CROSSTIE Your Smoke Rise Baptist Church Magazine | Winter 23/24
IN THIS ISSUE 4
From the Pastor
5
All Saints Day
6
Beyond the Pews
7
The Gifts of Christmas
8
Benevolence Ministry
10-11
The Season of Advent
12
Disciple Now
14-15
Endowment Fund & Legacy Society
16-17
From the Heart of a New Deacon
18
A Joyous Celebration
19
Academy of Arts
21
A CrossTie Devotional
4 F RO M THE PASTO R
The prophet Isaiah says, “See I am doing a new thing! Now springs it up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). I love the concept of New Year’s. It is not a religious holiday, but it is an annual celebration of the passing of time
8 B EN EVO L EN CE MIN ISTRY
The benevolence fund of Smoke Rise Baptist Church is in many ways a "quiet" fund, because we bless others in our community confidentially as needs arise. Benevolence ministry includes the small gifts and touches we extend to strangers, walk-ins and others who are not members of our church, but who may need one-time or temporary financial relief.
10 CHRISMO N
For the past 35 years, a Chrismon tree has graced our narthex during the Advent Season. However, our Chrismon Tree is more than just a display of ornaments. A Chrismon—which stands for “Christ monogram”—is a handcrafted white and gold ornament designed to convey a message about Christ to its viewers.
16 HEA RT O F A N EW DEACON
In many ways, I have been preparing my whole life to be a deacon. For a long time now at Smoke Rise, we have affirmed the calling and ordination of women and men as equals in deacon service. Even though this was not always part of my church experience, I know that the same spirit of cooperation and caring was part of deacon service in past generations and will be in days ahead. In this sense, what is expected of a deacon is not new to me. It is part of a long legacy in my experience of church.
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Gloria S
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I' D L A V
A Smoke Rise Baptist Church Christmas Concert
December 17 | 11:00 AM Worship Service
Our Ministers B e c ky C asw el l - Spei gh t
Minister of Families and Faith Formation rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org
Pa g e F u l gh am
Missions Associate missions@smokerisebaptist.org
Ch r is George
Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org
Bar t McN ie l
Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org
James S mith
Pastoral Care Associate jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org
D anny Vancil
Minister of Music and Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org
Hannah Vassar
Minister of Youth and Congregational Connection hvassar@smokerisebaptist.org
From the Pastor
Embracing God's Call to Move Forward with Hope and Purpose by Chris George, Senior Pastor The prophet Isaiah says, “See I am doing a new thing! Now springs it up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
Perhaps, the most important words as we cross this bridge from what was to what is—from 2023 to 2024— ”I know that whatever God does endures forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14a).
I love the concept of New Year’s. It is not a religious holiday, but it is an annual celebration of the passing of time. Cynics will dismiss it as arbitrary, but it can be an annual reminder of God’s grace. If our past year included hurt or hardship, guilt or regret, broken resolutions or broken relationships, we are invited to begin anew.
What will you do with your gift of 2024?
Isaiah says, “God is doing a new thing.” Here and now. God never calls us to go back, but is always beckoning us forward just as he did with those Magi so long ago with a star in the sky. With the birth of a baby, there was new hope for the future. For us, with this birth of a new year, we can be hopeful as we begin to see what looks like a light. Some are familiar with Ecclesiastes 3. Some, in a certain generation, are more familiar with the song by the Byrds, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The words are a reminder: There is a time to be born and a time to die; There is a time to kill and a time to heal; There is a time to mourn and a time to dance; There is a time to weep and a time to laugh; There is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. We may find comfort in these words. We are reminded that just as there is mourning, there is also joy; just as there is separation, there is reunion; just as we have worried together and wept together, we can laugh together and sing together. This new year will be filled with many different experiences and emotions, encounters and opportunities.
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My friend, Dr. Brett Younger, pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, offers some words to encourage and inspire us: Life is short: Life is too short to spend hours a day on fantasy football, smartphone solitaire and cable news. Life is too short for frozen pizza, bad novels or having the cleanest gutters on the block. Life is too short to keep waiting for vacation, a special occasion or a better day. Life is too short to sit around moping, choosing despair and worrying about what people think. Life is too short to be bitter over the things you can’t change. Life is short, so live every day as if it were your last, because some day you will be right. Life is short, so do what you love to do and give it your best. Life is short, so go to church, stay awake and sing. Life is short, so stop and stand in awe and amazement. Life is short, so listen to the people you love and tell them how much they mean to you. Life is short, so celebrate God’s grace. Make time for the things that matter. Life is short, so believe and act as if God’s Kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. I am proud to be your pastor and excited as we enter this new year!
All Saints' Day Church members who have passed away between November 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023
Jack Edward Andrews • Betty Geiger Bannister • Glenda Blackwell • Anna Lee Blancato Betty Bradford • Cathy Carnes • Buddy Gene Christian • Janis Bovay Clement Margaret (Meg) Cooper • Judith (“Judi”) Crutchfield • Marilyn Dawn Fitzgerald • James Fulgham Douglas Raymond (Ray) Harp • Parks Walter Mann • Karen Newell Ripley • Nancy Bradley Sorrells Virgil Eugene Sorrells Travis Weatherly • Bruce Wheeler • Celestia Wright
MINISTRY COLLABORATORY FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Beyond the Pews
Smoke Rise's Collaboratory Experience with Princeton Theological Seminary by Rebecca Caswell-Speight,
Minister of Families and Faith Formation The Smoke Rise Baptist Young Adults were chosen in June of 2023 to participate in the Ministry Collaboratory for Young Adults which is a part of Princeton Theological Seminary. The purpose is to help the Princeton collaborative learn how congregations and this age group can interact in new ways as they explore how to bless their communities as Christ’s envoys.
Young Adult
G∙A∙T∙H∙E∙R∙I∙N∙G
Upcoming Gatherings for young adults, ages 18-32.
December 16 | 7:00 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Gardens
January 20 Princeton Collaboratory Pop-up February 10 Ice Skating
Learn more at smokerisebaptist.org/adults/ya-gathering/
In September of this year, Mariah Hamby and Becky Caswell-Speight joined with 18 other congregations throughout the country for a collaboratory intensive. They brought their findings back to the Smoke Rise team which consists of Jonathan Bowers, Jeremiah Hamby, Laura Alyssa Platé, and Hannah Vassar. Since then, the team has been meeting to learn more about the young adult demographic in our area and where they are finding meaning, purpose, and belonging. The team plans to host a popup event at the end of January to connect with young adults throughout both our community and in other faith communities.
To give through a transfer of stock and securities, please contact Fe Williams in our church office at financeoffice@ smokerisebaptist. org or by phone at 770.469.5856.
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Give online at smokerisebaptist.org/ give/. Through online giving, you can set up a recurring gift or tithe.
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Give through text, by texting "givesrbc" to 73256 followed by the gift amount to give.
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November 19 - December 31 Goal: $500,000
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Give the traditional way by check or cash each week through the mail or in the offering plate.
End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign
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Ways to Give
We are already underway with our annual end-of-year giving emphasis that encompasses the last seven Sundays of the year through December 31. This year, we kicked off our emphasis on Sunday, November 19, and will accept tithes and offerings in support of our goal through Sunday, December 31. Our goal this year is $500,000. Faithful tithing along with end-of-year gifts exceeding our stated goal have been essential to our success in recent years. We are asking again for our members to give generously as we commit together to empower and sustain the fellowship, ministries and missions of our church. We are pleased to report that as of the end of September we received gifts totaling $1,072,722.81, an amount exceeding total giving to date for at least five of the previous years. As we enter this season when we catch up deficit spending before the beginning of the last quarter of our fiscal year, we continue to see growth in giving exceeding previous years. Because of this increase, we are meeting the challenge of increased budgetary costs for utilities, vendor services and other essential operational expenses. As of the end of the September, we posted a deficit of $119,373.75, an amount that remains consistent with previous years despite increased budgetary costs. We are confident that with continued commitment to support our end-of-year giving campaign we will once again clear our deficit and be in a good position to meet increased budgetary needs as we seek to finish well our fiscal year that ends in March. Please prayerfully consider your gift in this season. All gifts are tax deductible and must be received by December 31 to apply to the 2023 tax year. Stock gifts should be initiated at least a week before the last day of the year. If you are planning a stock transfer, we encourage you or your broker to finalize the transfer on or before December 30 to assure timely notice and posting. If you are delivering a check or cash gift to post in the 2023 tax year, the church finance office must receive your gift no later than January 4th to be credited to this tax year. You may drive up and place end-of-year gifts in the secure portico mailbox at any time before that date. May God continue to bless gifts and givers in this season of anticipation and light. In gratitude, Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor
Benevolence Ministry A quiet and powerful ministry at Smoke Rise. by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor The benevolence fund of Smoke Rise Baptist Church is in many ways a "quiet" fund, because we bless others in our community confidentially as needs arise. Benevolence ministry includes the small gifts and touches we extend to strangers, walk-ins and others who are not members of our church, but who may need one-time or temporary financial relief. I have been blessed to serve as the lead minister for our benevolence ministry for many years, along with Carol Palmer, who has served as our team lay leader as well as two additional team members, Colin Harris and Bob Jernigan, who serve as accountability partners. Over the many years that Carol and I have been involved with benevolence ministry at Smoke Rise, we have provided grocery and food cards for temporary relief to a wide range of individuals and families in need. We also make referrals to our local coop partners on a regular basis. In addition to addressing these kinds of needs, we have been able to
assist individuals from time-to-time in unique ways such as helping an elderly neighbor on a fixed income with the purchase and set-up of a bed in the home where they had nothing but a couch to sleep; by helping a young man pay for special work permits during his transition from probation to work; by helping working families offset the costs of daycare and tutors when schools were closed due to Covid. There are other unique ways that provide us the avenues to extend aid as we have the means. The sole source of income for our benevolence ministry has been the offering taken up at the Peter Mayer concert each year when we generally collect a few thousand dollars to help maintain this fund and continue this quiet ministry aimed at making small impacts in Jesus' name. We are grateful for the gifts we receive for benevolence that empower us to respond to a direct command of Jesus to receive and bless the stranger in need in his name.
Cultivating a community full of HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE
December 3 | 7:00 PM Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter and guitarist, will be at Smoke Rise to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Stars & Promises Christmas show. This concert is free and open to the public!
December 3
The Give More Store is an opportunity to buy items from some of our mission partners. It is an ideal time to buy gifts for Christmas and support these ministries.
Shop Hours Before Worship 9-10:45 a.m. After Worship 12 -12:30 p.m. Before Concert 6:15 -7:00 p.m Concert Intermission
Vendors
Nancy's Stichers Refugee Sewing Society Amani Women's Center Uganda Mission Team
In the spirit of generosity and community, we invite you to make an offering after the performance to support the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry.
Additional Details Cash and Credit Cards Accepted Learn more about the items being sold at smokerisebaptist.org/ give-more-store/
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THE SEASON Chrismons
Exploring the story and meaning of the Chrismon Tree. by Becky Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation For the past 35 years, a Chrismon tree has graced our narthex during the Advent Season. However, our Chrismon Tree is more than just a display of ornaments. A Chrismon—which stands for “Christ monogram”—is a handcrafted white and gold ornament designed to convey a message about Christ to its viewers. This wonderful tradition was initially established in 1957 by Frances Spencer of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. In the late 80s, the concept found its way to our former children’s minister, Sue Laird. Sue enlisted the help of Truett Gannon and John Owen to transform this dream into a reality. Together, they organized teams of people to meticulously craft the crosses, mangers, crowns, butterflies and other symbols all made by members of our congregation. This season, we will explore the many different types of Chrismons. For Sue, the early version of our Chrismon tree exclusively featured Chrismons that a child could comprehend. You'll notice that many of the Chrismons adorning the tree come with explanations of their symbolic meanings. The early 90s introduced a new addition to this beautiful tradition of gold and white ornaments. Around 1994, our church began distributing Chrismon ornaments to children who attend the Christmas Eve service at Smoke Rise. One of the earliest of these ornaments was a ceramic fish made by Marsha Winston. Since then, we've given away beaded crosses, cross-stitched ships, painted grapes and even an ornament in the shape of a child. The tradition that Sue initiated so many years ago continues to grow and flourish today. Many families now host their own Chrismon trees in their homes, and parents have begun gifting the Chrismons they grew up with as they move into their first homes. This tradition has now extended its reach to minister to the students of McAfee School of Theology where a Chrismon tree now stands in the dean's office. As we journey through our Advent devotional series, partake in the Advent experience, and eventually receive this year's Chrismon (crafted by Naomi Walker), may we be reminded that we too are Monograms of Christ. Just as this tradition shares His love, so should we.
N OF ADVENT Worship
Devotional
First Sunday of Advent
Prepare yourself for Christmas with our Advent Devotional Guide. This year's guide, written by our Smoke Rise staff and a few others, will be based on the symbols of the Chrismons (Christ monograms) that have adorned the Chrismon Tree in the narthex. The series will offer a daily dose of inspiration, reflection, and opportunity for spiritual growth throughout the season of Advent, from December 3rd to December 24th.
December 3
Waiting
Sermon: What Are We Waiting For? Scripture: Isaiah 63:1-4
Second Sunday of Advent December 10
Preparing
Sermon: Preparing for Christmas Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5 Music and Worship led by our preschool, children and youth
Third Sunday of Advent December 17
Singing
Sermon: A Season for Singing Scripture: Luke 2:15-18, 20 Vivaldi’s Gloria presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24
Celebrating
You may begin your journey by picking up a printed copy on November 26th or, for the convenience of digital access, follow along online at smokerisebaptist.org/adventdevotional/. This unique devotional series promises to deepen your connection to the joy and meaning of the Advent season.
Experience Wander through our chapel on December 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. as a part of this year's Advent experience. Through the interactive consideration of the beautiful Chrismon symbols, this walk-through experience will provide participants of all ages a beautiful and meaningful way to come to a deeper understanding of their life with Christ.
Sermon: From Advent to Incarnation Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 (KJV) Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 11:00 a.m. Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, our Christmas Eve service will take place during our 11:00 a.m. worship time. In a darkened sanctuary, we will observe our traditional communion and candlelight service that is usually held in the evening. We hope you and your family will join us at 11:00 a.m. this year. Our regular evening Christmas Eve service will resume next year at the 7 p.m. time. Please note: There will be a large, combined Sunday school class on December 24 in the fellowship hall. Please consult with your respective classes for any specific changes on December 31.
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Disciple Now
Finding Joy in Service and Fellowship. by Hannah Vassar, Youth and Congregational Connection The theme of this year’s Disciple Now weekend for our youth was joy! Our students examined Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and learned about recognizing the joys in their own lives. It was a wonderful weekend, filled with service activities which included making cookie kits, collecting cans of food, and sorting clothes for the Lilburn Co-Op. Students also shared what brings them joy in their lives and how they may be able to contribute to the joy of others. Unlike years past, we stayed mostly within the church walls, enabling students to see and recognize that a joyful life can be had in service to others. Youth were also able to see how the church itself plays a crucial role in creating joyful communities as we engaged in activities that we wouldn’t usually do within the church walls. (Think “obstacle course karaoke!”) It was a wonderful weekend full to the brim with fun and service!
GET REGISTRED NOW 3rd-5th Grade | July 16-19 Eatonton, Georgia Registration costs $250 Register at smokerisebaptist.org/children/
6th-12th Grade | July 1-5 Berea, Kentucky Registration costs $275 Register at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/passport/
Children's Retreat CBF Georgia · Rock Eagle January 26-28, 2024 Registration Deadline: January 7th Cost: $160 Register at smokerisebaptist.org/children/
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Creating a Solid Foundation
Celebrating the growth of the Endowment Fund and Legacy Society by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor As we celebrate the growth of our Endowment Fund and the blessing of distributions from our Fund since reaching increased Fund value in recent years, we are moving the date of our annual Legacy Luncheon and emphasis to January to coincide with the beginning of a new investment year. In 2017, we held our first Legacy Lunch to celebrate our Endowment Fund and to encourage all our members to participate in the living legacy of our church by considering life gifts, bequests, and other opportunities to make a “forever” gift that will provide investment income to support and sustain our church facilities, empower new ministries and envision new mission into the future. In March 2016, the Endowment Fund had a principal balance of $446,765.79, and in early November
of 2023 had a value exceeding 1.8 million dollars. In recognition of this growth and in an effort to build on our success with continued enthusiasm and foresight, we are making the shift of our celebration Legacy Luncheon to the new year in a special and exciting way. On Sunday, January 28, the trustees of the Smoke Rise Endowment Fund are inviting all our church members to join us for a catered luncheon where we will hear a special presentation by Dr. Allen Walworth. Allen Walworth, who is well-known to many in our congregation, previously served as co-interim pastor at Smoke Rise and was also instrumental in the Step-Up campaign of our church that empowered Smoke Rise to be able to fund deep repairs realizing a dramatic renewal
Legacy Society Luncheon Sunday, January 28 Following the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service Speaker: Dr. Allen Walworth 14
of our campus and grounds for a sustainable future. He brings the passion and calling of an ordained pastor, the training and discipline of a Biblical scholar, and the wisdom of a tenured church “coach” to his work with churches of all denominations. His passion for stewardship is fueled by a pastor’s heart and a studied knowledge of scripture. Before becoming a generosity consultant, Allen was a senior pastor for 17 years, leading congregations ranging from a small-town church of 1,000 members to a large metropolitan congregation of over 9,000 members. Allen earned a Ph.D. in New Testament studies, and has taught at the college and seminary levels. Dr. Walworth will first lead us in worship as our guest preacher, followed by the Legacy Luncheon where he will make a special presentation celebrating how far we have come, where we presently are, and challenging us as we look forward to an exciting future of legacy giving. We invite everyone to be with us for this special Sunday of worship followed by a time of fellowship and challenge at our annual Legacy Luncheon. As you consider joining us, be reminded that legacy giving at Smoke Rise is truly for all! Our Endowment is blessed by gifts of all sizes. From the smallest memorial gift to larger bequests, all bless the future of our church and work together for the good of those who support the life of Christ's church and its work through Smoke Rise. We are hoping for the biggest turnout yet at our annual luncheon. The trustees invite all to attend this special event and to begin making your reservations now with the church office to join us for this free luncheon and special day.
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OUR 2024 DEACON FELLOWSHIP
Greg Adams Melissa Adams Rita Bowers Tanya Briggs
It is Well Wi From the Heart of a New
Ed Butler Amanda Coe Burton Linda Cantrell Jim Conard Sheila Dean Larry Decuir Wilson Echols Carol Ann Fulgham Jane Grinstead Jeremiah Hamby Mariah Hamby Georgianne Harrison Connie Henry William Henry Martha Holt Wade Johnson Cecilia Joshi MaryLynn Manley Kelly McLendon Sue Miller Carol Palmer Judy Parker Detra Pattillo Mike Pattillo Laura Alyssa Platé Joe Shields David Siegenthaler Rachel Smith Dorothy Swindle Lou Tankersley Doug Wagner Ronnie Weathers Jay White Sandy White Bud Williamson Nikki Young
As I look forward to serving for the first time as a deacon at Smoke Rise, I cannot help but think of my grandfather and father who both served as deacons. In the days when my father was a deacon, only men were ordained to this office. Even though women were not ordained to serve in those days, deacons' wives stood beside ordination candidates where it was made clear that teamwork was expected as part of deacon service. In many ways, I have been preparing my whole life to be a deacon. For a long time now at Smoke Rise we have affirmed the calling and ordination of women and men as equals in deacon service. Even though this was not always part of my church experience, I know that the same spirit of cooperation and caring was part of deacon service in past generations and will be in days ahead. In this sense, what is expected of a deacon is not new to me. It is part of a long legacy in my experience of church. I have been part of a church since I was six weeks old. Apart from Smoke Rise, I have served in only one other church my whole life. My family lived in Southwest Atlanta during my childhood and youth where we attended Capital View Baptist Church. When I was 19-years-old, we moved to the suburbs where I joined Smoke Rise along with my family. Frank Johnson was the pastor then, and I can still remember him telling us we were the 474th, 475th and 476th members of Smoke Rise Baptist Church.
th My Soul Deacon
In those early days at Smoke Rise, we met in what is now the Chapel. When Truett Gannon came as pastor, we quickly grew to have a chapel-full on Sundays with overflow in the classrooms under the chapel watching a live closed-circuit television feed of the service. Eventually, I was privileged to serve on the building committee for the construction of our present sanctuary. I even helped to choose the organ that we have come to cherish and love to this day at Smoke Rise. I can also remember how there were only two singles at Smoke Rise when I was 19-years-old. Those two were Andy Duckett and myself. (And that was on a good Sunday.) When it was just Andy and I, we met in the kitchen where the nursery is now. We liked it there because we could use the church oven to make toast during Sunday school. I eventually met my husband Mark through the singles ministry and in the choir where we both love to sing. I taught music for 20 of the 30 years of my career in public school. I still look at my commitment to be in the choir and in music at Smoke Rise as a reflection of my own heart. In days now past when I was still working and able to walk, I conducted the Primetime Choir. If I were asked to help with music or other tasks at church, I have always tried to do my best. One of the things I still love about being in the choir is to look out at the congregation from the choir loft and see people whose names I know and to look for people I do not know but whom I may yet be able to get to know. As I see all these people from the choir loft, I am reminded that all are part of our calling to follow Jesus.
Without a people gathered in that place, we could not answer the call to be the church. These days, I have the blessing of helping to sell tickets for events in the church and to work with the organizing around many events. Part of that blessing has been to work with assigned ministry staff and others. We are blessed with a great ministry and church staff who truly work for the good of our church family. We at Smoke Rise are indeed fortunate. I look forward to supporting our ministers as a deacon and to encouraging them to stay the course. Whenever I hear the chorus to the hymn It is Well with My Soul, the love of God that I have experienced in the church in my life is so real to me. I have faced personal challenges, but have always stayed close to the life and work of my church family. I think of the words of Paul who said that he had “fought the good fight and finished the race.” That is what I want to do to the best of my ability. Each day I get up and I think, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Now, I see my deacon service as a new opportunity to start each new day in a new way, to get another chance to serve, another chance to answer the charge our pastor issues to all of us—to worship, learn, care, serve and give at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. I am ready to learn new ways to serve and look forward to serving as a deacon. With thanksgiving for my Smoke Rise family of faith, MaryLynn Manley
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A Joyous Celebration
Celebrating 50 Years at the Smoke Rise Baptist Weekday School. by Rashette Walker, Weekday School Director
With great joy, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the SRB Weekday School on September 17, during the Sunday service at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. The program consisted of scripture readings and prayers by former and current students at the Weekday School. We recognized former and current directors, staff, teachers, students, and families. It was a wonderful service with the highlight of honoring Lisa Mixon, a deacon at Smoke Rise Baptist Church and a teacher at the Weekday School for over 30 years! She received an award marking her accomplishment and our new outdoor classroom was named The Lisa Mixon Coral Reef, in her honor.
Weekday School director, prayed a blessing over the gathering and the food. Next, Pat Tooke, the second Weekday School Director, told stories about the early years of the school and her time working alongside Sue Laird.
Following the worship service, a reception was held in the church’s fellowship hall. It was a wonderful time of visiting with old friends and colleagues, of sharing memories, and of catching up on what’s new. Reverend Valerie Coe Lowder, a former
As current Director of Smoke Rise Baptist Weekday School, I am grateful to all who served before me and to all who currently serve with me. I am especially grateful for the support that Smoke Rise Baptist Church’s staff and members give to us. It is an honor to enter these halls every day and care for the students and their families. I look forward to all God has planned for us in the future.
After enjoying the food prepared by many wonderful members of Smoke Rise Baptist church, our current Assistant Director, Rebekah Edmonds, began calling administrators, staff, and students by the decade to gather for photos. Wendell and Elaine Tudor, members of Smoke Rise, did a wonderful job capturing the day through photography.
Talent Sharing
Expanding our classes at the Academy of Arts. by Denise Burcham, Academy Director The Academy will offer some new opportunities next semester. We are excited to partner with Victoria Crosby to offer classes in poetry and creative writing for adults as well as children. If you are interested in participating in this class, please contact me at the Academy office. We have over 100 students participating in our drama department, presenting three productions each academic year. Some students have expressed an interest in working with the various production crews in costuming, setbuilding, and sound / light teams. We plan to offer classes in these areas of drama production. David Warner is offering his expertise to help train students to learn
videography and soundboard management, working with microphones and sound level equalizing. Pilar Waner is eager to offer sewing classes and share her talent for costume design and crafting. Some of our volunteers are offering to help students learn about constructing and painting stage sets for upcoming shows. It takes a village to put a show on the stage! It is exciting to have members within our church willing to share their talents with our Academy students in these areas of the arts. If you are interested in sharing your talents with the Academy, I would love to hear from you!
Holiday Market and Showcase
December 2
Market: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Showcase: 1:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for our annual Holiday Showcase. Students and teachers throughout the Academy will sing, dance, play piano and fiddle with holiday flair! You will be sure to hear all your holiday favorite tunes and more. Come early and visit our Holiday Market, presented by our Junior Theater Festival fundraising team, in the gym and find some wonderful items for your holiday gift list. While there, have your picture made with Santa and Mrs. Claus! All proceeds from the Holiday Market go to help offset expenses for the 58 students, chaperones and directors attending our annual Junior Theater Festival in January. Thank you in advance for supporting our students.
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A S H W E D N E S D AY F E B R U A R Y 14 | 6 : 0 0 P M There will be a special Ash Wednesday service for three-year-olds through second grader in the children's suite.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Be on the look out for Lenten devotionals to guide you through this season.
The Lives We Actually Have, K. Bowler Blessed are we who take a minute to look over our shoulder at all we learned from what was, the people we became, and the people who loved us into becoming. Blessed are we, turning our eyes ahead toward a new path not yet mapped. God, give us courage to take this next step, and enough for the one after that, too. Remind us that you have gone before, and behind, and around, and are with us now. In our leaving, in our arriving, in our changes, expected or shocking, surprise us with who we might become.
Seasons of Shadow and Light A CrossTie Devotional
by Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell, Pastoral Care Assistant Moving through the holidays and into the New Year, we are faced with seasons of shadow and light. We wait in the shadows, anticipating Christ’s birth. We wait with expectancy, with anticipation and with gratitude. We prepare our hearts and homes for this sacred event. Then slowly, as each Advent candle is lighted, God illuminates the world with His love. Christ is born—Emmanuel! God is with us! We stay tethered in this light and joy as we step into a new year, full of hope and promise. In this season of shadow and light, on the precipice of a new year, blessings abound, anchored in tradition and in hopeful hearts. At Smoke Rise, we celebrate the legacy of those who have gone before us, thankful not only for monetary gifts but for the talents and commitments of those who formed the foundation of our church home. It is a time to honor where we have been, but also a time to look forward to whom we are becoming. However, for some, transition is difficult, whether it is starting a new job, moving to a new city or even stepping into a new year. It is hard to let go of certainty and routine. Clinging to the familiar keeps us in the shadows. A willingness to leave behind the old and step into the new requires change and fortitude. To grow requires courage and light. Where does this light come from? It comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Growth happens in the in-between; growth happens in the light. In this season of transition, moving between the dark days of winter and the promise of spring, embrace the blessing of being the in-between of seasons of shadow and light. Find courage to step into new beginnings and the assurance of Christ’s light to guide your path.
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Connect and Engage at
Smoke Rise Baptist Church Winter Events December Dates 3 Give More Store (page 9) 3 Peter Mayer Concert (page 9) 10 Advent Experience (page 11) 14 Men's Prayer Lunch 16 Young Adult Gathering (page 6) 17 Churchwide Christmas Breakfast 17 Worship Featuring Vivaldi's Gloria (page 3) 17 Grief Support Group 24 Christmas Eve Service (page 11) 25-26 Office Closed for Christmas
January Dates 1 Office Closed for the New Year 11 Men's Prayer Lunch 12-14 Winter Youth Summit 15 Office Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 20 Young Adult Gathering (page 6) 21 Grief Support Group 23 Neurodiveristy Caregivers Group 26-28 Children's Winter Retreat (page 13) 28 Legacy Lunch (page 14) 28 Connections
February Dates 4 Chili Cook-off (page 24) 8 Men's Prayer Lunch 10 Young Adult Gathering (page 6) 11 Youth Superbowl Party 14 Ash Wednesday Service (page 20)
Weekly Schedule Sunday 9:00 am - Coffee and Donuts 9:45 am - Sunday school 11:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Children and Youth Activities Monday 10:30 am - Music and Missions Choir Wednesday 5:00 pm - Dinner 6:00 pm - Prayer and Journeys 6:00 pm - Youth and Children’s Activities 7:00 pm - Sanctuary Choir Sunday morning Sunday school zoom links and worship live stream are available at smokerisebaptist.org/streamingatsmokerise/. The Wednesday evening live stream can be found at smokerisebaptist.org/wednesdayevening-activities/
Weekly Communications
Sign up with mabner@smokerisebaptist.org for our Wednesday Preview and Sunday Preview emails to get access to quick links to all our online programing. Stay up to date with upcoming events with our weekly newsletter The Tie that Binds.
Lesson Archive
18 Grief Support Group
Find our past sermons and Adult Bible Study lessons on our website.
25 Connections
Sermons: smokerisebaptist.org/2023-sermon-archive/
27 Neurodiversity Caregivers Group 28 2024/25 Budget Q&A Session
Adult Bible Studies: smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
To learn more, visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
Advent
November 29 & December 6 Wednesday at 6:00 PM Fellowship Hall Led by Ebby Arnold
Author Series Session 3 December 13 Wednesday at 6:00 PM Fellowship Hall Led by Ronnie Jowers
Racial Reconciliation Mondays at 7:00 PM Zoom Meeting
Meeting People on Their Journey January 3-Feburary 7 Wednesdays at 6 PM Fellowship Hall Led by Bart McNiel, Ruth Perkins Lee, Hannah Vassar, and Joshua Speight
Seven Last Words of Christ Feburary 21 - March 20 Wednesdays at 6 PM Fellowship Hall Led by Chris George
Our Racial Reconciliation group will host a fellowship meal after morning worship on December 10 in the fellowship hall. Christ First Community Church of Snellville will worship with us and then we will enjoy food and fellowship. This will be a covered dish luncheon. Everyone is invited. Bring a meat, vegetable, salad, or desert. SRBC will furnish tea, lemonade, and water.
Address Correction Requested
Chili Cook-Off
Family Mission Trip March 8-10 | Chattanooga, TN
Visit smokerisebaptist.org/children/ to register.
February 4 after Worship
Help us raise money for the Family Mission Trip!