the others and ears to hear those needs with compassion. God, they do not serve alone. They go forth with the love and support ofthis congregation. Help us to build them up as they go about serving your world.
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
November Events
December 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
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.
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.
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.”
Saturday, November 22 6:00-7:30pm HELLO
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.
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/
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.
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 (11/19) Chicken and dumplings, chicken tenders, green beans, green peas, salad & 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/
Waiting as a Spiritual Discipline
November 5-19
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Audrey Thomas
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
Dear Church Family,
As we enter the season of Advent, our end-ofyear Gifts of Christmas offering is underway. Every gift made through the offering plate, online or by gifts of stock received from November 16 through December 31 helps us meet our goal.
There is much to celebrate at Smoke Rise as we prayerfully consider our end-of-year gifts that sustain and ensure the health of our church each year. Our new care and counseling center enhances outreach and care in our community and for members. Our intergenerational ministry is wide, with members and associate members of all ages engaged and impacted each week both in
person and through broad online presence. Together, we continue to see God at work through new members, expanded ministries, and meaningful impact in our community and abroad.
Even as we commit to live into 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 $500,000, and we exceeded that goal by more than 40%. This year our goal has increased to $600,000. To cover our expenses, we need to meet and surpass this goal as we did last year. Through the end of September 2025, our giving trails our expenses by just over $240,000—a
Ways to Give
Text
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.
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.
deficit significantly greater than in previous years.
The combination of increased budget expenses (up about 8.3%) and a slight decrease in total giving through the year (down about 4.3%) accounts for our increased deficit, including some shortfall due to faithful givers in years past who are no longer with us through death or other life circumstances that are difficult to predict. 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 that will include lowering our budgeted expenses. Even as we make careful adjustments, we remain united as a church family around a vision of a flourishing family of faith. Our best days are not behind us, but in front of us when we share richly our treasures, time and talents.
Thank you, Smoke Rise family of faith for your generosity and commitment to God’s work among us.
Chris George, Senior Pastor
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.