CROSSTIE
Your Smoke Rise Baptist Church Magazine | Summer 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
4 FROM THE PASTOR
When someone joins our church, the person commits to follow in the Way of Jesus because this is what it means to be a Christian... In March, we amended these commitments, or rather added another essential element in the walk for faith. So, now, the person commits to worship, to learn, to care, to serve, to give and to pray. I think prayer had always been assumed or implied, but it was important that we make prayer explicitly stated as an expectation and pledge.
6 FAMILIES IN NEED MINISTRIES
Have you heard of the Smoke Rise ministry called FIN (Families in Need)? If not, that is understandable since FIN is a confidential ministry begun in the 2008 financial crisis where funds given by Smoke Rise members are available to support fellow members in their time of need. Over the past 18 years, FIN has been a bridge for countless church members during difficult times.
16
YOUTH
One of the qualities that runs throughout our youth group that continues to impress me is their commitment to service. Our students are incredibly busy— going to rehearsals here, having a game on this day, going to meetings there, working jobs over here, working on homework wherever they can and, oh yeah, having school all day. However, they all also take time out of their days and weeks for service.
Church in Conference
June 14, 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 $8; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $7; Takeout $8.50; Immediate Family Maximum $25
Jeremiah Hamby
jhamby@smokerisebaptist.org Minister of Youth and Missions
Becky Caswell-Speight
rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell mecantrell@smokerisebaptist.org
Pastoral Care Associate
Chris George Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org
Bart McNiel
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
The Practice that Shapes Us
by Chris George, Senior Pastor
requires intent and investment of your time and thoughts.
When someone joins our church, the person commits to follow in the Way of Jesus because this is what it means to be a Christian. Jesus said to his disciples, “Come and follow me,” and we extend this same invitation. Following Jesus may sound simple, but it is certainly not easy because the Way of Jesus is also the Way of the Cross, embracing selflessness and sacrifice, accepting and extending grace, love and mercy. Along with this commitment to follow Jesus, a person also affirms our congregational commitments because these define what it means to be a Smoke Rise Baptist. In March, we amended these commitments, or rather added another essential element in the walk for faith. So, now, the person commits to worship, to learn, to care, to serve, to give and to pray. I think prayer had always been assumed or implied, but it was important that we make prayer explicitly stated as an expectation and pledge.
Whether it is a quiet morning, a quiet night, or a quiet noontime, we as Christians need to recognize that ultimately what matters most in our lives, what gives our lives meaning and purpose, is found not in the pursuit of things, or even in acts we can perform, but rather in the perspective offered through the process of prayer. Prayer provided for Jesus the power to perform those blessed miracles. Prayer provided for Jesus the perspective to look out into his world with love and compassion. Prayer was for Jesus the very presence of God living in and working through him to touch and transform the world. And, prayer can offer us the same presence.
Prayer may sound simple, but it is not always easy. While most of us are not opposed to prayer, we may not be intentional about prayer. We plan to pray right after we finish doing our work, completing this project, cleaning this closet, making this phone call, reading this book, or paying this bill. We plan to pray right after we finish watching the baseball game, posting on Instagram, checking our Facebook account, and responding to text messages. John Steinbeck was right, “The bestlaid plans of mice and men (and women) often go awry.” Garfield, the cartoon cat, was right, “The best time to start something is always tomorrow.”
But, let’s start today I want Smoke Rise to commit as a congregation to be a people of prayer. Jesus modeled the practice of prayer for us. In the Gospels, we read that Jesus rose early, leaving in darkness, long before sunrise. Perhaps you are not a morning person. I know that my wife is. I know that I am not. Yes, Jesus rose early to pray; but this does not mean that it is the only or even the best time to pray. I suspect that for each person, the optimal time may be different; but what I believe is important is finding a way to prioritize that intentional time. Prayer won’t just happen. It
In the temple, Jesus said, “My house is to be a house of prayer for all people.” Prayer is intimately connected to all our congregation commitments. Prayer is an offering to God, an act of worship. It reminds us to look beyond ourselves in service. Prayer helps us to learn from God as we listen to God. Prayer is an expression of care for another.
Many of you know the power of communal prayer. I suspect you have been the recipient by way of your friends from church, your family, or your Sunday school class. I recently visited a woman in the hospital. She said the strangest thing to me. She said, “I felt the prayers of my church. They have strengthened me.”
She said that she “felt them.” I have also felt them. I bet you have too. There is something empowering, healing and life-giving in knowing a group of people are praying for you.
In August, during Journeys on Wednesday nights, we will begin a study of the Lord’s Prayer. I hope you will consider being a part of that time. And until then, I hope you will recommit yourself to being a person of prayer as we commit as a church to being a “house of prayer for all people.”
Support for every stage of life.
Find care, renewal, and guidance in a welcoming and compassionate space.
Find Support For:
Grief . Anxiety . Depression Life Transitions
Our Counselors
Eliza Sanford
LAPC, NCC, MS (404) 388-1585
Office Hours: Monday: 8am - 12pm Wednesday: 8am - 6pm Friday: 9am - 6pm
Alli Nicolais
LCSW, LMFT (404) 990-4888
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am to 1pm In-person 3pm to 5pm Online
Ellayah Persons
LAPC, NCC (770) 609-9464
Office Hours: Monday: 8am - 12pm Friday: 12pm - 6pm
Affordable Counseling with Flexible Pricing
Eliza completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She has her National Counseling Certification (NCC) and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She specializes in trauma-informed care, eating disorder recovery, couples/families therapy, mood-related disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
Alli offers counseling services to older adults navigating life transitions and anxiety, depression and other adjustment issues. At The University of Georgia, Alli studied Clinical Social Work. 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 eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Ellayah works primarily with adolescents and teens navigating eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Ellayah is an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) and is committed to providing compassionate, developmentally appropriate care tailored to each client’s unique needs. She obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lagrange College.
Grief Support Group
Upcoming Dates: June 21, July 19, August 16 5:00 PM | Room 308
Our grief support group meets once a month to provide a safe space for sharing, healing, and encouragement. Whether you’re experiencing recent loss or carrying grief from the past, you are welcome here.
FIN Families in
Have you heard of the Smoke Rise ministry called FIN (Families in Need)? If not, that is understandable since FIN is a confidential ministry begun in the 2008 financial crisis in which funds given by Smoke Rise members are available to support fellow members in their time of need. Over the past 18 years, FIN has been a bridge for countless church members during difficult times. FIN has helped with mortgages, all kinds of family bills, home and car repairs, counseling, food scarcity, and more. Not only does FIN help financially but it provides a FIN committee member liaison to work with each recipient and also has a professional resource list of church members who are willing to help in a wide variety of ways. These include attorneys, CPAs, financial counseling, family counseling, the Joseph Project, life coaching and more.
FIN has confidentially and carefully distributed over $500,000 in our 18 years. As the needs of our church members continue, the fund is in a rebuilding phase after a season of increased need. We are asking you and/or your class to consider donating to this life-giving ministry. You can give in all the ways Smoke Rise collects funds.
How to Support FIN?
You can support our Families in Need (FIN) ministry in a couple of simple ways. If you are giving in person, just place your gift in the offering plate and mark it with the designation “Families in Need.” You can also give online by visiting smokerisebaptist.org/give/ and give a Designated Gift to Families in Need. Your generosity helps us respond directly and compassionately to needs within our church and community.
If you find yourself navigating a difficult season of life where FIN may be helpful, please reach out to our associate pastor, Bart McNiel. He will help guide you through the application process and help you get connected with the FIN ministry.
Need Testimonials
1I look back now and wonder how I would have made it if it had not been for the FIN ministry at our church. I did not lose my job, but I did lose my marriage and with this, I lost half of my family’s income. I was sometimes unable to pay the bills to keep the lights on and my head above water and I was not sure that I could even keep a roof over the heads of my children and me. FIN stepped in and helped me. It was a financial bridge for me until I was able to get back on my feet. FIN also paid to have work done on my car and bought me tires so that I could continue having reliable transportation to get to work. I look back now from a stable place and wonder how I would have made it without FIN. I am so grateful to Smoke Rise members for funding this ministry.
2A few years ago, my nest egg was growing and all was good with the world. I was organized, planned ahead, invested wisely and was very comfortable.
I always enjoyed helping others (anonymously) until my life fell apart. Almost out of nowhere, I found myself in dire need of help. Disbelief, confusion, hurt, anger, depression and shame covered me like an unwanted blanket. I felt like a 2x4 had hit me right between the eyes.
After realizing I could not correct my situation by myself, I swallowed my pride and called one of our Smoke Rise ministers. He told me that there was a program called Families in Need at Smoke Rise, funded by members for members and that there was help for me. Everything would be strictly confidential and all I had to do was ask.
FIN helped me for several months until I was able to get back on my feet. Now I am able to give forward to make sure this ministry is there for others in their darkest hours.
3Several years ago, my job was eliminated and I found myself unable to find a job with similar compensation and insurance for my family. As I looked for a new job the majority of our savings were spent on covering our ongoing mortgage, insurance, medical expenses and other bills. I could not sleep at night and almost felt paralyzed over what to do.
I finally talked to a minister at Smoke Rise and learned about the FIN program where funds given by church members are available to help members in need just like we were. I applied and was amazed at the support I have received. The FIN committee not only helped cover some of our bills, but they also put me in touch with a professional who helped me land the new job I so desperately needed. I will forever be grateful to Smoke Rise members and FIN for helping me through this dark days.
Gathered & Rooted A Space for Families
What a great evening of bowling and games with our Gathered & Rooted group! Our families with children and youth gathered at Stars and Strikes for a night full of laughter, friendly competition and meaningful connection. From cheering each other on in the lanes to sharing conversations between games, it was a joy to spend time together outside of our usual routines. Nights like these remind us how special this community is and how important it is to simply have fun together.
We are so grateful for the relationships being built and strengthened through Gathered & Rooted events. Watching kids, youth and adults all enjoying time side-by-side is a beautiful glimpse of what it means to be a church family. Thank you to everyone who came and made the evening so memorable!
If you are a kid, a youth, or a parent of one, we would love for you to join us for our next Gathered & Rooted event on July 19th at Infinite Realities in Tucker. Whether you’ve been before or are joining us for the first time, it’s a great opportunity to connect, relax and grow in community together.
Closer than We Think Finding
God in the Ordinary
by Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
This summer, our kids will journey through the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe written by C. S. Lewis as we host a themed Vacation Bible School. In preparation for the weeks ahead and in hopes of inviting our whole congregation into that spirit of imagination and faith, I want to share a brief devotional thought inspired by the story.
In Lewis’ book, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie have, like many children during their time, been sent away from the war zones to stay in a large country house with their uncle, an old professor named Digory Kirke. While playing hide-and-seek with her siblings, Lucy discovers a wardrobe at the end of a large empty room. She cautiously steps into it, thinking it the perfect place to hide. Lucy works her way around all the fur coats as she steps in and moves toward the back. She finds herself moving deeper and deeper into the wardrobe. She curiously continues until she finds herself out of the coats and into a snowy wood. She doesn’t know it yet, but this new discovery has opened her to a world of new adventure.
What appears to be an ordinary closet is a portal to another world. The inside is bigger than the outside. Lucy squeezes herself through the ordinary to find the extraordinary, teaching a biblical truth that the spiritual world is among us, even if it doesn't look like it.
In Luke 17, verse 21, Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God is not arriving with observable, physical signs, but rather is already present in their midst. Like the Pharisees, we often expect something dramatic. We want visible signs, a political power or an unmistakable spectacle. But instead, Jesus responds with something surprising: “The kingdom of God is in your midst.”
In other words, it is already here. God’s reign is not confined to a future event, but overlaps with our everyday lives. The spiritual world is not far away; it is closer than we think. Sometimes all that is needed are eyes to see and a heart willing to recognize God’s presence.
Today, instead of asking, “Where is God?” consider asking, “Where is God already at work around me?” You may discover, like Lucy, that the kingdom has already been nearer than you realized.
MISSIONS
Together on Mission
Our Ongoing Mission Story
by Jeremiah Hamby, Minister of Youth and Missions
In the opening to his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (1:3-5). We hear the apostle giving thanks for the gathering of Jesus' followers at Philippi, these partners of his in the gospel.
As the minister of missions here at Smoke Rise, I am filled with gratitude for how well we have answered the call to be partners with others in the work of the gospel. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $55,000 for our World Missions Offering (WMO). This amount is in addition to what we already budget to support our mission partners throughout the year. Our plan for this past year’s WMO was to split the offering to all our partners to give all a little extra support this year. Thanks to your generosity, all 11 of our partners have or will be receiving checks for $5,000 to provide much needed additional support for their work.
I give thanks for the many members of our church community who have offered their time to serve over the
course of this past year. More than 30 men and women have traveled to GAP (God’s Appalachian Partnership); 15 of our youth have given their time to volunteer at the Lilburn Co-Op; over 40 members went to Western North Carolina to serve on our Family Mission Weekend; our church hosted the Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM) Christmas Party; last summer in NYC during Sing and Serve, the youth choir sang at Metro Baptist Church, one of our long-time partners. We have members who regularly serve locally in Clarkston, at the Lilburn Co-op, and at the NETWorks Co-op. For all of these and so much more, we give thanks for how our church lives out our commitment to follow in the way of Jesus.
I also want to take a moment and give thanks for support we have received from our partners: Our youth attended the annual CBF Georgia Fall Retreat. The CBF Global staff have supported and advised our church leadership in the areas of missions as well as child and youth safety. For the past year, we have been blessed to have Kierra Prather, a third year MDIV student at McAfee School of Theology, serving in our children’s ministry. We are grateful for the
School Supply Drive and Service Day
June 21-July 19
We will be collecting school supplies for the Lilburn Co-op and NETWorks Co-op. Collection bins are placed throughout the church. The full list of supplies can be seen on the next page.
August 1
We are headed to the Lilburn co-op to help them prepare for back-to-school shopping by sorting clothes for their Kidsignment shop. This is a wonderful opportunity for our church family to go out into our community and serve together.
MISSIONS
many prayers each of our partners have offered for us. For all of this and so much more, we give thanks.
As one season ends, another begins. We celebrate and carry what we have accomplished into this next season. For the upcoming year, Missions at Smoke Rise will emphasize our local missions partners. These are our nearest neighbors doing the work God has called them to in the world:
1. Lilburn Co-op
2. NETWorks in Tucker
3. Family Heritage Foundation in Clarkston
4. Friends of Refugees in Clarkston
5. DDM Tucker House
For this year’s World Missions Offering, our goal is to raise $50,000 for our local missions partners, which will provide $10,000 for each partner. In the coming months, we will be sharing what our partners envision such a gift would allow them to do so that you can know exactly what your generosity will make possible.
MISC. ITEMS ☐ Pack of erasers ☐ Pack of index cards ☐ Pack of glue sticks
Backpacks (clear or mesh, no wheels)
5 Pack plastic subject dividers (with and without pockets)
4 Function calculator ☐ Correction fluid
I want to challenge each of you to not only support our World Mission Offering, but to also find ways in which you can support our local missions partners. Each of these partners exists within a 10-mile radius of the church; so they are our neighbors in missions. Over the course of the next year, we will have several Smoke Rise Service Days where you will have opportunities to serve and learn more about each of these partners as we live out our partnership with them in their ministry work.
FOLDERS
Post-It notes
Pencil sharpener
Protractor
Ruler
Scissors
Headphones
PENCIL CASES
☐ Pack of pencils ☐ Mechanical Pencil (#2 lead) ☐ Pack of colored pencils
Black, blue, and red pens
Pack of crayons
Pack of dry erase markers
Highlighters
Sharpie markers
Getting to know
some of
our Smoke Rise members.
These stories are written and shared by Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell, our pastoral care associate.
Victoria Crosby A Poet Among Us
Victoria began writing poetry when she was a little girl, growing up along the River Mersey in North West England. Born and raised in Cheshire, on the Wirral Peninsula, she was the oldest of three children. “When I was a little girl, I remember my mum taking us to the zoo. I’d write poems about the animals, and I’d recite them to my sister in the bedroom we shared.” Poetry is a natural gift that Victoria uses to both entertain and inform. She flashes a smile and says, “I have a poem for just about everything.” And indeed, she does. Many of her poems chronicle her life in rhyming verse. Poems like I Call Them All Aunties describe the ladies who played a significant role in her youth. The poem is about her grandmother, great aunt, and neighbors who encouraged and supported her as a girl and a young woman. She was only 19 when she crossed the Atlantic from England to New York. Everything about America attracted her, the movies, the places, and especially the music. “The music there spoke to my soul, that down and dirty Rock ‘n Roll” are lines from another poem marking her journey From the Mersey Sound to the Long Island Sound. She was especially fond of the King of Rock and Roll – Elvis Presley and recently published a collection of six short stories blending facts with fiction and fantasy, titled Close Encounters of the ELVIS Kind. Some of her stories address social issues, including a page of resources, and is available in our church library.
Victoria started her American adventure in NY and for many years planted deep roots there. She and her husband raised their four sons on Long Island, where she became an active member of the City of Glen Cove. There, Victoria used her literary talents to write press releases and articles for the North Shore Leader newspaper. However, it was her poetry that drew the mayor’s attention, and it wasn’t long before she received the title of Glen Cove Poet Laureate, a title she still holds today. A humanitarian deeply devoted to the arts, Victoria also founded the Glen Cove Arts Council, a nonprofit specifically designed to expose low-income students to the arts. After her move to Georgia and the sudden passing of her youngest son, it was named in his memory. The Arts Academy and the Youth choir have been beneficiaries of donations.
Eventually, Victoria and her husband moved south, relocating to Georgia to be near their second son who lives in Lilburn. They found a home in Smoke Rise, and it wasn’t long before Victoria’s byline began to appear in local publications like the Smoke Signal and Our Town Magazine. It was through the Smoke Signal that Victoria met Susan Gilbert, who invited her to attend a service at Smoke Rise. Being a good Anglican, she didn’t know what to think of the Baptist church, but Connie Henry and Jean Weathers also extended an invitation. When she learned the pastor’s name is Chris George (her son
who had passed away was also named Christopher George), she considered it a good sign. She took the leap and has been involved in the church ever since.
It’s hard to miss Victoria on a Sunday morning, her lyrical British accent and warm smile are among her finest attributes. Victoria describes Smoke Rise as a church that cares, reflecting on Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbor.
“Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping all who are in need. These are not just words that are preached, but are followed out in deed.”
These are a few lines from her poem, Smoke Rise Baptist Church. She regularly attends the Discovery Sunday School class, where she appreciates both the teachers and the friendships she’s made. She also teaches piano at the Arts Academy and leads poetry classes during Summer Camp. On top of that, she serves as president of a local garden club. Even with her busy schedule, Victoria keeps writing. Her first children’s book, Marty’s Posh Party, a story of table manners and etiquette, was launched in April, as was her newest book of British themed poetry. From the River Mersey to New York and now to Smoke Rise, we’re so happy you’re here Victoria!
Smoke Rise Baptist Church
by Victoria Crosby
The Baptist Church in Smoke Rise has a steeple that is seen by all the people who live near Stone Mountain, because it is so tall. It is an impressive building, a place to worship and to give.
To help out all our neighbors, no matter where they live.
To collect food for the hungry, and warm coats when it is cold, for the people who are in need, for both the young and old.
Adult choir and youth choir and bell ringing too, brings inspirational music to folks in every pew.
Parishioners help to build houses in Kentucky for people who have no home. They bring them food and toiletries and so they know they are not alone. Many people live too far away or are not well enough to attend So, they join with us on Zoom, and they are welcomed as a friend.
Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping all who are in need. These are not just words that are preached but are followed out indeed. Bereavement groups help with loss and coping with grief.
All are welcome here, no matter what your belief.
Weekly Sunday school for all ages, musical performances that lift and inspire by talented teachers, musicians and our dedicated choir.
Whether your religious background is Catholic, Protestant or Jew, Smoke Rise Baptist Church will always welcome you.
Whatever your previous denomination, you are accepted in our congregation. We follow the teaching of Jesus, so no one is turned away.
People of all backgrounds are welcome in our church to pray.
Carol May
Treasures from a Farmhouse
It’s difficult to find in Atlanta – one who was born and raised in the city with traits that reflect true southern charm, yet Carol May wears the tradition well. Her dignity, strength, and a delightful sense of humor are among the first things you notice in her company. Carol grew up not far from where she was born, near Emory University Hospital. She fondly describes her childhood home as her happy place. It was located at the corner of North Decatur Road and Ferndale, where a little stone path connected her home to her cousins’ house. It was a path well worn by the two families. Family was important to Margaret and Baxter Davis, and so was the church.
Carol and her family were faithful members of First Baptist Decatur. “I was baptized there, my sister Nancy and I were married there, and we held my parents’ funerals there,” she said smiling. As a child, her father served in several church leadership roles while her mother taught Sunday School. “We were there all the time,” she remembers, smiling again, as she thinks about taking part in Training Union with
its sword drills and Girls’ Auxiliary with its Coronation Ceremonies.
After graduating from Briarcliff HS, she went to the University of Georgia and was later an administrator at Wesleyan College in Macon and Virginia Tech. Later, she earned her doctorate from the University of Alabama and was an administrator and instructor in the University of South Carolina system. After a divorce, she and her son Jim moved to Lilburn to be close to her sister and parents who had moved from Decatur while she was away. She quickly became involved in the community, volunteering at Parkview High School where Jim played football and wrestled. This set the stage for a teaching career that spanned nineteen years. Many friends in the community and former students know Dr. May as a retired teacher and adviser of the yearbook staff at Parkview. Few, however, know her as a family historian who carefully preserved the love story of grandparents she never knew.
James Baxter Davis, Carol’s father, grew up on a family farm in Locust Grove, Georgia. Born in March 1919, Baxter never knew his father who died in France during World War I, six weeks after his birth. His mother died when he was only nine. Consequently, he was raised by his maternal grandparents on the Kimbell homestead and eventually inherited the family farm. As he was preparing to sell the land, a unique discovery was made. Tucked away in a box that originally held a red-letter Bible were letters of correspondence between Eva Kimbell Davis and James Almond (J. A.) Davis. They were Baxter's parents and Carol’s paternal grandparents. Written between 1913 and 1919, the letters chronicle Eva and J. A.’s love story, giving us a glimpse into WW I, their marriage, the birth of their son, and J. A.’s untimely death.
The letters remained in the farmhouse attic for seventytwo years before they were found and returned to Baxter. It wasn’t until after her father passed away that Carol returned to the letters and lovingly transcribed and compiled them into the book for her family and future generations to
enjoy. Along with the letters, Carol included pictures and explanations of historical events for each year, copies of birth certificates, timelines, and images of a few original letters.
J. A. often signed his letters “With a bushel of love and a ‘tiss’” and so became the title of their love story.
On top of the red-letter Bible box, Eva wrote:
All the letters I received from J. A. while he was in camp at Gordon, Atlanta and France. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for them for they have been a source of great pleasure and comfort to me as well as a great treasure now.
The project took more than a year to complete. Eventually, the letters were deeded to the University of Georgia, where they are currently archived in the Richard B. Russell Building for posterity. With a Bushel of Love and a “Tiss” is a heartwarming love story that captivates its readers from the first “Dear Mr. Davis,...!”
A copy of Carol’s book can be found in the church library.
Summer Youth Events
WITS
Wednesdays In the
Summer
Games & Ice Cream
June 3 | 1-4 PM
Movie Night
June 10 | 6:30-9:30 PM
Video Games
June 17 | 1-4 PM
Service Day & Lunch
July 8 | 9 AM - 1:30 PM
Crafting
July 15 | 10:00 AM - 1 PM
Stone Mountain Hike
July 22 | 9:30 AM -12:30 PM
First Trip, Last Trip
July 29-30
Carowinds Park & Carolina Harbor in Charlotte, NC
$110 per student
($72 with a six flags pass)
Free for rising sixth graders
Register at smokerisebaptist.org/youth/
Poolooza
August 2
5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Youngs' home
A Culture of Service
Faith in Action among Our Youth
by Jeremiah Hamby, Minister of Youth and Missions
One of the qualities that runs throughout our youth group that continues to impress me is their commitment to service. Our students are incredibly busy—going to rehearsals here, having a game on this day, going to meetings there, working jobs over here, working on homework wherever they can and, oh yeah, having school all day. However, they all also take time out of their days and weeks for service.
A few months ago, several of our youth and their families gave up a weekend to go serve during our annual Family Mission Weekend. Earlier in the year, the youth spent extra time outside our weekly activities to prepare to lead a Wednesday night Journeys session. Over the past couple of months, some of our youth have been staying after their activities to make a video for our upcoming VBS. During our church’s recent Easter Party, many of them served in various ways throughout the day. Regardless of how busy their lives are, our youth know the value of service and how important it is to be active within a community.
This culture is no mistake. It exists within our group because our youth have consistently heard how important engaging in community is and have seen our faith family live out a commitment to service with one another. We read Scripture and talk about important topics in our weekly gathering times. But the walk that they see others embody also has a profound impact on them. I say this both as a thanksgiving and a challenge for us to continue to model this culture here at Smoke Rise.
And even though the school year is coming to a close, we still have plenty of activities coming up over the summer! The Youth Choir will head to Savannah on their Sing and Serve trip; we will have a schedule of Wednesdays in the Summer (WITS); the youth will head off to Passport; and we will celebrate those who have graduated and welcome those who are coming up into the group during our “First Trip, Last Trip” event in July! Be in prayer for our group as we enter into the exciting season of summer, and as we look forward to all that God will continue to do in the lives of our youth.
Three Stories of Stewardship
Our Budget Plan, Generous Gifts, and the Future of Our Campus
by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor
Budgeted Ministry Plan
A Word on the Year
“Every time I think of you, I am grateful.” That is where this report begins. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi with thanks for their partnership in the gospel from the first day until the present. That same spirit of shared commitment describes what we experience at Smoke Rise. This report is an account of what we have tended and given together and a look at what we are called to carry forward.
Closing Out Fiscal Year 2025-2026
We are grateful to close the 2025-2026 fiscal year in a position of strength. Total tithes, offerings, and other income for the year reached $2,742,940.52, against budgeted expenditures of $2,617,193.25. We ended the year with a surplus of $125,747.27. That is not a small thing. It is the result of consistent, faithful generosity from this congregation across every season of the year. We do not take it for granted.
This surplus will be used to shore up our reserves that bless the missions and ministries of our church in special ways. We give in recognition that the measure of what we give is returned many times over where we are committed to the furtherance of God’s Kingdom in the world. Our decision to reduce spending in the 2026-2027 budget was not made lightly. The outcome of this past year affirms that we are moving in the right direction. Strong reserves are not a luxury. They are what allow us to absorb unexpected costs without crisis. They are what give us the freedom to plan and serve without fear.
We will continue to be careful stewards of every dollar this congregation entrusts to us. Inflation will continue to press on our costs, as it presses on the budgets of every family in this church. Giving, whether in times of plenty or seasons of financial anxiety, is an act of faith. We do not spend that gift carelessly. We spend it to support and sustain the faithful worship and fellowship of our community in Christ, on the care of one another and our neighbors, and to sustain the mission and calling of Smoke Rise now and for generations to come.
Stepping Into Fiscal Year 2026-2027
We are pleased to report that pledging in support of our new budget year met and exceeded expectations compared to the previous budget year. Pledged giving accounts for roughly 55 percent of our total budgeted ministry plan needs on the fiscal year. The combination of regular, pledged giving with other consistent and seasonal giving as part of our end-of-year giving emphasis combine to meet and sustain the financial health of our church.
2025/26 Designated Gifts
Worship, Ministry, and Caring
Above and beyond regular giving, members of this congregation made special designated gifts to support the worship, ministry and caring work of Smoke Rise. These gifts funded families in need, community care, children, youth, discipleship, special music and worship experiences, and outreach. These gifts reflect a deep commitment to the life we share together in Christ and our love for one another. Total special designated giving in this category reached $157,767.27.
Missions
This past year, Smoke Rise gave generously across every channel of our missionary commitment. Our annual World Missions Offering brought in over $55,000. Through the budget, we directed $205,508 to support missions partnerships and our work at home and around the world. Special designated gifts to missions added another $56,385.62 to that effort. Together, the total given in support of missions this year reached $317,722.62.
Campus and Capital Needs
Members of this congregation also gave above and beyond their regular giving to support the tending of our campus and its long-term capital needs. Gifts designated to Aspire projects and other campus needs totaled $54,647.73 this year.
Music suite entrance roof renovation
Children's suite carpet
Bus barn parking lot top coat and striping
Exterior painting
Boiler maintenance and upgrade
A new industrial warmer and walk-in freezer and refrigerator
New condenser line
Wi-Fi infrastructure updates
Sanctuary modesty rail renovation
The State of the Campus
Looking to the Long Term
Completing all the projects we managed in the last fiscal year is cause for gratitude. It is also a reminder that a campus of this size requires constant attention. The work is never fully done. What follows is a summary of the capital needs that lie ahead. Our Building and Grounds Committee has identified these projects as essential or significantly beneficial to the life and mission of Smoke Rise for years to come. Some are urgent. Some are visionary. All of them matter.
First-Floor Water Damage Repairs
Following a period of heavy rainfall, ground erosion caused a drain beneath the lower level of the building to clog. Water moved through the center of the first-floor basement, affecting several Sunday school classrooms and the counseling center. No one was harmed, and the damage was contained.
Working with our Building and Grounds Committee and with environmental and flooring professionals, we have assessed the damage and identified the full scope of repairs. The work will include upgrading the outdoor drainage to prevent future intrusion, replacing carpet in three affected classrooms, and installing new luxury vinyl tile throughout the first-floor hallways. The existing hallway tile, original to the building, will be encapsulated beneath the new installation, a step that ensures the continued environmental safety of the space.
Because this was a ground water event, the repairs fall outside our property insurance coverage. The total costs will come in just under $50,000. The costs will be absorbed by existing reserves. If you feel moved to give above your regular generosity toward this effort, gifts may be designated to the Water Damage Repair Project.
We do not take lightly the responsibility of caring for the spaces where our congregation gathers to learn, heal and grow. We are committed to completing this work promptly and openly.
Other Planned Repairs
In addition to the first-floor water damage, there are other projects already underway. We have planned a $30,000 baptistery renovation. The baptistery basin needs resurfacing and sealing, and the plumbing requires updating. The heating and pump system is dated and insufficient and will be fully replaced. This renovation will restore a sacred space to full function and dignity. Additionally, roofing and rot repairs are needed to prevent further deterioration and extend the life of the roofing structure. Lastly, we are addressing humidity and water damage issues in the choral suite to ensure the health of the space and the care of our instruments and music library.
Insurance Coverage Review
In the coming budget year, we will conduct a thorough review of our primary property and liability policies as well as our umbrella coverage. This is a review we undertake periodically. We hold comprehensive protection as a high value. We are also mindful of the pressure that rising insurance costs place on the budget. Our goal is the right level of coverage for the short-term security of our congregation and the long-term benefit of the church. We will not sacrifice protection for the sake of cost savings alone.
Paul closed his letter to the Philippians with a simple charge: Stand firm. It is what he asked of a congregation he loved and trusted. It is what this congregation has done. For a church family that stays the course, we are grateful.
Capital Needs and Dreams: Aspire Projects
Smoke Rise is a large and aging campus; our responsible stewardship means naming what it will take to maintain and improve what we hold together. The following capital projects, identified through our Building and Grounds Committee and designated as Aspire Projects, represent both essential infrastructure and meaningful enhancements to our congregational life.
Digital Audio Update — $50,000. Our sanctuary sound boards are more than 20 years old and are running on analog technology. We have patched them for years. The time has come for a full digital upgrade. A new sound board and microphones will improve in-room audio and strengthen the online worship experience for the 250+ viewers who join us each week via our stream.
A 15-Passenger Van — $70,000. Safe transportation is foundational to youth and children's ministry and our adult travel group. The church currently operates one aging minibus and one Ford Transit van. A second Ford Transit 15-Passenger Van, with dual rear wheels for highway stability, is the next step toward meeting ministry transportation needs.
Outdoor HVAC Chiller Unit — $135,000. The chiller that has served the campus for 27 years has at most three years of service life remaining. A replacement is required. A new energy-efficient unit will keep the campus functional and reduce long-term utility costs.
Memory Garden Courtyard Windows — $50,000. Thirtyfour courtyard windows, many original to the building, need replacement. New insulated windows will improve energy performance and restore the character of the Memory Garden, a space of quiet remembrance for our congregation.
Pavilion — $260,000. A covered 2,400-square-foot outdoor pavilion near the playground has been a congregational vision for more than eight years. It would serve as a permanent gathering space for fellowship, summer youth programming, worship and community events.
EASTER SUNDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
CELEBRATING SPRING
What a beautiful spring we have shared together as a church family. From the meaningful moments of worship throughout Holy Week to the joy-filled celebration of Easter morning, it has been a season rich with reflection, hope, and renewal. Walking together through those sacred days reminded us of the depth of God’s love and the power of the resurrection, grounding us in the heart of our faith.
Beyond worship, it has also been a season of joyful fellowship. From the laughter and connection at the Ladies Spring Event to the excitement and energy of the Easter Party, we have been reminded of the gift of community. These moments— both sacred and celebratory—have woven us closer together, making this spring not just beautiful in season, but meaningful in spirit.
EASTER PARTY
LADIES DINNER
KIDS SUMMER K I D S S U M M E R CAMP C A M P
A Storied Adventure is happening all summer long through summer camp at the Weekday School! It will be a summer of using our imaginations to become superheroes, princesses, knights, poets, artists and authors. Afternoon waterplay with snow cones everyday will keep us cool. Contact us at 677-533-0558 for more information!
Learn more and register at smokerisebaptist.org/srbws/
Open to Ages One - Rising Sixth Graders
Weekly Rate $200 - Daily Rate $40
One-time $50 registration fee
Sibling Discount (for weekly rate) $50
*FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE*
DATES & TIMES
Monday-Friday | 9:30-2:30
June 8-12: Silverstein (poetry)
June 15-19: Dog Man (graphic novels/comics)
July 6-10: Narnia (fantasy/adventure)
July 13-17: Disney (fairy tales)
A Successful 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Thank you all for coming out to support our Spring teen show! From the outstanding performances of our talented students to the laughter and energy shared by audiences each night, the production was a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and dedication.
June 22-25
12:30-4:30 PM
Rising K-7th Grade Camp Costs: $150 Learn more and register at smokerisebaptist.org/arts/
Auditions are happening this June for two upcoming programs!
JR SHOW
Rising 1st - 8th Graders
September 18-20 we will be presenting How to Train Your Dragon the Musical, Jr. Auditions are June 8 & 9 with rehearsals starting on June 15. If you are interested in joining our cast go to smokerisebaptist.org/arts/dragon/ to learn more and schedule your audition.
TEEN SHOW
Rising 9th-12th Graders
Our teen drama team will have a 3-week intensive July 6-26. The session will conclude with shows presented on July 24-26. If you would like to be a part of this program contact Denise Burcham at artsacademy@smokerisebaptist.org.
Connect and Engage at
Smoke Rise Baptist Church
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
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
Bible Studies
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/.
Sermons
Since 2017, we have been archiving each sermon. We hope this resource will be uplifting and inspirational. Access the sermon archives at smokerisebaptist.org/2026-sermon-archive/.
Coming Back Together After Summer Break
Sunday Evening Schedule Beginning August 9
5:00 pm
Children's Choir and Activities
Youth Choir and Activities
Wednesday Evening Schedule Beginning August 12
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 a study on the Lord's Prayer led by our senior pastor, Chris George.
Patriotic Pops
Wednesday, July 1
Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 PM as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation.
Address Correction Requested
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 2, 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
