Cross ie WEEKLY NEWSLET TER
Sunday, July 26, 2020 Connect with us online at SmokeRiseBaptist.org and Facebook, or call us at 770.469.5856
F R O M THE PASTOR
CHRIS GEORGE - Senior Pastor
The Covid-19 crisis has caused all of us to slow down. Some people, like your Pastor, really struggle with sitting still or staying home. Somewhere along the way, I have rediscovered the great joy of reading books. I am worried that in the modern world we often read headlines or social media updates, but too rarely invest time in those things that require us to turn actual pages. In the last couple of years, we have been “Rediscovering the Bible” together at Smoke Rise and I would certainly encourage everyone to continue in the study of scripture during this season. I also thought it might be interesting for me to share 3 books with you—the most recent book I finished, the book I am currently reading, and the book I next plan to read. Africa In My Soul: Memoir of a Childhood Interrupted by Dr. Cheryl King Duvall. The author was a member a Smoke Rise Baptist Church and I was given this book by our Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Gannon. The book tells Cheryl’s story, growing up as a child of Southern Baptist missionaries in Nigeria. She writes with great candor and courage, telling a story that is simultaneously awful and inspiring, but always so very honest. Grits, Grace, and Goodness by Charles Wellborn. The author is a former Baptist pastor and a retired religion professor at Florida State University. Wrapping timeless truths in engaging stories, Wellborn challenges the church to be and become the Body of Christ in our world. Some chapters ring “sermonic” while other feel a little more like a conversation on the back porch. Better Than Them: The Unmasking of an Alabama Racist by S. McEachin Otts. Longtime Smoke Rise member Larry Reed recommended this book to me because the author is Larry’s lifelong friend. In this memoir, the writer recounts growing up in a place were prejudice was commonplace and racism was expressed explicitly. With humility and honesty, Otts looks back on his childhood and race-related events involving his community in the 1950s and 1960s, looking at underlying issues and especially seeking to discover what brings about change. If you are looking for something to read this summer, I would commend to you any of these three titles. I am also be eager to hear what you have been reading and found meaningful. So, please feel free to send me an email as well.May God help us to grow deeper in our faith and understanding, even in this season filled with so uncertainty. Let us be good stewards of the gift of time, investing it well and wisely.
CAR ING AT S MOKE R I SE
JAMES SMITH - Pastoral Care Associate
The popularity of parks has seemed to escalate during the COVID 19 crisis. People feel the need to get out of their homes and go somewhere. Parks offer the ability to socially distance, and to enjoy outdoor space, the beauty of nature and fresh air. I recently read about the efforts of the National Park System to closely monitor and respond to the pandemic and offer safe experiences to visitors. With modifications to Park operations, there is an effort to provide safety for employees, visitors and volunteers. For an American longing for the outdoors after many weeks at home, our national parks may seem like an ideal escape. Yellowstone National Park opened its entrances on both the Wyoming and Montana sides after all 179 employees tested negative for the coronavirus. Among the most popular of all national parks, Yellowstone has phased in modifications for camping, visitor centers and grab-and-go food options. But you can still see Old Faithful. If you ever had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park your top destination was most likely to see the Old Faithful geyser perform. The geyser was named during an expedition in 1870, the first geyser named in the park. It has been erupting in nearly the same fashion throughout its recorded history of over 150 years. It is an amazing sight to see the geyser shoot boiling water at heights of 90 to 184 feet in the air. The famous geyser erupts around 17 times each day on a schedule that is over 90%
accurate within 10 minutes of timing the eruptions. All of nature reminds me of God’s faithfulness. Every sunrise, sunset, waterfall and plant pushing up through the soil remind me of God’s faithfulness. When I watch animals and birds, I know he provides for them. God cares and provides for you and me too. He meets our needs, heals our bodies, and provides for our physical and mental well-being. Even when healing does not happen, he provides his comfort, presence and peace to guide us through trying times. God is faithful to hear and answer our prayers and give us wisdom, guidance and, most of all, his presence. We are never alone. He is with us. 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 records the affirmation, “But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you.” Most of us can recall many times when God has been faithful to us. Throughout our lives, God has proved to be faithful again and again. Take a few minutes today to recount God’s faithfulness to you, Recall when safety, an important relationship, employment, finances, wisdom or guidance was provided for you or for your loved ones. The story of walking with Jesus in your life is not free of bumps in the road. But it is most likely a story of God’s faithfulness in the journey. Even when my prayers are answered with “wait” or “no,” God is faithful and in control. I stand amazed at God’s faithfulness to me. And you. And Smoke Rise Baptist Church.
SERV IN G ON M I S S I O N Smoke Rise Relay for Life Due to the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to grow and spread, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life has decided to end the 2020 Relay Fundraising Season on July 30, 2020. Please continue to donate online until this date. If you planned to donate by check during the next 3 weeks, please call me, Sheila Dean or another team member to arrange a pickup at 770.826.4252. Our current Relay Team Members are Amy Roark, Bill Blanton, Cathy Blanton, Judy Buchanan, Milly Jenkins, Pat Herndon, Robert Jernigan and Sheila Dean. https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_donate_now We look forward to starting Relay for Life early in 2021. Thank you for your support.
Change for School Supplies This is the year of change and we have changes in the school supplies for the Co-ops! If you have already bought school supplies, please drop them off on Wednesday, July 29, under the sanctuary portico between 4:00 and 7:00 pm. If you are unable to drop them off at that time, please take them to Lilburn or NETWorks Co-op. If you have NOT bought school supplies yet, the following items are still needed and can be dropped off at the church on July 29. SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING LIST – 2020 Colored markers, broad tip, 8-10 count Notebook paper, wide ruled 3-ring binders, 2 inch. Thank you for your generosity to help meet these needs at the Co-ops, especially in this year of change.
JEREMY COLLIVER - Minister of Youth, Missions and Communications
FIN Needs Your Help Our Families In Need Ministry is in touch with a Smoke Rise single mother/grandmother who is in dire need of a dependable car in good running condition. If you have a car that you can donate to help this family, please call the Smoke Rise main number, 770.469.5856, and leave a message or email Teri Moore at tmoore@smokerisebaptist.org.
Lilburn and NETWorks Needs NETWorks Needs Volunteers NETWorks is still operating the pantry out of the parking lot, distributing pre-packed bags of food, but needs volunteers for packing bags AND for distributing the food. Numbers are limited to under ten, masks and gloves provided. Packing is on Tue/Wed/Fri and Distribution is W/F/Sat. Find links to sign up on their website homepage at www.networkscoop.org. Or you can sign up on these links: To sort and pack food sign up at https://signup.com/go/qrFucSp To help distribute food on site at NETWorks sign up at https://signup.com/go/XyHGTNy NETWorks is so grateful for their volunteers. Thank you so much for all you do!
Lilburn Co-op Pantry Needs are: spaghetti sauce, powdered laundry detergent, spaghetti, liquid dish soap, canned pasta, condensed soups, chunky soup, canned tomatoes, canned meat (no tuna), tomato sauce, pinto beans, canned carrots, black beans, great northern beans, refried beans, hamburger helper, and canned chili. PLEASE NOTE: Please limit your donations to food or funds at this time. Thank you. NETWorks Needs are: jelly, canned fruit, canned chicken, cereal, pasta meals, single serve microwave meals, peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, powdered milk, rice, fruit cups, hearty soups (not condensed), toilet paper, and sanitizing wipes. PLEASE NOTE: You may drop food items by NETWorks Tues. – Sat. 10:00 – 5:00. Place food in a cart that is outside for this purpose. OR you may donate funds at www.networkscoop.org/donate.
FAMILY MINISTRY AT SMOKE RISE
BECKY CASWELL-SPEIGHT- Minister of Family, Faith Formation and Connection
August 9th we will be having a blessing of the coming school year during the worship service. Please submit an individual headshot if you are currently enrolled as a student and currently employed. All photos should be sent to Becky at rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org by July 31 to be a part of this virtual blessing. Thank you all for participating in this wonderful service.
Each year, members at Smoke Rise volunteer to pray for our students. This year will be no different, however, in addition, we are asking that our students step up to pray for a teacher, administrator, cleric, nurse, substitute, or other school personnel that is a member of Smoke Rise. We believe firmly in cultivating intergenerational relationships between the adults and students of our church, and this is an opportunity to foster those relationships from afar. If your family would like to participate, please sign up here to be paired with a local school personnel. If you currently work in a school, please email Becky at rcspeight@smokerisebaptist.org to be added to this, so that our students can be praying for you during this unconventional school year ahead of us.
Prayer List Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! That overcomes the world. John H. Yates I praise You, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, Your teachings fill my mind. Psalm 16:7
Please let us know if someone needs to be added or removed from this list by calling 770.469.5856 *Indicates new concerns Updated July 24, 2020
Deaths
Lula Plemmons Langley, Charter Member of Smoke Rise and mother of Kevin Plemmons Patricia (Pat) Mielke, wife of John Mielke and mother of Sara Salvadore
Hospice Care Fred Graves Charlotte Myrick
Home Care
Gloria Adams Brenda Brantly Nellie Brenner
Rehabilitation/Assisted Living/ Long Term Care Mary Chambers Jim and Juanita Brown John Astleford Carolyn Clutteur Joy Carroll Nita Mitchell
Frances Weatherly Marvin Burton Margaret Fite JoAnne Frith Carol Hand Janis and Bob Clement Debbie Lloyd’s mother, Jackie Smith Sybil Embry Lois Brecht’s friend, Elizabeth Walter Sara Salvadore’s mother, Pat Mielke Billy and Carolyn Marchman Chris Edmond’s father, William Edmonds Janis Brown Alan Lunsford’s mother, Ann Lunsford Donna Metz Bobby and Pat Whitmire Bobbie Wade Becky and Cliff Mueller’s daughter, Meredith Mueller Judy Curry
Concerns
Pat Abner’s sister, JoAnn Bauldree Andy Alexander’s mother Vicky Benefield (former member) Janet and Gleason Benford’s friend, Micah McKoy Smith Denise Burris Bob Bleckley’s friends Chris, Shelly, Mack, and Lindy Lawson Joan Booth Kurt Boshears Betty Bradford Lois Brecht niece, Martha Stone Lois Brecht brother-in-law, Alan Echols Lisa Brigman’s friend, Lea Juanita Brown Inez Bryan Marvin Burton Pam Carnes Becky Caswell-Speight’s father, Richard Caswell Chris Collie’s mother Joanne Cofer Jim and Debra Smith’s friend, Inez Corley Dennis Cummins Jane Cummins Karen Davis Kathy Dobbin’s mom, June Dobbins Jean Dollar Ernest and Peggy Duke’s friend, Norma Feagin Ernie Duke
Peggy Duke Deborah Drummond Don Durrett John and Linda Eidson’s niece, Traci Mitchell John and Linda Eidson’s friend, Mark Pinson John and Linda Eidson’s son-in-law, Ben Elseroad John Eidson Mary Engram’s brother, Jack Williams *Sandra Ethridge Jim Farmer Amy Flint, Becky Seay’s niece Edna Free’s sister, Linda White Dann; Edna’s son-inlaw’s father Judy Fowler’s grandson, Austin Turner Denise Fullerton Gerri Fullerton’s father-in-law, Richard Harris Roger Gaddis Mark Gaines Jen and Chris George’s friend in New York, Barbara McConnell Glenda Giles Don Hansen Buster Haralson Deb Haralson Heather Huff George Jackson *Millie Jenkins *John Jones Bob Knell’s nephew Bill McMullan III Donnie Lotz’s friends, Edith and Dan Morton Donnie Lutz Don McChesney’s sister, Linda Lewis Melinda McChesney’s sister, Donna Johnson Melinda McChesney’s cousin’s husband, Tom Smith Gerry McKinney Sandra McNiel Sylvia Minton Andrew Mohler Red Morgan Jim Myrick’s daughter, Allison Bruce Nelson’s daughter, Lara Nelson Margie Neville’s sister, Barbara Spruill *Mickey O’Kelley Paul Parham *Don Peavy Joel Price Marcia Price Cindy Raines’ son, Bryan Raines Tom Raines’ brother, Mike Raines Pat Ramanou’s sister, Brenda Harrell
Alecia Reed Bill Riley (no calls, texts only) Karen Ripley Rebecca Roper’s sister, Betty Herrington Andy and Sara Salvadore’s daughter, Heather Gonzalez Dana Sanders Becky Seay’s nephew, Brad Flint Sally Slaton Ronnie Smith’s friend, Joe Smith Jo Shepherd Joan Sullivan’s relatives, Jack Hughes & his family Ginger Tankersley parents’, Ramona and Maurice Richardson, Debbie Torbush’s son, Ryan Torbush Margaret Trawick Anne and Bob Vansant’s neighbor, Linda Matthew Murray Earl Varney Richard Walker, Jr. Margaret Weatherly’s sister, Amanda Hall Bobbi Wehner Mary Williams Celestia Wright’s daughter, Cathy Wright Betty Yates Larry Yates’ nephew, Jay Oplas
Praying for Our Neighbors
Government officials Medical personnel Educators Students Returning to School First Responders, Fire, Law Enforcement Employers and Business Owners Employees and ancillary support to those above Spiritual leaders Family members of those above
Online Prayer Service
Every Thursday Jim Smith, Pastoral Care Associate, will be posting a video prayer service on smokerisebaptist. org. This will be a wonderful way to stay connected and informed about the needs of our SRBC family.