Cross ie MAGAZINE
Vol 5 | Issue 5 | May 2021
May Worship Highlights Children's Sunday May 2nd at 11:00 AM
Children in Worship Leadership Worship featuring the children's Musical: The Big Fish
Sunday, May 9th Baptism
Baby Dedication Communion
Sunday, May 16th "A Season of Renewal"
Prayer of Blessing as Pastor Chris leaves on sabbatical
Pentecost Sunday May 23rd at 11:00 AM
Graduate Recognition Youth Choir Concert "Singing with Spirit"
Summer at Smoke Rise While our Pastor will be away finding rest and renewal with family and spiritual nourishment to be better prepared to lead our congregation into God’s bright future for Smoke Rise, we are excited to welcome some gifted preachers into our pulpit who will provide spiritual nourishment for our congregation.
June 6th
June 13th
Gary Furr
Rob Nash
June 20th
Molly Marshall
Retired Pastor of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Pastor of Heritage Fellowship in Canton, Georgia
July 4th
July 11th
August 1st
Gerry Hutchinson
Meredith Stone
Bo Prosser
Retired Endorser of Chaplains and Pastor Counselors, and Retired Naval Chaplain
Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry
Interim President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Speaker, Coach, and Adult Educator
C ON N EC T W ITH U S
SMOK ER IS EB A P T I ST. OR G OUR MINIST E R S
CO N T EN TS
Be c k y C a s we l l - S pei gh t
4
From the Pastor
5
Worship
6
Growing
7
Caring
8
Serving
9
Staffing Update
10
Generosity
11
Connecting
12
Family Ministry
13
Youth
14
Monthly Snapshot
Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection rspeight@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0546
Je re m y C o l l i v e r
Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications jcolliver@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0551
Chris G e o r ge
Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org 770.469.5856
Bart McNiel
Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0540
J a me s S m i th
Pastoral Care Associate jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org 404.405.5467
Danny Va n c i l
Minister of Music and Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0560
facebook.com/ smokerise
smokerisebaptist.org
4
F RO M THE PASTOR
9
STA F F IN G UP DATE
On May 16, I will begin a 10-week sabbatical leave. Some are asking, “Why?” The words of Henri Nouwen resonate with my feelings: "I started to see how much I had fallen in love with my own compulsions and illusions, and how much I needed to step back and wonder, “Is there a quiet stream underneath the fluctuating affirmations and rejections of my little world?” That quiet stream is called “sabbath.” I hope to drink from it during this sabbatical leave. We are pleased to welcome Rev. Joel Harrison as the coordinator for senior living satellite ministries for Smoke Rise. In this part-time ministry role, Joel will serve in a “chaplain-like” role for independent and assisted living communities.
GEN ERO SITY 10
As we begin to prepare for the full reopening of our church campus and a new season of ministry in a post-Covid world, there are needs for renovation and campus improvement which have emerged for our congregation.
A B O UT 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 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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 seek to proclaim the Good News of Christ in all that we say and do.
3 | SMOKE RISE BAPT IST.ORG
FRO M TH E PASTO R
CHRIS G E ORGE - Senior Pastor
On May 16, I will begin a 10-week sabbatical leave. Some are asking, “Why?” The words of Henri Nouwen resonate with my feelings: “I realized that I was caught in a web of strange paradoxes. While complaining about too many demands, I felt uneasy when none were made. While speaking about the burden of letter writing, an empty mailbox made me sad.” Or, while lamenting all the emails in my inbox, I feared that one day it would be bare. Or, while talking about all the text message that interrupted my day, I looked at my phone obsessively, hoping to seem some words flash across the screen.” In short, while desiring to be alone, I was frightened of being left alone. The more I became aware of these paradoxes, the more I started to see how much I had fallen in love with my own compulsions and illusions, and how much I needed to step back and wonder, “Is there a quiet stream underneath the fluctuating affirmations and rejections of my little world?” That quiet stream is called “sabbath.” I hope to drink from it during this sabbatical leave. Some of you are asking, “What are you going to do?” I am going to learn. I will be meeting with other ministers, teachers and preachers and professors in order to learn from them how to be a better pastor and preacher, how to be a better church leader, how to develop strategic vision, how to use technology more effectively, how to better connect with our community and how to engage in cross-cultural mission and ministry. I am also going to write. I have been given a journal by a member of the personnel committee to document my experiences and work on a book project that is a personal passion, which has been long delayed due to a crowded schedule.
by traveling to places where cellphone service is spotty, forcing us to do something rare—engage in conversation and enjoy experiences together. My wife and I will get to spend time together, reconnecting with one another. And, I will spend some time alone, on my own. Then, you may be asking, “What are we going to do at Smoke Rise?” I am glad you asked. You will continue to worship, to learn, to care, to serve and to give. In short, you will fulfill God’s calling for our church congregation. We have lined up some outstanding preachers. I am almost envious that you will get to hear these voices and I cannot wait to listen to each of their sermons. You will learn together through Sunday school and we will look forward to sharing Journeys together again in August. All our ministers are embracing extra responsibilities to ensure that the entire congregation is well-cared for during this season. We have asked Jim Smith and Bart McNiel to take on bigger roles to provide leadership in pastoral care in this season. We are absolutely committed to meeting the needs of those in our congregation and community. You will serve together in local, national, and international mission trips across generations. Children and youth will engage in camps. And, when I come back, because I know that God will be at work in this place, I will be excited to hear all the stories of what has been done at Smoke Rise. In turn, I anticipate sharing the stories of what has happened in my life during this sabbatical. I will come back with new ideas and plans which will enhance the ministry and I will come back ready and eager to work. Above all, I know that I will return refreshed and renewed and recommitted to God’s work in this place. I am grateful, so grateful, that this church has allowed me this opportunity.
I am going to rest. My family and I will be doing something very difficult in the modern world. We will be disconnecting. How? Well, in part,
4 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
WOR S H IP I N G AT S M OK E R I SE
DANNY VANC IL - Minister of Music and Worship
Yonder
Old Time Religion Featuring the 8th of January Bluegrass Band, plus a visit from our friends Page and Clarissa Wednesday, May 12 at 6:00 PM Bus Barn Parking Lot • Bring Your Own Chair Moved to the gym in case of rain
5 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
GROWING AT S M O KE R I SE
BECKY CAS W ELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection
In-Person Sunday School Schedule May 2 Seekers - Gym Fellowship, Agape, Koinonia - Room 223 Joy Class - Room 230 May 9 Open Circle - Fellowship Hall Crossroads - Room 223 Journey Class - Gym Preschool - 204, 210 Children - Children’s Suite Youth - Youth Basement
Sunday School Reopening!
May 16 Berean Class - Fellowship Hall Faith Class - Gym May 23 Cambian Class - Room 230 Friendship Class - Gym Pairs and Spares - Fellowship Hall May 30 Seekers - Gym Fellowship, Agape, Koinonia - Room 223 Joy Class - Room 230
On June 6, we will again be hosting in-person Sunday School for all classes at Smoke Rise. We will continue to work with classes to stay connected with members on Zoom who are unable to join us in-person. Read more about the changes we are making on the Generosity page in this issue. We are excited to return to our classrooms and we are grateful to our Sunday School leaders and classes for the patience and faithfulness you have modeled during the pandemic.
To get ready for our full return to Sunday School each class is taking an area of the church to clean and prepare. All supplies and carts will be provided. Each class will schedule their class time to come by and help spruce up the church through Carol Ann Fulgham. If you have any questions contact Carol Ann at carolannfulgham@ gmail.com.
6 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
CARI NG AT S M O KE R I SE
JA ME S S MIT H - Pasto r al Car e Asso ciate
Sustained Disruption and Moving Forward The older I get, the more I like stability. I don’t like disruption. For most of the last year, Debra and I have been providing care for our aging best friend, Barkely. Barkely came to us almost 15 years ago from Land of Paws when he was a six-week-old puppy. Some days his health and well being are better than on other days. Barkley and I walk together every day in our neighborhood. Some of our normal path is on an uneven, and unstable surface. When there are potholes or when cars come along, we get onto grassy areas for safety and stability. The more unstable the path, the more tentative our walk. Through certain parts of the walk, we don’t go fast. When thunder recently alarmed my dog, he quickly turned around and sped on his way home. I ran fast to keep up with him on an uneven surface— faster than I wanted to run on that surface and in the shoes I had on! It was not comfortable.
we can find ourselves moving tentatively, longing for a degree of stability. I have learned some important things about our church at this time. Among other things, we long for a degree of stability. We love what we know and what makes us feel normal. We need people in our lives that we can count on and connect with. We gain stability from healthy relationships. What can help us move forward from the sustained disruption,? Perhaps we should recognize that stability is not always our friend. While stability is healthy, there may be an unhealthy desire for stability that gives us comfort and makes us resist positive change. Being open to change and willing to leave our comfort zones may be a key to moving forward.
Just a few minutes earlier, the greeting from the wagging tail and big yearning eyes had lured me into a walk. I set out in my dress shoes—not running or walking shoes. The evening was still and beautiful, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The clouds did not seem that threatening. But in a sudden moment, my tranquil stroll with my dog turned into chaos. My stability was disrupted indeed.
Church history is filled with the testimony of those who were willing to pay the price and look for new opportunities. Moving forward will require a “whatever it takes” spirit and attitude.
Early in the new year of 2020, I thought would be a peaceful stroll through what seemed like normal life at the time.” Then came COVID. Now, it is 2021. For over a year, we have experienced sustained disruption. If we are not careful, it can put us off balance and
Finally, when outward stability is missing, remember that Jesus is within us! The early Christians saw stability evaporate
quickly. So much had changed and continues to change. They could not be sure where anything would be stabie. But Jesus promised a true stability through his peace within. The stability Jesus provides is the cornerstone of our faith and is never shaken by what is going on around us. Smoke Rise is a great church because its history is filled with “whatever-it-takes stories.” We have been open and willing to move forward. I am excited about changes coming in May and the months that follow. Together with each other and with the Lord, we will move forward!
New Members
Noemi Arnold
Stella Kate Smith
Amelia Marler
David Marler
7 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
S ERVIN G ON M I S S I ON
J E R E M Y C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications
Pray by Name These past 15 months have been hard. Long and hard. Through the long and hard days one of the moments of hope that I have had are talking with our mission partners. I have heard their struggles, their worries, their fears; but I have also heard stories of how they have continued to be the presence of Christ to the communities that they serve. All of our mission partners had to pause and pivot; they had to put on hold their long-term plans and goals to serve the immediate needs that arose due to COVID. Now, they are again in a place of evaluation and transition. As the world begins to open up again, leaders are making decisions about what things will restart, what will continue and what will have to stay on pause. I can think of no better way to support our mission partners than to pray for them by name. I challenge you to take the next two weeks, Monday through Friday, and pray for each of our mission partners by name: Lilburn Co-op
Metro Baptist Church in Manhattan
NETWorks Co-op
Greater Restoration Baptist Church in Brooklyn
Friends of Refugees Family Heritage Foundation Edgewood Church
Centro Shalom in Tijuana African Children’s Mission in Uganda
God’s Appalachian Partnership If you would like more information about our partners, as you pray, visit our mission page on our website: smokerisebaptist.org/missions/. Thank you for joining with me as we pray for our mission partners. -Jeremy
Counting on Accounting as Bearing Witness When Olga joined our home Bible study group in Kyiv, she was very unhappy. She had many questions about prayer and God’s purpose for her life. One of the things I shared with her was Colossians 3:23-24. If she were open, God could use her job as an accountant to fulfill God’s call for her life and to bear witness to others about God’s love. That was six years ago. Recently, during our on-line Bible study group meeting, Olga wanted to share a testimony. She mentioned our conversation and how God had used me, Mina, to change her perspective on work and her life’s purpose. Now she feels fulfilled with her life. Rather than its just being a job, her work is doing what God had created her to do. She witnesses God’s favor in her life and bears witness to others about this. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…It is the Lord Christ you are serving” Colossians 3:23-24. Gennady and Mina Podgaisky, CBF field personnel in Kyiv, Ukraine 8 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
STAFFIN G UP DAT E We are pleased to welcome Rev. Joel Harrison as the coordinator for senior living satellite ministries for Smoke Rise. In this part-time ministry role, Joel will serve in a “chaplain-like” role for the independent and assisted living communities at Park Springs, Dogwood Forest and the Sheridan at Eastside.
Rev. Joel Harrison
Coordinator for Senior Living Satellite Ministries
“Joel began ministering with other volunteers at Park Springs where we first began satellite streaming worship each week more than two years ago. Over time, we came to recognize the need for more intentional and expanded ministry and outreach in Park Springs and other independent and assisted living communities where our members reside and where residents are looking for shared worship, fellowship and spiritual support,” said Pastor Chris George. “Smoke Rise missions seeded an expanded ministry effort last year in
which Joel took on an expanded role. As this ministry proved fruitful, we are now reaching out in three different communities. Because of the commitment we are making in these communities, we are receiving new members, caring more directly for needs, and opening new doors of fellowship and service with others.” As coordinator for senior living satellite ministries, Joel helps to facilitate live worship streaming each week and also coordinates the delivery of DVDs of worship where viewing in that format is requested or needed by residents. Joel also serves a critical role assisting with pastoral care. Joel’s care and outreach in these communities are already helping our pastoral care team to flag special needs for follow-up in each community. In October of 2018, the Smoke Rise hosted a reception of the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association in honor of Rev. Joel Harrison on the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of service as the Associational Missionary and Executive Director of AMBA. Joel was ordained to Gospel Ministry at Columbia Drive Baptist Church in Decatur at request of the request of First Baptist Church Chickamauga, Georgia in 1973. Joel and his wife, Georgianne, have been members of Smoke Rise Baptist Church since 1979, and Joel also served as part-time staff at Smoke Rise when Dr. Truett Gannon was Senior Pastor. Pray for Joel as Smoke Rise works to expand its satellite ministries on the ground. Each and every week, members of Smoke Rise in these satellite communities commit to worship, learn, care, serve and give through Smoke Rise Baptist Church. We are also meeting new friends as we commit to maintaining an intentional ministry presence in these communities. Pray for Joel as he serves members and new friends of Smoke Rise who will worship with us in the days ahead. 9 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
GENER OS I T Y
Reopening Well
Renovation Needs in a Post-Covid World As we begin to prepare for the full reopening of our church campus and a new season of ministry in a post-Covid world, there are needs for renovation and campus improvement which have emerged for our congregation. We are working on cost estimates for propsed renovations and will send a chuch-wide update in the mail later this month. Embracing New Realities Essential Projects in a Post-Covid World Sunday School Classroom Changes On June 6, we will again be hosting in-person Sunday school for all classes at Smoke Rise. As we prepare for this important step toward a “new normal,” we are faced with exciting challenges and opportunities. During the pandemic, many of our class rolls have grown to an extent that requires us to undertake basic reconfiguration to accommodate our needs. We have also welcomed new participants in Sunday school classes who do not live near Smoke Rise, but who have become active participants in a class through streaming and Zoom technology. Many of these have expressed a desire to continue to connect and worship
at Smoke Rise through live remote Sunday school and the streaming of worship. To that end, we are working to equip our classrooms with the necessary technology and improvements to make this possible. Modifications and technology upgrades to our classrooms will help us not only to embrace a new reality that will meet current needs, but will also prepare us for a future in which we are able to extend our fellowship and connection—not only to our own faith family, but to our community and beyond. Sanctuary Lighting, Sound, Camera and Streaming Technology Support During the pandemic, when our facilities were closed for in-person worship, members (and others) joined us for worship online. Many who are not able to attend in-person worship each week have expressed a strong desire to continue streaming our service. As we reopen for in- person worship, these people will continue to be a part of our worship. As the pandemic forced us into streaming our worship experience, we realized there were limitations, inconsistencies, and gaps in the ability to stream a quality worship experience each week. To address these issues, our technology teams and professionals in these areas have advised that it is essential to upgrade our sanctuary lighting and expand
10 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
our sound capability to accommodate both in-person and streaming platforms, to improve our camera quality and capacity, and to shore up our streaming technology support. Our streaming ministry is an exciting, growing edge of our congregational life and connection, as well as a lifeline to members who cannot attend worship in person. Investing in these resources as part of our reopening plans is essential as we seek to provide the best experience for all who connect with us online. Expanding on Possibilities A Dream Project in a Post-Covid World Outdoor Pavilion During the pandemic, we discovered the importance of creating meaningful outdoor space for fellowship and worship. The tent in the parking lot was a wonderful place for us to begin outdoor vesper services in the Fall. The portico allowed us to resume choir practices for adults, children and youth as well as to facilitate small group gatherings. As we look to the future, we want to create a pavilion near our church playground which can facilitate outdoor activities, events, fellowship and worship. Initially, the pavilion project was a part of our Refresh Campaign, but more pressing needs meant the project was never completed. Such a pavilion would provide a creative new space to worship, learn and serve together for our children and families, as well as for our larger congregation and community.
End of Fiscal 2020-21 by the Numbers
End of Fiscal 2020-21 Financial Report
We are pleased to report that our church family finished the fiscal year with total revenues exceeding expenses by 2020-21 Budget $2,046,748.00 $147,375.14. At its April meeting, the finance committee 2020-21 Revenue $2,097,416,36 voted unanimously to transfer excess revenues to the contingency reserve fund of the church. This marks the 2020-21 Expenses $1,950,041.22 second year in a row that we have finished the year with contributions exceeding expenses. It is also the second year 2020-21 Net Total $147,375.14 that our revenue exceeded budgeted expenses by more than $50,000.00. Smoke Rise also benefited from an eight-week Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) relief loan through Bank of America that resulted in a net benefit of around $100,000.00 in the last fiscal year. The balance of the loan has been fully forgiven as part of the Covid-19 Relief Act that helped businesses and non-profits beginning in the summer of 2020. Supporting and Sustaining Giving to Our Budgeted Ministry Plan The gracious and consistent generosity of members and friends of Smoke Rise who pledge to our budgeted ministry plan enables the ministry and life of our church family to prosper, even through difficult seasons in our nation and world. As we make investments in the readiness of our campus to face the future, the continued undergirding and stewardship of our budgeted expenses remain essential. Thank you, Smoke Rise family, for your continued generosity and commitment to the ministry and mission of our church.
11 | SMOKE RISE BAPT IST.ORG
FAMILY M I N I ST RY AT SMOK E R I SE
BE C KY CAS W ELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Family, Faith Formation and Connection
What'll Ya Have? In a sermonin April, Chris took a spin on the Varsity’s famous question “What'll Ya have?” and encouraged us all to think about what DO we have? Peter and John told the beggar that they didn’t have silver or gold but they did have something else. It was the "something else" that was life changing. Each of us have different gifts and share them in a variety of ways. When the pandemic first hit, we all had to look at our gifts, what we had to offer the world, and reevaluate.
An Active Holy Week Experience
Amanda Coe Burton and Caroline Self, along with our former interns Laura Alyssa Plate and Laure Fitzsimons, quickly answered the question, “What DO you have” and created a plan for our children to learn each Sunday without needing to be in the building. Over the past year they have spent countless hours making plans, coordinating supplies and stuffing over 3,000 Sunday-to-Go total for our children at Smoke Rise. Their creativity and their ability to organize a massive effort became their silver and gold. Their efforts would have sat in the church building without another group finding their silver and gold in 2020 too. Joel and Georgianne Harrison, Karen Stitt, Lou Tankersley, Alex Burton, Jen George (and crew), Lori Mullee, Nathan and Kristy Reed, Lynne and Graham Felton, Dorothy Swindle, and Colin and Faye Harris could no longer teach in person. They could use their vehicles and their GPS systems to deliver Sunday school to all that called Smoke Rise home. The past year has been difficult, but because of these individuals we have been able to continue Christian education in ways most other congregations have not. My prayer is that as we find ourselves moving into a more normal fall, we will look at how we can share our silver and gold in ways we never imagined before.
12 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
YOU TH AT S M O KE R I SE
J E R E MY C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications
Years Ellie and Kathryn stuck their heads into the youth room together. There were shy smiles and waves. Cautiously, they walked in and sat together. They got up to go get their donuts together. It was their first Sunday as youth. It was also my first Sunday as the new youth minister. Ellie and Kathryn will always have a special place in my heart because we started in the youth ministry at Smoke Rise at the same time. Over the past seven years, it has blessed my heart to watch them grow into the young women they are today. Ellie and Kathryn are no longer the shy pair they were when they walked into the room that first Sunday; now they are passionate, determined and empathetic to those around them. There have been moments of hilarity like the Sunday when Kathryn convinced the entire class not to speak for the entire morning. There have been moments of amazement like that when I realized that our Ellie was the “Ellie” I had read about in the Spark CBF publication for starting a wagon ministry at Children's Hospital of Atlanta. There have been hard times as in this past year when we were unable to observe the customary “Senior Moments.”
DEPOSIT OF $100 DUE MAY 1ST
PASSPORT 2021
Over the past seven years, the one thing that has remained constant is how these two have grown in their faith and helped others grown in their faith as well. Both of these young women have taken leadership roles, not only in our youth group here, but in their schools as well. As you see Ellie and Kathryn over the next couple of months before they head for college, give them an encouraging word and pray that they will continue to grow and lead in the communities that they are about to enter. Thank you, Smoke Rise family, for encouraging and equipping these young women to grow and flourish.
JULY 5-10 FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Click here to register!
Letter for Our Seniors As we envision the end of this school year, we want to give you the opportunity to celebrate and encourage our seniors as they graduate. We plan to include letters to our graduates as part of their senior gifts. If you would like to send a letter of encouragement to Ellie Smith or Kathryn Taylor, please send it to: Smoke Rise Baptist Church, for Ellie Smith or Kathryn Taylor, 5901 Hugh Howell Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. 13 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
MON THLY S N A P S H OT
These words will show you how I feel about the drive by party y'all gave me last April 5th. • I loved every minute of it. • It was the best party I've had. • I thank everyone who participated. • I love every one of y'all.
Yes, I do! Sincerely,
J. Truett Gannon
Weekly Schedule
May Dates 2 Children's Sunday
Sunday 9:30 AM - In-Person Rotational Sunday School 9:45 AM - Online Sunday School for all ages 11:00 AM - In-Person and Livestream Worship Service 5:00 PM - Youth Choir Thursday 5:00 PM - Prayer Concerns Video
7-9 Academy of the Arts - Shrek the Musical, Jr. 9 Mother's Day 23 Graduation Recognition 23 Pentecost 26 Grief Support Group
14 | SMOKE RISE BAPT IST.ORG
Join us for VBS this summer. We have an at home and two in-person options, a morning and evening session. The morning group will meet 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, and the evening group will meet 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM. We only have 30 spots in each group to maintain proper COVID guidelines, so register soon to get your spot!
Click Here to Register
WITS
Wednesdays In The Summer June 2nd
July 14th
June 9th
July 21st
June 30th
July 28th
All WITS will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Address Correction Requested