Crosstie march 2018

The

Cross ie

MAGA ZI N E

VOL 2 | ISSUE 3 | MARCH

Palm Sunday March 25 9:00 am Worship in the Chapel 9:45 am Sunday school 11:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary Maundy Thursday March 29 7:00 pm in the Chapel Good Friday March 30 7:00 pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Easter April 1 9:45 am Sunday school 11:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary

SMOK ER I S EB A P T I ST. OR G O UR M INIST E R S

CON T EN TS

T im Ad cox Minister of Missions tadcox@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0570

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From the Pastor

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Worshipping

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Growing

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Connecting

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Caring

Jeremy Colliver Minister to Families with Youth jcolliver@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0551

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Celebrating Tim Adcox

Kat hy D obbi n s Minister of Spiritual Formation kdobbins@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0548

1 3 Youth

B e c k y C a s w e l l - S p ei gh t Minister to Families with Children rspeight@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0546

Chris G e o r ge Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org 770.469.5856 Bart McNiel Associate Pastor bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0540 Danny Va n c i l Minister of Music & Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0560

1 0 Generosity 1 2 Family Ministry 1 4 Serving 1 5 Monthly Snapshot

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F RO M THE PASTOR

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CEL EB RATIN G TIM A DCOX

This Lenten Season, take time to step away. It may be early in the morning or late at night. It may be over a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea.

Tim Adcox’s service at Smoke Rise has spanned several eras of ministry. His unconventional style has brought about many great accomplishments.

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FA MILY MINISTRY

Our second grade students have been focusing on learning the books of the Bible. By memorizing the New Testament books, these four students have joined the “27 Book Club.”

CON N EC T W IT H US

facebook.com/ smokerise

twitter.com/ smokerisebaptist.org SmokeRiseBC

Smoke Rise

A B OU T S M O K E RIS E 5901 Hugh Howell Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Tel: 770.469.5856 Fax: 770.498.3598 Office Hours M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm

Smoke Rise Baptist Church is a loving and caring faith community where people come to grow spiritually, worship communally, and serve faithfully. We are committed to fostering authentic relationships and engaging in meaningful ministry in our congregation, our community, and around the world. We partner with others in an effort to be about God’s work. We commit to love God with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, and all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We proclaim the Good News of Christ in all that we say and do.

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FRO M TH E PASTO R CH RIS G E ORGE - PASTOR “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed…” (Mark 1:35) I hate getting up early.

Emma Pearl, my 20-month old daughter, has a troubling tendency to extend a wake-up call to her parents about 2:00 am, then again at 3:30 am, and then again at 5:30 am. In short, these words from scripture, “In the morning, while it was still very dark” have become more than merely an idea in our household; these have been our daily experience.

Now, Jen and I are very religious people. So, of course, when we wake up at these awful hours, our first inclination is to offer a prayer: “God, help us.” Or, “Lord, I will do anything!"

Jesus awoke early, not due to an accident or an interruption, but with intent. He went to a deserted place, a quiet place.

Why? I believe it was to listen. Do you know the sound of silence? Often, God speaks in the silence of our lives.

Dan Rather, former CBS anchor, once asked Mother Teresa what she said during her prayers. She answered, “I listen.”

So Rather turned the question and asked, “Well then, what does God say?” Mother Teresa smiled with confidence and answered, “He listens.”

Lent is a season for listening. We get excited thinking about Jesus teaching and preaching, performing miracles and working wonders. But we may miss something so simple and so sacred that happened early one morning, maybe early every morning; Jesus woke up early and went away to pray.

This Lenten Season, take time to step away; it may be early in the morning or late at night. It may be over a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea. It may be taking a hike up Stone Mountain or sitting on the back porch watching the sunset.

Stop. Listen.

And, if you need to speak, say “God, help us.” Or, “Lord, I will do anything!"

These are not perfect prayers, but they help your pastor and his wife at 3:00 am. And, perhaps, these prayers may help us all this Lent as we journey with Jesus.

In Gratitude, Pastor Chris

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WORS H IP P I N GMusicAT SM OK E R I SE and Worship page for March 2018 Crosstie

Music and Worship page for March 2018 Crosstie

Worship Choirs for the Month of March Sanctuary Grand Piano Worship Choirs for the Month of March Sanctuary Grand Piano Restoration Fund 4th Sanctuary Choir and Children Choristers Restoration Fund 4th Sanctuary Choir and Children Choristers th 11 Sanctuary11Choir and Handbells th Sanctuary and Handbells Worship Choirs forththe MonthChoir of March Sanctuary Grand Piano Restoration Fund th 18Choir Sanctuary Choir and Youth Choir  184thSanctuary and Youth Choirs Sanctuary Choir Children 25th and Sanctuary ChoirChoristers 2511ththSanctuary Choir Sanctuary Choir and Handbells 18th Sanctuary Choir and Youth Choir 25th Sanctuary Choir

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Date: $39,170.00 GivenGiven to to Date: $39,170.00 The estimated cost of renovation is between $37,000-$40,000.

given in addition go toward funding the The Anything estimated cost of will renovation is between rededication celebration with a special guest artist. $37,000-$40,000.

Anything given in addition will Given to Date: $39,170.00 go toward funding the rededication celebration Music and Worship of Holy Week 2018 The estimated cost of renovation is between $37,000-$40,000. featuring a special guestofartist.

As our Lenten journey leads us to the most significant time of the Christian year, be aware these special events to mark our

in addition go toward funding the observance of Holy Week, March 25- April 1. Our childrenAnything will usher given in the week on Palmwill Sunday with an exuberant Procession of the rededication celebration with a special guest artist.

Palms. On Maundy Thursday, we will gather in the chapel for a solemn service which will include the observation of Holy Communion as well as a portrayal of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This service will include the acoustical music of a small vocal and Music and Worship for Holy Week 2018 instrumental ensemble. On Good Friday, our church will gather at Eastminster Presbyterian with the congregations of Eastminster AsAs our Lenten journey leads us to to the the most significant time oftogether. the Christian be aware of these special events mark and Mountain United Methodist as we worship Theyear, weekyear, will aware culminate celebration of to the Easter our Lenten journey leads us Park most significant time of the Christian be of with thesea victorious special events to mark our Event with music provided by our Sanctuary Choir with organ and brass. ourobservance observance of Holy Week, March 25-April 1.

Our children will usher in the week on Palm Sunday with an exuberant of Holy Week, March 25- April 1. Our children will usher in the week on Palm Sunday with an exuberant Procession of the

Music and Worship of Holy Week 2018

Procession the Palms.

Onwe Maundy Thursday, we will the chapel forinclude a solemn service which will include the Palms. On of Maundy Thursday, will gather in the chapel for a gather solemn in service which will the observation of Holy Communion as well as aofportrayal of Jesus washing the feet the disciples.

This washing service willthe include thethe acoustical music a small will vocalinclude and observation Holy Communion as well as a of portrayal of Jesus feet of disciples.

Thisofservice instrumental ensemble.

On Good Friday, our church will gather at Eastminster Presbyterian with the congregations of Eastminster the acoustical music of a small vocal and instrumental ensemble. On Good Friday, our church will gather at Eastminster and Mountain Parkthe United Methodist asofwe worship together.

The week will culminate a victorious celebration the EasterThe Presbyterian with congregations Eastminster and Mountain Park Unitedwith Methodist as we worshipoftogether.

Event with music provided by our Sanctuary Choir with organ and brass. week will culminate with a victorious celebration of the Easter Event with music provided by our Sanctuary Choir with organ and brass.

Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs A Celebration of Sacred Music

Presented by the Sanctuary Choir with Orchestra Sunday, April 15, 2018 · 7:00pm

Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs A Celebration of Sacred Music

Presented by the Sanctuary Choir with Orchestra Sunday, April 15, 2018 · 7:00pm

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GROW IN G AT S M O KE R I SE Faith & Issues at 15 A new idea was born one day when Bill Neal and Kathy Dobbins looked around the class for young singles they began in the year 2000, and realized they had sent 90% of them to Bob Browning’s newlywed class. There were just a few original members of the class left and no new prospects to begin another singles group. A concept for a new class was needed to organize around – something that was different from any of the other Sunday school classes. Bill and Kathy seized upon the idea that Christians wanted and needed to talk about the issues going on in our society today using the lens of our Christian faith as a guide. This was the birth of The Faith & Issues Sunday school class. A statement of purpose was adopted that would set the tone of the class: We seek to be a community which is intentional about learning how to follow Jesus in a changing and challenging world. We believe in the worth of every person, openness to diverse views, and – as an essential part of a growing faith – a willingness to ask questions.

The class celebrated its 15th year on Sunday, January 28, with a lunch at the Stone Mountain Inn with special guests Bill and Judy Neal and other former members of the class.

We believe our class is a microcosm of what could happen in all parts of society if people were willing to listen and talk with others with civility and open minds for learning.

Our faith is never finished – it’s a constant journey.

March 25; 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Childcare 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Hosts: Graham and Lynne Felton 1853 Chedworth Lane, Stone Mountain Connections is a 4th Sunday of the month gathering for individuals and couples in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. The next Connections gathering is March 25. Light snacks and drinks provided. Childcare is provided at the church.

Parents can drop off children at the preschool area at 5:30 pm and then proceed to the Feltons' home. Please RSVP for children by the preceding Wednesday through the church office 770.469.5856; mbrock@smokerisebaptist.org.

Get a Taste of Seminary for your Spiritual Growth Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology is launching the new Christian Leadership Formation program this Spring for all Christians and congregational leaders who are serious about their faith and its relationship to daily life and who would like to engage in courses of study led by seminary faculty.

It’s not about getting a degree. It’s about learning and growing. Four churches in Atlanta will be hosting the courses including Smoke Rise. An Introduction to Church History begins on March 11 at Smoke Rise, led

by Dr. Loyd Allen. See Kathy Dobbins for information and registration details.

Save the Date!

The ladies annual Spring event will be April 24, 2016, at 6:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale beginning March 25. If you would like to host and decorate a table, contact MaryLynn Manley at 770-925-7509.

More information will be coming soon.

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CON N EC T I N G AT SMOK E R I SE

One of the many great things about Smoke Rise Baptist Church is that we have a strong sense of self. Because of the amazing music that the choir shares each and every week, we know that worship is important.

Because of the relationship building mission trips that our church family participates in year after year, we know that following the Great Commission is important.

Because of the obvious care that our teachers pour into their lessons each week, we know that youth and

children are important. Because of the strong Journeys series planned every semester, we know that Biblical studies are important. But how do we share that message? How do we reach out to the community around us in an effort to share all of the great things that Smoke Rise Baptist is doing?

When I was in college I read a book

by Doug Fields about youth ministry.

It was the sequel to the sequel of Rick Warren’s book a Purpose Driven Life.

Rick and Doug had very successful ministries at Saddleback Church in California; and therefore their books were highly successful as well. At the time, it seemed like every pastor wanted to be “the next Saddleback Church.” Thankfully, growth experts have since learned that replicating someone else’s success does not in turn create success. Each congregation is different. They differ by location, strengths, needs, worship styles, and people. I, like many others of that time after reading that book, learned that this “manual for church growth” (or, in my case, youth ministry growth) needed to be read with very particular eyes to my space and context.

One item in this book that I found helpful then and feel it is still applicable today is Warren’s take on the concentric circles of the church. His theory is that the church is built of many concentric circles.

He believes that it is the church’s job to move people from the outer circle (the Community) through a set of five different concentric circles to the very center circle, the core and the commissioned. The thought is that the center-most circle becomes

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B ECKY CAS W ELLSPEIGH T MIN ISTER TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

so connected to the ministry of the church that they move out into the community to care for the world.

Over the next few months in the CrossTie, the Journey’s series, and upcoming meeting, we are going to look at the first three circles of Warren’s theory and how they pertain and connect to Smoke Rise Baptist.

We will take a look at our assets and needs within the community, the crowd, and the congregation and what we are doing to bring them into our committed fellowship.

We will do this through upcoming meetings, newsletter articles, and a spring Journeys conversations that I’ll lead April 11th - 25th. My hope is that this spring we will become stronger in our sense of self in the way we share our story with the community.

-Becky

CAR IN G AT S M O KE R I SE

B ART McNIE L

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

We are grateful for all the new ways that God is working through the caring ministries of our church. In the new year we started two bereavement support groups and a support group for family members caring for those who suffer with Alzheimer's disease and all other types of dementia.

Our TouchPoint card ministry, visitation teams, and bereavement teams continue to remain faithful as they reach out to touch the lives of those who can no longer attend church in person, but who continue to partner with us as faithful members of our Smoke Rise family of faith.

We often hear back from those who receive these ministries in times of need. Here are a few sentiments of thanksgiving sent to our church in recent days: "Thank you for your kindness and sympathy at a time when it was much needed, deeply appreciated, and will always be remembered."

"The cards and prayers shared with my mother through the Smoke Rise TouchPoint ministry are such a blessing.

I just don't have words to fully express how thankful I am.

The cards and personal notes always seem to arrive in the mail at just the right time, so I have to believe that God is

Welcome New Members in January

Rita and Mack Bowers Joined on Jan. 28, 2018

Gary and Sylvia Minton Joined on Jan. 7, 2018

somehow working through it all...."

Thank you to all of you for continuing to "bear one another's burdens in love." Jesus said that his followers will be known by their love for one another. Our church staff is grateful to serve in a community of faith that takes seriously the calling we all have to exercise Christian care and watchfulness over each other. If you would like to be part of our caring ministries at Smoke Rise, please reach out to our church office, and we will help you connect to one of our care teams.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Thursday, March 1, Room S223, Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia, 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 14, Room S223, Grief Support Group, 10:00 am Thursday, March 15, Room S223, Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia. 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 28, Room S223, Grief Support Group, 6:00 pm Thursday, April 5, Room S223, Grief Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia, 2:00 pm If you have any questions about these support groups, please contact the church office or speak with our associate pastor, Rev. Bart McNiel.

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CE L EBR AT I N G T I M A DC OX Under Tim’s direction, SRBC had the opportunity to be host to the 1996 Olympic volunteers. Our facility provided a place of rest and refreshment to those who served in the Stone Mountain venue.

im Adcox’s service at Smoke Rise T has spanned several eras of ministry.

His unconventional style has brought about many great accomplishments..

Initially, Tim was hired as the Recreation and Singles Minister in May 1994. Within his first few months at SR, he took on the role of director of the Stone Mountain Church Basketball Conference. This program quickly grew to include more than 100 teams from our community with participants ranging from age five to adults.

He developed a training program for coaches to provide a positive influence and to promote Christian principles and leadership. Our community was united in seeking a common goal to include a spiritual component to our sports programs.

Tim was among the first at SR to recruit from local seminaries.

Developing age appropriate devotional curricula for our sports programs, he sought out seminary students and other reputable sources to write the materials. He has been a

mentor to many who have gone on to be effective leaders as well.

Tim is also one of the founders of CSRM, an international organization of Church Sports and Recreation Ministers who develop successful methods of reaching our communities more effectively through sports.

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With a vision and a heart for missions, Tim launched the first missions ministry at Smoke Rise in 1999 opening a world of opportunities for our members to serve locally and across the globe.

His leadership has enriched the experience of hundreds through the sports programs and the missions ministry.

Thank you, Tim, for your countless contributions to SR, the surrounding communities and the world. We will continue to benefit from all of your work and dedication to the ministries of SR.

What I remember most about Tim and Debbie is, “They were friends.” Few virtues are more reassuring to a pastor than friends on your staff. Many kind regards to you, Tim. -Truett Gannon I want to congratulate Tim Adcox on his many years of fruitful service to Smoke Rise Baptist Church and wish him well as he transitions to his new work with Heart of a Champion. I thank God for the time we had together on staff at the church and deeply appreciate the good work Tim did in the Recreation and Missions Ministries.

Tim is a visionary who enjoys working with others to make dreams come true.

He has a way of hearing pleas for help from the least of these in a community and mobilizing people to respond to these people with compassion and grace.

Tim took our Missions Ministry to a new and higher level during my time at Smoke Rise. He restructured that department so more lay people could be involved in hands-on ministry. He was responsible for recruiting, training, equipping and empowering people to use their talents and skills to make hope visible locally and globally.

The number of people directly involved in ministry projects grew every year under Tim’s leadership. He helped Smoke Rise live into its motto: "Every Member a Minister."

Thanks, Tim, for your great work with the people both of us have loved and cherished. May God bless you as you move on to do for Heart of a Champion what you have done for Smoke Rise.

-Bob Browning

Tim Adcox helped to create a new model of ministry and missions focused on sharing God’s love in our community, our country, and around the world. In his years of service to Smoke Rise, God has used him to touch and transform countless lives.

-Chris George I will always remember Tim as my “mission mentor” and friend! He ministered and challenged me over the years and I am so grateful to him for that!

He clearly has a contagious heart for missions that Smoke Rise has been blessed to be a part of. Many blessings to Tim as he continues to share his heart for missions with others!

Lynne Felton New York Missions Coordinator

When I came to Smoke Rise over 23 years ago I had a very real sense of God’s calling.

It is with this same sense that I move to a new chapter of ministry. Smoke Rise has been a significant part of my faith journey. You have been with me through the toughest of times and we have shared many memories along the way. I want to thank you for the privilege of serving alongside you for these years.

April 1 will be my last day at Smoke Rise as I enter a new place of service. I will be the Executive Director of Heart of a Champion Sports. Our mission is to develop positive Christian character in travel sport athletes. Our primary point of ministry contact will be the LakePoint sporting community off I-75 north of Lake Allatoona.

Smoke Rise has played a very real part of launching me into this new ministry. I look forward to keeping you informed as the ministry develops. I would love for each of you to join me for a reception March 4 from 2-3:30 pm. There will be time for you to ask questions and hear more about Heart of a Champion.

-Tim Adcox 9 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

Funding God’s Mission and Work Among Us The Fiscal 2018 Ministry Plan

GEN ER OS I T Y

Caring for Congregation and Community (9.5%) Equipping for Ministry and Service (24.2%) $ 210,000 $536,183 Caring for our congregation and community is a Providing our leaders and congregation with the Funding God’s Mission and Work Among Us team effort at Smoke Rise that begins with resources necessary for our church to carry out its The Fiscal 2018 Ministry Plan pastoral leadership and care that is personal. work and mission.

Caring for Congregation and Community (9.5%) $ 210,000 Worshipping and Glorifyingand Godcommunity (15.9%) is a team Caring for our congregation $352,460 effort at Smoke Rise that begins with pastoral leadership Worship theisheart of our church as we express and careisthat personal.

Equipping for Ministry and Service (24.2%) $536,183 Making and Growing Disciples (17.6%) Providing our leaders and congregation with the resources $388,632 necessary for our church to carry out its work and mission.

Worship is the heart of our church as we express our faith through music, liturgy, prayer, communion, scripture, Cherishing Our Sacred Space (21.4%) testimony, and preaching that draws us closer to God and $472,990 each other.

and spiritual formation for all ages. The leadership, time, talent, and resources invested in these ministries foster lifeSharing the Good News (11.3%) long discipleship.

our faith through music, liturgy, prayer, Worshipping and Glorifying God (15.9%) communion, scripture, testimony, and preaching $352,460 that draws us closer to God and each other.

Our church supports of Christian education, discipleship, and spiritual formation Making and Growing Disciples (17.6%) for all ages. The $388,632 leadership, time, talent, and resources invested in Our church supportsfoster Christian education, discipleship, these ministries life-long discipleship.

We have been blessed with facilities that are conveniently located for Space nearby(21.4%) residents and Cherishing Our Sacred commuters. $472,990 Our facilities, grounds, furnishings, Weequipment have been blessed facilities areofconveniently and is vitalwith to the dailythat work our located for nearby residents and commuters.

Our facilities, church.

$250,950 We arethe called “be” the church and not simply to Sharing GoodtoNews (11.3%) “go” to church. 9.5% of our total giving is dedicated $250,950 andthe wechurch also budget other outreach Wefor aremissions, called to “be” and not for simply to “go” to church.

9.5%to offulfill our total givingcommandment is dedicated for missions, we seek Christ’s to love oth andand we make also budget for other outreach as we seek to fulfill disciples.

grounds, furnishings, and equipment are vital to the daily Christ’s commandment to love others and make disciples. work of our church.

Total Proposed Ministry Plan Total Proposed Ministry Plan $2,211,315 $2,211,315 $536,183.00, 24.2%

$388,632.00, 17.6%

$250,950.00, 11.3% $210,100.00, 9.5%

[INSERT PIE CHART]

$472,990.00, 21.4%

$352,460.00, 15.9%

Caring for Congregation and Community Worshipping and Glorifying God Cherishing Our Sacred Space Equipping for Ministry and Service Making and Growing Disciples Sharing The Good News

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GEN ER OS I T Y

smokerisebaptist.org

At Smoke Rise, we express our commitment to “live generously” by entering into a covenant with each other to worship, learn, care, serve and give to the shared ministry and mission of our church. Sunday, March 25, is Pledge Sunday at Smoke Rise. Over the next several weeks, we encourage our members to prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling each of us to live generously as part of the Smoke Rise family of faith.

On Pledge Sunday, we will not only place in the offering plate our financial pledges of support of the General Fund at our church, but we will also be encouraged to consider all the ways that our time, talents, and resources can be used to deepen our shared commitment to Christ’s work among us.

In the weeks leading up to Pledge Sunday on March 25, we will share stories of missions and ministries that are enabled and sustained by our gifts.

Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." At Smoke Rise, one of the ways we express our collective heart and congregational commitment is through giving of our time, talent, resources, and financial support as we live generously into God’s great future among us.

You will have the opportunity to discuss the new budget and ask questions pertaining to it during two Question and Answer sessions as follows: Q&A Session 1 Church Conference Room Wednesday, February 28th, 6-7 pm

Q&A Session 2 Church Conference Room Wednesday, March 7th, 6-7 pm

The church will then vote on the budget immediately following our 11:00 am service on Sunday, March 18th.

As chair of the Finance Committee, I want to thank the administrative and ministerial staffs as well as our committee for their commitment and hard work in this process. Also, I urge you to support our Stewardship Committee as we work with them to fund priorities. This will be critical to our financial success in the coming twelve months.

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FAMILY M I N I ST RY AT SMOK E R I SE

Evan 27 Books

Evie 27 Books

Mya 27 Books

Gabe 27 Books 5TH H GRADE GRADE RREETR TREEAT AT 5T

Learning the Books of the Bible Our second grade students have been focusing on learning the books of the Bible. Ms. Zachman, Mr. Wade, Ms. Rossman, and Ms. Springston have worked hard with each student to memorize the books of Bible. By memorizing the New Testament, these four students have joined the “27 Book Club” and all are now working their way through the Old Testament in order to memorize all 66 books. Any student in the children’s ministry that recites the books of the New Testament and/or the Old Testament will have his or her picture in the CrossTie and will receive a certificate on Children’s Sunday.

Registration begins at10:30 10:30am opens at am Hunt begins at 11:00am Age-graded hunts begin at 11:00 am 12 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

YOU TH AT S M O KE R I SE We cry out, “He is risen!” And the echo comes back “He is risen indeed!”

It’s time for Easter. Walking into any establishment where you can put your money down or swipe your card wouldn’t help you to know that it isn’t time for Easter. The big hearts and teddy bears were put away from Valentine’s Day, only to be replaced by bunny rabbits and chocolate eggs, getting us ready for Easter. But is this how we are really supposed to be getting ready for Easter?

stuff and we have challenged them to start living into the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We hope to loosen these feelings so we might live more like Christ.. Join us on this journey.

We’ve entered into the liturgical season of Lent, where for 40 days (not counting those Sundays until Easter) we focus on the life of Jesus and in particular, Jesus’ journey to the cross. We lay aside those things that bind us to loosen our hearts for Jesus. During this season of Lent, we have challenged the youth to give something up, but not chocolate or coffee. We’ve asked them to give up hatred, jealousy, the desire for more

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SERVIN G ON M I S S I ON Mission generosity continues The annual World Mission Offering goal is $40,000. To date, we have received $42,005! Thank you, Smoke Rise, for reaching the goal before the end of the fiscal year. Remember that a large portion of the offering will go to undergird the ministry of God’s App a lachian Partnership.

Help feed a child for a weekend Several churches in the poorest areas of Atlanta are feeding children that

do not have meals over the weekend.

Each child receives a back pack of food to carry them through the weekend.

Donations should go to Tapestry Church, 196 Savannah Street, Atlanta, GA 30316. Note in the memo "Child Food."

Contact Joel Harrison at 404-7716131 for more info.

From Nicaragua with God’s Love We’re back from our first trip to Nicaragua! This trip grew out of our partnership with Honduras Outreach International (HOI) and their expansion into Nicaragua. HOI

continues to do transformative work with the people of God in villages and barrios that need the presence of the hands and feet of Christ.

Our week in Nicaragua was a week filled with service and building relationships. We ministered in the village of Los Robles, which is just outside a coffee plantation. The village is divided into small barrios, each of which is overseen by a “Brigadista,” who is their leader. The Brigadista is responsible for vetting the individual households and deciding which homes teams like ours then work amongst. There is a very strict protocol for choosing which homes will receive help from the groups. Each recipient must volunteer to help with the project and then “pay it forward” by working on another person’s home.

The Brigadistas not only determine who needs the assistance, but what type of projects the homes need.

These projects can include water purification stations, stoves, ovens, cisterns, latrines, and cement floors.

While we were there, the Brigadistas found projects that matched our gifts with the needs of the barrio: serving children by hosting a Children’s Bible School and distributing hygiene kits prepared by our own Sadies Ladies Circle; conducting prayer visits in the homes of the village; pouring cement for floors that will help with the installation of stoves. Thank you for sending us in the name of Christ to serve the people of Los Robles.

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March 9-10, 78 family members will be traveling to Asheville, NC, to serve at the Irene Wortham Center. Please choose one or two names off this list to pray for while they are serving.

-Josh, Becky, Ainsley, and Evelyn Caswell-Speight -John, Marti, Kenzie, Grace, and Scottie Newcomb-Thompson, -Harrison and Ashley Litzell -Rebekah, Jose, and Charlie Edmonds -Cecelia and Nicholas Joshi -Ryan, Kelly, Hannah Claire, Caroline, and Edie Cate Jowers -Alex and Amanda Burton -Scott, Ruth, Dora, Abby Kate Lee -Tripp, Andrea, Ellie, Beau, and Stella Kate Andrea -Jeremy, Laura, Blaine, Molly, and Liam Colliver -Joe, Teri, Olivia, Evie, and Maive Moore -Nathan, Kristy, Teresa, Chandler, Logan, and Lela Jane Reed -Bart, Stacey, Mattie, and Evie McNiel -Aaron, Alexis, Oliver, and Miriam Weaver

MON TH LY S N A P S HOT

GSS O OFF TH THEE H HEA EART RT SSON ON G

WEEKLY S C HE D UL E

MA RCH DATES

S u n d ay 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary 2:00 pm Matupi Christian Baptist Church Worship Service 5:00 pm Youth Choir and Worship M o n d ay 9:45 am Monday Morning Women’s Bible Study 10:30 am PrimeTime Choir Wed n e s d ay 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Wednesday Night Dinner Journeys Sanctuary Handbells Preschool Music and Mission 1st-5th Grade Music and Mission 7:00 pm Youth Gathering Sanctuary Choir Friday 10:00 am Mother’s Bible Study

4 - Reception for Tim Adcox 9-11 - Family Mission Trip 11 - Church in Conference 11 - Deacon’s Meeting 15 - Finance Committee Meeting 18 - Churchwide Vote on Budget 24 - Easter Party 25 - Palm Sunday 29 - Maundy Thursday 30 - Good Friday

HO LY WEEK & EASTER March 25 - Palm Sunday March 29 - Maundy Thursday March 30 - Good Friday April 1 - Easter

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Good Good GOOD FRIDAY Friday Friday COMMUNITY WORSHIP Community Community SERVICE Worship Worship March 30, 2018 Service Service 7:30 pm

Easter Easter

EASTER Sunday Sunday SUNDAY April 1, 2018 Sunday school 9:00 am

Eastminster March March 30,30, 2018 2018 Presbyterian Church

Worship April1, April1, 201 11:00 am 2018

Eastminster Eastminster Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church

Sunday Sunday Schoo Sch Worship Worship 11:0 1

7:30pm 7:30pm

SAVE THE DATE FOR ELVIS & FRIENDS AT SMOKE RISE! It will be a night in Vegas on the Smoke Rise stage on Sunday, April 29, featuring the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Rumor has it some famous friends will be dropping in to sing as well.

MARCH 11 SPRING FORWARD. SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR. Address Correction Requested