Cross ie MAGAZINE
Vol 4 | Issue 1 | January 2020
Another year is dawning, Creator, let it be In working or in waiting, another year with Thee; Another year of progress, another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days. Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace, Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face; Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast; Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest. Another year of service, of witness for Thy love, Another year of training for holier work above; Another year is dawning, Creator, let it be On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee. Hymn text by Frances R. Havergal Photo: Sunrise at Stone Mountain Photo Source: Unknown
Youth Choir Winter Retreat
Holy Trinity House at Lutheranch Retreat Center Tallapoosa, GA January 17 – 19
C ON N EC T W ITH U S
SMOK ER I S EB A P T I ST. OR G OUR MINIST E R S
CO N T EN TS
Be c k y C a s we l l - S pei gh t Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection rspeight@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0546
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From the Pastor
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Worship
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Growing
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Serving
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Caring
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Connecting
Je re m y C o l l i v e r Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications jcolliver@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0551 Chris G e o r ge Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org 770.469.5856 Bart McNiel Associate Pastor bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0540 J a me s S m i th Pastoral Care Associate jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org 404.405.5467 Danny Va n c i l Minister of Music and Worship dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org 678.533.0560
10 Generosity 11
Images of Advent
12 Family Ministry 13
Youth
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Monthly Snapshot
facebook.com/ smokerise
twitter.com/ smokerisebaptist.org SmokeRiseBC
Smoke Rise
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F RO M THE PASTOR
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CA RIN G
Life is short, so stop and wonder in awe and amazement. Life is short, so listen to the people you love; 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. There are many good lessons from travel to inspire us as we embark on a new year. Know your destination. Carefully choose your travel companions. Have a dependable guide. Stay in a group.
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GEN EROS ITY
Thank you to our church family for giving in support of our Vision 2020 end-of-year emphasis. Through your tithes, offerings, and generous gifts toward our budget and ministry plan, the warmth and love of our fellowship of faith remains strong. Please know our staff does not take these gifts for granted. We are committed to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care.
A B O UT S M O K E RIS E 5901 Hugh Howell Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Tel: 770.469.5856 Fax: 770.498.3598 Office Hours M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Smoke Rise Baptist Church is a loving and caring faith community where people come to grow spiritually, worship communally and serve faithfully. We are committed to fostering authentic relationships and engaging in meaningful ministry in our congregation, our community and around the world. We partner with others in an effort to be about God’s work. We commit to love God with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds and all our strength, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We seek to proclaim the Good News of Christ in all that we say and do.
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FR O M T H E PASTO R
CH RIS G E ORGE - Senior Pastor
This New Year, we stand at a moment between what was and what will be. We are reminded that a year has passed as we prepare for another year to come. As we think of resolutions, what if this year, we resolve to redeem our time? As a church, we do our very best to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Smoke Rise Community... As individuals, we decide to look for glimpses of heaven in our everyday lives. Brett Younger offers some words to inspire us... “Life is too short to spend hours a day on fantasy football, computer solitaire, and reality tv. 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 don’t be afraid of what others think of you—dare to dance. One of my favorite Atlanta moments happened a few years ago at Turner Field. David and I were attending a Braves game. Our team was losing. We left our seats to wander into the concourse in the outfield. And, as soon as we got there, it started to rain. I looked up. The Braves were getting beat. It was pouring rain. I didn’t think it could get any worse until, I realized I had lost David. I looked to my right and left, then looked behind me. Then, I saw David. He was looking up too, but he had a huge smile on his face. His arms were outstretched and he was dancing in the rain! Life is short, so stop and wonder in awe and amazement. Life is short, so listen to the people you love; 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. With God’s help, let’s build the Kingdom - Here and Now. Not next year, This year! We can see a little glimpse of heaven. We can be a little glimpse of heaven. Life is short, but it is not the end that is near, but the beginning... The beginning is near... Happy New Year,
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WOR S H IP I N G AT S M OK E R I SE
DANNY VANC IL - Minister of Music and Worship
The Liturgical Calendar Seasons of the Church Year ◦ Marking the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
The Season of Advent (December 1 -24, 2019)
First Sunday of Advent: December 1 (Advent marks the beginning of the church year.) Second Sunday of Advent: December 8 Third Sunday of Advent: December 15 Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 22
The Season of Christmas (December 25, 2019 – January 5, 2020) Christmas Day: December 25, 2019 First Sunday of Christmas: December 29, 2019 Second Sunday of Christmas: January 5, 2020
The Season of Epiphany (January 6 – February 25, 2020) Epiphany: January 6 Baptism of Our Lord: January 12 Transfiguration (last Sunday in Epiphany): February 23
The Season of Lent (February 26 - April 11, 2020) Ash Wednesday: February 26 First Sunday in Lent: March 1
Holy Week (April 5 -April 10 [11], 2020, including Palm/Passion Sunday) Palm Sunday: April 5 Maundy Thursday: April 9 Good Friday : April 10
The Season of Easter (April 12 -May 31, 2020) Easter Sunday: April 12 Ascension Day: May 21
Pentecost (May 31) Ordinary Time/Season After Pentecost (June 1 – November 29, 2020) All Saints Day (November 1) Christ the King (November 22)
(Christ the King Sunday is the last day of the church year.)
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GROW IN G AT S M O K E R I SE
B E C KY CASWELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection
Fellowship Hall Series January 8th - Intro to the Torah - Chris George January 15th - Intro to Genesis - Chris George January 22nd - Genesis - Bart McNiel January 29th - Exodus - Chris George SRBC TRAVEL TEAM
CHRISTMAS TRIP
VISIT TO CHICK-FIL-A'S HEADQUARTERS WITH LUNCH AT THE CAPITAL GRILL
Small Groups January 8th Faith and Music - Joshua Speight - Room 223 Fellowship Group - Library Financial Roadmapping - Beth Smith - Room 230 January 15th Faith and Music - Joshua Speight - Room 223 Fellowship Group - Library January 22nd Faith and Music - Joshua Speight - Room 223 Fellowship Group - Library Grief Support Group - Adam Arnold - Room 220 Financial Roadmapping - Beth Smith - Room 230 January 29th Faith and Music - Bart McNiel - Room 223 Fellowship Group- Library Financial Roadmapping - Beth Smith - Room 230 January 26, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Childcare: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Hosts: Graham and Lynne Felton 1853 Chedworth Lane, Stone Mountain 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 for children by Wednesday, January 22, through the church office 770.469.5856; mbrock@smokerisebaptist.org. 6 | S MOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
SERVIN G ON M I S S I ON
J E R E MY C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications
2020 Mission Trip
Honduras TBD Approx. Cost: $800, plus airfare Family Mission Trip March 13-15 Beth Smith – 404-323-4857 derekandbeth@bellsouth.net Cost: $250 (per family)
Tijuana July 18 - 25, 2020 Gary Prophitt – 678-451-5771 gprophitt@bellsouth.net Cost: $500, plus airfare
Appalachia (Men) May 17 - 22, 2020 Bill Blanton – 678-510-9390 wmblan12@icloud.com Cost: $300
Canadian Baptist Seminary September 12-19 Bill Blanton – 678-510-9390 wmblan12@icloud.com Cost: $300, plus airfare
New York July 11 – 18, 2020 Carol Garner – 404-402-0123 cargar@comcast.net Approx. Cost: $300, plus airfare
Appalachia (Ladies) October 4-9, 2020 Jenny Brannan – 770-337-7545 brannan.jenny@gmail.com Cost: $300
Local Mission Opportunities Edgewood Church Colin Harris – 404-936-7911 harris_jc@mercer.edu Charlie Scott – 678-358-0184 clscott92@aol.com
Clarkston Rudy & Mary Wilson – 404-372-0354 wilson44@yahoo.com Lilburn & NETWorks Cooperatives Mike & Martha Holt – 770-402-8650 mhlt@bellsouth.net
World Mission Offering World Mission Offering Update
Goal: $50,000 Missions Offering Update Pledged: $53,585 Given: $19,310
Neighborhoods of the World
Thank you for helping us to reach our goal! Please continue to give to the missions campaign and help us to exceed our goal. This will help us to fund additional mission opportunities.
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Offering Goal: $50,000
CA RIN G AT S M O KE R I SE
JAME S S MIT H - Pasto r al Car e Asso ciate
Someone You Should Know
Someone You Should Know is featured periodically on the Caring Page of the CrossTie. Pastoral care at Smoke Rise Baptist Church brings the privilege of getting to know members and learning their stories. Watch this page next month for Someone You Should Know.
New Members Amelia Marler Joined November 24
Alice McLendon Joined December 8
Geneva Thompson Joined December 8
Doug and Patty Stegherr Joined December 8
Martha Albertson Joined Dec. 15 from Park Springs
It was a great joy recently for me to travel with our SRBC Travel Group. Beyond the rich experience of inspiration and fellowship, the group left a positive witness everywhere we went. They were so generous with gratuities that one step-on guide was moved to tears and one restaurant staff ran to the windows to wave goodbye as the Smoke Rise bus pulled away. There are many good lessons from travel to inspire us as we embark on a new year. Know your destination. Carefully choose your travel companions. Have a dependable guide. Stay in a group. In one church, of which I was a part, there was a photographer for a national magazine. He would plan for weeks and travel for days to get a photo of a rare bird or plant. On one occasion, he traveled with a guide and kept having the feeling they were going in the wrong direction. The feelings continued even after the guide assured him they were headed toward the chosen destination. He finally checked his compass and a map, discovering they were far enough off-target that corrections had to be made immediately to catch the right conditions for the photo shoot on location. His internal compass was right. Galatians 5 reminds us to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives. In 2020, listen to the internal witness. Follow those who have wisdom, knowledge and insight about the path ahead. Let God’s word guide you and hold tight to a community of faith. -Jim gyjty
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CONNEC T I N G AT SMOK E R I SE The Smoke Rise Academy of Arts will present two weekends of Disney’s THE LION KING this winter. The young elementary students will present two shows of Lion King, KIDS at 7:00 pm on January 31 and February 1. The older elementary students will present their weekend of Lion King, Jr. with four shows, February 21-23. Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, the African savannah comes to life on the Smoke Rise stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. This Disney story follows the adventures of the young lion Simba, the heir of his father, Mufasa. Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. However, Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon and Pumbaa. The Lion King JR. is a condensed, 60-minute version of the Broadway show ideal for the older elementary /middleschool performer. The Lion King KIDS is a 30-minute musical for young elementary-school performers. Show times for Lion King, KIDS: 7:00 pm January 31 & February 1 Show Times for Lion King, JR: 7:00 pm February 21, 2:00 & 7:00 February 22 and 2:00 pm February 23 Admission is free and children may wear their favorite costumes! Concessions will be available, and all sales and donations go back into the Academy of Arts drama department. For information, call Denise Burcham, Academy director 678.533.0562.
At the Weekday School, we strive to welcome as many families as possible without allowing tuition to hinder anyone. In order to do this, we offer assistance through our scholarship program, focusing on partial scholarships to those in need. Our scholarship fund is built up throughout the year through donations and fundraisers so that we can serve our families as best we can. If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund, please contact Stacey or Harrison in the Weekday School Office at any time. We would also like to invite you to a Pancake Breakfast on February 20 at 8 am. All proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund and it will be a wonderful morning to spend together. For tickets, call 678.533.0558 or stop by the office. 9 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
GENER OS I T Y Thank you to our church family for giving in support of our Vision 2020 end-of-year emphasis. Our finance team is working to close out the books on the calendar year and get everything in order as we enter the last quarter of our fiscal year, which ends March 2020. We anticipate reporting a strong response by our membership in support of our budget and ministry plan. We will publish a final tally of our end-of-year giving numbers in the Easter’s Digest, Informer and in the Order of Worship in the coming weeks. Since March of this year, the church finance office has been served by long-time member, Ginger Zachman. On behalf of our church staff, I want to personally express our gratitude for Ginger who has voluntarily and sacrificially given her time and talent. We are also grateful for the extra hours that Jill Wade has given to our finance office and team. If you ask Ginger and Jill what has motivated them during days of transition and change in our finance office, they will point to one person—Debbie Lloyd. We are forever grateful and indebted to Debbie who gave our church excellent and faithful service through so many years. In 2019, Debbie continued to come to the office even as she battled sickness and fatigue. Debbie may have worked quietly, but her actions spoke loudly and testified to her love for others and for God’s work in the world. Through your tithes, offerings, and generous gifts toward our budget and ministry plan, the warmth and love of our fellowship of faith remains strong. Please know our staff does not take these gifts for granted. We are committed to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care. Please be in prayer for our Stewardship and Finance Committees as we enter the last quarter of our fiscal year. Our Budget Subcommittee is working closely with our administrative staff to submit a budget for the 2020 fiscal year that aligns with anticipated revenue. As our Finance Committee prepares to submit a budget to the church for consideration, the Stewardship Committee is reviewing the fiscal year of giving that is behind us and looking forward to a new year of stewardship challenge. May the blessings of God’s bountiful Spirit be with you all. -Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor
MONTH OF NOVEMBER Amount Given $168,250.66
Amount Spent $131,042.84
Positive Balance $37,207.82
FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE
(April 1, 2019 - November 31, 2019) Amount Given Amount Spent Negative Balance $1,355,982.85 $1,451,929.66 ($113,861.94) 10 | SMOKE RIS E BAPT IST.ORG
I MAG ES OF A DV E NT
Nativity Pageant
Peter Mayer Concert
Give More Store
Christmas Caroling
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FAM ILY M I N I ST RY AT SM OK E R I SE
B E C KY CASWELL- SPEI GHT- Minister of Family, Faith Formation and Connection
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YOU TH AT S M O KE R I SE
J E R E M Y C OLLI V ER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications
And down the stretch they come! It’s January now, but blink and it will be Easter. Then blink again and it will be the end of the school year. The spring semester seems to go by so quickly. That’s why we’re going to take some time to retreat and rest. During January our students will head away for Choir Retreat. Then our middle schoolers will head away for retreat in February, and then our high schoolers in April. Each of these retreats give our students time to get away and reset. We’ll talk about how their faith is influencing their lives and give them time to be together. They’ll most likely stay up later than they should, be louder than normal, eat consistently, and make jokes that they will be telling until the next trip together. Through all of this, they are building relationships that last and that will be there when they are truly needed. As our students enter this final stretch of the school year, they will, at times, feel stretched further than they have been before and need someone to hold them together. -Jeremy
Youth Choir and Liturgical Dance Team
sign-up for PASSPORT
MISSIONS June 28 - July 3 | $100 deposit Stetson University Deland, Florida contact Jeremy or Laure to sign-up or sign-up online via www.eventbrite.com
Dates to Remember: January 17-19: Youth Choir Retreat June 5-8: Sing and Serve: New Orleans June 28 - July 3: Passport Missions; Deland, FL
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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
MO N TH LY S N A P SHOT
Images of Christmas
Weekly Schedule
January Dates 1 Office Closed for New Year's Day
Sunday 9:00 AM - Worship in the Chapel 9:45 AM - Sunday school for all ages 11:00 AM - Worship in the Sanctuary 5:00 PM - Youth Choir
8 Wednesday Night Activites Reume 11 New Deacons Orientation 17-19 Youth Choir Retreat 20 Office Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
5:45 PM - Youth Dinner
24-25 5th Grade Retreat
6:00 PM - Youth Vespers
26 Connections
Wednesday 4:45 PM - Dinner in the Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM - Journeys, Children's Activities,
31 Academy of the Arts - The Lion King, Kids
Youth in the basement 7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir
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February 26 ● 6:30 pm Led by Rev. Ebby Arnold •
From ashes you come, and to ashes you shall return.
Martha Stearns Marshall Sunday March 1 Wednesday Nights Resume January 8th Address Correction Requested
