Winter 24/25 CrossTie

CROSSTIE Your Smoke Rise Baptist Church Magazine | Winter 2024/25

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Christmas Eve Worship

5

From the Pastor

6-7

A Season to Sing

8-9

The Gifts of Christmas

10-11

GAP Mission Trips

12

Metro Baptist Church

13

Octoberfest

14-15

Family Mission Weekend

16

All Saints' Day

17

A CrossTie Devotional

19

Smoke Rise Counseling Center

20

From the Weekday School

5 F RO M THE PASTO R

The sacred songs of Christmas reveal to us the secret to this holy season. Jesus comes not to confirm our assumptions or to advocate for anyone’s agenda, but rather to transform our perspectives and alter our lives.

This is what it means to be filled with the Christmas spirit and, according to the text of the scripture, that spirit is the Holy Spirit.

8 THE GIF TS O F CHRISTM AS

As Smoke Rise members, we are privileged to be part of a congregation that is supported by faithful and generous giving that empowers and sustains our fellowship of faith.

We are now in the midst of our annual end-of-year giving emphasis that began on November 17 and continues for the last seven Sundays of the year through December 31.

10 GA P MISSIO N TRIPS

God’s Appalachian Partnership (GAP) has been a ministry partner with Smoke Rise since 2006, with our church having sent teams every year since our partnership began.

Located in rural eastern Kentucky, GAP ministers to their “families” by providing food, cleaning supplies, personal care products, home repair and sharing the Good News of Christ’s love.

17 A CRO SSTIE DEVOTIO NAL

Amid the changing seasons, I wonder what “new thing” the Lord might be doing in your life. I wonder what provision the Lord has in store for you, and I wonder how your past will help you navigate your future. The beginning of a new year brings on many emotions.

Connect with

Stop by Our Office

5901 Hugh Howell Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Give Us a Call 770.469.5856

Follow Us on Facebook facebook.com/smokerise

Visit Us Online

smokerisebaptist.org

Church in Conference

February 9, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service for our meeting and luncheon.

RSVP to the church office at mabner@smokerisebaptist.org or 770.469.5856.

Meal Pricing: Adults $7; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $6; Takeout $7.50; Immediate Family Maximum $20

OUR MINISTERS B e c ky C asw el l - Spei gh t

Bar t McN ie l

M i tz i Et h ri dge- C an t rel l

James S mith

Pa g e F u l gh am

D anny Vancil

Minister of Families and Faith Formation rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org

Pastoral Care Associate mecantrell@smokerisebaptist.org

Missions Associate missions@smokerisebaptist.org

Ch r is George

Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org

Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org

Pastoral Care Associate jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org

Minister of Music and Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org

Hannah Vassar

Minister of Youth and Congregational Connection hvassar@smokerisebaptist.org

Christmas Eve Worship December 24th 5:00 pm - Family Christmas Eve Service 7:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service The 7:00 pm service will be available via live stream.

ADVENT

at Smoke Rise Baptist Church

From the Pastor A Season to Sing

by Chris George, Senior Pastor Christmas is a season for the senses. There are the smells of the season like fresh cut pine, peppermint sticks and pumpkin pie. Our eyes feast on the sights of the seasons with our homes and the stores in which we shop decorated with glittering lights. We love the tastes of the season ranging from hot apple cider to eggnog and honey-baked hams to homemade desserts and Christmas cookies. The sounds of the season assail our ears as we go about our day, with jingling bells and the ringing of the Salvation Army bell in front of our favorite stores. Santa’s jolly laughter reminds us it is a season of smiles. But, perhaps, what I like most about Christmas is the music of the season.

That being said, I must admit that songs of Christmas are a source of conflict in my own household. Each year, my wife and I debate about the appropriate time to start listening to Christmas music. She considers Thanksgiving an appropriate date. I, like any normal person, cannot wait that long. I want to get out my Santa hat and start playing Christmas music at midnight on Halloween. We typically compromise and begin our holiday listening in early November.

This Advent Season, our church will be celebrating a Season to Sing as we examine songs recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Our worship emphasis each Sunday will be viewed through the lens of one of these very special songs— the moment that Jesus was born in a manger, the voice of a skeptical priest who breaks his silence by singing a new song; the song of a frightened and faithful young girl. We will listen to an angelic

chorus sing about peace on the Earth. I hope that these songs from the scripture will resonate in and through us, offering a new perspective on this Christmas season.

The sacred songs of Christmas reveal to us the secret to this holy season. Jesus comes not to confirm our assumptions or to advocate for anyone’s agenda, but rather to transform our perspectives and alter our lives.

This is what it means to be filled with the Christmas spirit and, according to the text of the scripture, that spirit is the Holy Spirit.

My prayer is that this Christmas our lives will be changed by singing these songs, listening anew to the lyrics, and allowing God’s Spirit to fill our hearts and minds. We will tell the story of God’s faithfulness in the past, participate in God’s work in the present, and share God’s blessed plan for the future. Our words will ring with the melodies of hope. In our actions, people will hear carols of optimism and find the courage to overcome pessimism.

Of course, it all culminates when we share the song of our salvation, which came to fruition with a baby born in a manger. It is a song that has the power to change the world. If we are willing to allow our lives to sing this song, if we are willing to let our voices rise together in a great chorus, this will be a very special Christmas season indeed. Skeptics will become believers. Cynics will be filled with God’s spirit. Hearts will be touched.

Sins will be forgiven. Lives will be transformed. It will be a blessed Christmas miracle. And, all it takes, is a willingness to allow our lips and our lives to sing.

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Church Events Peter Mayer Concert

Give More Store

Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, will be at Smoke Rise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stars & Promises Christmas show. This concert is free and open to the public! In the spirit of generosity and community, we invite you to make an offering after the show to support the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry.

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 various ministries! The store is open before worship from 9-10:45 a.m., after worship from 12 -12:30 p.m., and before the Peter Mayer concert from 6:15 -7:00 p.m., at the concert intermission.

Caroling

Christmas Breakfast

Join us for a joyful afternoon of caroling! Right after the 11:00 am worship service, we’ll gather together for a $5 lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Afterwards we will head out to bring Christmas cheer to the residents at our local care facilities. These facilities are a vital part of our satellite ministries, and we’re excited to spread the love of the season through song and fellowship. If you would like to join us, RSVP with the church office or at smokerisebaptist.org/caroling/.

You're invited to our annual church-wide Christmas Breakfast!

Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a festive meal filled with food, fellowship, and Christmas joy. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather as a church family, celebrate the season, and enjoy a delicious breakfast together.

December 1

December 15

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December 1

December 22

Advent Worship First Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

The Song of Zechariah Luke 1:67-79

The Song of the Angels Luke 2:8-14

December 1

December 15

Second Sunday of Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Song of Mary Luke 1:46-55

Come Ye Faithful A Service of Lessons and Carols

December 8

December 22

The Anglican tradition of presenting Lessons & Carols began in 1878 and was formalized as a Christmas service in 1880 by the Bishop of Truro (later Archbishop of Canterbury), Edward Benson. At a slightly later date, an Advent version of the service – normally structured as a procession with lessons and carols – was established at King’s College (Cambridge) and is now celebrated as a beloved tradition around the world, normally as an evening service on the first or second Sunday in the season of Advent.

During the service, scripture readings are interspersed with choral presentations and hymns, all of which recall humankind’s longing for liberation from sin and death, and the hope and expectation of both the first and second comings of Christ the Lord.

Our own presentation of lessons and carols, Come Ye Faithful, based on the theme Witnesses to the Nativity, will be presented in our morning worship on the 22nd of December. It will combine both ancient biblical and later prose readings woven together with the traditional carols we love.

Join us on this special morning as the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Orchestra lead us in worship.

Advent Devotional Prepare your heart for the season with The Carols of Christmas Volume III by Alan Vermilye. This Advent devotion book is a wonderful way to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas through the stories and themes of beloved carols. You can purchase your copy for $10 outside the sanctuary before Sunday worship. Supplies are limited, so be sure to get yours soon and join us in a season of meaningful reflection and celebration!

As a companion to our devotional book we are excited to have a Journeys Bible Study on Mondays in December to discuss three of the carols in the book. To learn more, see page 18.

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End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign

Mail

Online

Text

Stock

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

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

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"

Ways to Give

"

"

"

November 17 - December 31 Goal: $500,000

Give online at smokerisebaptist.org/ give/. Through online giving, you can set up a recurring gift or tithe.

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.

As Smoke Rise members, we are privileged to be part of a congregation that is supported by faithful and generous giving that empowers and sustains our fellowship of faith. We are now in the midst of our annual end-of-year giving emphasis that began on November 17 and continues for the last seven Sundays of the year through December 31.

This year’s goal for our end-of-year emphasis is $500,000. It is consistent faithful tithing and your end-of-year gifts that enable Smoke Rise to keep pace with the inflation that impacts all essential operations, ministries and missions of our church.

As of the end of September, we had received gifts totaling $1,131,569.30. According to our stewardship records, this amount significantly exceeds totals received by that date over the past number of years. This is truly something to celebrate! We are hopeful this historic giving trend will continue during this end-of-year giving season. Meeting and exceeding our end-of-year giving goal will empower our church to enter the last quarter of our fiscal year with wind in our sails as we aim to meet our budget and shore up our reserves.

As of the end of September, we posted a year-to-date deficit of $99,367.20, an amount that is consistent with our patterns of giving versus expenses across previous years. And on a positive note, our total spending on that date was right at 49.87 percent of the budget, very close to our target of being at 50 percent of the total budget at the half-way point of our fiscal year ending March 2025.

Please prayerfully consider your gift in this season. All gifts are tax deductible and must be received by December 31 to apply to the 2024 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 inform the church finance office and finalize the transfer before December 30 to satisfy timely notice and posting by the end of the tax year. If you are delivering a check or cash gift, 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

This year, on Tuesday, December 31, we will host our End-of-Year Hospitality Station as a drive-up event. We invite everyone who has given to support our budgeted ministry plan to drive up between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm at our sanctuary portico for hot chocolate or coffee and to pick up a sweet goodie bag. You can also drop off any last­minute gifts in support of our goal on this day. Our volunteers will be sure your gift is immediately delivered to our finance office for timely processing in this calendar year.

If you are delivering a gift to post in the 2024 tax year, the church finance office must receive your gift no later than January 4th for your gift to be credited in this tax year. You may drive up and place end-of-year gifts in the secure portico mailbox at any time before that date.

If you are planning to transfer stock to the church as a tithe or offering, we encourage you or your broker to finalize the transfer before December 30 and to email our finance manager, Fe Williams, at financeoffice@smokerisebaptist.org on or before the date of your transfer, so that the church finance office can confirm the details of the transfer and post the appropriate amount to your giving statement in this tax year.

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Mission Trip to God's Appalac Men's Mission Trip

God’s Appalachian Partnership (GAP) has been a ministry partner with Smoke Rise since 2006, with our church having sent teams every year since our partnership began. Located in rural eastern Kentucky, GAP ministers to their “families” by providing food, cleaning supplies, personal care products, home repair and sharing the Good News of Christ’s love.

Constructors for Christ erected a 7,800-square-foot office/distribution building over the summer. More than 300 volunteers from over 70 churches constructed the building in just five weeks! The new building, located at Elk Ridge, is home to the ministry house, a dental clinic, and a maintenance building. The GAP staff hopes to

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move into the new building before the new year, vacating the old coal tipple office, which is small and inadequate.

The Smoke Rise men spent the last week of September painting the interior, framing, doing drywall work, and preparing for the installation of flooring and cove base.

The team members were Ken Stephenson, Page Fulgham, Charlie Scott, Steve Duncan, Mike Pattillo, Michael Willis, Bob Jernigan, Wilson Echols, Cliff Mueller and Bill Blanton.

Please be in prayer for Director John Morris and the staff at GAP. Ask about this ministry to discover how you might become involved in GAP’s work in Kentucky.

-Bill Blanton, Team Leader

chian Partnership in Kentucky Women's Mission Trip

The Ladies’ GAP Mission Trip was a very meaningful experience for all 10 women on our team: Melissa Adams, Karen Bates, Laura Bleckley, Charlene Echols, Connie Henry, Ruth Huston and Jan Sloan, all from Smoke Rise, as well as hairstylists, Jenn Beck and Kathy Sengstack. (Jenn drove from Maryland to be with us.) During our time there, we felt the support from Smoke Rise and our pastor, Chris, surprised us with a visit on Monday. Thank you to all who contributed toiletries for the bags we gave to the people at each site we visited. There were also leftover products which we gave to the distribution center for the clients.

On Monday, we went to the Left Beaver Townhouses, Tuesday and Thursday we were at the Distribution Center and on Wednesday we visited the McDowell Senior Center.

At each site, we offered haircuts, had several different craft

activities for the ladies to enjoy and fed them a light lunch.

At the Senior Center, we played Bingo with the clients. The most important thing we did was sitting with the people, talking to them and asking about any prayer needs they might have. We wrote those needs on cards and prayed for each one at night, such a touching time for us all.

We used to say we went to pamper the women, but both women and men would come. This year, we even had some children who were on their Fall Break join us. When one of the clients, Joy, asked for all of us to pray with her, we encircled her and prayed. It was a special and holy moment.

As you read this and think of the people in McDowell, Kentucky, and the surrounding area, remember them all and specifically pray for Joy. - Carol Ann Fulgham, Team Leader

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Celebrating Community and Compassion 50 Years of Metro Baptist’s Mission in NYC

This year, Metro Baptist Church, New York City, celebrates its 50th anniversary—a testament to five decades of transformative ministry in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. This is a church Smoke Rise Baptist has long supported. We are honored to witness and celebrate their continued impact in their community through Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries (RMM).

RMM, Metro Baptist's outreach ministry, addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of inner city children and families, as well as those experiencing homelessness. Through 12 robust programs, RMM offers food and shelter, a teen center, rooftop gardens, and educational resources. In collaboration with local organizations and service providers, RMM fosters the social, educational, spiritual and economic growth of the Clinton South neighborhood.

Representing Smoke Rise were Chris George, Jim Smith and mission champions Lynne and Graham Felton who traveled to New York to join Metro’s anniversary celebration. The weekend was filled with joy, gratitude and renewal as we shared in the memories and dreams of Metro’s journey.

Metro’s Pastor Tiffany Triplett Henkel captured the spirit of this longstanding partnership, saying, “Wow, I am the one grateful for YOU! Thank you for coming in for this weekend. I hope you all heard your story in ours. We would not be in that building without SRBC! And we wouldn’t have had the years of impact without that. Thank you for years of partnership and friendship!”

Reflecting on this partnership, Lynne and Graham Felton shared, “As a couple, we have been blessed many times over by the Mission Partnership of Smoke Rise Baptist Church (our forever church home) and Metro Baptist in NYC. Our spiritual life continues to be enriched by this partnership!”

Looking to the future, Smoke Rise’s youth choir will continue this connection, as they travel to New York City this summer for their Sing and Serve mission trip, where they’ll experience firsthand the vibrancy of Metro’s mission and ministry.

This partnership has strengthened both our congregations, enriching our spiritual journeys and expanding our capacity to serve. At Smoke Rise, we celebrate with Metro Baptist Church as they look toward the next 50 years of ministry, believing that the table will always have room for more.

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Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for helping us create another fantastic Octoberfest!

FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND February 28 - March 2

CHILI

Montreat, North Carolina Register by February 1

Register at smokerisebaptist.org/children/.

Family Deposit: $100

The second payment will be determined after the Chili Cook-off on February 2.

Individual Full Cost: $100

Cook-Off

February 2

Following Worship in the Fellowship Hall

We need chili, cornbread, and desserts, and people to come and eat some great food!

To sign up, pick up a form in the office or contact Grace Staggs at gstaggs@smokerisebaptist.org.

Proceeds from the Ch

CBF OF GEORGIA

CHILDREN'S RETREAT ROCK EAGLE

JANUARY 10-12

GRADES 3-6

DEPOSIT: $80

DUE NOVEMBER 20TH

FINAL PAYMENT: $80

DUE JANUARY 9TH

REGISTER AT SMOKERISEBAPTIST.ORG/CHILDREN

ili Cook-Off go to supporting the Family Mission Weekend

Youth Choir Retreat January 17-19

Singing at First Baptist Church of Morrow Staying at the Calvin Center in Hampton, GA

Cost: $50 Due January 5th

Register at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/ 15

All Saints' Day Church members who have passed away between November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2024 John Astleford · John James Blee · Wallace Spurgeon Briggs Juanita Johnson Brown · Joy Carroll · J. Truett Gannon James Ansley “Jim” Granade, Jr. · Jeanette Hatcher · Jamie Henderson Louise Howard · Ann Lunsford · Winston McNiel Sylvia Roberts Minton · Mickey O’Kelley · Roy “Neal” Skeeters Glen A. Stewart · Billy Guy Strain · Wendell Tudor Frances Weatherly · Clint Wickham

A CROSSTIE DEVOTIONAL I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

- Isaiah 43:19 When I moved to Atlanta in 2022, I felt so attached to this verse. I put it on Post-it notes in my bathroom and in several places in my office.

“A new thing, do you not perceive it?” I needed these words as I began my ministry here at Smoke Rise. It was a new chapter, a changing of seasons, and I was relying on the Lord’s provision for so many things. I was counting on community, a smooth transition and on my new church family. While I had no idea what my experience would be, I was met with kind and caring people, a supportive staff and wonderful students.

When Isaiah said these words to the Israelites on behalf of God, he was declaring something they could not see yet. The value of their previous experiences would help them navigate what was about to happen. It was a prophetic word from the Lord: The Lord was about to do a new thing.

Amid the changing seasons, I wonder what “new thing” the Lord might be doing in your life. I wonder what

provision the Lord has in store for you, and I wonder how your past will help you navigate your future. The beginning of a new year brings on many emotions. Some of us embrace it, seeing a new year of life as a celebration, with the promise of new trips, new people to meet, new hobbies to adopt. For some of us, we might view a new year as something to be gotten through rather than something to celebrate. Another year of loss, another year of disconnection, another year of hard transition.

There is no way to know what new things will come about in 2025. There is no way to know the joy and there is no way to know the pain. My prayer for you is that you will look for the new things that the Lord is doing in your life. The Lord of the Israelites, the Lord of Isaiah and our Lord promises to make a way where there is no way; God who declares a river in the desert, is doing new things among us all the time. We need only take the time to look.

- Hannah Vassar, Minister of Youth and Congregational Connection

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To learn more, visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/

Carols and Conversation

December 2-16 Mondays at 11:00 AM | Room 308 Led by Naomi Walker Learn more on page 7

Advent

Circles of Grace Across Generations January 8-29 Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Week 1: Drawing Circles in Exile Week 2: When Jesus Draws Circles Week 3: Widening Circles in the Early Church Week 4: Ever Widening Circles of Grace

December 4-December 11 Wednesday at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall

A Local Interfaith Experience We’re excited to continue our Local Interfaith Experience Series, a journey that fosters understanding, respect, and connection with our neighbors of different faiths. Recently, we visited a local synagogue where we learned about Jewish traditions and worship. This winter, we’ll be broadening our experience with visits to a Hindu temple and a mosque.

Join us for these upcoming visits as we engage with leaders, explore diverse worship spaces, and grow in our understanding of faith and community. Stay tuned for dates and details, and let’s continue this journey of learning together!

Building Hope and Healing

Smoke Rise’s New Counseling Ministry for a Community in Need

by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor In late 2023, our senior pastor shared with the ministry staff his conviction that our church should be working to minister to families in our community who have experienced dramatic increases in anxiety and other mental health concerns in recent years. The impact has been most acute among children and teens living in the wake of the COVID pandemic, as well as endless news cycles of natural disasters, frequent mass shootings and round-the-clock coverage of division and conflict in our country and around the world.

Families with young children and teens at Smoke Rise can bear witness to the deep need in our community for counseling and therapy support to lift up the next generation as they strive to transcend and flourish.

Smoke Rise has also been blessed to serve families from all over the world through our weekday school, many of whom come as refugees and who have discovered new hope and community in our city and nation. These neighbors have not only shared with us the stresses of our times, but also carry with them the trauma of displacement and the challenge of starting new lives in a new place.

In early 2024, Smoke Rise responded to the pastoral challenge of reopening a counseling center at Smoke Rise to expand our commitment to love one another

more fully and to increase our capacity to love our neighbors as ourselves. In February of this year, we applied for a grant from the Watkins Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of the ministry and mission efforts of Smoke Rise. The Watkins Foundation shares a common concern of care for the next generation of children and youth. In response to our request for grant money, Smoke Rise received seed funds that include monies to undertake the necessary renovations of space to start a counseling center and funds to subsidize the costs of counseling services to children, youth and families in our church and community.

We are excited about this new ministry and anticipate hosting our first counseling sessions in the coming weeks and months in this revived space. Please be in prayer as we finalize the business and operation plans for the counseling center in order to open our doors in response to such a great need in our church and our community. With the blessing of funds from the Watkins Foundation and the continued prayers and support of our church family, we hope the Smoke Rise Counseling and Care Center will be a blessing for years to come.

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New Families, New Adventures Kicking Off an Exciting Year at the Weekday School

by Rashette Walker, Weekday School Director

We are off to a wonderful year at the Weekday School.

Out of our current enrollment, 27 families are new. Four of these families are families we hosted for summer camp. One of our new families is here because the dad attended summer camp as a kid! We love our legacy families!

The students have enjoyed camping day, fire safety day with Firehouse 11 out of Stone Mountain, a magic show with David Ginn, and singing in the Sanctuary for World Communion Day. We are grateful to Mr. Danny for partnering with us to make this happen.

This leads us into our busy season at the Weekday School. On November 21, we will celebrate an International Thanksgiving with our families. The Weekday School prides itself on our diverse student

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body, and we want to allow our families to join us and share dishes that showcase their cultures and demonstrate how they celebrate family and thankfulness through the breaking of bread together. In December, the students will put on our annual Christmas performance telling the Nativity story entitled, "Everyone is Invited to Christmas!"

Finally, we are grateful to the Watkins Foundation, which provided us with a generous grant to make scholarships possible this year. The grant will also allow us to equip our new sensory room which will be used by Weekday School kids and Smoke Rise kids who need a place to decompress, calm down and re-center. It will also serve as a space for Weekday School classes to come and experience more hands-on learning activities.

Academy of Arts Celebrating The Lion King, KIDS and Our Upcoming Holiday Event

by Denise Burcham, Academy Director The Smoke Rise Academy of Arts recently dazzled audiences with The Lion King, KIDS. Our talented cast of young performers brought this beloved story to life with vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and dedicated performances, highlighting their growth in confidence and creativity. Thank you to all those that came out to support out talented cast.

As we celebrate the success of our fall production, we’re excited to invite the community to our annual Holiday Showcase on December 14! Students and teachers from across the Academy will sing, dance, and perform on piano and fiddle with holiday flair. You’ll be treated to favorite holiday tunes and more in a joyful, family-friendly event.

Come early to explore our Holiday Market in the gym, hosted by our Junior Theater Festival fundraising team. The market, open from 9 AM to 1 PM, is a great place to find unique holiday gifts, and you’ll even have the chance to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! All market proceeds will help support our 58 students, chaperones, and directors attending the Junior Theater Festival in January. The Showcase will follow at 1 PM. Looking to join the fun? Spring semester classes are now open for enrollment! With offerings in Music, Dance, JR/Teen Drama, and Children’s Art, we have something for everyone to develop their creativity and skills.

For more information and to sign up, visit smokerisebaptist.org/ arts/. Join us as we celebrate the arts and the holiday season!

Holiday Market & Showcase December 14 A Free Event

Holiday Market 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Gifts, Crafts, Sweets, and Photos with SANTA

Holiday Showcase 1:00 PM

Connect and Engage at

Smoke Rise Baptist Church Winter Events December Dates 1 Give More Store (page 6) 1 Peter Mayer Concert (page 6) 14 Academy of Arts Holiday Showcase (page 21) 15 Lunch and Caroling (page 6) 20 Youth Progressive Dinner 22 Churchwide Christmas Breakfast (page 6) 22 Come Ye Faithful: Our Christmas Concert (page 7) 24 Christmas Eve Service (page 5) 24-26 Office Closed for Christmas 31 End-of-Year Giving Event (page 9)

January Dates 1 Office closed for the New Year 10-12 Children's Winter Retreat (page 14) 17-19 Youth Choir Retreat (page 15) 20 Office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 26 Legacy Lunch

February Dates 2 Chili Cook-off (page 14) 9 Youth Super Bowl Party 9 Souper Bowl Sunday 26 2025/26 Budget Q&A Session 28-Mar2 Family Mission Weekend (page 14)

Weekly Schedule Sunday 9:00 am - Coffee and Donuts 9:45 am - Sunday school 11:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Preschool Activities 5:00 pm - Children Choristers 5:00 pm - Youth Activities 5:45 pm - Children Activities 5:45 pm - Youth Choir Wednesday 5:00 pm - Dinner 6:00 pm - Prayer and Adult Bible Study 6:00 pm - Children and Youth Activities 6:00 pm - Sanctuary Handbells 7:00 pm - Sanctuary Choir

Our Sunday morning worship live stream is 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 Find past sermons and Adult Bible Study lessons on our website.

Sermons: smokerisebaptist.org/2024-sermon-archive/ Adult Bible Studies: smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/

Winter Dates for Our

Monthly Gatherings Grief Support Group December 15 January 19 February 16 Grief Support Goup meets one Sunday a month in room 223 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. The group is led by Adam Arnold and Jim Smith.

NEURODIVERSITY

Gospel Sing

CAREGIVERS GROUP

December 2 January 6 February 3

January 28 February 25

The first Monday of the month at 10:00 am in the chapel, come and lift your voice in praise as we celebrate through music and fellowship. All are welcome!

We will meet at 7:00 pm in room 308 to share joys, as well as be a sounding board and support to help caregivers provide the best care possible to their family members.

Sadies' Ladies Circle January 26 February 23 Connections is a once-amonth gathering in room 308 for young and middleaged individuals and couples. Light snacks and drinks provided. Childcare drop off is in the gym beginning at 5:00 pm.

December 12 January 9 February 13 Join us for a wonderful time of devotion, prayer, great food, and fellowship. We meet at the Magnolia Room in Tucker at 11:30 am.

December 9 January 13 February 10 Every month we support a local mission effort and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship. We meet at 1:30 pm in room 223.

Address Correction Requested

We are excited to offer a new adult event this spring! We are organizing a Silent Retreat, March 21-23. This retreat will provide a peaceful space for spiritual renewal and quiet reflection. The retreat costs $200.

If you would like to participate, please reach out to Rebecca CaswellSpeight at rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org.