Winter CrossTie Articles

Building Hope and Healing

In late 2023, our senior pastor shared with the ministry staff his conviction that our church should be working to minister to families in our community who have experienced dramatic increases in anxiety and other mental health concerns in recent years. The impact has been most acute among children and teens living in the wake of the COVID pandemic, as well as endless news cycles of natural disasters, frequent mass shootings and round-the-clock coverage of division and conflict in our country and around the world.

From the Pastor

Christmas is a season for the senses. There are the smells of the season like fresh cut pine, peppermint sticks and pumpkin pie. Our eyes feast on the sights of the seasons with our homes and the stores in which we shop decorated with glittering lights. We love the tastes of the season ranging from hot apple cider to eggnog and honey-baked hams to homemade desserts and Christmas cookies. The sounds of the season assail our ears as we go about our day, with jingling bells and the ringing of the Salvation Army bell in front of our favorite stores. Santa’s jolly laughter reminds us it is a season of smiles. But, perhaps, what I like most about Christmas is the music of the season.

Mission Trip to GAP

God’s Appalachian Partnership (GAP) has been a ministry partner with Smoke Rise since 2006, with our church having sent teams every year since our partnership began. Located in rural eastern Kentucky, GAP ministers to their “families” by providing food, cleaning supplies, personal care products, home repair and sharing the Good News of Christ’s love.

Celebrating Community and Compassion

This year, Metro Baptist Church, New York City, celebrates its 50th anniversary—a testament to five decades of transformative ministry in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. This is a church Smoke Rise Baptist has long supported. We are honored to witness and celebrate their continued impact in their community through Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries (RMM).

The Gifts of Christmas

End-of-Year Stewardship Campaign
November 17 – December 31
Goal: $500,000

A CrossTie Devotional

When I moved to Atlanta in 2022, I felt so attached to this verse. I put it on Post-it notes in my bathroom and in several places in my office. “A new thing, do you not perceive it?” I needed these words as I began my ministry here at Smoke Rise. It was a new chapter, a changing of seasons, and I was relying on the Lord’s provision for so many things. I was counting on community, a smooth transition and on my new church family. While I had no idea what my experience would be, I was met with kind and caring people, a supportive staff and wonderful students.

All Saints’ Sunday

Remembering church members who have passed away between November 1, 2023 – October 31, 2024.

New Families, New Adventures

We are off to a wonderful year at the Weekday School. Out of our current enrollment, 27 families are new. Four of these families are families we hosted for summer camp. One of our new families is here because the dad attended summer camp as a kid! We love our legacy families! The students have enjoyed camping day, fire safety day with Firehouse 11 out of Stone Mountain, a magic show with David Ginn, and singing in the Sanctuary for World Communion Day. We are grateful to Mr. Danny for partnering with us to make this happen.

From the Academy of the Arts

The Smoke Rise Academy of Arts recently dazzled audiences with The Lion King, KIDS. Our talented cast of young performers brought this beloved story to life with vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and dedicated performances, highlighting their growth in confidence and...