Nielson and Young: After more than three decades of musical collaboration that continues to take them around the world, duo-pianists Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young are veterans of more than 3,500 concerts in a fascinating array of venues. Those performance sites have ranged from Denmark's Tivoli Concert Hall; India's Academy of Music; Russia's Kremlin and Tchaikovsky Hall; Germany's Passionspiel Theatre; and Switzerland's Konzerthaus. Nielson & Young have been hosted for concerts at many hundreds of churches and universities, appearing by themselves or with symphony orchestras from coast to coast in the United States and abroad.

On the artistic staff of the International Church Music Festival since 1985, Ovid and Stephen have been active church music leaders in addition to having held appointments as university professors in California, Illinois, Texas and Indiana. Individually and jointly, they are widely-published composers of music for solo and multiple keyboards, choir and orchestra. Nielson & Young's extensive discography includes many recordings from the classical repertoire as well as from the ever-expanding output of their signature hymn-tune arrangements, many of which settings are for two pianos and orchestra.

“Andrew Christian,” born January 10^th to Allison McClary; Grandfather is Aran McClary

The timing is flexible and volunteers can work with the principal to determine a day and time that will fit into their schedule.

If you are interested in tutoring, please contact Carrie Dean at 770.561.2961.

All proceeds benefit the Gwinnett Community Clinic, a non-profit that provides basic health care for people who are medically indigent, and Young Life, a faith-based organization that works with parents, schools and churches to positively impact the lives of teenagers.

Register or find out more at www.RuntheReagan.net. The registration deadline is February 15^th.

• We were recruited as leaders in the community to help select the new elementary school principal and be involved in ongoing discussions about APS school closings
• We celebrated Tyrone's freedom in an unexpected show of mercy from a judge
• A group of amazing people pulled together to make it possible for us to move to Edgewood!

Last year was so amazing, but it felt like something closer to a decade than a year. We crossed the annual finish line feeling winded and low on steam. Because of this, and because God has given us the game-changing opportunity to live among the people we are called to reach, we have decided to start a very intentional and prayerful time of discernment to determine how God would have us minister to the people of Edgewood in the coming months and years. Please join us in prayer as we seek a way of ministry that is both increasingly effective and increasingly life-giving.

The many hours of being by my side, the calls, visits, cards, prayers, food and so many acts of love and kindness have been a blessing to me, my family, Paul’s family and Georgia Tech co-workers and friends.

Thank you all ever so much for your tender loving care and acts of love.

Sincerely,
Marianna Marseglia

The project's goal is to have volunteers willing to provide transportation to the doctor or grocery store, help with home repairs, painting or yard work, provide light construction work or even suggest names of reliable services to contact. Many opportunities of service require no special skills, just a willing heart.

To participate, email josephproject@smokerisebaptist.org or contact Bob Jernigan at 770.934.3005 or bobnlois@bellsouth.net

For more information, go to www.smokerisebaptist.org/josephproject.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under.

Bring your friends, family and neighbors. No date required!

If you can go one or both of these weeks, register online at www.smokeriseministries. You do not have to pay a deposit. The only cost will be gas for travel and food on location.  For more info and travel plans, contact Ron Sikes at ronsikes4009@comcast.net.

If you cannot go, but would like to contribute for materials needed, please make checks payable to Smoke Rise Baptist Church and put “Trenton” in the memo line. Some examples of needs are:

• 2 x 4 Pressure Treated Board
  $5
• 4 x 8 Sheetrock
  $10
• 5 lb. Joist Hanger Nails
  $15
• 30 lb. Felt Paper Roll
  $20
• 1 gal. Ceiling Paint
  $25
• 50 lb. Box Nails
  $50

The IMPACT competition cheerleading squad is wrapping up another successful and fun-filled season. The group recently traveled to Orlando, FL to participate in the National-Level Competition. The squad performed superbly and was awarded third-place!

Men’s Softball for the Spring season is rapidly approaching. Be on the lookout for more information!

Marti Andrew’s mother-in-law; Gloria Bennett's mother; Jessie Smith's brother; Larry Free's sister; and Mike Williams' grandfather.

If you know a fellow member who is in need, please encourage them to contact Tim Adcox or Ernie Forrester. If you have a need, please contact one of our ministers.

Please continue to support this worthwhile ministry through your prayers and resources to assist Smoke Rise members who are in financial need.

2011 End-of-the-Year

Financial Stats Through January 20, 2012

A Financial Note from Ernie

Dear Church Family,
As soon as I heard the news, I knew I could not keep it to myself. I had to share it with you! Our budget giving in December made it the best December we have had in the last three years! When I saw the figures I was moved beyond words.

This year our total giving reached 3.7 million dollars! Going back to the year 2000, in only six of these years have we given more and those were the years before this recession. This is just incredible. You are incredible!

I don’t know why I marvel at this because I certainly have been praying long and hard, and I know you have too. Yet, again, God has proven to be faithful.

My personal prayer was to reach a half million dollars in December 2011 because, despite the generosity of our church family, we still ended the year 91,000 dollars in the red. While we did so much for so many families away from our church, we did not do what we needed to do to take care of this family, our family.

My prayer for 2012 is that we will be strong at home in order to make an even greater impact through our ministries abroad. God knows I love this family!

Grace and Peace,
Ernie