Your Smoke Rise Baptist Church Magazine | Spring 2026
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FROM THE PASTOR
Lent is a season for reflecting. We begin on Ash Wednesday, reflecting on our morality and our mortality. We end on Easter Sunday, remembering Jesus' resurrection. What takes place between Ash Wednesday and Easter is nothing more and nothing less than life.
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PLEDGE SUNDAY
Our church budget year that runs from April through March (also known in accounting terms as our fiscal year), is coming full circle once again. We will close our fiscal 2025/26 budget year on March 31 and start our fiscal 2026/27 budget year on April 1. The regular and recurring gifts received each week or month are a core component to the financial health of our church.
14 COLLEGE MINISTRY
Did you know that Smoke Rise has 22 undergraduate students spread throughout Kentucky and Georgia, as well as Florida and Mississippi? This semester, we launched a new college ministry to connect with these members of Smoke Rise who are spread throughout the metro Atlanta region and four Southeastern states. Whether students are living at home or away at school, they remain an important part of our church family.
Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care
bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org
James Smith jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org
Pastoral Care Associate
Danny Vancil
dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org Minister of Music and Worship
From the Pastor
A Lenten Reflection on a Life Well Lived
by Chris George, Senior Pastor
Lent is a season for reflecting. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a time to reflect on both our morality and our mortality. The Lenten season ends on Easter Sunday, as we celebrate and remember Jesus’ resurrection. What takes place in those days between Ash Wednesday and Easter is nothing more and nothing less than life.
This Lenten Season, we are going to take a look at Jesus’ last week and Jesus’ last words, and discover lasting wisdom that will impact not how we die, but instead how we live. What did Jesus want to say and what did he do at the end of his life’s journey? What matters most?
Life is a precious gift from God. The way we spend our time matters. We sometimes don’t learn about a person’s life until their memorial service or in the written obituary.
Brett Younger, pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York, argues that obituaries would be far more interesting if they told the truth. He offers the following examples:
“Bob grew up middle class and was so proud that he invested all of his time, energy and life to work and eventually become upper middle class.”
“Marsha was known as a bit of a talker; but no one could remember her saying anything that really mattered.”
“Harold ignored his own family, but liked to brag that he had seen every episode of The Office twice.”
And what do you think about these obituaries?
“Louise loved her children and everyone else’s too.”
“Robert, a beloved mailman, was less focused on the mail and more focused on the men and women along his route. A public servant and a personal friend.”
“Flora saw something beautiful in every person. When she said, ‘I will pray for you,’ she meant it. When she asked, ‘How are you doing?’ She really wanted to know.”
“Judy was one of the most cheerful and hopeful people I have ever known. Her joy was not dependent on what was going on around her or happening to her.”
Lent is not a season about death and dying, but one about life and living fully.
Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” As he was preparing for his departure, he offered words to his disciples that were meant to teach them not how to die, but how to live and how to love. He wanted not only to instruct them, but to inspire them. So, if we listen this Lenten Season, we will learn what really matters.
Our Town is one of my favorite plays. Thorton Wilder’s heroine, Emily, passes away far too early at age 26. She asks the narrator's permission to re-live one day of her life—one of her own choosing .
Emily chooses to re-live her 12th birthday. There it is again, just as it occurred. Her mother is preoccupied over the stove. Her father comes in from the train, worn out from a business trip. Only Emily is aware of the preciousness of the passing moments. She says, “Mama, just look at me, Mama…It goes so fast. We don’t have time to look at one another.”
Before passing back into eternity, Emily says, “Goodbye, Mama and Papa. Goodbye to clocks ticking and Mama’s sunflowers. And food and coffee. And newly-ironed dresses and hot baths, and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you.”
She looks back at the narrator and says, “Does anybody ever realize life while they live it…every, every minute?”
During this Lenten Season, Jesus invites us to realize life, and to discover life to the fullest.
So, let’s listen together and learn together how to live together and love together…
Jesus' Last Week, Last Words
Lent Worship
February 22
Sermon: What Makes Anger Righteous? Scripture: Matthew 21:12-13
March 1
Sermon: Two Towels Scripture: John 13:1-14
March 8
Sermon: Extravagant Love Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13
March 15
Sermon: Be Generous Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
March 22
Sermon: The Tense Moment Scripture: John 17
Spiritual Formation During the Season of Lent
WEDNESDAY EVENING JOURNEYS
This Lenten Season, we invite you to journey together through Amy-Jill Levine's book Entering the Passion Week: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week. We will gather on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm, following our fellowship dinner, to walk through the final week of Jesus’ life. If you are unable to join us in person, we encourage you to participate online. The series will be available on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube, so you can join the journey wherever you are.
LENT DEVOTIONAL
This Lent, we invite you to journey deeper into the season through a weekly devotional written by our Pastoral Care Associate, Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell. Each devotional will share a scripture reading, guided prayer, and reflection questions. New devotionals will be shared online ar smokerisebaptist.org/devotional/ each Tuesday throughout Lent. Whether you begin your day with these devotions or return to them in the quiet of the evening, we pray they will help center your heart during this sacred season.
A LENTEN PILGRIMAGE
Introduction to the Journey - Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM
Pilgrimage Gatherings - February 22- March 29 at 4:00 PM
Often, when we think of pilgrimage, we imagine a journey to a holy place. But what if pilgrimage could happen in your own backyard, simply by exploring and noticing God in your surroundings as well as God's movement within yourself? This Lenten season, you are invited to journey with us, to slow down and discover God in the ordinary paths you walk each day. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell will lead a 40-day Lenten journey based on the Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis. Participants will walk individually throughout the week, then gather each Sunday to discuss experiences encountered in the Word and along their walk.
Easter Party
March 28th at 10:00 am
Four Age-Graded Egg Hunts
Inflatable Slide
An Easter Egg Store
Face Painting
Coffee Truck Games
If you can volunteer or have any questions, contact Becky Caswell-Speight at rcspeight@smokerisbaptist.org
Holy Week
The history of Holy Week (the time between Palm Sunday and Easter) observances in the Christian church traces back to 2nd century Jerusalem, where Christians reenacted Jesus' Passion, beginning with intense fasting on Good Friday/Saturday and evolving by the 4th century to a full week's observance. This week, known by some as the “Great Week,” incorporated rituals like Palm Sunday processions and the Easter Vigil, which was the central night for observing baptism and the Eucharist. This evolution resulted in separating the various events of the final week of Jesus’ life and commemorating them on the days on which they occurred.
Palm Sunday
March 29 at 11:00 AM
Sermon: The Lord Needs It Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
Palm Processional, Children Choristers, Handbell Choir, Sanctuary Choir
Wednesday Evening
April 1 at 5:00 PM
Fellowship Dinner and Activities
Maundy Thursday
April 2 at 7:00 PM
Service of Holy Communion
Sanctuary Choir and Instrumentalists
Good Friday
April 3 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Lasting Wisdom Meditation
Easter Sunday
April 5 at 11:00 AM
Sermon: The First Words of Easter Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10
Sanctuary Choir and Brass Instruments
The observance of Holy Week at Smoke Rise Baptist Church is built upon these traditions and is designed to be a rich and meaningful time of worship in our own church as we commemorate the last week of Christ’s ministry on earth.
Holy Week 2026 at Smoke Rise will begin with the jubilant hosannas of Palm Sunday which observes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, described in all four gospels. Immediately following that event, Jesus begins His journey to the cross.
Our observance will move through the week to Maundy Thursday (“maundy” from the Latin for mandate or commandment) which will include a solemn observance of communion, commemorating the Last Supper, where Christ with His disciples laid out the model for Holy Communion. During that meal, Jesus predicted the events that would immediately follow, including His betrayal, Peter’s denial and His own death and resurrection.
Our own observance of Maundy Thursday will be especially significant this year as our Sanctuary Choir will present a newly written choral work entitled Still Reaching. This service will be streamed at smokerisebaptist.org/maundy-thursday/.
The celebration of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the three days which include Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
On Good Friday, you are invited to a non-directed time of personal meditation in our chapel which will be open from 8:30AM to 8:00PM.
Our traditional Easter Sunday observance will be a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus as we join with churches all across Christendom.
- Clarissa Strickland, Smoke Rise Member
Commissioned Choral Work for Holy Week ~ Still Reaching
The Smoke Rise Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir is a part of a consortium of churches that have commissioned composer, Kyle Pederson, to compose this expressive work especially for Holy Week.
Still Reaching weaves together scripture, hymns, and original music in a meditation on the final days of Jesus’ life—exploring themes of love, service, grief, betrayal, and the quiet persistence of grace. The title evokes the posture of Jesus throughout Holy Week: reaching to wash feet, to share bread, to forgive, to surrender. Across time and silence, Christ is still reaching—toward us and toward the world God loves.
About the Composer
Kyle Pederson (b. 1971) is a Minneapolis-based composer, lyricist, pianist, and educator. Kyle was awarded the ACDA Genesis Prize in 2020 and the American Prize in Choral Composition in 2019. His work has been commissioned, premiered, and recorded by All State/Honors choirs, and youth, church, college, and professional choirs around the world. Kyle enjoys working at the intersection of the sacred and secular, and his lyrics and music invite the choir and audience to be agents of hope, grace, and compassion in the world. Kyle has an undergraduate degree from Augustana University, a Masters Degree in Education from University of St. Thomas, and an MFA in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Art. His work is published by Walton, Santa Barbara, Galaxy, Beckenhorst, Morningstar, Alfred, Hal Leonard, and Carl Fischer music publishers.
- Danny Vancil, Minister of Music and Worship
Getting to know some of our Smoke Rise members.
These
stories are written and shared by Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell, our pastoral care associate.
In 1865, in London’s East End, Methodist minister William Booth and his wife, Catherine, founded the Salvation Army. Known for its red kettles and ringing bells at Christmas, the Salvation Army is also recognized worldwide for its disaster relief, social services and religious work. It was into this world that Dan Childs arrived. Dan is the youngest of three children born to Jim and Faith Childs, who were officers and ordained ministers with the Salvation Army. His parents worked primarily in social services and often moved their family from one town to another. “I felt uprooted every few years,” Dan recalled, “but in retrospect it taught me how to adapt to new situations.” This proved to be a strength that served him well throughout his life.
Another strength revealed early in life was Dan’s gift with words. Writing was a natural talent he first noticed in elementary school, and it was this talent that pointed him toward a degree in journalism. He began his career at the University of Georgia, writing for the school newspaper, The Red and Black. After graduation, Dan worked as a sportswriter and sports editor. For the next 10 years, he wrote for local papers throughout the Southeast, but eventually returned home to his UGA roots when a position became available with Athens Banner-Hearld & Daily News.
Dan confessed that he never intended to stay in newspapers; he wanted to move into public relations and
communications. So, when a position became available at the Georgia Department of Human Resources, he took it. It was not the job he anticipated and he soon found himself back in the world of journalism, this time working alongside award-winning journalists as a sports copy editor for the Gwinnett Daily News. This position presented its own set of challenges and often required Dan to lean into his strength of adaptability both as a journalist and as a father of young children.
True to the movement of God in our lives, always at work and ordering our steps, Dan was called to a new position. This time it was unexpected. It came by way of a phone message from Major Danny Morrow of the Salvation Army. Dan was apprehensive about returning the call – the Salvation Army was a world once removed. It was always in the background, but it had not been a part of his life for many years. Major Morrow was looking for someone to oversee the publication of the Salvation Army newspaper. The job was neither anticipated nor sought, but he accepted the position, and it served him well for over 31 years! In this setting, Dan combined his spiritual upbringing with his professional training to produce a quality newspaper. Many would say the newspaper was Dan’s ministry, but Dan never saw it that way. As a journalist, he strove for excellence and was proud of his work. As much as the paper had an impact on the community, those who lived and worked in this world also influenced him. Having
Dan Childs Smoke Rise Member since 2025
fallen away from the church, Dan admitted, “I needed to do some spiritual growing and I was in an environment that facilitated that.” He recalled having the opportunity to cover the Salvation Army’s International Congress in Atlanta in 1990. At that gathering, General John Gowans shared a personal illustration that has stayed with Dan throughout his life.
“God molds us into what he wants us to be and he does it with me. I am no exception. If you could just lift off the top of my head and look down into my soul you’d see a mixture-no, you’d see a mess. You’d see some good in there, but you’d see some pretty rough stuff too, just a big mess! But God is working with that all the time, and getting it sorted out. In my case, it’s probably gonna’ take a lifetime to get it sorted out, but ya know, maybe that is what a lifetime is for.”
This message resonated with Dan and was affirming to hear. In the following years, Dan was faced with additional
challenges—a divorce, a move and eventually COVID. It was a dark season, but the spiritual roots his parents instilled as a child and the roots to which he was called back at the Salvation Army, grounded him as an adult.
In 2021, Dan began looking for a church home and found Smoke Rise through its streaming services. He loved the music and the sermons, but it was the people who sealed the deal. “Everyone was so welcoming. It was something I couldn’t find anywhere else.” He attends the Berean Sunday School class and enjoys sharing meals and fellowship with his Smoke Rise family on Wednesday evenings. As a child, Dan longed to put down roots in one place. Looking back, it’s easy to see how God’s guidance and provision kept him grounded along the way. The roots he longed for were always there—deeply implanted in God’s love.
Welcome
to Smoke Rise Baptist Church
Newcomers Lunch
March 15th
Following the Worship Service in the Fellowship Hall
We look forward to a time of fellowship with our new members from 2025/26 and our current visitors.
RSVP with Martha in our church office at 770.469.5856.
SPRING
We are excited to welcome Dr. Molly Marshall, president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities as this year's speaker.
Contact MaryLynn Manley to host a table. Tickets for this event will go on sale Sunday, March 15th, before and after worship.
Pledge Sunday . March 30
Pledge Sunday
The importance of pledging and giving to our general fund.
by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care
Our church budget year that runs from April through March (also known in accounting terms as our fiscal year), is coming full circle once again. We will close our fiscal 2025/26 budget year on March 31 and start our fiscal 2026/27 budget year on April 1. The regular and recurring gifts received each week or month are a core component to the financial health of our church.
Our budget pledge season is already underway at Smoke Rise. It is a time when we encourage faithful givers to renew their pledges and to sustain regular and recurring giving practices that empower our church. If you are not a consistent giver, we encourage you to prayerfully consider a commitment to regular and recurring giving to our budgeted ministry plan at Smoke Rise. We are a vital congregation because we are a generous congregation. Faithful givers enable our congregation to meet its budget and flourish as a community of faith.
Gifts to our budgeted ministry plan help us fully fund the maintenance of our wonderful campus and its facilities and support our staff and ministries each day, week and month of the year. Designated gifts are always welcome, and we receive many such gifts at Smoke Rise. But without general and regular gifts in support of the budgeted ministry plan as a primary and core commitment of our membership, the worship, fellowship, ministries and mission work of our church would not be as vibrant or sustainable.
Please prayerfully consider your role in fulfilling our pledge to worship, learn, care, serve and give at Smoke Rise in support of our general fund. Whether your financial abundance is large or small, each member is encouraged to listen for God’s call to give as he or she has prospered to support and sustain the worship, fellowship, ministries and missions of our family of faith.
Budget Q&A Sessions
February 25th at 4:00 and 5:00 PM Before the church vote, you will have the opportunity to discuss the new budget and to ask questions pertaining to it. We will meet in room 223 or via Zoom. To recieve the zoom link, please email Teri Moore in the church office at tmoore@smokerisebaptist.org.
Important Dates
Church in Conference March 1th Immediately Following the 11:00 AM Worship Service
After the worship service, the church will be called into conference to vote on the budget for fiscal year 2026/27. You will receive a copy of the budget in the mail ahead of time and it will be available in that week's Tie that Binds publication.
Pledge Sunday
March 22nd
Pledge cards will be sent in the mail at the end of February. If you don't receive one, you may pick one up in the office. You may submit your pledge card any time during pledge season. Then on Pledge Sunday we will invite everyone who has not submitted a pledge to do so.
Finding Fellowship in
Near or Far, Still Family
A look at Smoke Rise’s growing college ministry.
by Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Did you know that Smoke Rise has 22 undergraduate students situated throughout Kentucky and Georgia, as well as Florida and Mississippi? This semester, we launched a new college ministry to connect with these members of Smoke Rise who are spread throughout the metro Atlanta region and four Southeastern states. Whether students are living at home or away at school, they remain an important part of our church family. This college ministry is one way we remind them that they are seen, valued and prayed for.
Throughout the fall semester, we reached out in tangible and meaningful ways. Whether or not they were able to attend our Blessing of the Students Sunday, every college student began the semester with a bag tag as a visible reminder of God’s presence and our congregation’s support as they began a new term. During midterms, we sent coffee gift cards along with notes from Jeremiah and Becky,
offering encouragement and good wishes. As finals approached, care packages were mailed to provide comfort, support and a reminder that their church community was cheering them on.
In addition to these touchpoints, we offered Sunday school during the holiday season, creating space for continued faith formation. We also hosted a Christmas gathering, giving students the opportunity to reconnect, share a meal, and celebrate the season together.
This college ministry is just beginning. In the coming semester, we plan to expand our outreach through notes from our deacons and lunches with ministers near students’ schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our students as they grow in both life and faith, no matter where they are studying. Please keep our college students in your prayers as they learn and grow, and as this ministry continues to develop.
Smoke Rise Young Adults
Every Season of Life Gathered
Our Mosaic group meets every other week at the Hambys' house for Bible Study. We gather once a month for Coffee Boat, a time of fellowship at Mint Coffeehouse, and for activities, and outings every other month. We welcome any and all young adults to come and join us whenever you can and to be a part of this journey with us!
& Rooted
Family Ministries invites families with children and youth to join us for Gathered & Rooted—a time to connect, fellowship, and grow together. We hope you’ll join us! Mark your calendars for our gatherings on March 13 at Stars & Strikes and May 17 at the Youngs' home.
Act Two
Act Two is a group for midlife adults navigating seasons of transition—often balancing work, shifting family dynamics, and the question of “what’s next.” We will gather for food, fellowship, and meaningful conversation. Mark your calendars and join us at the Burtons' Home for our first gathering on March 7.
Smoke Rise Baptist Church has a storied history as a church answering God’s call to spread and live out the gospel throughout the world. Through your generosity, we have collected $49,739 towards our missions offering goal of $55,000! Your generous gifts provide critical support for our local, regional and international partners as they do the work to which they have been called in their particular places, creating opportunities for members of our community to go and serve as well. Prayerfully consider how you can join our church-wide movement to support our missions partners.
Faith in Progress
How Disciple Now created space for growth, service, and deeper connection among our youth.
by Jeremiah Hamby, Minister of Youth and Missions
Nothing can replace time together in relationships. Our Disciple Now Weekend (DNOW) provides a haven of time for our youth to spend the whole weekend together as a group in Bible study, fellowship, service and fun. These opportunities to be together are important and contribute to building the incredible youth community we have at SRBC.
During this past DNOW weekend, we launched our theme for the year, “Faith in Progress,” and our guiding spiritual practice which is prayer. Small group conversations, an exciting Nerf fight, a time of service at the Lilburn Co-Op, some competitive fun at Activate Buckhead, important questions, and valuable time in fellowship filled the weekend. As we were wrapping up, two main requests came from the group: 1) they loved serving at the Co-Op and want to find more ways to serve, and 2) they want to have more time for small group conversations on meaningful topics. Know that we have an incredible group of youth who are passionate about service, who are curious and invested in their faith, and who love the community at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Weekends like this that provide longer intentional time giving them a space to learn and grow in
The youth and children’s ministries are beginning an exciting new chapter by welcoming both fifth and sixth graders into this upcoming shared retreat experience. This change was intentionally made to help students feel more connected and supported as they move into the next phase of faith formation at Smoke Rise Baptist Church.
Throughout the retreat, students will work through the Who Am I? curriculum written by our former intern, Kristen Pope Mathis. They will spend intentional time together exploring identity, belonging, and how faith shapes who they are. This experience will be led by our ministers alongside youth leadership, offering meaningful opportunities for students to see their faith lived out in community. We believe April 17–18 will be a meaningful time of connection and preparation as we begin guiding our fifth graders through their transition into this next season of ministry.
- Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Children's Sunday | May 3
On May 3, during worship, our congregation will be invited into a meaningful and joyful service led by the youngest members of our church family. On this special Sunday, our children will guide us by reading Scripture, offering prayers, sharing music, and reminding us that God is actively shaping each of our stories.
Throughout this school year, both Adult Journeys and Children’s Wednesday evenings have focused on exploring stories of faith. During Wednesday evenings, the children created their own books centered on their personal faith stories. These books will be displayed in the narthex, showcasing their imagination, creativity, and the journey they have taken together.
Be sure to take time to walk through the narthex and enjoy the display of stories that have inspired our children this year. Most of all, come ready to worship, listen and be encouraged as our children remind us that God’s story is still being written through every generation.
- Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Graduation Sunday
Help us celebrate our seniors on May 17
Join us in a prayer of blessing for our high school seniors.
Dear God, we give You thanks as our graduates approach the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. Give them discernment to use the gifts and knowledge they have gained in service to humanity. Help them find the place that needs them, where they will discover fulfillment, love, joy, and harmony.
Anthony Beaghan - I plan to attend the University of North Georgia, Gainesville, and I hope to one day achieve my doctorate in psychology.
David George - I am currently planning on double majoring in music and theater at my first choice, Samford University!
William Hallet - I am still exploring my options, but at the moment I hope to study radiology at the Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, GA.
Landon Marler - I am still waiting to hear back from my first choice of university, but I plan to pursue a career in the medical field and minoring in music.
Mattie McNiel - I hope to attend my first choice, Mercer University, and major in elementary education with a minor in music and biology.
A Double Dose of Fun
A Season of Learning and Love at Smoke Rise Weekday School
by Rebekah Edmonds, Weekday School Assistant Director
Friday, January 30th, was a “practically perfect” day at Smoke Rise Weekday School! It was a day to focus on the letter “P.” We had a "P" party to which students and teachers wore pajamas. We decorated pink party hats with pom-poms, pink and purple polka dots and purple letter P’s! We had a percussion parade and we ate pizza and chocolate chip pancakes! We had a special visit from Princess Petunia, Ms. Jillian's pet pig! The whole school doesn't get together for lunch very often, so it was an excellent opportunity to talk about the most important “P” word, PRAYER. And together, all 70-plus of us sang, "God our Father, God our Mother, we thank you, we thank you, for our many blessings, for our many blessings. Amen. Amen."
We have so much creative fun learning our letters and numbers throughout the school year! However, what I love most about the Weekday School is that we develop the whole child. We work hard to help the children learn the fruits of the Spirit: how to be good and kind humans, how to share, and how to see that they have something special to offer the world. For the month of January, we memorized Ephesians 4:32. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you."
And that is how we kicked off International Night, after all the fun of our "P" party earlier that day. We read the story Our World is A Family by Jennifer Jackson and Miry Whitehill. It is a story that encourages kids to welcome newcomers with compassion and simple acts of kindness. Then the children sang our Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32.
Our school is quite diverse. We have 71 students representing at least 17 nationalities. After our story, song and blessing, we all gathered around tables filled with amazing food from around the world. We explored the seven continents in an imaginary trip around the world, built world landmarks with Legos and blocks, played with penguins in ice, learned how to say “hello” in many languages, played a game of shadow matching to discover which animals live on what continent, counted stars on various flags and did brightly colored picture puzzles of children from around the world.
Of course, the ABC’s and 123's are important. Learning how to be a kind and compassionate human being, especially in our day and age, is even more so. Pray with us that these little children will soak up these lessons and be the leaders of tomorrow who will make the world a more kind and compassionate place to live.
From Smoke Rise to the Spotlight
Smoke Rise Academy of Arts performs in the prestigious New Works Showcase.
by Denise Burcham, Academy of Arts Director
Our very own Smoke Rise Academy of Arts recently returned from the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, with news that is nothing short of phenomenal! Our troupe of 53 students joined a massive gathering of 7,176 attendees and 141 theater groups from across the U.S. and seven other countries for a weekend of performance and growth.
The highlight of the weekend for our group occurred when Smoke Rise was one of only five groups selected to perform in the prestigious New Works Showcase. Under the direction of Greyson Chadwick, the students presented How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. to a packed audience. The production was a standout, featuring high-energy action with impressive, well-choreographed fight scenes and dramatic sword fighting. The artistry was equally stunning, with beautifully crafted costumes by designers Shantelle Grace and Melissa Cruz that brought the world of Berk to life.
In addition to the showcase, the students worked incredibly hard to complete a shortened performance of Shrek JR. for festival adjudicators. The judges were full of praise for the cast, noting the high energy, "fun" atmosphere, and the students' remarkable ability to bring these beloved characters to life with professional flair.
This achievement is a wonderful testament to the Academy's commitment to training young artists. We are so proud of these students for their dedication and for representing our community with such excellence and joy on a national stage.
To see photos from the festival or to find information on future performances and information about enrollment, follow Smoke Rise Academy of Arts on Facebook or visit our website SmokeRiseBaptist.org/Arts/. We look forward to seeing what these talented students do next!
ACADEMY OF ARTS PRESENTS
MARCH 20-22
SHOWTIMES
FRIDAY AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY AT 2:00 PM
SATURDAY AT 7:00 PM
SUNDAY AT 2:00 PM
Connect and Engage at Smoke Rise Baptist Church
Spring Events
Budget
Kids Lock-In
Gathered & Rooted (page 15)
Youth at the Atlanta Hawks Game Newcomers
12) Pledge
7)
Children’s
Weekly Schedule
Sunday
9:00 am - Coffee and Donuts
9:45 am - Sunday school
11:00 am - Worship Service
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 Journeys
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.
We meet once a month 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.
Upcoming Gatherings:
March 23
April 27
No May Gathering
Grief Support Goup meets one Sunday a month in room 308 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. The group is led by Adam Arnold and Jim Smith.
Upcoming Gatherings:
March 15
April 19
May 17
Mosaic Grief Support Group
Young adults are invited to join us every fourth Saturday at 9:30 AM at Mint Coffeehouse for Coffee Boat.
Monthly Gatherings Faithful Voices
One Monday a month at 10:30 am in the chapel, come and lift your voice in praise as we celebrate through music and fellowship. All are welcome!
Upcoming Gatherings:
March 2
No April Gathering May 4
Sadie's Ladies Circle
Every month we support a local mission effort and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship. We meet in room 223 at 1:30 pm.
Upcoming Gatherings:
March 28
April 25
May 23 Upcoming Gatherings: March 9 April 13 May 11
Fite Circle
All women are welcome to join us for a time of community and supprt. We meet in the parlor at 10:00 am.
Upcoming Gatherings:
March 10
April 14
May 12
Men's Prayer Group
All men are invited for a wonderful time of devotion, prayer, great food, and fellowship. We meet the second Thursday each month at the Magnolia Room in Tucker at 11:30 am.
Upcoming Gatherings: March 12
April 9
May 14
Address Correction Requested
children Events Youth Events
Vacation Bible School
June 22-25 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Ages 3 (potty-trained) - Rising 6th Graders
Find the link to register in your weekly children's ministry email!
PassportKids! Camp
July 12-15
Completed 3rd-6th Grade Eatonton, Georgia
Costs $275
Register by April 30th at smokerisebaptist.org/children/
Youth Choir Trip Savannah
Youth Choir | June 5-7
Youth Passport Choices
June 28- July 3
Completed 6th-12th Grade Spartanburg, SC
Costs $275
Register by April 30th at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/
