Summer 2025 CrossTie by Smoke Rise Baptist Church

CROSSTIE

4 FROM THE PASTOR

10 FAITH ON THE MOVE

The end of the school year and the start of summer often bring changes to our routines—adjustments in childcare, vacation planning and extended family time. Whether your road trips this summer are as simple as taking the whole crew to the grocery store or as adventurous as traveling across the country, I encourage you to use this time intentionally as a family.

24 GENEROSITY OVERFLOWS, BLESSINGS ABOUND

Church in Conference

June 8, 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

O UR M INISTERS

Becky Caswell-Speight rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org Minister of Families and Faith Formation

Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell mecantrell@smokerisebaptist.org Pastoral Care Associate

Page Fulgham missions@smokerisebaptist.org Missions Associate

Bart McNiel

Associate Pastor of Administration, Ministry Support and Congregational Care

bmcniel@smokerisebaptist.org

James Smith jsmith@smokerisebaptist.org Pastoral Care Associate

Chris George Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org

Danny Vancil dvancil@smokerisebaptist.org

Minister of Music and Worship

Hannah Vassar

Minister of Youth and Congregational Connection

hvassar@smokerisebaptist.org

From the Pastor

We are free, free indeed!

by Chris George, Senior Pastor

Summer is a season to remember and give thanks for the precious gift of freedom. In our country, we rightly treasure our liberties and express gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Freedom is a treasure worth protecting, not in some seasons, but in every season. Did you know that historically Baptists have been promoting and protecting freedom for all? For Baptists, freedom is more than a patriotic commitment, it is a religious conviction. We believe that Jesus came to set us free, and we are called to continue this work in our world.

The late and beloved Dr. Truett Gannon believed passionately in the importance of freedom. He shared this from our pulpit:

Freedom is the purpose for which Jesus came. His first sermon was, "The Lord has anointed me to preach release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, good news to the poor, and to set at liberty all those who are oppressed." That Jesus came into the world believing that preaching could do that is a testimony to His great faith in God, and it reaffirms for me my belief that when you believe He is the one whom God sent, you get into His truth, and that’s what makes you free. When He descended upon the city of Jerusalem, looking down upon it, He began to weep and His words said that, "I would have gathered you, and I would have gathered you had you known the things that make for peace, but you didn’t know them." And He was implying they didn’t recognize Him. Recognizing Jesus is the key to becoming free.

He reached the unreachable as He touched the untouchables. He turned nobodies into somebodies, and all those nobodies, now somebodies, outlived and out-died the entire rest of the world in response to Jesus having made them free. Jesus is the key to real freedom, and in that freedom, we can overcome anything. We don’t have to be afraid for ourselves. We don’t have to worry about what our children will discover. We don’t have to be unduly concerned about what could go wrong. Somehow, in Christ, in freedom, we can overcome anything. For early Christians, freedom was much more than a slogan for a bumper sticker or an annual

reminder of a national value. It was an entirely new experience. Jesus came into the world saying, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” and “If the Son will set you free, you will be free indeed.” And, new converts embraced this teaching. Slaves were welcomed as brothers in these early churches. Women, viewed as property by most in the ancient world, found a place of prominence as leaders in the Church. Paul’s proclamation that “in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female” was not about political correctness, it was a proclamation of freedom. The Good News of the Gospel was a radical call for a new equality and freedom for all people. Freedom is not a gift from government, but a gift from God.

God has offered to us the precious gift of freedom; but with it comes the great burden of responsibility. We must use our freedom wisely, invest our freedom in a manner that is beneficial to others. We must spend our lives seeking to build up, not tear down.

Freedom can be frightening. But freedom, when coupled with faith, knows no fear. Freedom coupled with faith has the courage to change our world, one life at a time. So, let us exercise our freedom, let us share our faith, and let us imitate Jesus with our lives.

Easter Party Fun!

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped make our Easter Party a success.

The Welcome Center

"Hello

and welcome to Smoke Rise!"

Each day during the week, when our church is open, we have wonderful volunteers who greet us. Whether by phone or in person, their interactions from the Welcome Center are essential. An informed group of church members, these volunteers take time out of their day to be at the Welcome Center desk. Each volunteer works a three-hour shift from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. to ensure visitors and members receive a warm greeting from the church.

These dedicated volunteers are a blessing to the church staff as they take initial incoming calls for the office administrator. They determine the caller’s request or needs and connect the caller to the appropriate staff member. They also manage requests, such as adding someone to the weekly Prayer Concerns list or taking them off that

list after their recovery. At times, our volunteers handle reservations for upcoming special events. They often help church members with basic information like the church’s current street address, directions, the email addresses for other members, or by providing updates of the Church Directory. This work allows the office administrator to meet other necessary needs for the church.

Strategically located, the Welcome Center allows the volunteers to direct visitors to the appropriate room for an appointment or event. They also are available to receive packages delivered to the church in the lobby. Their presence is also important as they monitor our recently-installed security system which safeguards the church’s entry doors, allowing the volunteers and office staff to know who is entering our large facility. It is vitally important that we know who our visitors are before

Center

allowing them entry. This is especially critical for the protection of our children attending the Weekday School.

The volunteers ensure many necessary church tasks are completed such as placing inserts into Sunday bulletins, labeling and stamping the quarterly CrossTie for mailing, preparing important mailings for our membership, and taking mail to the post office. Weekly duties include circulating on Fridays the Sunday school folders with fresh bulletins and announcements to their hall bins.

On Monday, another volunteer retrieves folders with updated attendance and the occasional correspondence or offering envelope. When needed, they are on hand to assist ministers with preparing the church’s many creative ministry materials.

-Mike Jones, Smoke Rise Member

Welcome Center Volunteers

Judy Blackmon

Helen Castleberry

Carole Downs

Bobby Downs

Charlene Echols

Mary Engram

Connie Henry

Mike Jones

Judy Parker

Fredolyn Stitt

Jan Sloan

Elaine Tudor

Debby Willis

Laura Willis

Welcome Center Subs

Laura Bleckley

Cathy DeCuir

Mary Ann Johnson

Karen Stitt

From Martha Abner, Office Administrative Assistant

Our Welcome Center Volunteers are very special to me as I get to know each of them and as they allow me to focus on other essential tasks for our church. We have heard that “it takes a village…” They are an important part of our church village. So, to each of our volunteers I say, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so special and willing to serve in this way. You are a true blessing.”

A Fond Fairwell and a A Youth Ministry Update

From Hannah Vassar

I came to Smoke Rise in September 2022, straight from clinical pastoral education, in need of healing and community. In my years here, I have not only found healing and community, but I have been witness to God‘s faithfulness, both inside and outside the church. I have watched students grow up and leave; I have watched them go and flourish. I’ve heard stories of faithfulness from new visitors and new members. I have sat in hospital rooms and offered prayers and held many hands.

I’ve been invited into homes to share a meal, given opportunity to speak to different groups, been able to visit high school classes. I’ve been able to take my students on trips as well as be a bus driver for day trips that our travel group has taken. My time on staff at Smoke Rise has been a very sweet season, while I was simultaneously falling in love with my fiancé.

Your support in the acceptance of my ministerial gifts and allowing the development of my leadership skills over time has meant so much. If I could ever have dreamed up my ideal church, Smoke Rise was the reality of that dream come true.

It is a bittersweet goodbye as I resign my position to get married and begin a new chapter as a hospice chaplain resident in Northern Virginia. I am so excited, and I am so sad. I have grown here and now it is time for me to till my soil and grow somewhere new. It is my deep love for Smoke Rise that makes me feel so sad that this chapter is ending.

I am finding comfort in knowing God will continue to work through the life of Smoke Rise and even through my own life during this season of change.

Faithful Transition

From the Youth Minister Search Committee

As I reflect on the work of the Youth Minister Search Committee, the phrase "liminal space" continues to surface. Rooted in the Latin word limen, meaning “threshold,” liminal space describes those sacred moments when we stand between what has been and what is yet to come. These are spaces of transition—uncertain, yes, but also full of potential. It’s the space in between, full of anticipation, questions and hope.

It is in this very space that the Youth Minister Search Committee finds itself—honored to stand on the threshold of something new with our youth, their families and our church community.

The committee first convened in March and is composed of a dedicated group of individuals committed to thoughtful discernment. Our time together has been marked by meaningful dialogue and deep reflection. Central to our process was the desire to hear directly from those most impacted—our youth and their families. To that end, we hosted two listening sessions in mid-April—one with youth and one with parents.

Through their voices, we witnessed firsthand the vibrant spirit of our youth and caught powerful glimpses of the unique identity of the Smoke Rise youth ministry. It is

Our Search Committee

evident that this church has a profound impact on their faith lives. We heard stories of belonging, a desire to grow in faith and action, and a continued commitment to community. We also heard honest reflections on the challenges our youth face in navigating church and daily life. We were moved and encouraged by the thoughtful and heartfelt responses of both youth and parents.

Smoke Rise, you should be proud of the space you have created for the youth, in the youth group and in the larger church, and in the ways you have enabled the faith development of youth who truly love God and the world around them.

As we continue our discernment process and engage with candidates for the role of youth minister, we find ourselves in this liminal space that is both familiar and unknown. We ask for your prayers—prayers for discernment, clarity and hope. Please also lift up our youth and their families during this season of transition as they too look to the next steps in their faith journeys.

We are deeply grateful for your trust and support. Together, we step forward across this threshold, believing that what lies ahead—though still forming—will be a continuation of God’s good and faithful work among us.

- Ruth Perkins Lee, Search Committee Member

Lynne Felton, Chair

Adam Arnold Ruth Perkins Lee

Clarissa Strickland

Rudy Wilson

Bart McNiel, Staff Liaison

Chris George, Staff Liaison

Wonderful Wednesdays

Drive-In

June 4 | 6:00 PM

Create your own vehicle. Boxes will be available in the children’s areas of the church. Bring your car creation to the fellowship hall. The Smoke Rise Drive-In will be showing the movie Migration.

Campout

June 25 | 6:00 PM

It is time for an evening in the great outdoors. Join us for games, marshmallows, and s’more!

Car Wash

July 23 | 6:00 PM

Grab your wheels and cruise on over to get your bike, trike, or Cozy Coup washed and enjoy some water day fun.

Weekday School Summer Camp

June 9-13 | June 23-27

July 7-11 | July 14-18

Monday-Friday, 9:30-2:30

Ages One - 5th Grade

Cost: $200 per week

We are delighted to open our camp to children of all abilities, even those who are medically fragile. Please contact us at 678.533.0558 to discuss your child's needs and to see if we might be a good fit!

Learn more and register at smokerisebaptist.org/srbws/

Here are a few ideas for building a "Road Trip of Faith" kind of summer:

Eat dinner together.

Whether your trips are taken separately or together, sharing a meal is one of the easiest ways to connect. Studies show that only 43 percent of families regularly eat a meal together. Summer is a great time to restart or strengthen

this meaningful tradition. The simple act of sitting down for a meal helps bind our hearts together, giving us space to talk, to learn about one another, and to discuss what matters most to our faith and family. Dinnertime is also a great time to incorporate a family devotion. The church library offers a variety of devotionals that can help you get started today.

Take a hike together.

A walk in the woods offers families a chance to marvel at God’s creation. Whether you're hiking through a local Atlanta park or simply strolling through your neighborhood, take time to notice the tiny details in the leaves or listen to the birdsong. These small observations can spark deep conversations between parents and children about God's care and the wonder of the world around us.

Play together.

Make time for unstructured play with your kids. “Play is how kids learn and develop all the stuff.” This means setting aside

Vacation Bible School

June 16-19

9:00am-12:00pm

Open to Potty Trained

3-year-olds - Rising 6th Graders

Discover God's presence everywhere as we explore new places, make new friends, and experience God's goodness together. Rising Kindergarten's and up can also stay for our Music and Arts Camp hosted by our Academy of Arts program that ends at 4:30 pm. For more details see page 22.

PassportKids!

July 13-16

Imagine traveling to a place where there is space for everyone. Space to welcome, where God’s love and kindness makes room for everyone. Space to wonder, where questions are heard and embraced. Space to act, where space turns into action. Space to dance, where joy and freedomThis summer at Passport get ready to step into Wide Open Spaces.

space each day for child-led, creative exploration. When we allow our children to take the lead in play, we’re nurturing their curiosity, imagination and leadership. We’re also showing them that we value their ideas and want to be part of their story. This freedom in play can build confidence and even inspire them to take ownership of their own faith journeys.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or travel far to create a meaningful summer. With a little intention and creativity, you can make lasting memories and perhaps even start some new family traditions.

Have a wonderful summer!

- Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation

Faithful Travelers Kit

You don’t have to go far to experience something sacred. With a little creativity and intention, everyday moments can become holy ground. This kit encourages your family to explore, worship, and learn together—wherever the summer takes you.

Faith on the Move Blog

Scan the QR code to access our Smoke Rise Kids summer blog. There will be weekly posts so make sure to check it out all summer!

Sing and Serve New York

This summer, 24 of our youth and 10 adult leaders will travel to New York City for a special “Sing and Serve” mission experience. Hosted by our long-time partners at Metro Baptist Church, this trip combines worship, service, education and fun—offering a meaningful way for our youth to grow in faith and fellowship.

Worship and Music Ministry

On Pentecost Sunday, our Youth Choir will lead in morning worship at Metro Baptist Church, lifting their voices in praise and celebration. They will also share a concert at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock, a Baptist retirement community in New Jersey, bringing joy and encouragement through music.

Serving the City

As part of the trip, students will engage in hands-on mission through Metro Baptist’s Food Justice ministry— packing and distributing groceries, organizing supplies, and supporting vital programs that help meet the needs of their Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.

Learning and Legacy

In addition to serving, students will explore stories of faith and justice woven into the history of New York City. They'll

June 6-11

visit Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, a historic congregation deeply involved in the Underground Railroad. Plymouth’s senior minister, Dr. Brett Younger, and associate minister, Rev. Leslie-Ann Hix Tommey, both have ties to Smoke Rise. The group will also learn about the Rauschenbusch Center for Spirit and Action through Metro Baptist and visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to reflect on themes of immigration and identity.

Fun and Fellowship

Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without a bit of sightseeing and fun. The group will take in a Broadway show, enjoy the panoramic views from One World Observatory, and experience some of the energy and excitement of the city.

As they sing, serve and learn together, our youth will be representing our church with grace and compassion. Be in prayer for the group as they prepare for this journey and watch for stories and reflections when they return!

Bandanaramas and Donuts

June 4 | 10AM-12PM

Hiking and Donuts

July 23 | 9:30AM

Join us for a hike in Stone Mountain Park.

First Trip, Last Trip

July 30

This is our first youth event for our rising sixth graders and our last event for our graduating seniors.

Blessing of the Students and Educators

As a new school year begins, we want to surround our students, teachers, and school staff with prayer and encouragement. During our 11:00 AM worship service on Sunday, August 3, we will have a special time of blessing for all those headed back to the classroom. Whether you’re in preschool or graduate school, teaching in a classroom or working in a school office, we invite you to be part of this meaningful moment.

youth

Poolooza Poolooza

August 3rd | 5-8 PM

This year Poolooza will be hosted at the Youngs' House. Please bring a side and a drink. We can’t wait to see you there.

Caring for Our Members, Ou

CARING FOR OUR MEMBERS

Families in Need Ministry

A quiet, but critical ministry for our

by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

The spirit of community and care runs deep within the Smoke Rise family, and nowhere is this more evident than in the enduring work of the Families in Need (FIN) Ministry. For over 15 years, since its inception in 2008, FIN has been a steadfast source of support, offering crucial financial assistance to church members navigating a wide spectrum of life's challenges. From significant medical expenses and unforeseen legal hurdles to struggles with mental health, transportation difficulties, and housing insecurity, FIN has been a lifeline in moments of crisis, both large and small. Each application for assistance is handled with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring a safe and respectful space for those seeking support within our church family.

The strength and longevity of the FIN ministry are a direct reflection of the remarkable generosity of Smoke Rise members. Supported entirely by contributions given above and beyond regular tithes and offerings, FIN embodies the early church's powerful practice of "bearing one another's burdens." This commitment to tangible care, rooted in love and a deep sense of responsibility for one another, forms the very foundation of the ministry.

As we emerge from a season marked by significant needs within our church family, FIN is currently in a period of replenishing its funds to ensure the continued vitality of this essential ministry. The need for this support is constant, and the ability of FIN to

members.

respond effectively depends on the ongoing generosity of the congregation. We are called to remember and uphold one another in prayer, and the Families in Need Ministry is certainly deserving of our earnest petitions. Let us pray for the continued strength, wisdom and resources needed to sustain this vital outreach.

Furthermore, each member of our Smoke Rise community plays a role in supporting this ministry. If you are aware of a fellow church member who is facing hardship, please do not hesitate to reach out to Bart McNiel or Jim Smith, who can provide guidance and connect individuals with the support offered by FIN.

For those able to contribute financially, we encourage you to consider giving above and beyond your regular giving to this special ministry, designating your gift specifically for "FIN (Families in Need)" to ensure it directly supports those within our church family who are facing challenging times.

The Families in Need Ministry stands as a powerful testament to the heart of the Smoke Rise community – a community that cares deeply, supports generously, and embodies the love of Christ through tangible acts of compassion. Let us continue to uphold this vital ministry through our prayers, our awareness and our generous giving.

ur Neighbors, and Our World

CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORS

The Joseph Project

The Joseph Project has been at work in our community, building a ramp for a woman in a wheelchair. Homeowners Chris and Harmony Perez received several quotes that were beyond their budget. We were alerted to their need and were able to complete the job. A contractor donated the lumber.

FODAC in Tucker donated some materials. Smoke Rise Joseph Project Team Members, (right to left) Doug Stegherr, Michael Willis, William Henry (team leader), Cliff Mueller, Harmony and Chris Perez, and a friend of the Perezes. Wilson Echols (not pictured) also worked on the project.

Thanks to this dedicated group of workers who completed this project, the Perezes are elated with the ease with which Harmony can get in and out of the house.

Benevolence Ministry

Growing Our Commitment Through Partnership

by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

For many years, Smoke Rise has quietly cultivated a spirit of generosity through a dedicated community benevolence fund. This vital ministry, under the thoughtful care of team leader, Carol Palmer, and with the oversight of Associate Pastor Bart McNiel, is a crucial point of contact for those seeking immediate, small-scale financial assistance.

For a time, the fund primarily offered modest aid to walk-in visitors to our church office, providing essential support such as food or gas money during times of immediate need. The reach of this benevolence ministry has extended further, occasionally bridging the gap for individuals requiring a night of housing or other forms of temporary shelter. Sometimes, the team has stepped in to pay a small bill or address a specific, one-time need for a neighbor experiencing homelessness. In the suburban landscape around our church, there are individuals experiencing homelessness and those struggling to meet their most basic needs.

continues on the next page

(belevolence ministry continued)

Smoke Rise has made a significant step in our community benevolence through a strengthened partnership with the Lilburn Cooperative Ministry, which has been expanding its capacity to care for the most vulnerable members of our community, giving Smoke Rise the opportunity to enhance its outreach. Our missions committee has recently allocated an additional $10,000 to the benevolence ministry funds managed under the guidance of Jackie Wells Smith, the executive director of the Lilburn Coop.

This collaborative approach ensures a thorough vetting and timely process, empowering our ministry staff to refer those in need to the nearby Co-op, maximizing the effectiveness of our financial support. We are deeply grateful for this positive development, given the level of need and the limitations of our church staff in attempting to respond to the immediate needs of passersby and walk-in visitors at the church.

Through this partnership, we have provided nourishment for an unhoused veteran, offered warm beds and showers to those from precarious wooded campsites, supplied gas cards to aid families in their journey towards a new home, and helped pay crucial bills that stood between individuals and potential evictions.

We anticipate sharing more stories of how we are collectively caring for the "least of these," as we live out our faith with tangible acts of compassion, extending hospitality to strangers who, as Jesus reminds us, are also our neighbors.

Our Summer Mission Trip

Plans are being finalized for a men’s trip to Western North Carolina from June 29 - July 4 to help rebuild homes and lives damaged by Hurricane Helene last fall. We will be working through Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of NC. Bill Blanton is the contact person, or you may notify Smoke Rise Missions office of your interest.

CARING FOR OUR WORLD

Updates from Our Missionaries

Connecting with communities around the world.

Kurdistan - Our missionaries in Kurdistan are not named for security purposes. We receive regular communication about their work with mostly Muslin people. “A” is working in childbirth education classes and volunteering as a doula at the maternity hospital. “T” is spending time ministering in the marketplace of a local city. He has struck up a friendship with a Muslim who is interested in reading the Gospel. The Koran refers to the mysterious message and book delivered to Jesus by God. “T” requests prayers for their work under challenging circumstances. They are active in local Christian churches.

Nepal - Josh and Amy Pun were in Nepal for almost a year and have been stateside for the last five months, Josh is now back in Nepal to continue with pastor training, witnessing for Christ, and advising the metal shop build-out of vented stoves which are used indoors for cooking and heat. The ventilation saves many lives and improves the health of families. Smoke Rise provided a grant to start the metal shop. This fine couple is dedicated to sharing Christ through word and deed.

Japan - When Carson and Laura Foushee began serving at Kanazawa Baptist Church, a local addiction recovery organization asked if a group of its participants could attend the Wednesday morning Bible study. Recognizing the spiritual component in their recovery journey, the church warmly welcomed them. More than a decade later, the faces have changed, but the tradition continues. Each week, participants from the recovery program attend the study, where they encounter the Gospel—often for the first time.

The impact of the ministry extends beyond Wednesdays. Mr. K, a man in his early 70s and nearing the end of his recovery program, began attending Sunday worship on his own, traveling over an hour by public transport. Finding welcome and community at the church, he recently moved to an apartment just minutes away. Once estranged from family due to addiction, Mr. K has found a faith family and continues to seek God. Church members pray for the day he will fully offer his life to Christ.

This ministry reflects the heart of Jesus, who met people with love and told simple, profound stories. The church in Kanazawa seeks to live simply, love deeply, and continue offering the hope of Christ.

World Mission Offering

Providing support to our mission partners.

Each year, Smoke Rise Baptist Church supports mission efforts around the world through our World Mission Offering (WMO). This year, our goal is to raise $50,000 to fund specific projects and partnerships that extend Christ’s love both near and far. Gifts for the WMO will be received from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

Details about the projects supported by this year’s offering will be shared ahead of Mission Sunday on October 19, 2025. We hope you will join us that day to celebrate and learn more about our mission partners.

Through your generosity, we can make a lasting impact across the globe!

The Smoke Rise Counseling and Care Center was born after a series of events indicated God was leading us in that direction. As space became available in our building, our senior pastor, Chris George, had a vision for opening a counseling center, and challenged the ministers to pray and dream with him about the need and potential. God breathed life into that vision.

The dream of effectively responding to the pastoral care and counseling needs of teens, young adults and young families quickly expanded to serving people of all ages in our congregation and community.

The new Counseling Center is in the building space below the gym and accessible for entrance from the lower parking lot. The handicapped-accessible space has electronically controlled security and offers needed privacy. Associate Pastor Bart McNiel secured a grant to renovate and furnish the space which includes two counseling rooms, an event/conference room and multi-purpose space. Additional space will be fitted to our expanding needs as more counselors commit to serving our church family and the community around us.

A generous donor who has a passion for ministry and helping those with needs for counseling, has made it currently possible for anyone to receive services for $25.00 per session, a fraction of actual cost. Those receiving services must be referred by one of our ministers and accepted as a client by the counseling professional.

Current counselors include Alli Nicolais and Eliza Sanford, featured on the opposite page. Other candidates for positions with the Counseling Center are currently being vetted.

Educational events and support groups will also use the multipurpose space in the area. An eight-week Parkinson’s Support event was recently held to provide education, resources and connection for those with this disease, their caregivers, friends and family. The event space in room 132 features Wi-Fi availability, a large TV screen with computer and Zoom capability, conference tables and lectern, comfortable seating and a coffee and tea station. Other event space will be available for grief support, a neurodiversity caregivers group, spiritual direction and other ministries.

Eliza Sanford

LAPC, NCC, MS

(334) 596-5566

Office Hours:

Monday – 8am to Noon Friday – Noon to 6pm

Eliza Sanford accepts new clients in-person or through telehealth services at the Smoke Rise Counseling location. Eliza completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She has her National Counseling Certification (NCC) and is in the process of obtaining full professional counseling licensure. Eliza has previous work experience in a variety of settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and residential. She specializes in trauma care, eating disorder recovery, couples/families therapy, mood-related disorders, and co-occurring disorders.

Our Support Groups

Neurodiversity Caregivers

Summer Dates

August 25

The neurodiversity caregivers group shares in the joys and challenges of neurodivergence as well as serving as a sounding board and providing support to help caregivers provide the best care possible to their family members. The group does not meet during the summer, but looks forward to resuming in August. We will meet in room 308 at 7:00 PM.

Alli Nicolais

LCSW, LMFT

(404) 990-4888

Office Hours: Thursdays – 11am to 1pm

Alli Nicolais offers counseling services to older adults, including those living in independent living communities or care settings as they navigate life transitions and the anxiety, depression and other adjustment issues that may arise. She enjoys working with clients who want to learn to be more intentional with their time, relationships, behaviors, spirituality and/or life direction. At The University of Georgia, Alli studied Clinical Social Work with a special focus in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is licensed as both a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She also has additional training in brainspotting and EMDR.

Grief Support

Summer Dates

June 15

July 20

August 17

Finding comfort after loss can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our free grief support group meets once a month to provide a safe space for sharing, healing, and encouragement. The group is led by Adam Arnold, a licensed social worker, and Jim Smith, a Smoke Rise Baptist Church minister. We gather in Room 308 one Sunday a month from 5:00–6:30 pm. Whether you’re experiencing recent loss or carrying grief from the past, you are welcome here.

From the Weekday School

Let us introduce you to...

by Rebekah Edmonds, Weekday School Assistant Director

Smoke Rise Baptist Weekday School is blessed to have wonderful families within our community. We wanted to introduce you to two of them in this edition of the CrossTie. Both families are actively involved in ministry locally and abroad. The Weekday School is blessed to support these families with discounted tuition as our way of supporting the ministries in which they are involved. It is our pleasure to introduce the Green and Iverson families to you:

The Green Family

Jacob and Tatum Green are the directors of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Atlanta. Youth with a Mission is a global, interdenominational missions movement of Christians dedicated to knowing God and making God known. With a presence in nearly every nation, YWAM’s ministry flows through three main expressions: Evangelism, Trainin, and Mercy Ministry. In 2024, Jacob and Tatum’s biggest ministry project was called Kindness Stone Mountain. Their vision was to gift a Bible to every home in the city limits of Stone Mountain, also called "Stone Mountain Village." This included as many as 3,400 homes they visited. Families received a Bible and heard the Gospel. People were very open with our having only a five percent rejection rate.

To learn more about YWAM, visit https://www. ywamatlanta.org/about-ywam-atlanta

To support The Green family financially, visit https:// tnpartners.org/

The Green family has also faced insurmountable grief as they have been serving the Lord and raising a family. The Greens’ son, Sammy, is in his second year at the Weekday School. Not long before joining our community, the Greens’ second son, TJ, was born with trisomy 18. He lived only a short time before Jacob, Tatum and Sammy had to say goodbye. Out of their grief and as a way to educate and

support other families who have experienced such tragic loss, Tatum and her sister, Annie F. Downs, wrote the book Where Did TJ Go? This is a book for kids about grief, loss, and the hope of heaven.

Tatum says, “When we got TJ’s trisomy 18 diagnosis at 12 weeks of my pregnancy, one of my first thoughts was how this would impact Sam. He was only 18-months-old at that time. He turned two right after TJ was born. Figuring out how to walk Sam through this felt so heavy. How do we communicate such big, hard things to such a small (but smart) boy? My therapist suggested that we find a book to read with him to help him understand TJ’s medical challenges and that he would not be with us for long. We wanted something that would expose him to death and grief while pointing him to truth and hope. Since my sister is an author, I figured she’d be able to find a good book for us. She asked around and shockingly there wasn’t anything that fit what we were looking for. So, Annie said, “I guess we’re writing a book.” So that’s what they did.

The Greens feel it is a gift to get to share their two precious boys with the world. It is their prayer that their book will comfort families in knowing they are seen and that they’re not alone in their grief and also remind parents and kids/ siblings alike that we have eternal hope in Jesus.

To get your own copy of Where Did TJ Go?, find it on Amazon at https://a.co/d/3zrySqi

The Iverson Family

Danny and Kimberly Iverson have been doing inner-city ministry together since the time of their engagement. They first started among the projects of Newark, NJ, then traveled to Orlando, FL, for seminary. They then moved to Atlanta, to do church planting and nonprofit work in the under-resourced area of the Westside. There they started Restore Life, a nonprofit that identifies local leaders and empowers them to serve their communities in the ways God has called them—from food and clothing ministry, to youth mentorship, summer camps, neighborhood cleanups and work projects to the building of a full professional recording studio for Christian artists and the mentorship of youth. As gentrification took place on the Westside of Atlanta, the families they had been working with were pushed out to extended stay hotels. They themselves moved to Stone Mountain, and now work with youth and young adults coming out of the juvenile detention centers, families in extended stay hotels, and the community at large. Both Danny and Kimberly encountered the power of the risen Lord Jesus when they were teens, Kimberly in Virginia after her mom‘s death, and Danny in Japan. They know that the message of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross, His death and resurrection has the power of God to change the human heart and deliver individuals from the cycle of poverty, addiction, and the lure of gang life. Christ’s power and His presence are also their hope as they raise their 11 children (Kimberly just gave birth

to twin boys!) and welcome many people from various backgrounds into their home for worship, meals or mentorship. They are currently gearing up and raising money for their annual six-week summer program, which serves over 100 youth and teens throughout Atlanta. For more information about the Iversons and for ways to support Restore Life, follow along via their website at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ifs/ .

In addition to running full steam ahead with their ministry, Kimberly has recently written a book, entitled Memoir from the Manic Years. In the book, Kimberly describes her struggles with postpartum anxiety after giving birth to her eighth child, and her journey as she discovers the virtue of humility as an antidote to anxiety. Memoir from the Manic Years makes the unlikely connection between humility and peace of mind, allowing the reader to come to a place of rest and freedom amid their own manic seasons of life. Drawing from a book published by an 18th century pastor, the author takes forgotten truths and communicates them in fresh ways as they relate to the very real details of daily life. This wonderful book is available from Amazon at https://a. co/d/5dQn23e.

The Iversonss’ son, Joel, is a 2024 graduate of the Weekday School. Their daughter, Hope Shalom, is a current student in our Dolphin class!

It is a privilege to get to hear the stories of these families doing such good work right here in our neighborhood. When you support the Weekday School, we are in turn able to support families just like the Greens and the Iversons. Please pray with us for these families as they continue their ministries. If you are unable to purchase copies of their books on your own, you can find them in our church library.

The Academy of Arts at Smoke Rise Baptist Church has just wrapped up an incredible spring season, filled with creativity, talent, and joy! Our recent productions of Once Upon a Mattress and Frozen, Jr. were nothing short of spectacular. With 23 students in the cast of Once Upon a Mattress and an impressive 73 kids in the cast of Frozen, Jr., both shows brought these fairytale stories to life with energy and heart.

Each show was the product of months of hard work, teamwork, and passion from our young performers, directors, and volunteers. Once Upon a Mattress delighted audiences with its humor, music, and whimsical charm, while Frozen, Jr. enchanted all with its beloved characters and unforgettable songs. From dazzling costumes and imaginative sets to outstanding singing and acting, every detail reflected the spirit and excellence that define our Academy of Arts program.

We are so proud of every child who participated whether on stage, behind the scenes, or by helping each other learn and grow throughout the rehearsal process. Watching these students shine reminds us why the arts matter: they build confidence, friendships, and a sense of community.

As we celebrate these successes, we are also eagerly looking ahead to our Music and Arts Camp, happening June 16-19! This fun-filled week will offer even more opportunities for children to explore their creativity through music, visual arts, drama, and dance. It’s the perfect next step for young artists to continue developing their gifts and for new faces to join the adventure!

Thank you to everyone who made this season a success — families, volunteers, and our amazing audience. We can’t wait to see what’s next as we keep growing together through the arts!

June 16-19 | 12:30-4:30

Rising K-7

Cost: $145

The 2025-2026 Smoke Rise Baptist Church Music Ministry Year

If you would like to be a part of our wonderful music ministry, please contact the music department.

Music Friends (Preschool)

Wednesdays at 6:00PM in the Children’s Suite beginning August 13

Children Choristers (Grades 1-5)

Sundays at 5PM in the Children’s Suite beginning August 10

Youth Orchestra (Grades 6-12)

Sundays at 4PM in the Youth Orchestra Room beginning TBA

Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)

Sundays at 5:45 PM in the Choral Suite beginning August 10

Sanctuary Choir (Adults)

Wednesdays at 7PM in the Choral Suite beginning August 6

Sanctuary Handbell Choir (High School and Adults)

Wednesdays at 6PM in the Handbell Room beginning August 6

Faithful Voices

(Geared toward older adults) Once a month beginning this fall.

Generosity Overflows, Blessings Abound Smoke Rise Celebrates Unprecedented Year-End Giving

by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

The close of the fiscal year in March has brought abundant blessings to the Smoke Rise community, marked by remarkable and unprecedented generosity and a spirit of cheerful giving. Finishing the year with a surplus of $162,875.40, the church is celebrating the tangible impact of the faithful contributions of our members. We ended the fiscal year with expenses totaling $2,479,721.40, paid for through gifts totaling $2,642,596.83. Looking back more than 10 years, giving for this fiscal year has truly been a banner year, reflecting the continued commitment and growth of our church family.

Consistent with our commitment to missions and driven by a desire to further support those serving both locally and globally, the church has allocated additional funds to its mission partners and others with whom they minister out of this surplus. This increased commitment brings the total missions giving from regular tithes and offerings to $224,621. Beyond this sum, members have also made designated, unbudgeted gifts to missions totaling $182,773 in fiscal year 2024-25.

Smoke Rise also recognizes the invaluable contributions of its dedicated staff. After several years of budgetary constraints that allowed for only a modest one percent annual income adjustment – significantly below the rising cost of living – the personnel committee has approved additional bonuses of up to three percent. This decision reflects the church's deep gratitude for the continued care and tireless hard work of its staff, who are so vital to the ongoing flourishing of the Smoke Rise family of faith.

Generous giving from across our entire congregation is the reason for this year's blessings. In addition to extended mission support and care for our staff, the finance committee has been empowered to allocate an additional $100,000 to bolster the church's reserves. This strategic move ensures that Smoke Rise remains financially sound, capable of meeting its basic operating costs while also being prepared for unforeseen expenses that arise in the maintenance of a large and active church campus.

This spirit of giving echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This sentiment underscores the spirit of the generous hearts behind our contributions, whether it be time, energy, skills, talents or financial resources. As Paul continues in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully . . . . And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”

The overflowing generosity witnessed at Smoke Rise this past fiscal year serves as a powerful testament to the faith and commitment of its members. It is through this cheerful giving that Smoke Rise is empowered to extend the reach of the gospel and care ministries, its missions commitment, the support of its staff, and to ensure the continued ability to serve and bless our neighbors in the name of Christ Jesus for years to come.

Men's Prayer Group

Our Men’s Groups will be taking a break for the summer months. We hope everyone enjoys a season of rest and renewal! We look forward to kicking off a new year of fellowship and growth together at our Men’s Kick-Off Breakfast on Sunday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for good food, prayer, and encouragement!

Mosaic

Mosaic is a space for young adults to connect through conversation, community, and shared experiences.

Coffee Boat meets every 4th Saturday at 9:30am at Mint Coffee in Tucker.

Monday Gatherings happen on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at the Hambys' House; call the church office for the address.

Our next fellowship event is a Braves game on June 14. The first pitch is at 4:10pm and we will meet at 2:30 at the church to carpool.

Come find your place in the Mosaic!

Women's Circle Groups

Fite Circle (all ages welcome)

Meets second Tuesday of the month 10:00 am - Church Parlor

Contact: Alecia Reed 770-978-1616 | aleciareed@yahoo.com

Sadie's Ladies Circle (all ages welcome)

Meets second Monday of the month 1:30 pm - Room 223

Contact: Lois Jernigan 678-438-6658 | bobnlois@bellsouth.net

The Breakfast Club (empty nesters)

Meets second Saturday of the month 8:30 am for breakfast

Contact: Cathy Decuir 770-688-7949 | cjdecuir@yahoo.com

Stitchers Circle (all ages welcome)

Meets third Tuesday of the month 5:00 pm - Room 304

This group makes quilts for newborn babies in the church and also donates them to organizations in need. "Caring quilts" are also given to members who are homebound, in nursing homes or severely ill.

Contact: Jan Sloan

770-595-0023 | jan.sloan@att.net

Connect and Engage at Smoke Rise Baptist Church

Youth WITS (page 12)

Children's Wonderful Wednesday (page 10)

Youth Sing and Serve (page 12)

Quarterly Church in Conference (page 3)

Young Adult Braves Game (page 25)

Grief Support Group (page 19)

Vacation Bible School (page 11)

Youth Passport Choices

Children's

Wednesdays (page 10)

Patriotic Pops (page 25)

Men's Mission Trip (page 16)

Church Office Closed

PassportKids (page 11)

Grief Support Group (page 19)

Youth WITS (page 12)

Children's

(page 10)

12)

Streaming

Find the Sunday worship live stream at smokerisebaptist.org/streamingatsmokerise/

See the Wednesday evening live stream at smokerisebaptist.org/wednesday-eveningactivities/

In addtion to streaming on our website, you can access our worship and Wednesday evening livestreams on YouTube and Facebook.

Weekly Communications

Stay up-to-date with upcoming events with our The Tie that Binds.

Lesson Archive

While there will not be a Wednesday Evening livestream in June and July, access years' worth of Bible Studies on our website at smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/.

Since 2017, we have been archiving each sermon. We hope this resource will be uplifting and inspirational. Access the sermon archives at smokerisebaptist.org/2025-sermon-archive/.

Coming Back Together After Summer Break

Sunday Evening Schedule Beginning August 10

5:00 pm

Children's Choir and Activities

Youth Choir and Activities

Wednesday Evening Schedule Beginning August 13

5:00 pm

6:00 pm

6:15 pm

7:00 pm

Dinner

Nursery Care

Journeys in the Fellowship Hall*

Children Activities

Youth Activities

Preschool Choir

Sanctuary Choir

*We will be kicking off our new season of Journeys with "Bible Stories and Your Stories" led by our senior pastor, Chris George.

Patriotic Pops

Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 PM for a time of snacks, fellowship, and singing. Wednesday, July 2nd

Address Correction Requested

September 28 - October 3

Men from Smoke Rise have made this twice-a-year trip for about 20 years. We build or rebuild houses, porches, and handicap ramps for substandard dwellings, or in dwellings which have been damaged by natural disasters. With the skilled leadership of Wilson Echols, who is a retired contractor, and others who also have great skills, we have and will continue to do great work. Bill Blanton is the team leader.

Women’s Mission Trip

October 12-17

Carol Ann Fulgham is the trip leader.

Learn