Your Smoke Rise Baptist Church Magazine | Fall 2024
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FROM THE PASTOR
St. Francis De Sales wrote, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” We need to remember this simple, but profound truth— especially in this season. We can learn from those who have gone before us.
11 MISSION SUNDAY
“Behold…a New Thing” is the theme for Mission Sunday, October 20, 2024. It is inspired by Isaiah 43:19, where the prophet speaks of God’s doing a new thing, offering hope and solutions in our complex world. Just as the Jewish exiles in Babylon faced daunting challenges and were encouraged to look forward to God’s new way, we too are called to embrace this divine renewal. Our goal for Mission Sunday is $50,000 for the Offering for Global Missions of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF).
16 CELEBRATING TRUETT GANNON
In the recent memorial service for our Pastor Emeritus Dr. Truett Gannon, our pastor shared these words: We are here to remember and to give thanks to God for the life of the Rev. Dr. James Truett Gannon. While he certainly earned and embodied those titles of doctor and reverend, because his ministry was first and foremost relational, he was most comfortable with being called simply “Truett.”
Church in Conference
This fall, we will have two Church in Conference meetings. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service for our meeting and luncheon.
RSVP with the church office at mabner@smokerisebaptist.org or 770.469.5856.
Meal Pricing: Adults $7; Children (10 and under) $3; Vegetable Plate $6; Takeout $7.50; Immediate Family Maximum $20
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
Hannah Vassar
Minister of Youth and Congregational Connection
hvassar@smokerisebaptist.org
From the Pastor
Gentle Strength
by Chris George, Senior Pastor
In the movie “The Horse Whisperer,” a tense, New York magazine editor travels to the Montana mountains, preparing to meet a rough and tough cowboy. She introduces herself saying, “I’ve heard you help people with horse problems.” The actor, Robert Redford, responds, “Truth is, I help horses with people problems.”
It was the first time he turned her world upside down, but not the last. In amazement, she watches the gradual transformation of her daughter’s horse from being traumatized to becoming tame. In one telling scene, the horse, frightened by the editor’s ringing cell phone, gallops off into the far end of a large pasture. Redford walks into the pasture. He doesn’t scream or shout; he doesn’t run after the horse with a rod or a whip; he sits down. He waits for what appears to be hours. Then, the horse, drawn by curiosity, inches closer and closer. Finally, the horse cautiously approaches close enough to be touched by the “whisperer,” allowing itself to be led back to the safety of its stall.
St. Francis De Sales wrote, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” We need to remember this simple, but profound truth— especially in this season. We can learn from those who have gone before us.
Brooks Tuck was once a part of our church family and a leader in our community. He was a small man who never weighed more than 135 pounds, but certainly not a weak one. Brooks was the principal at Fairview Elementary School during the time of school integration. Three hundred protestors surrounded his school on the first day with signs, sneers and a hanging noose. He had already gotten threatening calls and car bomb threats. Brooks was undeterred. He walked out to the bus that morning to escort 13 black children into his school, one-by-one. The little ones he carried. The older ones, he walked alongside, hand-in-hand. He said, “We will get through this together. I will not let go…”
He didn’t. He stood for right in the face of wrong. He stood for love in the face of hate. He was a gentle man,
but a strong man…one of the strongest this state has ever known.
During this election season, we will hear about strengths and weaknesses. We will watch as candidates attack and accuse one another. Many people in our nation are filled with fear about the future. But, at Smoke Rise, we place our trust not in politicians or parties, but in God. As the hymn reminds us, God is “our help in ages past and our hope for years to come.” Before this election and after this election, Smoke Rise will continue to be about the work of living and loving, caring and sharing, seeking justice and peace, working for the common good as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Our calling is clear. Let us remember what matters most.
I recently officiated at the funeral for the father of a friend. When I met with the children to talk about the service, I asked, “What will you remember about your dad?” One of the daughter’s immediately said, “His hands.” She teared up and paused for a moment before saying, “Daddy had really big hands. But I will always remember how he took his big hand and held my little hand. He was so strong, but he knew how to hold my hand gently…”
What a beautiful way to be remembered!
God, fill us with your gentle strength in this season and every season.
To learn more visit smokerisebaptist.org/journeys/
The Radical Gospel
August 14 - September 4
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Bart McNiel
Seeking God in Word and Practice
September 5 - October 3
Thursdays at 9:30 AM | Room 223
Led by Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell
Racial Reconciliation
Resuming September 9
Mondays at 7 PM | Zoom Meeting
Questions? Contact Page Fulgham at missions@smokerisebaptist.org.
Godly Play
September 11
Wednesday at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Rebecca Caswell-Speight
How the Bible Was Created
September 18 - October 23
Wednesdays at 6 PM | Fellowship Hall
Led by Chris George
A Local Interfaith Experience
A Tour of
Temple Emanu-El November
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Meeting at the Church at 9:00 AM
We are excited to announce our next interfaith experience, when we will have the opportunity to explore and learn about Temple EmanuEl, one of Atlanta's vibrant Jewish communities. During the tour, we will be guided through the beautiful sanctuary and other significant spaces within the temple. Whether you are familiar with Jewish customs or are completely new to them, this experience is open to all and promises to be enlightening and enriching.
Godly Play
A Place for Wonder
by Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
Thanks to the generous donation of two families in our congregation, Smoke Rise has been able to create a dedicated “Godly Play” room that can be used with our youngest learners all the way to our oldest congregants. These gifts allow us to provide deeper Christian formation and spiritual guidance.
Throughout this fall, we will host training sessions for Godly Play facilitators. We will share stories on a Wednesday evening with adults in our congregation. We hope to see our Godly Play program fully operational for all age groups by Advent 2024.
What is Godly Play and why is this important? Godly Play is an imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance. Using figurines to interact with and engaging open response questions, Godly Play allows participants to experience stories of scripture in new and different ways each
and every time they are told. Rather than giving answers, Godly Play helps participants wonder aloud, allowing them to make the stories their own rather than being told what to believe about each story. This unique way of learning allows the learner to circle back and get reintroduced to the story each and every year.
Introducing the Godly Play curriculum is a wonderful investment in the spiritual formation of our congregation. It has already proved beneficial for our children’s ministry, providing stories for our children to watch during various times throughout COVID. This fall, with the full extent of the program brought into focus and with the completion of the Godly Play Room and the training of facilitators that will work throughout our congregation, a dream several years in the making is coming to life.
Save the Date for these Family and Youth Events
Godly Play Training
September 19-21
Contact Becky at rcspeight@ smokerisebaptist.org to get registered.
Youth Football Game
September 27 | 7:00 PM
Join us at Brookwood for the Brookwood vs. Parkview Game.
Octoberfest
October 30 | 5:00 PM
A community event with Trunk or Treating, inflatables, face painting, crafts, and a BBQ dinner.
Youth Disciple Now
November 8-10
REFLECTIONS
From Alice McLendon:
I love Passport because of the environment and the community around me. The people around you, even if it doesn’t seem like it, are trying to help you grow in your faith. When you go to Passport missions, you get to serve in the community. This year, when I was at Passport Missions, my missions site was the Episcopal Church of our Savior in Berea, Kentucky, where I helped with their garden and pulled weeds to help them grow their garden. It was a great experience.
From David George:
On the first day of our Passport Missions project, we traveled to the house of an avid gardener who needed help cleaning up weeds and trash and creating a rock garden. Our team was able to finish this in just one day, so we spent the two other days finding food at Walmart for families in need and making welcoming cards and signs for families under the care of FOCUS, an organization that assists households with special needs children and youth.
From Jonathan Bowers:
Passport is a special time for our students, and I could tell right away how excited they were to be back. Passport Missions, in particular, allowed our students to do something good for the community in Berea, Kentucky, and they rose to the occasion with great attitudes, despite some hot days! It was a great week of singing, dancing, worship, fellowship and overall fun for the students and the chaperones alike.
From Miranda Rouk:
While at Passport, I had the privilege to serve at Lazy Eight Farms alongside many students, including three of our Smoke Rise youth and two of our adults. Contrary to the name of the farm, these kids worked hard, identifying and cutting down an invasive tree species so that the unwanted trees could be treated with an herbicide. Some students cut trees while others dragged the trees across the road for pickup. The task was not only labor intensive, but required a great deal of communication. After two afternoons, the students had bonded and the landscape had changed. It was an amazing experience I will remember forever.
Family Movie Night
November 10
We are going to go see the new movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, in theaters.
Youth Friendsgiving November 15 | 6:00 PM
A New Pastoral Care Associate
I am overjoyed to welcome Rev. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell to a new and expanded role as a part-time Pastoral Care Associate at Smoke Rise. She will be working with Jim Smith to help to fulfill our commitment to excellence in pastoral care of our congregation and community.
Jim shared, "Mitzi brings a unique style of caregiving and spiritual guidance to our Pastoral Care team. She offers pastoral care with a genuine interest and concern for each person."
Mitzi’s primary roles will involve ministry to those in the hospital, to those in rehabilitation, to the homebound, and to those in the independent living communities at Cobblestone and Delmar Gardens. She is a gifted minister with a deep faith and a heart for helping people by listening to their stories, building relationships, and loving others in Christ. We celebrate her sensitivity to God’s calling and eagerly anticipate her ministry among us.
- Chris George, Senior Pastor
Greetings friends! I am so excited to begin this new journey with you. Smoke Rise has been my home church since my parents signed its charter in 1969, and what a blessing this church has been to me! I was baptized in the chapel by Frank Johnson when I was nine-years-old, and I have many fond memories of growing up in this sweet and sacred space.
After graduating from Parkview High School, I attended Mercer University and received a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education. I began teaching in Gwinnett County in 1986 and remained in the county until last yearwhen I “officially” retired. While in Gwinnett, I held many roles, but most recently, I was an ESOL teacher at Chesney Elementary. Throughout my years as a teacher, I earned a master’s degree and a specialist degree in education. Teaching and learning is essential to my character – but my love for God and my desire to serve others has always been central to my being.
In the fall of 2016, I was ordained as a deacon, and it wasn’t long after that I felt God was calling me to something more. I remember reading Psalm 27 and being so struck by the last verse that I wrote it on a post-it note and attached it to my bathroom mirror: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” So that is what I did. I prayed, and I waited.
Then, in 2019, I felt a call from the Holy Spirit to enroll in a master’s degree program at Friends University, designed for Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership. This was more than an academic program – it was a transformational experience for me. My heart opened to God in a way I was not expecting, and it became clear that this was precisely where I was meant to be. I graduated from Friends in May 2022. Shortly after, I began a pastoral care internship at Smoke Rise, working alongside Jim Smith and Joel Harrison.
In February 2023, I was ordained into ministry by the congregants of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, many of whom shaped and formed my deep love for Jesus Christ when I was a child. Growing up in this church was a gift and a blessing. As an ordained minister, having the opportunity to serve those who loved me into becoming the person I am today is an honor and privilege.
There is still much to learn, but as I step out of the classroom and into this new role as pastoral care associate, I am thankful for those who have walked with me and continue to walk alongside me as we grow in Christ’s love. With outstretched hands and a heart full of hope and love, I look forward to serving you all.
- Mitzi Etheridge-Cantrell, Pastoral Care Associate
Smoke Rise Baptist Support Groups
Neurodiversity Caregivers Group
The purpose of this group is to both share in the joys that be a part of neurodivergence as well as to be a sounding board, supporting caregivers in providing the best possible care to their loved ones.
We meet the fourth Tuesday a month at 7:00 PM in room 308.
Fall Dates: September 24 October 22
Send a confidential RSVP to Martha Abner at mabner@ smokerisebaptist.org to receive group updates.
Grief Support Group
This support group is for anyone who has lost a loved one, whether it was a recent loss or years ago. We meet the third Sunday each month from 5:00-6:30 PM in room 223. The group is led by Adam Arnold and Jim Smith.
Fall Dates: September 15 October 20 November 17
We meet the second Thursday of each month at Magnolia Room Cafeteria at 11:30 AM. RSVP to Martha in the church office at 770.469.5856
Fall Gatherings
September 12 October 10
Rooted
The Importance of Community for Men of Fellowship
by Jay White, Men's Prayer Group Leader
The huge redwood trees in California are amazing. They are the largest living things on earth and the tallest trees in the world. Some of them are 300 feet high and more than 2,500 years old. You would think trees that large would have a tremendous root system, reaching down hundreds of feet into the earth. But that is not the case. Redwoods have a very shallow root system. The roots of these trees are, however, intertwined. They are tied in with each other; interlocked. Thus, when the storms come and the winds blow, the redwoods still stand.
With an interlocking root system, they support and sustain each other. They need one another to survive. So do we! The more closely we stand in community, the more surely we will be able to hold up. Throughout our lives and especially during tough times, God desires to strengthen and empower us through the community of believers. He expects us to support each other during the storms of life. That is why we need to be an active part of a community of faith. We need others and they need us.
We all need fellowship; however, building relationships can be challenging for anyone, regardless of gender. We men may face difficulties due to societal expectations, stereotypes or personal uncertainties. Encouraging open communication and challenging traditional norms can help foster healthier connections
among men.
Exactly how does a “men’s fellowship” help us? The easy answer is that we are made stronger in our faith by connection to our fellow-brothers in the faith. We are also refined when we come together in the presence and fellowship of other diverse men, particularly our peers. To sharpen a piece of iron, it is not rubbed against gold or silver—but against another piece of iron. Just as iron polishes iron, so we improve each other. Being a man can be a lonely experience. Many of us have been taught from birth to go it alone, and we can end up being lonely. Even though we may have people around us all day at the office or in the other places we inhabit, we can still be without the life-giving community we desperately need. Of course, as a man, your family can provide a piece of it; that’s where we start. But ultimately, we need our brothers in Christ to walk alongside us.
The more closely we stand in community, the more we will be able to hold up against the trials of this life. Throughout our lives and especially during the tough times, God desires to strengthen and empower us through the community of believers. He expects us to support each other during the storms of life. That is why we need to be an active part of a community of faith. We need others and they need us.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
6:30 PM
This year's presenter is singer, Cindy Morgan
Tickets are $20, and go on sale October 13th.
Connections is a once-a-month gathering for young and middle age individuals and couples. Light snacks and drinks provided.
Childcare drop off is in the gym beginning at 5:00 pm.
Our Fall Gatherings September 22 and October 27
Mission Sunday
Behold... A New Thing
by Page Fulgham, Missions Associate
“Behold…a New Thing” is the theme for Mission Sunday, October 20, 2024. It is inspired by Isaiah 43:19, where the prophet speaks of God’s doing a new thing, offering hope and solutions in our complex world. Just as the Jewish exiles in Babylon faced daunting challenges and were encouraged to look forward to God’s new way, we too are called to embrace this divine renewal.
Our goal for Mission Sunday is $50,000 for the Offering for Global Missions of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). The Fellowship’s overall goal is $4,000,000, with every dollar given going to the support of field personnel (missionaries). The funds pay for the salary, housing, and benefits for the 48 men and women serving through CBF in the United States and in 18 other countries around the world.
This year, we are honored to have Lita and Rick Samples as our featured speakers. As field personnel for CBF, Lita and Rick have dedicated over 20 years to serving the Afghan refugee population in the Bay area of northern California.
Help us raise $50,000 for the Offering for Global Missions of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
We look forward to welcoming
CBF Field Personnel, Lita and Rick Samples.
When a new wave of Afghan refugees arrived in the U.S. in 2021, the Samples were ready to meet their needs.
The benefits of long-term field missionaries include working alongside people, building relationships, and sharing the presence of Christ. Lita and Rick set up an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program for adults and a homework club for children. They gathered emergency food and found furniture and supplies to stock Afghan families’ apartments. Through their efforts, these families found not just a warm welcome, but hope for a new life in a new country.
Their extensive network of contacts has been crucial in identifying and meeting the needs of new arrivals. Lita and Rick’s work began after 9/11 and continues to address the overwhelming needs of Afghan refugees. As some of the longest-tenured CBF global missionaries, they are living out a lifetime calling to serve “the least of these.”
At every event, the gospel story is always told. “It takes a long time for people of other faiths and cultures to consider the gospel. Our job is not to convert; our job is to tell the story.” Remarkably, in recent years, Afghan adults have come to know Jesus. “If we reach the head of the household, it influences the whole family.”
While most of the refugees with whom the Samples work are Muslim Afghans, the Bay area also hosts refugees
from the Karen people group, originally from Burma or Myanmar. Many of the Karen are Christians and celebrate a joyful faith.
Lita and Rick’s ministry reflects a holistic approach to missions, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of people. Their work is a sterling example of the whole gospel approach to missions.
Smoke Rise has supported the Samples’ ministry with a gift of $2000 for 2024-25. This year, our World Mission Offering will be pledged to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s worldwide mission effort. Through our participation in CBF Global Missions, we help present hope in places and among people of unreached groups in war-torn Eastern Europe, Togo, the Southwestern U.S., and Northern California. Thank you for your pledge and gift. All money given to SRBC World Mission Offering through March 31, 2025, will support CBF Global Missions.
We invite you to join us on October 20 for Mission Sunday to hear more about Lita and Rick’s incredible journey and to pledge your support for these essential missions. Your contributions make a significant difference in the lives of those in need and help us continue to support impactful ministries like that of Lita and Rick Samples.
Opportunities for Service
Answering the Call of Christ
by Amanda Coe Burton, 2024 Deacon Fellowship chairperson
I have the honor of serving as the chair of the Deacon Fellowship this year. My goal for our deacons, as well as for all of our church body, is to frame service as an opportunity:
• An opportunity to share God’s love and grace with others
• An opportunity to live out Jesus’ greatest commands to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and … to love your neighbor as yourself.”
• An opportunity to strengthen our church and make it the best that it can be
• An opportunity to walk on holy ground
• An opportunity to follow the example of those who came before us, on whose shoulders we stand
• An opportunity to set an example for those to come beside and behind us
• An opportunity to build community with others
• An opportunity to fulfill the promises of membership at Smoke Rise Baptist Church: to worship, to learn, to care, to serve and to give Everyone can find a way to serve regardless of their age, their financial situation, their abilities or their
Getting Invloved
Octoberfest
Date: October 30
We need volunteers to help manage traffic around the inflatable area to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. If you're available to assist, please email Hannah at havassar@ smokerisebaptist.org.
Ushers Needed
We are seeking ushers to help welcome and assist our congregation during Sunday morning worship services. To volunteer, please email Teri at tmoore@smokerisebaptist.org.
responsibilities in life. Even small contributions of your services in the form of time, talents, treasures, ideas, prayers, passions and partnerships can bless you in the offering, bless others in the receiving, and bless God in the honoring. In service, there are hundreds of avenues available to you and all roads lead to the glory of God, making any path holy ground!
James 2:26 tells us, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Breathe life into your faith by claiming an opportunity for service this week. If you need help finding service opportunities, please reach out to me or to anyone on our church staff, and we will be happy to help you explore some options.
I began the year with our Deacon Fellowship by sharing some words of the hymn, “The Love of Jesus Calls Us.” I am glad to have this forum to share them with you and hope that you will be inspired to make a difference in whatever way the Holy Spirit moves you.
The love of Jesus calls us, that we may always be companions on a journey, where all the world may see that serving Christ is freedom which time does not destroy; where Christ’s command is duty, and every duty joy.
Disciple Now
Dates: November 8-10
We need volunteers to bring meals and work alongside our youth during their mission project as part of Disciple Now weekend. To get involved, please email Hannah at hvassar@smokerisebaptist.org.
Children's Ministry
We are always in need of caring individuals to support our Children's Ministry. If you feel called to serve in this important area, please reach out to Becky at rcspeight@ smokerisebaptist.org.
November 3 | 11:00 am Worship
Saints Banner Processional
Music by the Sanctuary Choir, Handbell Choir and Chamber Orchestra
Sermon by Dr. Chris George
All Saints' Day will be observed around the world on November 1. The celebration of All Saints' Day at Smoke Rise Baptist Church will be observed in worship Sunday, November 3, 2024. It is a day that revolves around giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of saints who have gone before us into the presence of God and their eternal home.
At Smoke Rise, All Saints' Day is a time of remembrance of faithful friends and relatives who are members of Smoke Rise Baptist Church who have died between November 1 and October 31 each year. You will see their names printed and hear their names called at the tolling of the bell. A banner representing each person will be brought into worship in a solemn procession and hung in the perimeter of our sanctuary to remind us that we are "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses." Hebrews 12:1 goes on to remind us to throw off the weight of whatever may hinder or entangle us so that we might run with endurance the
race that God has set before us. The lives of all the Saints, their faithfulness and their example cheer us on as we follow in the Way of Jesus.
Many traditions light candles and use flowers of various colors to symbolize love, hope, peace and salvation. At Smoke Rise you will notice the use of white, gold and the Cross and Crown symbol. A symbol rich in meaning, a cross passing through as crown symbolizes Jesus who willingly died on the cross to defeat sin and death and who gives the crown of eternal life to all who place their faith and trust in Christ as Savior.
The All-Saints' worship service touches my heart each year. Sights, sounds, and sacred memories remind me that we are part of something together. We need each other. We are citizens of an eternal Kingdom - one beyond the walls of this world.
- Jim Smith, Pastoral Care Associate
In the recent memorial service for our Pastor Emeritus Dr. Truett Gannon, our pastor, Chris George, shared these words:
We are here to remember and to give thanks to God for the life of the Rev. Dr. James Truett Gannon. While he certainly earned and embodied those titles of doctor and reverend, because his ministry was first and foremost relational, he was most comfortable with being called simply “Truett.”
Truett was not merely a good man, but a great man. It was Isaac Newton who said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Truett Gannon lifted us up, allowed us to stand on his shoulders, so that we could gain a new perspective and see faith and love and life more clearly. He touched not only the many in this room, but hundreds, no thousands, no tens of thousands more in the course of his ministry.
He was not a tall man in height, but he was a giant in stature. Truett cast as long a shadow as anyone I have ever known. We who are gathered in this place have found comfort, refuge and great wisdom by having listened to and watching this man. He met us in seasons of joy, dedicating our children and our grandchildren. And, with each baby
dedication, he would hold up the child and say, “This is the prettiest one yet.” He met us in seasons of sorrow, offering words of consolation and hope because of the promises of God.
In his lifetime, Truett served as the president of the Georgia Baptist Convention, the chairman of the board of trustees for Midwestern Seminary and Truett McConnell College, and as a beloved professor of ministry experience at McAfee School of Theology. Yet, at his heart, Truett was first and foremost a pastor. He was a gifted preacher, a storyteller and a true wordsmith who spoke with a simple eloquence that challenged, inspired and comforted. He was a Baptist, through and through, but a different kind of Baptist. Unlike many Baptist pastors of his time and our time, Truett believed in brevity. It was his son Kenny who rightly observed, “He did not waste words in the pulpit. There were no extra unneeded words. Just start and finish. Instead of saying things like “my first point, or today, I'm going to talk to you about…” he simply did it.” Truett memorized his sermons and rarely preached for more than 15 minutes, often even less. And, what’s more, Truett didn’t preach at people, but instead engaged in a conversation with his listeners, making each person feel connected to the message.
Ministry was always deeply personal for Truett. He was legendary for learning people’s names. Truett was a writer. I suspect that almost every person in this room has a letter from Truett Gannon. And, if you are like me, these are more than mail; these are treasures. I have kept the letters I received—not some of them, but all of them, reading and rereading them.
Today, I believe with all my heart, Truett would want us to be right here, in this space and in this place, together.
Truett’s words had power. But even more so, Truett’s presence had power. When he walked into a room, he carried himself with dignity and treated each person he encountered with compassion, love and respect. He did something few “large church” pastors choose to do. He personally visited in hospitals and homes. He met people before and after surgery. He engaged in personal pastoral care. In these moments, it was not the words that he spoke, but merely his presence in these places and at these times which people will never forget.
Truett prepared us for his death by sharing his words and wisdom with us during his life. I will be sharing many of his words during this service, because, even after his departure, his comforting ministry among us continues.
In one of his sermons, Truett told this story:
I buried a friend of mine last Friday. He was part of my Waffle House gang, a group of 20 to 30 people whose social, business and religious life kept them deeply related to each other and to me. Obviously, many of these friends were there for the service. Some of them said, quite sincerely, “It’s good to see you, Truett.” But then they would add, just as sincerely, “But not under these circumstances.”
I know what they were trying to say; and I hope that they didn’t feel my response as any kind of rebuke. But I replied to them, “I understand, but you need to understand that it is precisely under these circumstances that I need to see you. So, thanks for coming. Your presence helps.”
The Stewardship of Fellowship and Worship Gathering as One Body in Christ
By Bart McNiel, Associate Pastor
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42
In today’s world it is easy to overlook the radical notion of community among the early Christians. Koinonia is the word used in the New Testament to describe this essential and foundational experience of shared fellowship and worship in the emerging church. In a world strictly segregated by class and steeped in superstition, followers of Jesus challenged the privilege and seclusion of neighbors across lines of gender, race and class. We read in Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. When early Christians broke bread and prayed together, they were living out the teaching of Jesus to gather as one at a common table, to serve one another as a sign of humility, to strive to be last and not first. By gathering for fellowship and worship, the Christian community took
root as a radical correction against the ways of the world.
In a world marked by deep-seated individualism, followers of Jesus are called to recognize the higher calling of Christ to live in and gather as a community of faith. Loving one another starts by gathering with our hearts and minds turned towards the Lord. An anonymous epistle writer urged early Christians to be committed to koinonia. “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Although it is common to think of stewardship in the context of our tithes and volunteer service, we also should take heed that our stewardship of time includes regular space to gather together as one body in Christ for teaching, fellowship and worship. Smoke Rise remains committed to worship as central to the life and health of our family of faith. For those who are unable to attend in person, we are grateful for improvements in online streaming that extend our connectedness to worship. For those who can join us
in person, our presence in worship remains an important act of faithful stewardship, as we take time to draw near to each other and to God as one.
In this season of political discourse, dissent and division, may we remain faithful stewards of our calling to gather together with our senses tuned to the God who asks us to love each other despite our differences. The Lord’s Prayer reverberates with the call to be one in service and worship. The prayer Jesus teaches us to pray is not a “me” or a “mine” prayer but an “our” and “us” prayer. There is no greater testimony against the alienating powers of this world than the witness of sisters and brothers united in prayer and worship before the Lord. When we gather each week in worship, our family of faith embodies the Lord’s Prayer by the visible testimony of our common presence. Our presence in worship defies the conventional ways of the drive-by world in which we live, and bears witness to a higher aim. As we give thanks for our daily bread, let us not neglect the assembling of ourselves together. Lord Jesus, make us good stewards of your gathered church, a people of God united in the presence of God.
Blessing of the Pets
October 5 | 10:00 AM
This event will be an opportunity for our church family to celebrate the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
October 6 | 11:00 AM Worship Service
Join the Fun
Summer Camp Highlights and Fall Enrollment
We had an amazing summer camp at Smoke Rise Baptist Weekday School! Our campers enjoyed a variety of fun activities, made new friends, and created wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. From exciting outdoor games and water slides to creative arts and crafts, there was never a dull moment. Highlights included participating in Vacation Bible School, splashing around at a foam party, meeting Jillian's barnyard friends, going on a jungle safari around the church, and celebrating the Olympics. As we look forward to the upcoming school year, we invite you to join our vibrant community. Spots are filling up quickly, so register now for the fall. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of something special at Smoke Rise Baptist Weekday School!
What a summer it's been at the Academy of Arts! Our Music and Arts Camp was a huge success, filled with laughter, learning, and loads of creativity. After camp, we turned our attention to The Drowsy Chaperone. The show was a hit, and we couldn’t be more proud of our cast and crew for bringing such a delightful production to life. The community’s support was incredible, and it made every performance that much more special. If you were part of the audience, thank you for sharing in the magic with us! Looking to the fall we are already gearing up for our next big show— The Little Mermaid, JR. Mark your calendars for September 13-15, because this one’s going to be a treat. Whether you’re coming for the catchy tunes, the vibrant costumes, or just to see some familiar faces on stage, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Get your tickets at smokeriesbaptist.org/arts/!
On top of our theater productions, we're also rolling out some exciting classes this semester. If you’ve been itching to put pen to paper, check out our Poetry and Prose class. It's perfect for anyone in middle school to adults. We’re lucky to have Victoria Crosby, an award-winning poet and journalist, leading these sessions every Thursday evening starting September 5. It’s a relaxed, creative space where you can explore writing in new and meaningful ways.
And for the little ones, our Children’s Art Class kicks off on August 20. It’s designed for kids in grades K-4 and meets on Tuesday evenings. The idea is simple: we read a fun, age-appropriate story, and then the kids get to bring the characters to life through their artwork. It’s a great way for them to express themselves while also improving their reading and fine motor skills.
Whether you’re taking a class or attending a show, the Academy of Arts is all about bringing people together through creativity. We’re so grateful for the continued support of our community and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds.
Connect and Engage at Smoke Rise Baptist
Sunday
9:00 am - Coffee and Donuts
9:45 am - Sunday school
11:00 am - Worship Service
5:00 pm - Preschool Activities
Weekly Schedule
5:00 pm - Children Choristers
5:00 pm - Youth Activities
5:45 pm - Children Activities
5:45 pm - Youth Choir
Wednesday
5:00 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Prayer and Journeys
6:00 pm - Children and Youth Activities
6:00 pm - Sanctuary Handbells
7:00 pm - Sanctuary Choir
Our Sunday morning worship live stream is available at smokerisebaptist.org/streamingatsmokerise/.
The Wednesday evening live stream can be found at smokerisebaptist.org/wednesdayevening-activities/
Weekly Communications
Sign up with mabner@smokerisebaptist.org for our Wednesday Preview and Sunday Preview emails to get access to quick links to all our online programing.
Stay up to date with upcoming events with our weekly newsletter The Tie that Binds.
Lesson Archive
Find past sermons and Adult Bible Study lessons on our website.
We welcome you to a time of good food and fellowship as we express our thankfulness for our wonderful church family.
Food Baskets for Community Partners
After dinner, we will gather in the gym to put together Thanksgiving baskets for NETWorks and the Lilburn Co-op. Items for the baskets will be collected October 27-November 20, and can be placed in the bins located throughout the church. Below are the items that are needed for the baskets:
• 1 large can sweet potatoes
• 3 cans green beans
• 2 cans corn
• 1 can fruit
• 1 can cranberry jelly
• 2 packets gravy (NO JARS)
• 1 box stuffing
• 2 boxes mac and cheese
• 1 package cookies
• 2 packets potatoes (NO BOXES)
• 1 package Thanksgiving luncheon napkins
• $15 Gift Card for meat (Please bring cards to the church office and deposit in the Thanksgiving box.)
Address Correction Requested
Smoke Rise Baptist Library
Our library is adding new books every year! Use our computer catalog to find specific topics and enjoy other media like audio CDs and DVDs. The library is open on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for your browsing pleasure. There are directions posted for self-checkout on the desk. Stop by the library and see the new titles listed here!
Pre-School Books
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
Big by Vashti Harrison (Caldecott Medal Award Winner 2024)
Elementary, Middle, High School Books
Wild Dreamers by Margarita Engle;
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggars (Newbery Medal Award Winner 2024)
Albert Schweitzer (Biography)
Adult Books
Up Home: One Girl’s Journey (Biography of the first African American woman president of an Ivy League University)
Kick Up Some Dust: Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back and Doing It Yourself by Bernie Marcus (Home Depot founder)
715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever
Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere by Savannah Guthrie
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haight
Do I Stay Christian? By Brian McLaren
Rebranding Christianity by Jeff Jones
The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream.
