November CrossTie 2020

Cross ie MAGAZINE

Vol 4 | Issue 7 | November 2020

On All Saints' Sunday, November 1, during the 11:00 service, we will remember and give thanks for the lives of those church members who have passed from this life into the Church Triumphant.

Polly Adams • Norman Askew • Dennis Bouchard • Carl Brenner • Jack Carrollton Mary Carter • Ray Childress • Bob Clement • Mary Davis • Olivia Dodson Jimmy Eskew • Roger Gaddis • Margaret Gannon • Fred Graves • Vivian Harris Doug Hawks • Betty Herrington • Sherley Hood • Charles Lovern • Billy Marchman Iris Martin • Wayne Martin • Gary Minton • Terry Morgan • Charlotte Myrick Annette Norman • Pete Pike • Bill Riley • Jean Russell • Joan Rutherford Jessie Smith • Steve Sullivan • Mary Wingate The All Saints' Year is from November 1 through October 31. This list was current at the time of printing.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

November at Smoke Rise

A Season of Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 1 All Saints' Day Worship 11:00 AM: Worship in the Sanctuary

Sunday, November 8 A Song of Thanksgiving

11:00 AM: A Special Music Worship Service with Communion in the Sanctuary

Sunday, November 15 For the Fruit of All Creation 11:00 AM: Worship in the Sanctuary

Sunday, November 22 Now Thank We All Our God 11:00 AM: Worship in the Sanctuary

Please check the schedule for in-person worship and Sunday School gatherings in this issue of Crosstie.

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

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From the Pastor

5

Worship

6

Growing

7

Serving

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 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

8 -9 The Season of Advent 10

Caring

11

Generosity

12

Family Ministry

13

Youth

14

Monthly Snapshot

facebook.com/ smokerise

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smokerisebaptist.org

F RO M THE PASTOR

On November 1, Smoke Rise Baptist Church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day, we celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, especially those who have passed away in the last year. It may be more important this year than ever, as many of these deaths occurred when we could not mourn together at a visitation, a funeral or a memorial service.

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CA RIN G

God’s economy often highlights the unexpected. Fall is God's creation of a breathtaking display of His handiwork in nature. Even as things die, there is an incomparable beauty.

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G EN ERO SIT Y

Now, as we move into a new season of giving, we pause to reflect on The Gifts of Christmas. We look back on the gifts of the past with gratitude, and we look forward to upcoming gifts and how they can be used to serve those in need.

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.

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FRO M TH E PASTO R

CHRIS G E ORGE - Senior Pastor

On November 1, Smoke Rise Baptist Church celebrates All Saints' Day. On this day, we celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, especially those who have passed away in the last year. It may be more important this year than ever, as many of these deaths occurred when we could not mourn together at a visitation, a funeral or a memorial service.

In the early Church, Christians would celebrate the anniversary of a martyr's death for Christ by holding an All-Night Vigil, and then celebrating Communion at the place of their martyrdom. During the persecution of Diocletian, the last and most severe episode of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire in the early 300s, the number of martyrs became so great that a separate day could not be assigned to each. The Church, feeling that each martyr should be revered, appointed a shared day for all of them.

So, we set aside this Sunday to remember. We will read their names and remember their stories.

These are those members who have died during this past year: Polly Adams, Norman Askew, Dennis Bouchard, Carl Brenner, Jack Carrollton, Mary Carter, Ray Childress, Bob Clement, Mary Davis, Olivia Dodson, Jimmy Eskew, Roger Gaddis, Margaret Gannon, Fred Graves, Vivian Harris, Doug Hawks, Betty Herrington, Sherley Hood, Charles Lovern, Iris Martin, Wayne Martin, Gary Minton, Terry Morgan, Charlotte Myrick, Annette Norman, Pete Pike, Jean Russell, Joan Rutherford, Jessie Smith, and Mary Wingate.

How do we honor the memory of these saints?

Penny Stovall asked this question after the death of Margaret Gannon. She was gratified to discover that McAfee School of Theology has a scholarship fund named “The Truett and Margaret Gannon Scholarship” to help students who are preparing for ministry. She and her husband Graham decided to honor Margaret’s memory by contributing to this fund. In the coming years, a young woman perhaps from South Georgia or a young man maybe from Tennessee will be the recipients of this gift and Margaret’s legacy will live on in these lives that are being touched.

At Smoke Rise, we have an Endowment and a Legacy Society. We encourage our members to consider making a gift to honor those who have gone before us and to touch the lives of those who will come after us.

A financial gift may be given in life through a memorial contribution or in death through a bequest in a will or a planned estate gift. The investment income generated by this endowment enables new ministry in our congregation in the near and the distant future. These gifts will be used so our church can continue to touch and transform lives as we honor these saints.

At the end of every funeral, I pray “May the faith that lived in her, inspire us, may the love that filled her, fill us, may the grace that sustained her, sustain us.”

May the faith, love and grace of these saints be the legacy that lives on in us.

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It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, darker, and colder. Sounds grim, doesn’t it? And, if yo like me, you cannot do household chores after dark, as if there is no such thing as electricity and lighting. ’Ti season to curl up and hibernate! DANNY VANC IL - Minister of Music and Worship

WOR S H IP I N G AT S M OK E R I SE

When I was younger, growing up in rural Illinois, I loved the shorter days of autumn. It meant fewer chores o farm, football, more of mom’s chili, and a new season of The Waltons.

Despite the gloomy weather ahead, I still love the change of seasons, especially as it relates to the church cale It’s that of year again.

The days are getting shorter, darker colder.and Sounds grim, doesn’t it? And, if youthe wond It’s not just the time excitement and anticipation of preparing for theand Advent Christmas season, but also are like me, you cannot do household chores after dark, as if there were no such thing as electricity and lighting. hymns of’Tis faith wetosing leading up to that time. Hymns like, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Rock of Ages, Cle the that season curl up and hibernate!

Me and For All the Saints.

When I was younger, growing up in rural Illinois, I loved the shorter days of autumn. It meant fewer chores on farm, football, more of mom’s chili, and aof new of The Waltons.

Althoughthe the Thanksgiving season is not a part theseason official Christian calendar, there are many familiar and be

hymns that we sing this time of year.

November Smoke Rise will be no exception. four Sunda Despite the gloomy weather ahead, I still loveatthe change of seasons, especially as it Each relatesoftothe the first church calendar.

It’s not just theThanksgiving excitement andtheme anticipation of preparing and Christmas seasons, but the month will have a special (see inside coverforofthe thisAdvent edition). also the wonderful hymns of faith that we sing leading up to that time. Hymns such as A Mighty Fortress Is Our

It may seem to have emphasis God,strange Rock of Ages, Cleftaforthanksgiving Me and For All the Saints.in 2020 of all years. The scriptures have a lot to say about thankful. In I Thessalonians Paul writes, “in all circumstances give thanks.” (be careful not to misinterpret as “f Although the Thanksgiving season is not a part of the official Christian calendar, there are many familiar and circumstances!”)

Admittedly, thisthis is atime tall of order mere mortal. beloved hymns that we sing year.for Thisthis November at Smoke Rise will be no exception. Each of the first four Sundays of the month will have a special Thanksgiving theme. (See inside cover of this edition.)

One of my favorite passages of scripture is Colossians 3:14-17: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which It may seem strange to have a Thanksgiving in 2020 of all years. scriptures a lot toindeed say everything together in perfect harmony.

And letemphasis the peace of Christ rule inThe your hearts,have to which you about being thankful. In I Thessalonians Paul writes, “In all circumstances give thanks.” (Be careful not to called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one an misinterpret as “for all circumstances!”) Admittedly, this is a tall order for this mere mortal. One of my favorite in all wisdom; and gratitude in your3:14-17: hearts “Above sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual God.everything And whatever yo passages of with scripture is Colossians all, clothe yourselves with love,songs whichtobinds perfect harmony.in And the peace in your hearts, to which indeedthe youFather were called in word together or deed,in do everything theletname of of theChrist Lordrule Jesus, giving thanks to God through Him in the one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another particularly like the perfect harmony bit.)

in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God theyour Father throughschool cla I encourage youintoword joinorusdeed, for this very special season ofthe worship, whether in person with Sunday Him.” (Iasparticularly like the perfect harmony bit.) give I encourage via streaming, we pray, sing, listen, and yes - even thanks.you to join us for this very special season of worship, whether in person with your Sunday school class, or via streaming, as we pray, sing, listen and yes Danny even give thanks.

Danny

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GROWING AT S M O KE R I SE

BECKY CAS W ELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection

Chrismon

Sunday School Schedule November 1 Seekers Class - Gym Faith & Issues Class - Children’s Suite Joy Class - Chapel Agape, Koinonia, Fellowship Classes - Room 223 November 8 Pairs & Spares Class - Chapel Berean Class - Gym Cambium Class - Room 223 Crossroads Class - Room 310 November 15 Discovery Class - Gym Friendship Class - Chapel November 22 Open Circle Class - Gym Ideas & Action Class - Children’s Suite Journey Class - Room 223 Faith Class - Chapel November 29 Seekers Class - Gym Faith and Issues Class - Room 304 Fellowship, Agape, & Koinonia Class - Room 223 Joy Class - Choir Suite December 6 Pairs and Spares Class - Gym Berean Class - Fellowship Hall Cambian Class - Room 230 Faith Class - Choir Suite December 13 Discovery Class - Room 223 Friendship Class - Gym December 20 Open Circle Class - Choir Suite Crossroads Class - Room 223 Journey Class - Gym Faith and Issues Class - Room 304

The name “Chrismon” comes from the Latin words for Christ and Monogram.

The giving of Chrismons is a most-treasured tradition here at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Typically, Chrismon gifts are given at our Christmas Eve worship service. Since this year’s Chrismas Eve service has changed to a drive-in format, the distribution plan for the Chrismons has changed as well.

All families with children aged 2 years through 5th grade will receive the 2020 Chrismon in the December Sunday-to-Go kits. These kits will be available for pickup at our Advent Inspiration event on Sunday, November 29th. Any kits not picked up at Advent Inspiration will be delivered to homes the following. Any families with children older than 5th grade may request a Chrismon by emailing aburton@ smokerisebaptist.org. Requests will be filled while supplies last.

This year’s Chrismon design has a grape vine. The Message translation of John 15:5 reads: “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.”

It was a joy and a privilege for me to create the 2020 Chrismons for our families. I prayed for our children as I worked. Painting each vine reminded me to stay rooted and connected to Christ and his church. Upholding this tradition in a year when so many traditional practices have had to be set aside brought comfort to me. May it also bring that comfort and a reminder of God’s steadfast love to your home this season.

-Amanda Coe Burton, Ministry Director for Children and Families

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S ERVIN G ON M I S S I ON

J E R E MY C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications

Our Seventh Annual Offering for Global Missions We have recieved $9,667.50 for the World Mission Offering.

We still need $40,333 to reach our goal of $50,000. Please send in your offerings or pledge cards to help us reach our goal.

This Year's Thanksgiving Basket Food List            

1 large can sweet potatoes 3 cans green beans 2 cans corn 1 can fruit 1 can cranberry jelly 2 packets gravy (NO JARS) 1 box stuffing 2 boxes mac and cheese 1 package cookies 2 packets potatoes (NO BOXES) 1 package Thanksgiving luncheon napkins $15 Gift Card for meat

This is a year of changes. We will prepare Thanksgiving Baskets again this year, but a little differently. On November 1, 8 and 15 the bins for collecting food will be located in the three areas where Sunday school classes will meet. There will also be two collection bins in the Narthex on those dates for those who attend worship. On Sunday, November 15, there will be a drive-by drop off for food located in the portico 1:00 – 5:00 pm. As usual, we will need gift cards for meat in the amount of $15. Please include the gift card in the bag with your food donation. If you have any questions, please contact Glenn or Pat at 678.557.4124. Thank you.

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Advent 2020 Advent 1: Hope

Sunday, November 29 • 11:00 AM We Need a Little Christmas Isaiah 9:1-2 and John 1:1-5

Advent 2: Peace

Sunday, December 6 • 9:00 and 11:00 AM A Season to Ponder Peace Luke 2:17-20

Advent 3: Joy

Sunday, December 13 • 9:00 and 11:00 AM Mary, Mother of Joy Luke 1:46-55

Advent 4: Love

Sunday, December 20 • 9:00 and 11:00 AM Joseph and the Lens of Love Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24 • 6:00 PM Outdoor Candlelight and Communion (Center-front and chapel side parking lots) Canceled in case of inclement weather Sunday school classes will continue to meet on rotation. Please see the Growing page for when your class will meet.

Welcome back to in-person worship!

We have loved getting to worship in-person again and look forward to continuing during the season of Advent. In order to worship safely together, we ask that you adhere to the following safely guidelines while at Smoke Rise Baptist Church.

Mandatory face coverings

Temperature has to be lower than 100.4°

Maintain 6 foot separation

Scheduled group gatherings only

Stay home if sick or medically vulnerable

Use hand sanitizer stations

CARI NG AT S M O KE R I SE

JA ME S S MIT H - Pasto r al Car e Asso ciate

A popular quote reminds us, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” Fall is a time of transition in nature. Leaves, grass and plants start to die or hibernate.

Another quote considers Fall to be a second "new year."

There is something about this season that awakens us inside and resets the clock.

God’s economy often highlights the unexpected. Fall is God's creation of a breathtaking display of His handiwork in nature. Even as things die, there is an incomparable beauty. One of the reasons we are awakened in the Fall is the stark contrast with Summer. Climate, clothing, smells in the air and signs of harvest call to us. Burning wood, crisp leaves at our feet, warm drinks and cozy evenings make good memories.

Even when our family did not live where there were four distinct seasons, our home was transitioned to an environment that reflected the seasons we love. Fall is a Smith Family favorite. Fall gives us a chance to appreciate the magnificent colors and textures in nature and to usher

Grief Support Join us either in-person or through Zoom.

If you would like to join us in-person, please RSVP to the church office at mbrock@smokerisebaptist.org to help us maintain proper social distancing guilelines.

Our gatherings are led by Adam Arnold and Jim Smith

Getting Through the Holidays

Monthly Gathering

Sunday, November 15 at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00 PM

Room 223

Room 223

in the holiday season. Everything about this season announces that Thanksgiving, Advent and, yes, even Christmas are upon us!

Thanksgiving, a national holiday in the United States and Canada, celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Before you rush past Thanksgiving, be sure to savor the season of gratitude. Psalm 107:1 reminds us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: His love endures forever.” God’s love never ends and our thankfulness should not end.

If indeed Thanksgiving is to celebrate the blessings of the past year—it is unique in 2020. The year has been full of great challenges. Even in such a difficult year, Christians can find gratitude to God for His goodness and enduring love. Take the 2020 Thanksgiving challenge to express gratitude. Here are a few examples: - While the COVID crisis has isolated us from friends, family and church, yet technology has kept us linked together. I am truly thankful for connections to friends and loved ones and for the virtual opportunities for Sunday School, worship and fellowship with our church family.

- The presidential election season has generated an environment of unrest; yet I am thankful to live in a country that has elections and gives voters a voice in their government.

- There have been shortages of meat, paper products, cleaning supplies and other things. Yet we have had all we need and have learned ways to respond to change that have been good for us. I’m thankful for an abundance of all we need from day to day.

Perhaps the quote above should remind us that Thanksgiving is a good time to start fresh and new.

The events and changes of the past year bring a strange mix of lament and gratitude. Let Thanksgiving usher in a new beginning for you. Look in gratitude to God whose blessings are abundant and whose grace never fails in all seasons.

-Jim Smith

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GENER OS I T Y BART MCNIEL - A s s o ci a t e Pa s t o r o f A dm i n i s t r a t i on, Mi ni stry Support and Congregati onal Care

A Letter from Joe Moore Earlier this year, I wrote about our theme for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, Look Forward to a New Chapter, not knowing just how this chapter was going to turn out. As it happens, it's been a doozy.

I don't think any of us could have possibly predicted just how wild and strange 2020 would be. It seems like every month brings some new tragedy, some new disaster, some new topic of heated discussion. And yet, in all the strife, Smoke Rise Baptist Church stands strong, as a beacon to our members, our community and the wider world. We continue to worship, learn, care, serve and give, even when weare unable to be physically present with one another.

Our actions continue to bear evidence of our generosity and faith.

As the needs of the church and community have changd in this tumultuous year, Smoke Rise has adapated to meet those needs, while being faithful to the budget set forth by the finance committee. We are using our facilities in new ways, meeting in new ways, and worshiping in new ways. We continue to listen to and act upon God's calling in our lives.

The Gifts of

Christmas

We are grateful for the generosity of our church members during the many uncertain seasons of 2020. Consistent giving has enabled our church to continue many meaningful ministries as well as respond to new needs in the community. We are pleased to report that our contributions exceed expenses in this current budget year.

However, our giving this year lags behind last year by about 10% (or $100,000). We are confident that, with a strong finish to the year, we can make up this deficit and begin our new year with wind in our sails.

Now, as we move into a new season of giving, we pause to reflect on The Gifts of Christmas. We look back on the gifts of the past with gratitude, and we look forward to upcoming gifts and how they can be used to serve those in need. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you may use your own financial gifts to further the good works already begun locally. We ask you to “catch-up� on pledged giving as well as consider making a special financial gift to support the work of God at Smoke Rise. We have set a goal of $450,000 for The Gifts of Christmas end-of-the-year stewardship emphasis. All gifts/offerings/tithes collected from November 15-December 31 will go toward this goal. With your help, we can meet and exceed this goal, positioning our church well for 2021 and beyond.

With gratitude in this season of giving thanks, we look forward in anticipation of The Gifts of Christmas. Our gifts help sustain the church and its many ministries, keeping us all connected in so many ways. We invite you to help continue the story of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, and look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks about how The Gifts of Christmas have lasting, far-reaching impact.

Grace and blessings, Joe Moore Chair, Stewardship Committee 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

Advent Inspiration Advent Inspiration will be an active worship experience for the entire church family. This is a drop-in event on Sunday, November 29th from 3-5 p.m. in the Nursery parking lot and around the fire pit in the Youth Recreation area behind the Preschool playground.

This will be a time of fellowship and encouragement to launch the Advent season. There will be a coffee truck, gifts to prepare for families and Adults for Advent, and installations to help each individual begin this year’s Advent journey.

Sunday Evening Activities

December Sunday-to-Go bags and the 2020 Chrismons will be distributed during this time.

Liturgical Dance 4:00pm Choristers 5:00 pm Missions 5:45 pm

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YOU TH AT S M O KE R I SE

J E R E M Y C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications

You know that moment when you are driving along and BANG! Your car moves in a way that makes the tires screech and which the suspension doesn’t allow. All the noise around you is silenced you except for the airbag exploding into your body. You shake your head a couple of times, open your eyes and the world is completely different than it was 10 seconds ago.

For me, that is what the middle of March has felt like – driving along in traffic, and then being hit so hard everything came to a stop.

In the weeks that followed, there was Please pray for each Seniors class on the day listed: Ellie Smith Seniors: Sunday Juniors: Monday Sophomores: Tuesday Freshmen: Wednesday 8th: Thursday 7th: Friday 6th: Saturday

confusion about what was going on and the hope that things would return to normal sooner rather than later.

Then, a couple of weeks later, you are grateful that life had stopped for a little while and you could take a breath. You are thankful for your health and the community that you live in. A month later, things begin to get removed from the calendar because the situation has gotten worse instead of better. Those signpost events have come and gone: graduation…cancelled, choir tour… cancelled, camp…cancelled, band camp…cancelled, school…you just Sophomores

Elizabeth Adams Kathryn Taylor Ainsley Caswell Speight Grace Staggs Spencer Tankersly Maddox Mullee Juniors Kenzie NewcombLily Burton Madison Catoggio Thompson Jonathan Gutknecht Ben Taylor Rachel Zabboth Dora Lee Greenlee Martin

Freshmen

Lauren Smith Skylar Schaffer

Eight Graders

Lilianna Arnold Blaine Colliver Ruby Daily Kendall Downs Jose Edmonds Hannah Claire Jowers

Fake Homecoming 2020

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don’t know.

And that is where we stand now: we just don’t know. We are wandering.

Our students are wandering. Our students are wondering. Our students are scared. Our students are mad.

Our students are confused. Our students just don’t know.

So, here is what you can do: Pray for our students. I want to challenge our congregation to use the list below to pray for our students daily.

-Jeremy Sophia McLendon Olivia Moore Grace NewcombThompson Ayden Raffield Lizzy Zabboth

Seventh Graders Anthony Beaghan David George Mattie McNiel

Sixth Graders Ruthie Blewitt Lea Clark Abby Kate Lee Evie Moore Arah Payne Micah Raffield Beau Smith Ruby Tankersly

MON THLY S N A P S H OT

In-Person Worship

Weekly Schedule

In-Person Worship Dates

Sunday 9:45 AM - Sunday school for all ages online 11:00 AM - Livestream Worship Service 5:00 PM - Children and Youth Choir and Studies Monday 5:00 PM - Weekly Devotional Video Wednesday

November 1 Seekers, Faith and Issues, Joy, Agape, Koinonia Fellowship November 8 Pairs and Spares, Berean, Cambium, Crossroads November 15 Discovery and Friendship November 22 Open Circle, Ideas and Action, Journey, Faith

6:00 PM - Journeys Thursday 5:00 PM - Prayer Concerns Video

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Advent Inspiration will be an active worship experience for the entire church family. This is a drop-in event on Sunday, November 29th from 3-5 p.m. in the Nursery parking lot and around the fire pit in the Youth Recreation area behind the Preschool playground.

This will be a time of fellowship and encouragement to launch the Advent season. There will be a coffee truck, gifts for the entire congregation to use during Advent, and installations to help each individual start this year’s Advent season off right. For more information contact rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org.

End of Year Stewardship Campaign November 15-December 31 â– Goal: $450,000

Prayerfully consider what God is leading you to give to support our end-of-year stewardship emphasis, The Gifts of Christmas. All tithes, offerings and gifts collected during this time period will go towards our goal. Meeting our end-ofyear goal not only sustains our church, it empowers us to go the extra mile in support of ministry needs and mission partners. Join with us as we bring the first gifts of Christmas to the altar once again.

The Gifts of

Christmas

Ways to Give

Give through text, by texting "givesrbc" to 73256 followed by the gift amount to give.

Remember to bring food for the Thanksgiving Basket Project November 1-15. To see details about where and when to drop off your food check out the Serving page.

Give online at smokerisebaptist.org/give/.

Through online giving you can set up a recurring gift or tithe.

Address Correction Requested

To give through a transfer of stock, please contact Fe Williams in our church office at financeoffice@ smokerisebaptist.org or by phone at 678.533.0545.

Give the traditional way by check or cash each week through the mail or in the offering plate.