The Tie that Binds
Order of Worship and Weekly Newsletter for the week of November 30, 2025
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
THE
WORSHIP OF GOD
November 30, 2025 · 11:00 AM
The First Sunday of Advent
WELCOME TO WORSHIPERS....................................................................... Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
ORGAN PRELUDE
Meditation on “Gabriel’s Message” ................................................David Lasky
OPENING LITANY and LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF HOPE.............Eric and Susan Nelson
The day is near. And so we wait. We wait with hope, for the brokenhearted to be healed, for the downtrodden to be lifted up.
We wait for the coming of the Christ child. In this season, we will sing into the silence. We will light a candle against the darkness.
CHORAL INTROIT
E’en So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come ....................................................... Paul Manz Peace be to you and grace from Him Who freed us from our sins; Who loved us all and shed His blood that we might saved be.
Sing holy, holy to our Lord, the Lord, Almighty God, Who was and is and is to come; Sing holy, holy, Lord!
Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein. Rejoice on earth, ye saints below, for Christ is coming, is coming soon, for Christ is coming soon!
E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their all.
Dr. George
†PROCESSIONAL HYMN 79
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel..........................................................
VENI E MMANUEL
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE
David George, crucifer; Evan George and Andy George, acolytes
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Isaiah 11:1-10..........................................................................
Rev. Ossie Williams
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the r od of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the wea ned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. 9They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
THE CALL TO PRAYER
..........................................................................
Rev. Jeremiah Hamby Minister of Youth and Missions
QUIET MEDITATION AND CONFESSION
PASTORAL PRAYER WITH OUR LORD’S PRAYER......................................................Rev. Hamby
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.
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming........................................................
OFFERTORY PRAYER....................................................................
ORGAN OFFERTORY
Charlene Echols
Of the Father’s Love Begotten .............................................Arr. Maureen Howell
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:26-38.................................................................
Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight Minister of Families and Faith Formation
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be
impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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!
CHORAL MUSIC
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came .................. Words, tr. Sabine Baring-Gould Music, Basque carol
The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
“For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee ; thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, most highly favored lady,” Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “my soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name.” Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn ; and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say – “Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
SERMON Gabriel’s Announcement
†HYMN
Dr. George
There’s Not a Thing that God Can’t Do............................................... CHRISTMAS
Words, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
(Sung to the same tune as “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”)
"There's not a thing that God can't do!" The angel said. "Not one! For Mary, God has favored you and you will bear God's Son, and you will bear God’s Son.”
So Mary answered, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord." She knew that she could well rely upon the angel's word, upon the angel’s word.
There's not a blessing we won't know if God is pleased to share; as Mary found out long ago, we're ever in God's care , we’re ever in God’s care.
O God, what awesome things you do; You call, surprise and bless!
As Mary answered, may we, too, respond by saying, "Yes," respond by saying, "Yes!"
PARTING
ADVENT BENEDICTION
........................................
Dr. George
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
Postlude on “Veni Emmanuel”................................................ Michael Burkhardt
†All who are able are invited to stand. Jason Payne, organist
The rosebud on the altar table is in celebration of the birth of Amelia Smith, born on October 22. Parents are Matthew and Elena Smith .
New Members
Elena, Mathew, and Amelia Smith
Joined October 5
Lou Jewell
Joined October 19
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7 · Affirmation
Scripture: Luke 1:38b-45
Third Sunday of Advent
December 14 · Celebration
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21 · Preparation
Scripture: Luke 2:1-6
Christmas Eve Worship
November 30 · Culmination
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 25, 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
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
Pat Thompson
Jerry Wade
Don Wells
Martha Wilson
Concerns
Martha Abner's friend, Tom Kunz
Jean Ballew's daughter, Kim
Flora Bargeron
Terry Bates' brother, Gary Bates
Janet Benford
Gleason & Janet Benford’s daughter, Jennifer
Joy Bouchard's son-in-law, Charles
Orlando Blancato's sister, Norma Mortenson
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
Janet Granade's nephew, Ron Spain
Norma Green
Georgianne and Joel Harrison's son-in-law, Evan Vitch
Janie Hart's son, Paul
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
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
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
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
A PEOPLE OF
We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect.
Dear God, I am waiting for a rebirth of wonder, and I am waiting for the age of anxiety to drop. I am waiting for the moment I become the person that I keep thinking I should be, and I am waiting to feel no need for the approval of others. I am waiting to truly want the needy to have what I grudgingly give, and the church of Jesus Christ to act like Jesus Christ. I am awaiting perpetually for the light that shines in the darkness. The promise with which we wait comes with Christmas. The hope we need is born. The acceptance we need given. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.
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 and Wednesday evening activites. They will resume on January 7 and 11.
Christmas Through Mary's Eyes
Winter Day Trip End-of-Year Hospitality
New Years Day - Office Closed Faithful Voices Peter Mayer Concert Men's Prayer Group Sing We Now of Christmas
October Financial Update
The SRBC Fiscal Year runs April through March
Month to Date
Fiscal Year to Date
Grief Support Group
December 21 5:00 PM | Room 308
$180,009.48
$181,588.15 Giving
($1,578.67) Expenses
Balance
$1,250,849.10
$1,493,442.97 Giving
($242,593.87) Expenses
Balance
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
December 27 | 9:30 am Mint Coffeehouse
Young Adults are invited to Coffee Boat for a time of fellowship each month.
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.
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
We gather each month for fellowship and to support a local mission effort. Sadies' Ladies Circle
December 8 | 1:30 PM | Room 223
All Women are Welcome to Our RSVP to join us at Always Fresh Restaurant.
Fite Circle
December 9 | 11:30 AM
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/
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
Winter Day Trip
Thursday, December 4
First Stop
Shopping and lunch on your own in historic Ellijay, GA.
Second Stop
A tour of Chip Wade’s Mountain Retreat Show Home, Pinhoti Peak. Chip Wade is an HGTV television Host, Designer and Producer.
Additional Details
ȧ Register with Martha Abner in the church office.
ȧ $25 transportation fee if you choose to take the bus.
ȧ We will leave the church at 8:00 AM.
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.”
HolidayMarketAcademy of Arts
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!
To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
Old Stories & New Ways at Christmas
December 3-10
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Bart McNiel
Progressive Dinner x youth December 19
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.
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
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.
An Advent Experience
December 7
12:30-4:00 PM
December 8-9 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
in the Chapel
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.
December 21 | 9:00-9:45 Fellowship Hall Christmas Breakfast Churchwide
Presented by The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21
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 $94,220.23 of our $600,000 goal.
Please prayerfully consider your gift in this season. All gifts are tax deductible and must be received by December 31 to apply to the 2025 tax year. Stock gifts should be initiated at least a week before the last day of the year. If you are planning a stock transfer, we encourage you or your broker to inform the church finance office and finalize the transfer before December 30 to satisfy the need for timely notice and posting by the end of the tax year. If you are delivering a check or cash gift, the church finance office must receive your gift no later than January 4th to be credited to this tax year. You may drive up and place end-of-year gifts in the secure portico mailbox at any time before that date.
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.