The Tie that Binds Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 8, 2026
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
NOVEMBER 8, 2026 · 11:00 AM · The Season of Ordinary Time Deacon Ordination
We are travelers on a journey, fellow pilgrims on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS......................................................................Rev. Bart McNiel
Associate Pastor
PRELUDE DUET Lord, Here Am I.........................................................Arranged by Humber and Carnes GREETING.............................................................................................. Rev. Jeremiah Hamby The joy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Minister of Youth and Missions
And also with you. 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.
INVOCATION........................................................................................................Rev. Hamby CHORAL INTROIT Now Let Us All Praise God and Sing.......................................Gordon Young Now let us all praise God and sing our great Redeemer’s praise; that we may all with one accord our joyful voices raise. Sing alleluia! †
PROCESSIONAL HYMN 477 We Are Called to Be God’s People.................................................AUSTRIAN HYMN
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE
Frances Colliver, crucifer; Charlie Edmonds and Andy George, 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 community. 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.........................................................................................Danny Vancil
Minister of Music and Worship
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Eternal Life...............................................................................Music by Olive Dungan Prayer of St. Frances of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Sister, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 25:1-13..........................................................Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight
Ministyer of Families and Faith Formation
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 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
Lightkeepers in the Long Night
Rev. McNiel
Persons being installed to the diaconate: Carol Ann Fulgham, Page Fulgham, June Gay, Jane Grinstead, Lois Jernigan, Carol Johnson, MaryLynn Manley, Lisa Mixon, Paula Rowell, Hal Simmons, Rachel Smith, Karen Stitt, Doug Wagner Persons being ordained as deacons: Quill Duncan, Donna Redmond-Simmons, Ann Williamson
CANDIDATES SHARING THEIR STORIES .............................Doug Wagner and Carol Johnson 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 seeking 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 these 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.
I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh, I'll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through. When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, born of all we've known together of Christ's love and agony. †
HYMN 278 We Are Travelers on a Journey.........................................................BEACH SPRING CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION PARTING WORDS...............................................................................................Rev. McNiel RECESSIONAL 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..............................................Music by Matthew Thewes †
All who are able are invited to stand.
Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sara Ann Edgar, whose birthday was November 3, by John, Cameron, Christa, Elizabeth, Shelby, Sylvie and Vivian.
November Worship November 8
Lightkeepers in the Long Night Matthew 25:1-13
November 15 Random Arrows 1 Kings 22:29-36
November 22 Be Grateful Luke 17:11-19
The First Sunday of Advent is November 29
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 5, 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 Paul Durden Lynne Felton’s niece, Megan Finch Joel Harrison Ben and Sandra Hawkins Janice Hawks Rhonda and Errol Hough Sandy Huff ’s sister, Nancy Prescott Glenda Giles Lynne Ginn's neighbor, Cane Norma Green Milly Jenkins Bob Jernigan Lou Jewell
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 Christine Peredney's friend, Felicia Rodgers Larry Phillips **Joel Price Marcia Price Donna Reads' family Patricia Roney
Prayer A PEOPLE OF
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
Sara Salvadore’s friend, Hugh Bennawitz Sara Salvadore’s friend, Erin O'Brian Jo Shepherd Alton and Kay Sims son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kathy Debra Smith Jean and Mark Sowell's family friend, Michael Boswell Mark Sowell Josh Speight's father, Gene 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
Gracious God, who sees what is done in secret, fill our lamps in the quiet hours with prayer and long patience. Lead us to keep small faithfulness that no one notices. Ready us to hold the light of mercy in the dark. 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 8
Deacon Ordination
9
10
15 Gathered 16
17
Grief Support
Neurodiversity Caregivers Group
22
23
Thanksgiving Dinner and Basket Stuffing
18
24
12
13
Men's Prayer Lunch
Ladies Event
Church in Conference & Rooted
11
19
Virtual Caregivers Support Group
14
Act Two
Youth Fall Retreat
20
21
Mosaic Gathering
Youth Friendsgiving
25
No 26 27 Wednesday Evening Activities Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed
28
December Events 29
30
6
7
The First Sunday of Advent
Peter Mayer Concert
Faithful Voices
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
Fite Circle
Advent Experience
Men's Prayer Lunch
Academy of Arts Holiday Market
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
November 12 | 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
A Space for Families
Gathered & Rooted
November 15 | 5:30-7:30 PM Campfire Cookout
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.
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 AM. For more information contact Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell, 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 (11/11)
Lasagna, baked chicken, corn dogs, green beans, corn, salad and dessert
Dinner Pricing
To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
The Composer Series
November 4-18 Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Rudy Wilson
Adults $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50 Immediate Family Maximum $25
November 11 - Gaye Bruce & Naomi Walker November 18 - Eric Nelson
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 12 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Enjoy festive music and dance performances from the Smoke Rise Academy of Arts, shop local vendors, and treat yourself to delicious coffee, donuts, and hot dogs.
Church in Conference Today, November 8, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service for our meeting and luncheon.
FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND
February 26-28 Clarkesville, GA
Registration is now open!
September Financial Update
You are invited for a service weekend for the entire church family! Learn more and register at smokerisebaptist.org/missions/.
Month to Date
Fiscal Year to Date
Giving $163,285.37
Giving $1,076,548.47
CHILI Cook-Off
Expenses $212,384.07
Expenses $1,254,974.83
Balance ($49,098.70)
Balance ($178,426.36)
The SRBC Fiscal Year runs April through March
H O L I DAY
N OV E M B E R 1 0 6 :3 0 PM
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/.
This year's speaker is Julianne Clayton. She is a spiritual director, writer, and host of the remind{h}er podcast, which offers faith-inspired reflections for women with anxious hearts and distracted minds.
Tickets are $20
Tickets must be purchased through MaryLynn Manley either in person on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening, or you can email her at bunnydog55@comcast.net to reserve your seat.
Act Two
Youth Friendsgiving
November 14 | 6:30-8:30 PM At the Ethridge-Cantrell's Home
Saturday, November 21 6:00-7:30pm
Act Two is a group for midlife adults navigating seasons of transition—often balancing work, shifting family dynamics, and the question of “what’s next.” We will gather for food, fellowship, and meaningful conversation.
Find more details in your weekly youth ministry emails.
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)
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: 9:30pm - 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.
Remember Jesus Selected Sermons of Dr. J. Truett Gannon
The book can be purchased in the church office or on Amazon. With bulk pricing we are able to offer the book at a discounted rate in the church office.
Church Pricing Hardback - $30 Paperback - $15
All proceeds from the book will be donated to the J. Truett Gannon Endowment Fund at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. If you would like to contribute to the legacy fund scan the QR code below or visit smokerisebaptist.org/ truett/.
Amazon Pricing Hardback - $35 Paperback - $20
For more than two decades, Dr. J. Truett Gannon served the people of Smoke Rise Baptist Church with a pastor’s heart, a thoughtful theological voice, and a gift for preaching that met people in the realities of everyday life. Remember Jesus gathers a rich selection of his sermons, prayers, tributes, and pastoral reflections-preserving the warmth, wisdom, and quiet eloquence that shaped generations. Organized around enduring themes including the nature of God and Christ, suffering and tragedy, freedom and values, faith and daily living, and hope in the face of death, these messages speak with clarity and compassion to readers navigating life’s deepest questions. Gannon’s preaching is rooted in grace rather than guilt, conviction rather than condemnation, and the abiding presence of God rather than easy answers. With a foreword by Chris George, D.Min, and edited by Lisa M. Tilley, Ph.D., this collection offers longtime members a treasured return to a beloved pastor’s voice and introduces new readers to a ministry marked by authentic faith, pastoral care, and a simple, lasting invitation: remember Jesus.