Winter 2025/26 CrossTie by Smoke Rise Baptist Church

CROSSTIE

IN THIS ISSUE

Spiritual

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Smoke

4 FROM THE PASTOR

Advent is the season of waiting. Nobody likes waiting alone. This is why we like to have a family member or a friend beside us in the waiting room before our surgery. This is why the ministers at Smoke Rise will make hospital visits and spend time praying and waiting with family before and after surgery. So, this year, I have decided we are going to wait together. We are going to wait with Mary. We are going to look at the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes and experiences of his mother.

13 FELLOWSHIP OF DEACONS

Our Fellowship of Deacons looks to the leadership that Jesus modeled when he said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). As we look forward to a new year of service beginning in January, it is our prayer that our deacon ministry will remain rooted in supportive ministries of care, prayer and presence.

22 STAFFING UPDATE

Smoke Rise Baptist Church is delighted to announce that Rev. Jeremiah Hamby has been called as our new Minister of Youth and Missions. Jeremiah has already been serving faithfully in this role as interim, bringing with him a deep passion for ministry, teaching and the spiritual growth of young people.

Church in Conference

We will gather on February 8th 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

Becky Caswell-Speight

rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org Minister of Families and Faith Formation

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

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

Chris George Senior Pastor cgeorge@smokerisebaptist.org

Jermiah Hamby

Minister of Youth and Missions

jhamby@smokerisebaptist.org

From the Pastor

Waiting with Mary

by Chris George, Senior Pastor

Advent is the season of waiting. Nobody likes waiting alone. This is why we like to have a family member or a friend beside us in the waiting room before our surgery. This is why the ministers at Smoke Rise will make hospital visits and spend time praying and waiting with family before and after surgery. Nobody likes waiting alone. So, this year, I have decided we are going to wait together. We are going to wait with Mary. We are going to look at the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes and experiences of his mother.

Many protestants in general and Baptists in particular believe that Catholics have made too much of Mary in the gospel story. But, I would argue in response that we have done too little. We have often minimized her part in the story. We have ignored the role she played in salvation history.

There is an old story told that when William Ralph Inge, the late dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, possibly the greatest church in Protestant Christendom, died and was ushered into heaven, Jesus met him at the pearly gates and said, “Ah, William, welcome. I know that you know my Father, but I don’t believe you have ever met my mother.”

This Advent Season at Smoke Rise, we are going to meet Mary, to watch her walk and to listen to her talk. We are going to learn from her and to wait with her for the Christ Child to be born.

I am going to ask you to do something difficult. It may seem almost impossible in a world that is trying to force us to fast forward to Christmas. I want to ask you to slow down. To slow down and wait.

Waiting is hard. Advent is hard.

Our culture encourages us to skip it. Christmas has come early this year. Home Depot and Lowe’s had Christmas trees in their stores in September. Not to be outdone, Hobby Lobby and Michael’s put their trees up in August.

I know the temptation to just take and spread Christmas out over weeks and months, instead of taking time at Advent to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. I recently heard the story of a woman who took Christmas preparation so seriously that she wrote the practice into her wedding vows. Just after “for better and for worse,” just before “in sickness and in health,” this woman had her husband commit, before God and the company assembled, that he would put up the Christmas decorations each year on October 1. I can’t verify if those vows have been strictly enforced, but I can tell you the couple has been married for more than 40 years.

This Advent, we as a church are going to do something counter-cultural because we believe that there is wisdom in waiting, even if it is not easy. I pray that this Advent will help us see Christmas in a new light, through the lens of an expectant mother who is taking a journey.

Christmas can be chaotic. Advent can be cathartic. Advent is not meant to make us miss the fun, but to focus on what really matters.

So, let’s wait with Mary—with anticipation and affirmation, with celebration and preparation…

ADVENT WORSHIP

First Sunday of Advent

November 30 · Anticipation

Sanctuary Choir: The Angel Gabriel (Basque Carol)

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Second Sunday of Advent

December 7 · Affirmation

Sanctuary Choir: Mary Gladly Told Her Cousin

Sanctuary Handbell Choir: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Featured Carol: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Third Sunday of Advent

December 14 · Celebration

Youth Choir: How Great Our Joy and Magnificat

Children Choristers: Rocking Cradle

Music Friends and Weekday School: Baby Jesus Born Today and Little Baby Jesus

Featured Carol: Joy to the World

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 21 · Preparation

Sanctuary Choir: Advent Song

Featured Carol: Love Came Down at Christmas

Christmas Eve

December 24 · Culmination

Sanctuary Choir and Soloist, Paula Rowell: O Holy Night

Feature Carol: Silent Night

Christmastide

December 28 · Contemplation

Sanctuary Choir and Soloist, Fredolyn Stitt: Mary Did You Know

Featured Carol: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Church-wide Christmas

Peter Mayer Concert

December 7

Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, will be at Smoke Rise for his Stars & Promises Christmas show. This concert begins at 7:00 PM and is free and open to the public! In the spirit of generosity and community, we invite you to make an offering after the show to support the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry.

Christmas Through Mary's Eyes

December 7-10

Walk through a meaningful journey that invites you to see the story of Christ’s birth from Mary’s perspective. The chapel will be open Sunday, December 7 from 12:30–4:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday, December 8–9 from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM, and Wednesday, December 10 from 9:30 AM–7:00 PM.

Give More Store

December 7

The Give More Store is an opportunity to buy items from some of our mission partners. It is an ideal time to buy gifts for Christmas and support various ministries! The store is open before worship from 9-10:45 AM, after worship from 12 -12:30 PM, and before the Peter Mayer concert from 6:15 -7:00 PM, and at the concert intermission.

Christmas Breakfast

December 21

You're invited to our annual church-wide Christmas Breakfast! Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a festive meal filled with food, fellowship, and Christmas joy. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather as a church family, celebrate the season, and enjoy a delicious breakfast together.

A New Year for

Devotionals for the Coming Seasons

As we move through Advent, Epiphany, and Lent, we invite you to pause each week for reflection and renewal. Our weekly devotionals offer a moment of stillness, scripture, and spiritual insight to guide you through these meaningful seasons of faith.

Read along with us all season long at smokerisebaptist.org.

Christmas Events

Presented by

The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

Sunday, December 21

7:00 PM

Spiritual Formation

Journeys: Spiritual Formation Classes for Adults

Old Stories & New Meaning at Christmas

December 3-10

Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Bart McNiel

Community Ministry Stories

January 7-28

Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall

Led by Church-Based Community Partners

Listening to Youth Stories February 4-11

Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by our Youth

A Study of Amy Jill-Levine's book “Entering the Passion Week: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week” February 25 - April 1

Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall Led by Chris George

November 16 - December 31

Goal: $600,000

Mail

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

Text

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

Online

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

Stock

To give through a transfer of stock and securities, please contact Fe Williams in our church office at financeoffice@ smokerisebaptist.org or by phone at 770.469.5856.

As we enter the season of Advent, our end-of-year Gifts of Christmas offering is underway. Every gift made through the offering plate, online or by gifts of stock received from November 16 through December 31 helps us meet our goal.

There is much to celebrate at Smoke Rise as we prayerfully consider our end-of-year gifts that sustain and ensure the health of our church each year. Our new care and counseling center enhances outreach and care in our community and for members. Our intergenerational ministry is wide, with members and associate members of all ages engaged and impacted each week both in person and through broad online presence. Together, we continue to see God at work through new members, expanded ministries, and meaningful impact in our community and abroad.

Even as we commit to live into the abundant fellowship and growth we are experiencing as a family of faith, we are committed to remain transparent and prudent in our financial stewardship. Our goal last year was $500,000, and we exceeded that goal by more than 40%. This year our goal has increased to $600,000. To cover our expenses, we need to meet and surpass this goal as we did last year. Through the end of September 2025, our giving trails our expenses by just over $240,000—a deficit significantly greater than in previous years.

The combination of increased budget expenses (up about 8.3%) and a slight decrease in total giving through the year (down about 4.3%) accounts for our increased deficit, including some shortfall due to the natural attrition when faithful givers in years past are no longer with us through death or other life circumstances that are difficult to predict. We invite members, associate members, and all who are united with us in faith, fellowship and ministry to bring our very best to the Gifts of Christmas offering. Every gift—large or small—makes a great impact.

We remain committed to fiscal discipline and financial responsibility working within our approved ministry plan carefully managed month by month. Looking ahead, our Finance Committee and staff are already preparing next year’s budget that will include lowering our budgeted expenses. Even as we make careful adjustments, we remain united as a church family around a vision of a flourishing family of faith. Our best days are not behind us, but in front of us when we share richly our treasures, time and talents.

Thank you, Smoke Rise family of faith for your generosity and commitment to God’s work among us.

Chris George, Senior Pastor

This year, on Wednesday, December 31, we will host our End-of-Year Hospitality Station as a drive-up event. We invite everyone who has given to support our budgeted ministry plan to arrive between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at our sanctuary portico for hot chocolate or coffee and to pick up a sweet goodie bag. You may also drop off any last minute gifts in support of our goal on this day. Our volunteers will be sure your gift is immediately delivered to our finance office for timely processing in this calendar year.

If you are delivering a gift to post in the 2025 tax year, the church finance office must receive your gift no later than January 4th for your gift to be credited in this tax year. You may drive up and place end-of-year gifts in the secure portico mailbox at any time before that date.

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

All Saints' Day

Church members who have passed away between November 1, 2024 - October 31, 2025

Judy Buchanan • Bob Burkett • Diane Christian • Ernie Duke • Don Durrett • Frances Duvall

Sybil Embry • Floyd Fawcett • Al Furr • Jim Gerding • Grant Gibbons • Mary Giordano

Glenn Glover • Sue Goddard • Glenda Jones • Sandra King • Jack L’Amoreaux • Jessica Lane

Joyce Lovern • Larry Moseley • Benjamin Norman • Dick Pepper • Doris Pyle

Rick Read, Jr. • Diane Richards • Dottie Robinson • Drew Rouk • Jay Smith

Ronnie Smith • Eddie Thompson • Bobbie Wade

Building a Living Legacy

A Celebration of Faithful Giving Through the Smoke Rise Baptist Endowment Fund by

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the Smoke Rise Legacy Society Luncheon immediately following morning worship on Sunday, January 25, 2025. Each year, this gathering celebrates the faithful generosity of those who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy through the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Endowment Fund. The luncheon is a time to express gratitude to our members, to learn how these gifts are already helping to sustain our ministry and mission, and to celebrate God’s continuing work among us.

The Smoke Rise Baptist Church Endowment Fund is a “forever fund,” sustained by gifts and bequests from faithful members who want their stewardship to extend far beyond their lifetime. Conservatively invested to preserve principal and generate income, the fund supports both the upkeep of church facilities and the development of new ministries and missions. Oversight by elected trustees ensures transparency and accountability, with every distribution approved by the Church in Conference. Through the Endowment, members express their belief that we are stewards, not owners, who are entrusted to plant seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.

Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

The Legacy Society is composed of church members who have committed to leaving a gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund through their will, trust or beneficiary designation. The Legacy Society also includes gifts from active members of all ages who have already made special gifts above and beyond their tithe as a living expression of their support for the Endowment that blesses our church both now and into the future. Membership in the Legacy Society isn’t based on the size of a gift, but on both present gifts and on notice of intention to leave future legacy gifts to our family of faith. As the Legacy Society grows, so does our shared spiritual heritage of generosity, stewardship and hope for the future.

An Invitation to Participate

Whether you are already a Legacy Society member or a new member interested in learning more about the Endowment and the many ways it is already supporting our church, we invite you to mark your calendar and make plans to join us for this free luncheon and celebration of the living legacy that undergirds our church family now and into a wide future of God’s care and provision.

Called to Serve

A new year of ministry grounded in compassion, humility, and faithful presence.

by Mike Holt, Deacon Chair Elect

We will soon be entering a new deacon service year at Smoke Rise. We are deeply grateful to Dorothy Swindle, who has led with grace and wisdom as our Chair of Deacons in 2025. Her steady guidance and warm spirit have blessed us all. I am honored to follow in her footsteps and will assume the role of Chair of Deacons beginning in January 2026, thankful for the faithful fellowship that surrounds and sustains this ministry.

Our Fellowship of Deacons looks to the leadership that Jesus modeled when he said, “Whoever wants to

be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). As we look forward to a new year of service beginning in January, it is our prayer that our deacon ministry will remain rooted in supportive ministries of care, prayer and presence.

The heart of our deacon ministry is our deacon family ministry, where deacons are paired with a small group of church members and families to support through cards, calls, visits and prayer. On Sundays, deacons assist at assigned stations to meet and greet, to assist with communion, and to embody the spirit of

hospitality and caring that defines our congregation.

Our deacons also serve alongside our pastors and staff as partners in ministry. At our monthly meals and meetings, deacons receive updates from the ministry team, hear about upcoming programs and needs, and offer encouragement and prayer. Deacons also view and affirm the church budget each year after approval by the finance committee. Through these moments, deacons help strengthen the bond of trust and support that holds our congregation together.

At Smoke Rise, our deacons don’t just hold a position — they live out a calling. We join with our new deacons and returning deacons in the coming year in prayerful support. These deacons who will serve are only a small representation of the many open hands and open hearts that make Smoke Rise Baptist Church a wonderful family of faith. May God bless our church and all who serve in this New Year!

OUR 2026 DEACON FELLOWSHIP

Don Addington

Laura Bleckley

Jeri Boland

Cathy Blanton

Mack Bowers

Gaye Bruce

Laura Colliver

Jan Gary

Graham Felton

Lynne Felton

Beth Gibbons

Valerie Hardy

Janice Hawks

Connie Henry

Glenn Herndon

Pat Herndon

Mike Holt

Gerry Hutchinson

Ken Johnson

Mark Manley

Don McChesney

Melinda McChesney

Anna Murdock

Detra Pattillo

Mary Beth Pinckard

Terry Shields

Beth Smith

Derek Smith

Ken Stephenson

Debbie Stephenson

Richard Swindle

Lisa Tilley

Elaine Tudor

Naomi Walker

Sally Weaver

Getting to know some of our Smoke Rise members.

These stories are written and shared by Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell, our pastoral care associate.

Betty Bedsole

Smoke Rise Member since 2025

For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind;

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

The above lyrics are from the hymn, There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy, one of Betty Bedsole’s favorite hymns. Her love for God and trust in God’s faithful provision reverberate throughout this hymn. Music education and Christian service are the keystones of her vocation. Betty recently joined Smoke Rise as an associate member and currently resides in Madison, Florida, near one of her sisters. However, her connection with our church, unbeknownst to her, occurred much earlier in her career.

Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1968 with a Master’s degree in Church Music. While in Texas, she also served as the music assistant at Park Cities Baptist Church. However, Betty longed to interact more with children and recalls praying for discernment and direction from God.

“Here is my life, I want to give itServing my fellow man, doing the will of God.”

Born in Tar Heel, North Carolina, Betty is the oldest of seven siblings. In third grade, Betty made her profession of faith in the First Baptist Church in Folkston, Georgia; but it was in high school that she felt called to dedicate her life to Christian ministry. She remembers leading the music during “College Night at Christmas” at her church, and it was then that she realized her deep desire to serve the Lord through her love for music. The path wasn’t always clear, but Betty trusted in God’s goodness. Looking back, she remembers, “I just walked through the doors that were open.” After graduating from Stetson University, she enrolled in Southwestern

That chorus from Here’s My Life became a mantra for Betty as she navigated the next few years – trusting God would lead her through the right doors. “No matter where, no matter when, Lord, I will go where you want me to go.” As is often the case, we don’t understand why God leads us down certain paths until we look back and see how one event influenced the next. During the years that followed her work at Park Cities Baptist Church, Betty found herself teaching music in elementary and middle schools. It was a rewarding but hard season, and she began to pray for a way back to church music. Before long, God opened a door at First Baptist Church in Dallas, where she became the Children’s Choir Coordinator.

With prayers answered, this was an exciting time for Betty. First Baptist Dallas had a large Young Musicians

Choir and, along with providing training for leaders of preschool and children’s choirs, Betty was kept very busy! Her heart was full, and she was happy. However, it wasn’t long before God opened another door.

While serving at First Baptist Dallas, Betty received a letter from the Baptist Sunday School Board inviting her to become a consultant for preschool and younger children’s music for the Church Music Department. Betty packed her bags and moved to Nashville, where she gleaned from all the skills she had learned to that point. She traveled throughout the country providing training for preschool and children’s choir leaders as well as serving as music director for children’s choir camps. She was also a contributing author of More Songs for 4’s and 5’s, which was used in many Baptist churches. As Betty grew in her vocation, she began to realize that music education is more than just training for performance. A child’s experience in choir spiritually forms the heart and mind while preparing them to lead in worship.

It wasn’t long before another door opened and the dean of the School of Church Music at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary offered her the opportunity to join the music faculty. She was offered a position as assistant professor of church music. During her time at Southern, Betty and Danny Vancil crossed paths. He was a student in her children’s music class. And Danny wasn’t the only one influenced by Betty’s gifted instruction. Naomi Walker fondly remembers Betty serving on her doctoral

committee. For 14 years, Betty taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and, during this time, earning her doctorate in music education from the University of Illinois.

Her experience at Southern was the beginning of a 40year vocation in higher education, serving as a professor of church music, music education and voice. Dr. Bedsole also taught at Palm Beach Atlantic University and then concluded her career at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Her position at Union was especially sweet because it was here that all her paths converged in this one place. She not only taught music education classes and supervised student teachers, but also served as director of the Community Music Center. This center provided private lessons and choirs for children and youth, as well as music camps in the summer, similar to our Arts Academy at Smoke Rise.

When asked what advice she would give her students today, Dr. Bedsole replied, “We aren’t promised an easy life, but God will be with us in our experiences as we move from place to place, giving us strength and providing rewarding experiences to look back on with great joy!”

In high school, Betty offered her life in service to God, trusting that God would direct her path—which is exactly what happened. Door after door opened and she stepped through, all the while experiencing the wideness in God’s mercy.

Dave and Shirley Riggs

Smoke Rise Members since 2010

During their two-year stay in Morocco, their son Kevin was born. At that time, communication to people in the U.S. was not as easy as picking up a phone and dialing a number. Handwritten letters were a primary source of communication. However, the news of Kevin’s birth reached Dave and Shirley’s eager parents quickly by the collective efforts of warmhearted ham radio operators! My how times have changed!

When you enter the home of Dave and Shirley Riggs, the first thing you notice is an old Edison cylinder phonograph atop a stereo system. However, the showpiece of Dave’s collection is found in the next room: a vintage jukebox playing tunes that leave you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. It’s a pastime, Dave says with a twinkle in his eye; but it’s fair to say that vintage memorabilia is a source of joy and entertainment for this lovely couple. Their life together plays like the records in a jukebox—as vast and varied as the songs it contains.

Shirley Garrett (at the time), a true Southern belle, was born and raised in the heart of Georgia, the youngest of three sisters. Dave, on the other hand, was born in Pennsylvania and is the oldest of five siblings. Growing up with over a distance of 750 miles between them, Dave and Shirley’s paths crossed when he was stationed at Robins Air Force Base near Macon, GA. Dave was an air force lieutenant assigned to Robins as information officer for the SAC B-52 wing and Shirley was Secretary to the Deputy Base Commander. Shirley’s southern charm caught Dave’s attention and before long they were married and off to Morocco where Dave completed his four years of active military duty.

Upon returning to the US, Dave and Shirley settled in Atlanta where Dave found a job in television. At the time, local stations were expanding their early evening newscasts from 15 minutes to half-an-hour. Dave landed his first television job as a reporter cameraman with WSB. He helped film the “snake-handler” segment of the three-and-a half hour 1968 documentary, Religion in Georgia. During his time at WSB, Dave’s expertise for producing informative news grew as he covered events that centered around the Civil Rights movement, including the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr. “Production,” Dave recalls, “is a team effort, each person has a role to play and each role is critical to a comprehensive well-told story.”

After 12 years at WSB, including five years as TV news director, Dave accepted a job with NBC as a field producer in its Atlanta news bureau in 1975. He remained with NBC for 25 years, covering a plethora of stories ranging from natural disasters to wars in the Falkland Islands and El Salvador. He even covered the presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

However, human-interest stories were his favorite. “Hard news is always a rush job but a human-interest piece takes time.” In these stories, Dave’s craft as a news producer shone. A viewer sees a polished product with perspective and depth, but seldom sees the detailed

planning and teamwork involved in bringing a story to life. Working in the background as a producer, alongside correspondent Bob Dotson, Dave and talented camera crews and editors balanced hard news with hope and optimism each week in a small segment called “Assignment American.” Perhaps you remember these segments at the end of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw in the late 1980s.

One of his most memorable stories was about a paraplegic mountain climber, Mark Wellman, who conquered El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 1989. (You can view part of the documentary in this short youtube clip celebrating the 20th anniversary of the climb (smokerisebaptist.org/riggs/ ). Another favorite story featured a highly motivated woman who was both blind and deaf and taught the English language to young immigrants with similar disabilities using tactile sign language. Always an adventurer, she even shared a long-time dream in the story—her first experience driving a car! (It was a short trip in an empty parking lot with the help of a close friend.)

As accomplished as Dave was in his field, he is quick to point out that his success is due in large part to Shirley. Like Dave who worked behind the scenes producing stories for the evening news, Shirley worked just as diligently raising two children, one with special needs. She created a home full of love and compassion that influences her children to this day. Kevin used his computer skills working at FODAC for over 20 years and Wendy is a retired teacher of special needs children.

When the Riggs retired to Park Springs, Shirley immediately became involved. She sang in choirs and participated in the Dazzling Dames—a singing and tambourine act that was started by Louise Fawcett. Dave and Shirley found their way to Smoke Rise when a mutual friend of Danny Vancil, Anita Mitchell, invited them to dinner. Shirley no longer taps her tambourine with the Dames but her smile and gentle voice make an appearance in the choir each Sunday. Dave and Shirley are members of the Berean Sunday School class.

Like the records that spin in a jukebox, the Riggs have shared a life that is rich and full of melodies, too many to recount here; but Dave and Shirley would agree that the sweetest melodies are those composed by family, relationships and love.

Over the past few months, members of Smoke Rise have shared personal stories about moments that deepened their love for the church. Each story offers a glimpse into how faith takes shape in everyday life, accompanied by scripture, reflection questions, and prayer.

If you missed a week or would like to revisit one of your favorites, all of the devotionals are available on our website at smokerisebaptist.org.

You can hear from these Smoke Rise storytellers:

Dorothy Swindle

Mike Jones

Lauren Smith

Winston Murdock

Mack Bowers

Evie Moore

MaryLynn Manley

Lou Tankersley

Bryan Dilks

Mike Holt

Spencer Decuir

Take time this winter to reflect, reconnect, and be encouraged by the stories of our church family.

FEBRUARY 18 | 6:00 PM

Children’s Ash Wednesday Service

3 years old - 2nd Grade in Room 207

A LENTEN PILGRIMAGE

Introduction to the Journey - Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM Pilgrimage Gatherings - February 22- March 29 at 4:00 PM

Often, when we think of pilgrimage, we imagine a journey to a holy place. But what if pilgrimage could happen in your own backyard, simply by exploring and noticing God in your surroundings as well as His movement within yourself? This Lenten season, you are invited to journey with us, to slow down and discover God in the ordinary paths you walk each day. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell will lead a 40-day Lenten journey based on the Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis. This pilgrimage involves traveling two paths: a local path of your own choosing and the historical path Jesus walked for us. Participants will walk individually throughout the week, then gather each Sunday to discuss experiences encountered in the Word and along their walk. Both solitude with God and solidarity with others are vital to personal growth and lasting change. Join us as we read, pray, and walk together during the holy season of Lent.

Blessed to Go

Serving in GAP

by Carol Ann Fulgham, Trip Leader

One Kentucky lady at GAP said, “I finally got peace with myself by the forgiveness of others.” Kayla was just one of dozens of people we ministered to, loved, prayed with, cut their hair, fed and who blessed our lives.

Kayla taught us. “If you let negativity control you, it brings you down. Lots of people try to dim your sunshine, and they don’t won’t to brave the storm that comes after.”

We met each day with residents of retirement communities and at the GAP Ministry Center and listened to prayer requests: “I’ve had Covid five times, blood clots, two heart attacks, a broken neck and back.” “Pray for my son who is in prison for rape, but he didn’t do it.” Stories of sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, depression, hopelessness— too many and too sad to share. But, please pray for these sweet people.

Ten women from Smoke Rise ministered by preparing meals, playing games, making crafts, cutting hair, giving out toiletries that our church provided, praying, singing and just listening to the stories.

These women expressed thanks to Smoke Rise, for allowing them to represent our church in one of the poorest counties in the nation, saying, “We were blessed to go.”

Success of events can be measured in numbers through attendance and money and in loyalty and enthusiasm of those who participate. It can also be measured in heart and spirit.

This year’s Missions Sunday had great participation, attendance and enthusiasm—but even greater heart and spirit.

Our mission partners shared their ministry results through numbers and people or, as some older Baptists used to say, “nickels and noses.”

Greater than these was the spirit of our mission partners who are on the front line of sharing the good news of Jesus through word and deed.

Some of our partners visited our Sunday school classes where they shared about their ministry and work. One shining example was the Lilburn Cooperative Ministries director, Jackie Wells Smith. Mrs. Smith presented

Help us reach our goal!

Thank you all for joining us in celebrating Mission Sunday! As of November 9, we have received $29,802 toward our World Mission Offering goal of $55,000. Through this offering you help feed the hungry, restore homes, bring medical care, and share God’s love near and far. Each of our 11 mission partners have a $5,000 project that will directly impact their community!

with great compassion and care details of the ministry to those in need of food, temporary housing and clothing. One listener was so impressed that he gave a check on the spot.

Oliver Dean, young son of Nathan and Carrie, pastors of the Blue Mountain Church in Blairsville, GA, spoke to the youth. Oliver shared what it was like to minister in the mountains with the specific challenges and opportunities experienced there. Our youth were

enthralled by his presentation. Other classes likewise listened with attention to our mission partners who are the hands and feet of Jesus and who are the extension of our willingness to GIVE, GO, SERVE.

Our pictures show Smoke Rise people at the Mission Sunday breakfast meeting and learning about how we do missions through our mission partners.

Called to Lead, Called to Serve

Welcoming Rev. Jeremiah Hamby as Minister of Youth and Missions.

by Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor

Smoke Rise Baptist Church is delighted to announce that Rev. Jeremiah Hamby has been called as our new Minister of Youth and Missions.

Jeremiah has already been serving faithfully in this role as interim, bringing with him a deep passion for ministry, teaching and the spiritual growth of young people. His ministry experience spans several years of serving youth and students in both church and university settings. He has led youth groups through seasons of transition, organized camps and mission trips, and guided young people through the challenges of the pandemic with creativity and care.

In addition to his church ministry, Jeremiah has served in higher education as an admissions counselor and academic advisor, walking alongside students in their personal, academic, and spiritual journeys. He has pursued extensive theological and academic training, earning a dual Master of Divinity

and Master of Arts in Religion from Gardner-Webb University, followed by a graduate certificate in English Studies. His academic journey reflects both excellence and dedication, with strong language study in Biblical Greek and Hebrew deepening his knowledge of scripture.

With a heart for service and a gift for connecting with youth, Jeremiah seeks to nurture a ministry where students feel seen, valued and encouraged to live out their faith. His leadership emphasizes discipleship, community and opportunities for growth through study, service and worship.

Members of the Youth Minister Search Committee shared the following reflections on Jeremiah’s call and ministry:

Adam Arnold: “I have been so impressed by Jeremiah’s thoughtful approach to the theological

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I am enthusiastic about Jeremiah’s new role as minister of youth and missions. He brings fresh ideas and perspective along with a massive amount of energy and skill. Congratulations, Smoke Rise!

I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the congregation for the privilege of serving as missions associate for these past few years.

Smoke Rise has enabled me to fulfill my life’s goal in missions around the world. I am forever in your debt and I remain truly grateful.

Page Fulgham

I am humbled and thrilled to serve as the next Minister for Youth and Missions at Smoke Rise!

Pastor Chris talks about how Smoke Rise is a special place. From my experience, I wholeheartedly agree, and I am honored to offer my gifts in service to our church community.

As you know, the youth in our church are incredible. They ask excellent questions, are exceptionally creative, and care deeply about the world around them! They also wrestle with their faith and want to find new ways to be even more engaged with our church community. Many have already publicly committed to follow in the way of Jesus in their lives. I am excited to journey with them, wherever they are on their journeys, during this season of their lives as youth in our community.

Along with our youth ministry, I am also excited to begin working with our missions partners and their leadership. Smoke Rise has a storied history as a church that supports mission work, and I am honored to bring my experiences from my time in Kenya with CBF’s Student.Go, and in Israel and Palestine with Gardner-Webb, and other previous work to serve our community in this season.

I also offer my deepest gratitude for the work of Hannah Biro, my friend and predecessor, who cultivated a wonderful space for our youth to continue to grow, and to Dr. Page Fulgham who has been serving as our Minister of Missions and who will help me as I take on this role. I am excited to build upon their good work and to serve our community in the years ahead.

If I can ever be of service or if you just want to talk with me, please do not hesitate to reach out!

In Christ, Jeremiah

development of our youth, as well as his ability to connect with them on an individual level. I know that he is already beloved by the youth group, as they celebrated together when it was announced to them that he would be their full-time minister.”

Clarissa Strickland: “Jeremiah’s love for our youth developed early during his time as our interim. And it was reciprocated by our youth. I feel it will continue to grow as he inspires them with his love of missions.”

Lynne Felton: “Jeremiah is an authentic and shining example of Christ's love and acceptance of everyone!”

Rudy Wilson: “Jeremiah is truly a warm, friendly person

in our midst who is a positive influence in the lives of everyone he meets. His involvement in missions and youth will positively impact many lives.”

Ruth Perkins Lee: “Jeremiah’s passion for youth ministry and missions work compels him to continuously invite others into the story of God’s love.”

As Jeremiah begins his new role, we also pause to express deep gratitude to Rev. Page Fulgham for his faithful service and leadership during his time of service as an interim minister of missions.

Pastor Chris George shared: “In this important time in our church, Rev. Page Fulgham has provided great leadership

Gathered & Rooted

A Space for Families

Through moving and job transitions, through family changes and school transitions, life can become unrecognizable. Gathered & Rooted is the result of imagining a space for families to create new connections and rekindle old friendships. It is a time and space for our families with children and youth to come together intentionally for fellowship. Twice a semester on a Sunday evening, we will gather in spaces scattered evenly throughout the geographical area of our families to share in a meal together.

Families can come as they are, or bring a dessert with all other items will be provided. The goal is to make it as simple as possible in an effort to allow families the chance to laugh and play together. It is a time to put down roots that intertwine with one another, building the community that God desires for each of us. The Gathered & Rooted sessions for the Spring semester will begin at 5 pm on March 15th (TBD in Tucker) and May 17th (The Joshi home). We look forward to having everyone there. Contact Becky or Jeremiah for more information at 770.469.5856 for questions on how to get involved.

to our church’s missions ministry. During his tenure, Smoke Rise has been able to financially and physically participate in missions around the world, providing help and hope while shining God’s light and sharing God’s love. He led our efforts to send a mission team to help those in North Carolina whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Helene and our efforts to send financial support for suffering families in Ukraine. We are extremely grateful to Page for his Christ-like commitment to our congregation, our community and the missions’ ministry.”

Page will come alongside Jeremiah in the first months of this transition in our missions’ leadership. We give thanks

for both Page’s dedicated service and Jeremiah’s faithful calling, trusting that God will continue to guide and bless the youth and mission ministries of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in the days ahead.

Together, we celebrate this new chapter and look forward to the ways Jeremiah’s energy, gifts and calling will bless the youth of our church, our missions commitments and the wider congregation.

Events for Families, Children,

December 19

Meeting at the church at 6:00 p.m Progressive Dinner x

Join us for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship as we travel together from home to home for a three-course adventure! Each stop will feature delicious food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs with friends.

January 16-18

Cost: $100

Get ready for a weekend of faith, fun, and friendship at our Youth DNOW, In Progress! Join us Friday evening for drop-off between 6:00–6:30 PM at the church as we kick off a weekend filled with worship, service, and spiritual growth.

Students will stay in host homes Friday and Saturday night, experience meaningful service projects on Saturday, and wrap up the weekend together after Sunday morning worship at 12 PM.

Following God From the

January 23-25

Grades 3-5

Rock Eagle, Eatonton, GA

Cost: $180

and Youth

FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND

February 27 - March 1

Montreat, North Carolina

Family Deposit: $100

The second payment will be determined after the Chili Cook-off on February 1.

Individual Full Cost: $100

Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off go to supporting the Family Mission Weekend.

Cook-Off CHILI

February 1

Following Worship in the Fellowship Hall

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

SUMMER REGISTRATIONS HAVE BEGUN!

June 28-July 3

Converse University in Spartanburg, SC

Cost: $275

Deposit: $50 (Due April 15)

Second Payment: $100 (Due May 15)

Final Payment: $125 (Due June 21)

July 12-15

Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, GA

Cost: $300

Deposit: $100 (Due April 15)

Second Payment: $200 (Due May 8)

Busy As Can Be A

by Rebekah Edmonds, Weekday School Assistant Director

Busy, busy, busy. Busy as can be- With 60 preschoolers swimming in the Weekday School Sea!

The fall has been full of fun with Camping Day, Farm Day, Community Helpers Day, David Ginn’s Magic Show and Pumpkin Day tooWhile learning, growing and experiencing God’s love for me and you!

Throughout the week, the hallways are full of little feet; Walking beside them is such a special treat!

Many of their families come from far away, But they have found Smoke Rise Weekday School is a safe place to stay.

They trust us with their pride and joy –Each and every girl and boy.

The mission field is within our church walls, Daily as these families walk through our halls. Many who come to the Weekday School need our careWith food and funds and clothes to wear.

Help us provide support that our Weekday families need, Fulfilling God's command to be a good neighbor, yes indeed! By supporting the Weekday School with your prayers and financial gifts, We can provide help and hope in this season where the tides of resources continue to shift.

Season of Learning and Love at Smoke Rise Weekday School

Government furloughs, refugee services cut short, rising costs of healthcare and lost benefits like SNAP…. Smoke Rise Baptist Church, we can fill the gap!

Preparing for Our Junior Theater Festival

by Denise Burcham, Academy of Arts Director

Founded in 1992, the Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts (SRAA) provides students from across the Atlanta metro area with exceptional training in music, dance, musical theater and the visual and written arts. Under the artistic direction of Janet and Greyson Chadwick, SRAA stages multiple productions each year and has earned recognition as one of Atlanta’s premier youth theater companies. Since 2021, SRAA has competed at the Junior Theater Festival (JTF)—the world’s largest celebration of young people performing musical theater—where it has consistently earned top honors. The Academy has won its performance group three times and performed on the Festival Main Stage before audiences of more than 7,000 theater enthusiasts. In 2023, SRAA achieved one of the highest distinctions in youth theater when it was selected from among hundreds of theater programs nationwide to debut the world’s first production of Finding Nemo Jr. This world premiere performance marked a milestone for the Academy and cemented its reputation for artistic excellence. Now, SRAA has once again been recognized on the national stage— having been selected to perform a New Works Showcase at the 2026 Junior Theater Festival. Being invited to premiere a new musical once is a rare honor; being chosen twice in just five years is nearly unprecedented and a testament to the Academy’s exceptional talent and creative leadership.

Over the years, SRAA’s track record at JTF has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Academy won its group and

performed Mary Poppins Jr. on the Main Stage in 2020, returning in 2022 to perform Beauty and the Beast Jr., and was selected in 2023 to debut Finding Nemo Jr. as part of the New Works Showcase. In 2024, SRAA earned Best Musical Performance in its group for Aladdin Jr., and in 2025, won its group again and performed Matilda Jr. on the Main Stage. The 2026 New Works Showcase selection continues this legacy of excellence, giving SRAA’s young performers another opportunity to shine on an international stage.

To make this extraordinary opportunity possible, SRAA is raising funds to cover registration, lodging and production expenses—including costumes and set design—for more than 50 talented young performers. For intellectual property reasons, the title of the new show cannot yet be revealed, but the production is based on beloved source material that has delighted audiences since 2010. Community partners and supporters of youth, education and the arts are invited to help make this world premiere a reality. By sponsoring this production, you will directly support the next generation of artists while receiving well-deserved recognition through various promotional opportunities.

Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts continues to inspire creativity, confidence and excellence in its students— helping them share their gifts and stories with the world. This new opportunity at the 2026 Junior Theater Festival is not only a celebration of their past success, but a powerful investment in the bright future of youth theater.

Holiday Market

Saturday, December 13 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us for a day of holiday cheer at the Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Holiday Market! Enjoy festive music and dance performances, shop from local vendors, and treat yourself to delicious coffee, donuts, and hot dogs. Bring the whole family for a joyful day of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration — and don’t forget to stop by for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Connect and Engage at Smoke Rise Baptist Church

Winter Events

Peter Mayer Concert (page 6)

Give More Store (page 6)

Youth Progressive Dinner (page 26)

Churchwide Christmas Breakfast (page 6)

Sing We Now of Christmas (page 24)

Christmas Eve Services (page 5)

Office

(page 9)

Chili Cook-off (page 27)

Church in Conference (page 3)

Day

Ash Wednesday (page 18)

18)

Weekly Schedule

Sunday

9:00 am - Coffee and Donuts

9:45 am - Sunday school

11:00 am - Worship Service

5:00 pm - Children Choristers

5:00 pm - Youth Activities

5:45 pm - Children Activities

5:45 pm - Youth Choir

Wednesday 5:00 pm - Dinner

6:00 pm - Prayer and Journeys

6:00 pm - Children and Youth Activities

6:00 pm - Sanctuary Handbells

7:00 pm - Sanctuary Choir

Our Sunday morning worship live stream is available at smokerisebaptist.org/streamingatsmokerise/.

The Wednesday evening live stream can be found at smokerisebaptist.org/wednesdayevening-activities/

Weekly Communications

Sign up with mabner@smokerisebaptist.org for our Wednesday Preview and Sunday Preview emails to get access to quick links to all our online programing.

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

Lesson Archive

Find past sermons and Adult Bible Study lessons on our website.

Sermons: smokerisebaptist.org/2026-sermon-archive/

Adult Bible Studies: smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/

Neurodiversity Caregivers Group

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

Upcoming Gatherings:

No December Meeting

January 26

February 23

Grief Support Goup meets one Sunday a month in room 308 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. The group is led by Adam Arnold and Jim Smith.

Upcoming Gatherings:

December 21

January 18

February 15

Mosaic Grief Support Group

Young adults are invited to join us every fourth Saturday at 9:30 AM at Mint Coffeehouse for Coffee Boat.

Monthly Gatherings Faithful Voices

One Monday a month at 10:30 am in the chapel, come and lift your voice in praise as we celebrate through music and fellowship. All are welcome!

Upcoming Gatherings:

December 1

January 5

February 2

Upcoming Gatherings:

December 27

January 24

February 28

Sadies Ladies Circle

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

Upcoming Gatherings: December 8

January 12 February 9

Fite Circle

All women are welcome to join us for a time of community and supprt. We meet in the parlor at 10:00 am.

Upcoming Gatherings: December 9 January 13 February 10

Men's Prayer Group

All men are invited for a wonderful time of devotion, prayer, great food, and fellowship. We meet the second Thursday each month at the Magnolia Room in Tucker at 11:30 am.