The Tie that Binds Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 1, 2026
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
NOVEMBER 1, 2026 · 11:00 AM · All Saints Day For this reason, they are before the throne of God and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat, for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:15-17
CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS.......................................................................Dr. Chris George
Senior Pastor
ORGAN PRELUDE Nimrod from “Enigma Variations”...............................................Edward Elgar OPENING LITANY.........................................................................................Rev. Bart McNiel
Associate Pastor
The joy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. Today we give thanks to God for all souls who have departed this life in faith and love – many of whom remain especially dear to your hearts. Thanks be to God, for those whom we have loved dearly, but who are out of our reach for a short while. After this, I saw a vast crowd, which no one could count; people from every nation, of all tribes, cultures and languages. They were in their white baptismal robes, and had palms in their hands, and they shouted: “The final victory belongs to God Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” They shall never again feel hunger or thirst, the sun shall not beat on them or any scorching heat, because the Lamb of God will be their Shepherd and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor, power and might, be to our God for ever and ever. Amen
INVOCATION........................................................................................................Rev. McNiel †
PROCESSIONAL HYMN 567 For All the Saints....................................................................................SINE NOMINE
TINTINNABULUM PROCESSIONAL...........................................Rudy Wilson, standard-bearer We celebrate All Saints’ Sunday with prayers, songs and symbols of our love and respect for the saints. The tintinnabulum is a banner made of streaming ribbons and bells representing loved ones who have passed away this year.
THE PSALM Psalm 34:1-10,22..........................................................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. 9O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want. 10The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good
thing. 22The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will
be condemned.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
IN MEMORIAM.................................................................................................Dr. Jim Smith
Pastoral Care Associate
Patricia T. Abner Gloria Adams Terry Bates Flora Lee Bargeron Joy Lynn Bouchard Hugh “Buck” Buchanan, Jr. Virginia “Ann” Carrollton Ralph E. Cooper Richard Davis Shirley Duckett Sara Ann Edgar James O. Farmer Rosemary Gesell Leona V. Gowen James “Jim” Griffith Harry Jensen Larry Larance Dennis G. Nelson Terry Kay Shields Patsy “Pat” Skeeters Patrica “Patty” Stegher Beverly Struble Jerry Wade Brian Weatherby Martha S. Wilson Ohlen R. Wilson, Sr.
CHORAL MUSIC It Is Not Death to Die.............................................................Arranged by Dan Wells Words and Music by Henri Abraham Cesar Malan and George Washington Bethune Brad Ritchie, cellist
It is not death to die, to leave this weary road and join the saints who dwell on high, who’ve found their home with God. It is not death to close the eyes long dimmed by tears, and wake in joy before Your throne, delivered from our fears. Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave; Your precious blood has power to save. Those who trust in You will in Your mercy find that it is not death to die. It is not death to fling aside the earthly dust, and rise with strong and noble wing, to live among the just. It is not death to hear the key unlock the door, that sets us free from mortal years to praise You ever more. Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave; Your precious blood has power to save. Those who trust in You will in Your mercy find that it is not death to die.
MEMORIAL PRAYER WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER......................Rev. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell
Pastoral Care Associate
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 561 Shall We Gather at the River ...........................................................HANSON PLACE At this time children, ages three through 2nd grade will depart for Godly Play in room 207.
OFFERTORY PRAYER..........................................................................................Rev. McNiel OFFERTORY DUET Deep River...............................................Traditional Spiritual arranged by Nigel Williams Brad Ritchie, cello; Heather Huff, piano
SCRIPTURE READING 1 John 3:1-3............................................................................................Rev. Hamby See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 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 †
Aspire and Inspire
Dr. George
HYMN 545 In the Bulb....................................................................................................PROMISE
PARTING WORDS.................................................................................................Dr. George
CHORAL MUSIC I’m Goin’ Up a Yonder............................................... Music by Walter Hawkins Paula Rowell, soloist
Arranged by Martin Sirvatka
If anybody asks you where I’m goin’, where I’m goin’ soon. So, if you wanna know where I’m goin’, where I’m goin’ soon. I’m goin’ up a yonder to be with my Lord. If I can take the pain, the heartache that it brings, there’s comfort that in knowing I’ll soon be home. If God gives me grace, I’ll run this race and soon I’ll see my Savior face to face. I’m goin’ up a yonder to be with my Lord.
ORGAN POSTLUDE I Sing a Song of the Saints of God..........................Arranged by Michael Burkhardt †
All who are able are invited to stand.
Heather Huff, pianist; Jason Payne, organist
Cellist Brad Ritchie joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1997. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he earned his Bachelor of Music at Indiana University where he studied with Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi and Janos Starker. In his senior year, his string quartet won the school's Kuttner Quartet Competition, which provided them with a year of recitals and trips to a number of chamber music competitions from Osaka, Japan, to Evian, France. Following a summer of quartet concerts in Europe, Ritchie enrolled in the Musikhochschule in Freiburg, Germany, and earned his graduate degree studying with Adriana Contino. After completing his studies in Germany, Ritchie played for two years in the New World Symphony in Miami under Michael Tilson Thomas. In 1997, he became a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and also joined the Atlanta Chamber Players. During his tenure with the Atlanta Chamber Players, he has made recordings on the CRI, ACA Digital, and MSR labels and toured extensively, including performances at Carnegie Hall, Boston's Jordan Hall, the American Cathedral in Paris, France, and at the International Chamber Music Festival in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In addition to his Orchestra commitments, Ritchie has played with many other chamber music and new music ensembles in and around Atlanta, including Riverside Chamber Players, Thamyris Ensemble, Emory Chamber Players, Franklin Pond Quartet, GLO-ATL, and Bent Frequency, as well as annual concerts with faculty at Kennesaw State University and recitals with Robert Henry in Highlands, NC. He is a founding member of the contemporary music ensemble Sonic Generator, currently in its 10th season in residence at Georgia Tech University.
November Worship November 1
Aspire and Inspire 1 John 3:1-3
November 8 Lightkeepers 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 October 29, 2026 at 9:00 am
Deaths
Gloria Adams
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 Terry Cantrell's sister, Sherry Sally Cates Robert Cherry *Kevin Culpepper’s dad, Bill **Jane Cummins Jane Cummins' son-in-law, Larry Beebe Carol Densford Paul Durden Lynne Felton’s niece, Megan Finch Gerri Fullerton's family 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 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
Prayer A PEOPLE OF
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
Patricia Roney 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
"Saints are not super[human], nor were they born perfect. They are like us, like each one of us." - Pope Francis
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 1
2 All Saints' Day
8
Deacon Ordination
3
9
6
7 Academy of Arts Show
10
11
Grief Support
Neurodiversity Caregivers Group
22
23
17
24
12
13
Men's Prayer Lunch
Ladies Event
15 Gathered 16
Thanksgiving Dinner and Basket Stuffing
5
Faithful Voices
Church in Conference & Rooted
4
18
19
Virtual Caregivers Support Group
14
Youth Fall Retreat
20
21
Mosaic Gathering
Youth Friendsgiving
25
No 26 27 Wednesday Evening Activities Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed
28
December Events 29
The First Sunday of Advent
30
1
2
3
Act Two
4
5
Faithful Voices Monday, November 2 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 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.
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 20 | 6:00 PM Bring a dish and join us for a Friendsgiving! We are excited to celebrate the season and give thanks together.
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.
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. For more information contact Mitzi EthridgeCantrell, Pastoral Care Associate, at mecantrell@smokerisebaptist.org
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.
Church in Conference November 8, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service for our meeting and luncheon. RSVP to the church office at mabner@smokerisebaptist.org or 770.469.5856. Meal Pricing: Adults $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50; Immediate Family Maximum $25
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 (11/4) Chicken & dumplings, baked chicken, green beans, broccoli, 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 November 4 - Jason Payne November 11 - Gaye Bruce & Naomi Walker November 18 - Eric Nelson
November 6&7 at 7:00 PM
presents
Get your tickets at smokerisebaptist.org/show/
New Members
Christopher Bowers Joined October 25
for the month of October
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)
H O L I DAY
N OV E M B E R 1 0 6 :3 0 PM
Deacon Ordination
After last week's vote we are thrilled to welcome our new deacon fellowship. On November 8, we will affirm God's call in their life as they enter into their first year serving as a deacon.
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.
Peter Mayer's
December 6-9 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.
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.