CrossTie 50th Anniversary Edition

Cross ie

50

MAGAZINE

Vol 3 | Issue 9 | September 2019

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.

(Lunch will be served as close to 1:00 P.M. as possible)

•

C ON N EC T W ITH U S

SMOK ER I S EB A P T I ST. OR G

facebook.com/ smokerise

O UR M INIST E R S

CO N T EN TS

B e c k y C a s w e l l - S p ei gh t Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection rspeight@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0546

4

From the Pastor

5

From the Former Pastors

6

Worship

7

Growing

8

Serving

9

Caring

Jeremy Colliver Minister of Youth, Mission and Communication jcolliver@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0551 Ch r is G e or ge Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org 770.469.5856 Ba r t M c N i e l Associate Pastor bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0540 Jim S m i th Pastoral Care Associate jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0557 Da nny Va n c i l Minister of Music and Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0560

10 Generosity 11

Sacred Space Renewed

12 Family Ministry 13

Youth

14

Monthly Snapshot

4

twitter.com/ smokerisebaptist.org SmokeRiseBC

Smoke Rise

F RO M THE PASTOR

In the middle of this neighborhood, Smoke Rise Baptist Church still has a purpose and a mission. At Smoke Rise, we will not walk to the other side of the street. We do more than just open our doors. We welcome each person in the name of Christ and make each person feel important because that is what a good neighbor does. We seek to meet the needs of those in our community.

G EN ERO S ITY 10

On the 25th Anniversary of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Neal Freeman, who served as chairman of the deacons at the time, described Smoke Rise as, “very friendly, very active and very giving.”

Neal’s words still ring true at our 50th Anniversary.

12 FA MILY MINISTRY

When we moved to Stone Mountain in 1981 with our four children, ages 9 to 18, finding a church home was a priority. As Christians, one of the greatest gifts our Lord gives us is brothers and sisters wherever we go. And yes, a family was waiting for us here.

A B O UT S M O K E RIS E 5901 Hugh Howell Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Tel: 770.469.5856 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 RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

FROM T H E PASTOR

CH RIS G E ORGE - Senior Pastor

Somewhere in the 1960's, Smoke Rise as a community was born. People began to move quickly to this picturesque setting in the shadow of Stone Mountain. Some people were newly retired, but many were working as leaders in Atlanta's business community. Though growing, Smoke Rise was still a small and distinctive community. Everybody knew everybody. Everyone came from the same places. Everyone looked alike. Everyone spoke the same language – English with a strong Southern accent. Car horns were honked as a sign of hospitality by smiling drivers. It was a comfortable community.

Smoke Rise was a good neighborhood.

In the middle of this neighborhood, a church was born in September of 1969, just one month before the opening of the I-285 beltway. (Some church members say that one was an act of God and the other the work of the devil). The church did not have a building or much of a budget, but a band of 157 pioneers had a dream. They worshipped for three years at the local elementary school, cleaning up the classrooms following each session of Sunday School. It was not easy. It was not comfortable. It was often inconvenient. Yet, people found faith and fellowship.

50 years ago…

Smoke Rise Baptist Church was a good church filled with loving and caring people committed to reaching their community.

Smoke Rise is no longer a newborn. The community has grown and expanded and changed. We are no longer located on the far eastern frontier of Atlanta. We are smack down in the middle of the growing metropolitan area. Phone calls to Atlanta are not long distance, but since everyone has a cellphone, things like long distance have almost lost all meaning. Smoke Rise is still a distinctive community and an increasingly diverse one. No longer does everybody know everybody. No longer does everyone look alike. No longer does everyone speak the same language. The community is changing; but instead of seeing these changes as a threat, we recognize them as a blessed opportunity. We can partner in God's work and be good neighbors.

Smoke Rise is a good neighborhood.

In the middle of this neighborhood, Smoke Rise Baptist Church still has a purpose and a mission. At Smoke Rise, we will not walk to the other side of the street. We do more than just open our doors. We welcome everyone--Jew and Gentile, black and white, old and young, rich and poor. We welcome each person in the name of Christ and make each person feel important because that is what a good neighbor does. We seek to meet the needs of those in our community.

It is not always easy. It is not always comfortable. It is often inconvenient. But, we take seriously Jesus' calling to be a good neighbor in our neighborhood. We want to welcome the community to come experience worship and encounter Jesus Christ.

Today…

Smoke Rise Baptist Church is a good church filled with loving and caring people committed to reaching our community and I am thankful for the opportunity to be…

Your Pastor,

4 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

FRO M TH E F O R M E R PASTOR S From Frank Johnson I regret that my wife and I will be unable to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Smoke Rise. My grandson is getting married in Alaska on September 21; so I will be with the family. I am proud of the church and especially grateful for the willingness of our charter members to work hard and follow the Lord. I believe with all my heart that God’s divine hand was upon Smoke Rise in those early days of the church’s history. I am so grateful to have been a small part of the church’s journey.

From J. Truett Gannon In order to share what I remember most about Smoke Rise Baptist Church, I need to quote Fanny Crosby. For me, she has said it best: “Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore. Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.”

Senior Pastors Frank Johnson 1969-1975 J. Truett Gannon 1976-1997 Bob Browning 1998-2011 Chris George 2013-present

That was Smoke Rise for me. Every time I took a misstep, some loving heart was beside me, helping me walk strong and straight again.This is also why I celebrate this anniversary. You are still a grace-filled congregation!

From Bob Browning Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Jackie and I made a decision in 1998 that turned out to be one of our best. We accepted your call to become the third pastor of this wonderful church. Little did we know what God had in store for us. Looking back, it was as if God designed a place for us to serve that aligned with our values, priorities, hopes and dreams.

We found a congregation… …whose passion was developing and cultivating relationships…whose members made circles of friends everywhere they went and made hope visible to everyone they met…that loved life, laughter and Lou’s fried chicken…that met people at their point of need with compassion and grace by building bridges of goodwill, understanding, hope and reconciliation…that valued authenticity over conformity, inclusion over exclusion and healing over hurting…that provided a safe space for people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds to ask questions as they explored the mysteries of life and faith…that wanted to do more to give itself away in service to others and to become an advocate for those abused, exploited or neglected…whose message and mission were rooted in God’s love for all people, God’s vision of a just and peaceful world and Jesus’ efforts to advance the Kingdom of God through his words and works… that provided a staff of mature, responsible, industrious, talented and gifted ministers who were passionate about the work God called them to do in this community and beyond…that showered us with love and became a part of our extended family…that will always have a special place in our hearts.

You were everything your exceptional pastor search committee told us you were. It was an honor to walk alongside you for over 12 years and to work with you in this sacred place to make our world better. You certainly made our lives better, and for this, we shall ever be grateful.

5 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

DV pic

WO RS H I P I N G AT SM OK E R I SE

DANNY VA NC IL - Minister of Music and Worship

Ministers Ministers of Musicof Music

Red Morgan: 1969-1971 (volunteer) Red Morgan Ed Scruggs Ron Dettner: 1971-1973 (part time) 1969-1971 (volunteer) 1987-1990 (full time) Don Wells: 1973-1977 (part time) Ron Dettner Warren Fields Steve Dean: 1977-1987 (full time) 1971-1973 (part time) (interim) Ed Scruggs: 1986-1990 (full time) Don Wells Jerry Naff Warren Fields: (interim) 1973-1977 (part time) 1990-2005 (full time) Jerry Naff: 1990-2005 (full time) Steve Dean Marc Beaver Marc Beaver: 2005-2006 (interim) 1977-1986 (full time) (interim) Danny Vancil: 2006-present (fulltime)

5050

Bob Vansant Danny Vancil (interim) 2006-present (full time)

Sanctuary Piano Rededication Concert featuring

Joseph Martin Sunday, September 22, 2019 • 7:00 PM Joseph Martin (b. 1959 ), a native of North Carolina, earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Furman

Joseph Martin (b. 1959in),Greenville, a native ofSouth NorthCarolina.

Carolina, earned his he Bachelor Music degree indegree piano performance at Furman University Subsequently earned of a Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University inUniversity Greenville, SouthAustin.

Carolina.

Subsequently, he earned Master Music degree in piano performance at Texas. the His of Texas, Joseph taught for five years inathe PianoofPedagogy Department of the University of University ofpiano Texas, Austin.include JosephJimmy taughtWoodle, for five David years Gibson, in the Piano Pedagogy Department the and University Texas. While His at teachers Amanda Vick Lethco, Martha of Hilley DanielleofMartin. piano teachers include Jimmy Woodle, David Gibson, Vick Lethco, MarthaMilburn Hilley and Martin.

Furman University, he was accompanist for Amanda choral director and composer PriceDanielle and, inspired byWhile his teaching, began he to was compose.

He is a for member the staffand of Shawnee as Director of Sacred at FurmanMartin University, accompanist choralofdirector composerPress Milburn Price and, Publications, with responsibilities for overseeing editorial andstaff creative direction of the inspired by his teaching, Martin began to compose.

He is athe member of the of Shawnee Press company’s sacred publications and also coordinating the recording and production aspects as Director of Sacred Publications, with responsibilities for overseeing the editorial and creative of sacred publishing Joseph hasalso performed solo piano recitals and has been the direction future of the company’s sacred efforts. publications and coordinating the recording and production featured artist with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the Nina aspects of future sacred publishing efforts. Joseph has performed solo piano recitals and has been Plant Wideman Competition, he performed with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo the featured artist with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally throughout the country. Though he Nina Plantcontinues Wideman he performed the Guadalajara His for to Competition, perform in concert, he nowwith devotes his efforts toSymphony playing inOrchestra. churches and solo recital in Ex-convento del musicians Carmen was broadcast nationally throughout country. conferences of church His first solo piano recording, American the Tapestry, wasThough nominated he continues to perform in concert, he now devotes his efforts to playing in churches and for Celtic for a Dove Award. This album, along with his other recordings (Songs of the Journey, of churchhas musicians.

His first popular solo piano recording, American Tapestry, Tapestry, and conferences A Christmas Tapestry) been enormously in the sacred and secular markets.

Hewas hasnominated recorded for for a Dove Award.

This album, series along and withhas hiscomposed other recordings of the Journey, Celtic Tapestry and A Christmas Yamaha's Disklavier hundreds(Songs of commissioned works.

Recognized throughout the United States forbeen his many choral popular compositions, 1200 are currently in print and the list continues to series grow. His Tapestry) has enormously in theover sacred andcompositions secular markets.

He has recorded for Yamaha's Disklavier composition ""Pieta"" was recently honored with an award from the John Ness Beck Foundation.

In 2008 he was and has composed hundreds of commissioned works. Recognized throughout the United States for his many choral inducted as he a National of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.

Along with Mark Hayes and David Angerman, compositions, has overPatron 1200 compositions currently in print and the list continues to grow.

His composition, "Pieta," was Joseph has co-authored a fully graded, progressive piano method for the Christian student called Keys for the Kingdom. recently honored with an award from the John Ness Beck Foundation. In 2008, he was inducted as a National Patron of the His major works include nearly 40 choral cantatas and extended works and Song of Wisdom, a choral tone poem based on the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. Along with Mark Hayes and David Angerman, Joseph has co-authored a fully best-selling children's book, Old Turtle. His music can be heard in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall in New York City; graded, progressive piano method for the Christian student called Keys for the Kingdom. His major works include nearly the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, Missouri; and in hundreds of worship services in churches across the United States 40 choral cantatas and extended works and Song Wisdom, a choral tone poem based onAustria, the best-selling children's book,and and Canada.

In addition, his works have of been performed in cathedrals in Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland Old Turtle. His music can be heard in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall in New York City; the Lawrence Welk Theatre Austria. Joseph lives in Austin, Texas with his children Jonathan and Aubrey and his wife Sue. in Branson, Missouri; and in hundreds of worship services in churches across the United States and Canada. In addition, his works have been performed in cathedrals in Germany, Austria, England, Ireland, Scotland and Austria. Joseph lives in Austin, Texas, with his children, Jonathan and Aubrey, and his wife, Sue. 6 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

GROWING AT S M O KE R I SE

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

The Cambium Class Chronicle

The Cambium Class began in 19871988 as a ladies class for women in their 30s, who were single or attended Sunday school without their spouse.

It was part of a department for which Don Wells was director, and included a men’s class and two other age-related women's classes. The department was on the second floor where part of the children’s department is now located. Don Wells always led us in a hymn, and made announcements before all the classes separated for Bible study. Camille Russo Naff was the member responsible for naming our class "Cambium," which means the inner part of a tree from which growth originates.

The first teacher was Margaret Gannon. After she broke her arm, Carolyn Ragan taught the class. Then beginning about 1981, Elbia Coe taught the class for 8 years. During that time when the church and our class were quickly growing, the class met in a trailer while the sanctuary was under construction. After the sanctuary building was completed, we were moved to a room below the sanctuary. Then after the gym was built, our class and all other classes from our department moved to the basement of the gym. When it was decided that the couples’ classes needed to locate under the gym, our class moved back to the second floor of the original building to the counseling center. After Elbia moved on to teach other classes, the Cambium Class looked within for teachers. Melinda McChesney, Linda Johnson and Laura Bleckley taught the class during the 90s and early 2000s. Michelle Gutknecht then took over and continues to lead

us as sisters of Christ to study God’s word, and apply it to our lives.

- Melinda McChesney The Seekers Class The Seekers Class (originally named as JOY) began in the early 80's as one of the first co-ed classes with Don Larson as leader and Emory Collins as teacher. The class grew in membership and later met in one of trailers parked on the ballfield during church construction.

Bob and Arenda Ramsey served as the next leaders and organized the first teacher rotation from among the members. Serving refreshments each Sunday also became a signature distinction of the Seekers. Then pastor, Dr. Truett Gannon often said, "Feed them and they will come." Food and fellowship closely bonded members as family.

In 2000, Charlie Hopkins accepted the leadership role of the class until 2018.

The class continued to grow and was blessed with outstanding teachers. In 1986, the class moved into the newly completed Sanctuary building where they are presently located.

In 1996, the Pathfinders Class, another co-ed class, merged with the Seekers and joined in participating in the

Ministers of Faith Formation John Owen 1974-1998 Kathy Dobbins 2000-2019 Becky Caswell-Speight 2019-present teaching, service, giving and mission efforts as one class, gathering together in Christian fellowship.

Peggy Harris and her committee have faithfully led the Mission Program for many years. $150,000 has been generously given by the class to missions both at home and abroad.

The class supports four mission programs plus special projects during the year.

The Seekers are known as a caring class, providing encouragement, support, fellowship, Bible study and Christlike service to each other and to others in times of need. These continue to be core values of the Seekers.

Ernie Duke is now serving as class leader with this class of 113 members.

-Elnor Melton

Connections is a once a month gathering for individuals and couples in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Light snacks and drinks provided. Childcare is provided at the church. Please RSVP September 29: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm for children by the previous Wednesday Childcare 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm through the church office 770.469.5856; Hosts: Graham and Lynne Felton 1853 Chedworth Lane, Stone Mountain mbrock@smokerisebaptist.org.

7 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

S ERVIN G ON M I SSI ON

J ER EM Y C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Mission and Communication

Our Mission Partners Ministers of Missions Tim Adcox 1994-2018

Centro Shalom Tijuana

Jeremy Colliver 2018-present

Past Missions Locations

From Tim Adcox The best way to get to know people is to spend time with them on a mission trip. I have had the privilege of many of these experiences throughout the years, and I value the friendships built by working together.

Though these trips are very rewarding, they sometimes can be a bit unusual. On one trip in particular to Appalachia, a local came by to share with us that the local chicken fighting operation had just been shut down by the FBI. Apparently this was one of the largest illegal operations of its kind. But it was the way the story was told by this local resident. It was something from reality TV. From that day on, the local man was known as "chicken man" to us.

8 | S MOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

Adairsville, Calhoun, GA Androse, Bahamas Arizona Ashville, NC Biloxi, MS Chicago, IL Costa Rica Gatlinburg, TN Germany Greenville, NC New Hampshire Japan LA Place, LA Nicaragua Salt Lake City, UT Siberia Uganda Wasilla, AK

CARIN G AT S M O KE R I SE

BART McN IE L - Associate Pastor

A Brief History of Associate Pastors at Smoke Rise The first associate pastor, Clifton Fite, served a part time role, helping with visitation, congregational guidance and pastoral counseling. Fite came to Smoke Rise with years of pastoral ministry experience and was a long-time friend of Dr. Truett Gannon. After Fite’s retirement, Clarence Sessions served for one year as a part time associate pastor, and remained an active member at Smoke Rise after completing his service.

The first full time associate pastor was a young man named Greg Long who served from 1985-87. Long helped with pastoral and administrative matters. He also did some preaching and teaching. Long was followed by Chuck Moates in 1989 to serve as executive pastor, a role that expanded the administrative duties of the associate pastor position. After a brief pastorate in Moultrie, Georgia, in 199394, Moates returned to Smoke Rise until taking another pastorate, at which time Ernie Forester resigned his minister of youth duties to become associate pastor. It is a testament to Ernie Forrester’s compassionate and untiring service from 20082016 that members confined to home and facility care continue to express their love and sense of kinship with Ernie.

Associate Pastors Clifton Fite 1981-1983 Clarence Sessions 1984 Greg Long 1985-1987 Ed Matheny 1994 Charles Moates

1989-1993, 1995-2006

The associate pastor role continues to include aspects of the pastoral support and Ernie Forrester administrative tasks consistent with the support needs of our pastor, ministry 2008-2015 staff, church leaders and congregation. With thanksgiving for those who came Bart McNiel before me, I am grateful to serve at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Under our 2016-present current staffing structure, the associate pastor role has expanded to include new administrative and congregational support responsibilities. Through collaborative caring ministries of the pastor, other ministers and Dr. Jim Smith as a part time pastoral care associate, we continue to honor our historic commitment to pastoral visitation and care ministries.

-Bart McNiel Touchpoint Team Ministry at Smoke Rise Prayer cards extend a personal message of encouragement and hope to those who are confined to home or facility care. The Card Ministry Team at Smoke Rise sends personal cards to home and facility-bound members to brighten days and warm hearts.

Visitation of members in need is a team effort at Smoke Rise. The pastoral care team is fortunate to have recently added the part time help of Dr. Jim Smith to assist with pastoral home and facility care visits. The Touchpoint ministry team also includes lay volunteers who visit some of our most vulnerable and infirm members who are confined to care facilities.

Nancy’s Heart Stitchers is a quilting and blankets team that shares the warmth of Christian love with handmade quilts and blankets with adults who suffer serious or critical periods of illness. The Stitchers also make blankets for baby dedications.

Their loving hand-made work captures the love we have for one another as a family of faith in a tangible way.

Smoke Rise has also added two support groups—one for bereavement and another for caregivers of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia. In our 50th year, we are now opening these support groups to the community at large.

-Bart McNiel

9 | S MOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

G ENER OS I T Y On the 25th Anniversary of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Neal Freeman, who served as chairman of the deacons at the time, described Smoke Rise as, “very friendly, very active and very giving.” Neal’s words still ring true at our 50th Anniversary. As we celebrate our recent refreshing, we continue to encourage generosity and expand our ability to navigate the changing landscape of ministry and mission in the 21st Century.

Rise Baptist Church sponsored its first ever Brookwood/Parkview 5th Quarter Community Fellowship after the annual rivalry game in 2018.

Rev. Jeremey Colliver had time to be with the football team during Brookwood’s pre-game meal. Smoke Rise was featured on the game score board and in live announcements at the game. After the game, Smoke Rise Youth hosted a 5th Quarter event filled with food, a DJ playing music, tailgate games and inflatables. The response of school leaders was one of overwhelming gratitude with Smoke Rise being invited back to connect with the schools and community in the years to come. A night of community connection and outreach like this is possible because the Endowment provided supplemental funding above and beyond designated budgetary expenses.

we have also established the Smoke Rise Legacy Society composed of donors who have designated the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Endowment as a named beneficiary of a will, trust, life insurance policy, stock holding or other investment account.

Membership in the Legacy Society is not based on the amount of one's gift or bequest, but on the notice of one's commitment. If you are interested in giving to the Smoke Rise Endowment and joining the Smoke Rise Legacy Society, please contact the church office to make an appointment with one of our pastors or a trustee.

When Pastor Chris George came to Smoke Rise in 2013, the Smoke Rise Endowment fund totaled $397,186.89. Today the fund exeeds 1.4 million dollars. The Smoke Rise On this 50th Anniversary, we are Endowment consists of special grateful to members who have come gifts and bequests given above and and gone, and to members who remain beyond a regular tithe or offering. near. For all who carry on a legacy of The Endowment is a “forever fund” generosity and faithful stewardship for because gifts to the Endowment grow the sake of God’s work of love among into the indefinite future. The fund us and in the world, we give thanks. is protected by established rules with With the expansion of our Endowment -Bart McNiel oversight by elected trustees. Through the Endowment fund, we commit ENDOWMENT FUND GROWTH to preserve and pass on to future 2013 - $347,186.89 2016 - $871,579.89 generations what our charter members so generously gave to us.

2014 - $448,947.64 2017 - $1,103,847.32 2015 - $449,287.16

Through the donation of earnings from the Endowment Fund, Smoke

as of June 2019 $1,462,480.48

MONTH OF JUNE Amount Given $148,371.96

Amount Spent $208,361.59

2018 - $1,342,199.43

Negative Balance ($59,989.63)

FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE

(April 1, 2019 - May 31, 2019) Amount Given Amount Spent Negative Balance $502,434.18 $605,085.26 ($102,651.08) 10 | S MOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

SACR ED S PACE R E NEWED

The Columbarium The Cross and Candlesticks in the Chapel

Newly Upholstered Seats in the Welcome Center

Weekday School and Prep School Space

Updated First Floor Sunday School Classrooms 11 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

FA M ILY M I N I ST RY AT SM OK E R I SE

B E C KY CASWELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection

Generations Of Care The Coe Family When we moved to Stone Mountain in 1981 with our four children, ages 9 to 18, Charlie and I continued a pattern. Finding a church home was a priority. As Christians, one of the greatest gifts our Lord gives us is brothers and sisters wherever we go. And yes, a family was waiting for us here – warm and loving relationships with people, not only our own age, but older and younger as well.

In 2008, I had serious eye surgery. For a time, I could not see. My beloved church family brought meals and showered us with mail – expressions of love, concern and prayers. Since I was not able to read, my then nine year old grandson, Alex Burton, would visit each day and he became my “reader.” He realized this loving and compassionate response and exclaimed, “We sure do have a great big, nice family!” How true.

Our children, Valerie, Jennifer, Andy and Amanda, and several of our 12 grandchildren grew and thrived under wonderful mentors in the form of teachers, youth trip leaders and ministers. Our daughters were all married here and three grandchildren baptized here. The opportunity to participate in music, service and leadership projects were numerous. Out of gratitude to children’s ministries, Charlie and I continued to serve in the nursery long after we had babies there.

Ministers of Families Sue Laird 1984-2003 Beth Ann Ayers 2004-2006 Kellie Denton 2006-2010 Becky Caswell-Speight 2014-Present

Nursery Ministry Directors Nancy Garcia 1990-2005 Amanda Coe-Burton 2005-Present

“By this shall all people know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” My experience has been that Smoke Rise Baptist Church does this beautifully. It provides us so many to love, both inside and outside the church.

-Elbia Coe The Griffith/Gannon Family Fifty years from its beginning, Smoke Rise Baptist Church is a community of generations. It does not take long to see the connections, ties and relationships among and between the people of this church. There are families who have been here for years. Adults who grew up in this community and now choose to raise their children and grandchildren here.

And these relationships exist not only on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. This year, the Weekday School is proud to begin its 46th year with families who have known us for years and families who will join us for the first time. One family who will join us this year is already familiar with the church.

Starting in August, Bryce Griffith’s parents, Jenny and Patrick, enrolled him in the Toddlers Class in the Weekday School. Bryce is the great-grandson of former senior pastor, Truett Gannon – a man who himself spent so many years serving this church and seeking to follow Christ.

Now, his great-grandson will be greeted by name each week as he comes in the door, and will be taught and cared for by his teachers who embody the call of Christ to welcome the little children.

-Harrison Litzell 1 2 | S MOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

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

FIX IT! The one memory that will always stand out the most is our first trip to World Changers. We went to Vicksburg, Mississippi. However, it started a couple of years before that. It was the first year there was such a thing as World Changers.

I had a group of about 45-50 who were coming each Wednesday evening to the sessions in preparation for the trip. We were down to only a couple of weeks left in the study when one of the students made the statement, “My dad doesn’t want me to pay $200 to go work somewhere."

Well, after that our attendance took a nosedive and when it was time to pull the trigger on the trip, I only had 11 girls who were committed to go. To this day, I regret not taking that group and going ahead with the trip.

Fast forward a couple of years. We were trying again, and I was committed to take whomever would go. I ended up with a group of 20, but in order to get them to go I had to promise a trip to the beach on the way back home.

This group worked so hard the entire week of World Changers in Vicksburg. We stayed at a school and had an armed guard with us all night. Some of our students saw things they had not seen before and they certainly did work they had never done before. The result was an obvious “change” in the lives of those students.

That change was evident on our trip home. We stopped at the beach as promised and stayed just across the street from the ocean. After we got settled in, on our first trip across the street in our swimsuits and sandals, the week that had just passed came to life.

In order to get to the ocean, we had to walk down a “boardwalk”. To say it was in disrepair would be an understatement. And here is where the week was most telling – EVERY SINGLE STUDENT wearing only swimsuit and sandals and carrying a towel REACHED FOR THEIR HAMMERS because they were conditioned to “fix” what they saw needed fixing.

Ministers of Youth John Holloway 1981-1984 Bruce Conn 1985-1988 Ernie Forrester 1989-2008 Cara Hughes Greer 2008-2013 Jeremy Colliver 2014-Present

Important Dates this Fall: October 25

5th Quarter after

Brookwood vs Parkview November 15-17

DNOW December 20

Progressive Dinner

-Ernie Forrester Sunday Schedule 9:00 AM Worship in the Chapel 9:45 AM Sunday School in the basement 11:00 AM Worship in the Sanctuary 5:00 PM Choir in the Choir Suite 5:45 PM Dinner 6:00 PM Vespers in the basement Wednesday Schedule 5:00 PM Dinner 6:00 PM Youth in the basement 13 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

MO N TH LY S N A P SHOT

50 Years at Smoke Rise

Weekly Schedule

September Dates

Sunday 9:00 AM - Worship in the Chapel 9:45 AM - Sunday School for all ages 11:00 AM - Worship in the Sanctuary 4:00 PM - Liturgical Dance 5:00 PM - Youth Choir

13-14 Women's Retreat 13-15 Drama Performance 22 50th Anniversary Celebration 29 Connections

5:45 PM - Youth Dinner 6:00 PM - Youth Vespers

30 Men's Appalachia Mission Trip

Wednesday 4:45 PM - Dinner in the Fellowship Hall

SMOKE RISE ACADEMY OF ARTS

6:00 PM - Journeys, Children's Activities,

Presents

Frozen Ad

Youth in the basement 7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir

September 13-15, 2019 Fri. 7 PM / Sat. 3 & 7 PM / Sun 2 PM Smoke Rise Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Admission is Free

14 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG

Steeple Renovation

New Playground Chapel Renovation

Gymnasium Loft Renovation

Office Suite Renovation

New Sanctuary Sound System

Refresh Campaign 2017 – 2019

Projects Completed

Thank you SRBC Children’s Ministry Suite Renovation

October 30 • 5-7 pm • Free Admission

Come for this free and fun event on Wednesday, October 30, 2019! from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

Dinner Tickets $5 for Adults, $3 for Children, $15 Family maximum

Wear your costume for Fall fun!

World Communion Sunday October 6

5901 Hugh Howell Rd Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Address Correction Requested