Second Sunday of Advent AFFIRMATION
The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of December 7, 2025
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
THE
WORSHIP OF GOD
December 7, 2025 · 11:00 AM
The Second Sunday of Advent
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS....................................................................... Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
HANDBELL PRELUDE
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence..............Tune, PICARDY arr. Michael Mazzatenta Sanctuary Handbell Choir, Peggy Ray, director
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE
A.K. Lee, crucifer; Evie Moore and Noemi Arnold, acolytes
OPENING LITANY and LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF PEACE.....Dottie Aiken and June Gay
We dream God’s dream of a world at peace, where enemies are reconciled, and children play in safety; where the poor and powerless find justice.
We remember God’s promise of a Ruler of Peace, filled with the Spirit of God, of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, of justice and faithfulness. We light this Advent candle and we pray: Come, Lord Jesus! Open our lives to the peace You bring; let us turn to You and get ready!
THE CALL TO PRAYER .................................................................................
CHORAL MUSIC
Silent Night .................................................................... ............Music by Eric Nelson
Text: Joseph Mohr; tr. John Freeman; Tune: STILLE NACHT by Franz Gruber
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin , mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild; sleep in heavenly peace ; sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light ; radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace ; Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
QUIET MEDITATION AND CONFESSION
PASTORAL PRAYER WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER.......................................................Rev. McNiel
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.
HANDBELL OFFERTORY
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.........................................Arr. Linda R. Lamb
At this time children, ages three through 2nd grade will depart for Godly Play in room 207.
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:38b-45, 56 ...................................................................
Rev. Jeremiah Hamby Minister of Youth and Missions
38bThen the angel departed from her.
39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When
Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.
56And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
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 Mary and Elizabeth Dr. George x
Mary Gladly Told Her Cousin............................................. ............................IRBY
Words: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
(Sung to the same tune as Once in Royal David’s City)
Mary gladly told her cousin, "Praise the Lord! My spirit sings!"
Young and humble, she'd been chosen! God was surely changing things! God of love, her words ring true as we sing her prayer to You:
“Now my soul is gladly singing at the greatness of the Lord. I rejoice; for God is bringing His salvation to the world.
All who live will say, ‘I'm blest even in my lowliness.’s”
“God is mighty, just and holy, and He's done great things for me. Those who fear Him know the mercy that God gives us endlessly. Mighty ones are brought down low; lowly ones find blessings flow.
“God has filled the poor and hungry, and He's sent the rich away. God is active here in history, in a real and wondrous way.
God has promised, and I'm blessed, for I know God's faithfulness."
PARTING WORDS..........
Dr. George
ADVENT BENEDICTION
.....................................
Words: J. T. McFarland; Music: James R. Murray
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day..........................................Arr. James Biery
†All who are able are invited to stand. Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
The altar flowers are given in loving memory by the family of Ann Carrollton whose memorial service was held yesterday in our sanctuary.
~ December 14 ~
The Third Sunday of Advent • Joy Music Friends, Weekday School Students, Children Choristers, Youth Choir
Waiting with Mary ~ Magnificat Luke 1:46-55
New Members for the month of November
Dan Childs Joined November 30
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 December 4, 2025 at 9:00 am
Deaths
Mike and Martha Holt's brother-in-law, Steve Gaddis
Terry Bates' brother, Gary Bates
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
Terry Bates
David Bishop, Sr.
Lois Brecht
Lynn Buckhalt
Nancy and Richard Davis
JoAnne Frith
Shirley Furr
Jim Griffith
Carol Hand
Sandra Hawkins
Jan Lammert
Warren Mason
Dixie Meister
Donna Metz
Nita Mitchell
Dennis Nelson
Pat Thompson
Jerry Wade
Don Wells
Martha Wilson
Concerns
Martha Abner's friend, Tom Kunz
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Flora Bargeron
Janet Benford
Gleason & Janet Benford’s daughter, Jennifer
Joy Bouchard's son-in-law, Charles
Orlando Blancato's sister, Norma Mortenson
Mary Brannon
**Claudie Brown
*Marc Burcham
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 Ethridge-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
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
Alli and Randy Nicolais, and their family
Sara Ann Pepper's nephew, Jeff Paul
Joy Platé's sisterin-law and Laura Alyssa Platé's aunt, Sandy Denton
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
A PEOPLE OF
Prayer
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
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
**Martha Wilson
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
Bless us, Prince of Peace! Be born again in us. May the peace we seek become the peace we practice, the peace we extend, the peace we embody together for the sake of all who share the gift of our rare and fragile home. Amen.
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
*Christmas break for Sunday evening activites. They will resume on January 11.
December Events
Christmas Through Mary's Eyes
To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
Old Stories, New Ways at Advent December 3-10
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Bart McNiel
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.
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.
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
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
Sadies' Ladies Circle
December 8 | 1:00 PM | Room 223
Please bring a salad or dessert for our luncheon at this month's gathering.
Fite Circle
December 9 | 11:30 AM
All Women are Welcome to Our RSVP to join us at Always Fresh Restaurant.
December 21 | 9:00-9:45 Fellowship Hall
plenty of laughs with friends.
Christmas Eve Worship
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.
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
Peter Mayer
Stars & Promises Christmas Concert
December 7 | 7:00 PM
Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, will be at Smoke. 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.
An Advent Experience in the Chapel
December 7 12:30-4:00 PM
December 8-9 9:30 AM–3:00 PM December 10 9:30 AM–7:00 PM
Walk through a meaningful journey that invites you to see the story of Christ’s birth from Mary’s perspective.
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!
Sunday, December 21 Presented by The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra 7:00 PM
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 $130,839.79 of our $600,000 goal.
As we approach the second Sunday in Advent, we still have a significant distance to go to reach our goal before December 31. We are grateful for every gift already received toward our Gifts of Christmas end-of-year offering. Your generosity helps sustain the ministries, missions, and fellowship we share at Smoke Rise. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to closing our year strong and meeting the needs outlined in our ministry budget. Together, through faithful giving and prayerful commitment, we can finish the year with confidence and gratitude.
End-of-Year Hospitality Station
On Wednesday, December 31, we will host our End-of-Year Hospitality Station as a drive-up event. We invite all who have participated in our end-of-year offering to drop by the sanctuary portico between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for hot chocolate or coffee and to pick up a sweet goodie bag from volunteers. You may also drop off any last-minute gifts on this day with the assurance it will be delivered to our finance office in time to support our end-of-year goal.