BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CBFGA - ECPv6.17.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:CBFGA X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://cbfga.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CBFGA REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261004T171500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261005T140000 DTSTAMP:20260909T061209Z CREATED:20260719T120003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T061209Z UID:10178-1791134100-1791208800@cbfga.org SUMMARY:2026 State Gathering-Smoke Rise Baptist Church DESCRIPTION:Event Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Date\n \n \n \n \n \n October 4-5\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n Time\n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday\, 5:15 p.m. – Monday\, 2:00 p.m.\n \n \n \n \n \n Location\n \n \n \n \n \n Smoke Rise Baptist Church\n5901 Hugh Howell Rd.\nStone Mountain\, GA 300871\n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for two days of Worship\, meals\, converstions\, and networking opportunites designed to equip church leaders with the skills to lead effectively. This year’s Theme is “More than Enough: Equipped for this Moment.”\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here!\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Event Schedule\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday\n \n \n \n \n \n October 04\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 4:45 p.m. – Register and Enjoy Exhibit Hall5:30 p.m. – Dinner7:15 p.m. – Worship*Dessert Reception Following Worship \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Monday\n \n \n \n \n \n October 05\, 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:30 – Registration9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Workshops I10:15 – 11:15 a.m. – Workshops II11:30 a.m. – Lunch12:45 p.m. – Worship2:00 p.m. – Leave for home \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet Our Leaders\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Elizabeth Arnold "Ebby" (EE-BEE)\n \n \n \n \n \n Our preacher\, Dr. Elizabeth “Ebby” (EE-BEE) Arnold\, serves as Scholar-in-Residence for The Candler Foundry\, where she created the Foundations in Faith and Leadership online certificate program for community- and church-based theological education. She also teaches courses through both The Candler Foundry and Candler School of Theology’s M.Div. program\, as well as in the Foundry’s Courses in the Community initiative. Dr. Arnold is also a member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Danny Vancil\n \n \n \n \n \n Our Worship leader\, Danny Vancil\, became the Minister of Worship & Music at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in May\, 2006. A native of Illinois\, Danny received a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Murray State University (1986) and a Master of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1989). Danny loves creating thoughtful worship that utilizes both traditional and modern elements while maintaining historic Baptist values. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Workshops to Equip You for This Moment\n \n \n \n \n \n MONDAY | 9:00–10:00 A.M.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n COME\, LET US SING\n \n\n \n Led by Danny Vancil\, Minister of Music and Worship\, Smoke Rise Baptist Church\n \n\n \n Add your voice to our closing worship! This rehearsal is open to anyone who enjoys singing and wants to help lead our community in worship. We’ll learn and rehearse the music together. Just bring your voice and a willingness to sing.\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \nRESPONDING TO COMMUNITY AND CALL: LAUNCHING A FAITH & WELLNESS MINISTRY\n \n\n \n \n Led by Cathy Martin and Tricia Etheridge\, Lay Leaders\, Haddock Baptist Church\n\nCongregations are called to be in community with one another and with their neighbors. Discover how lay leaders in a rural congregation responded to that call by developing a Faith & Wellness Ministry shaped by the needs of their community. \n Hear how they connected participants with resources for physical\, mental\, and spiritual well-being\, and consider what responding to the needs of your own community might look like. \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n PEOPLE\, PLACES & POSSIBILITIES\n\n \n Led by Rev. Ellen Sechrest\, Director of Mission Engagement\, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship \n \n\n What might missions look like when we begin with the people\, places\, and possibilities already around us?\n \n \nBeginning with Scarlette Jasper’s ministry and community connections as a starting point\, this workshop will explore creative approaches to missions\, including opportunities you can replicate\, join\, or support. Come ready to expand your imagination and consider new ways your congregation can connect with missions in your own community and beyond.\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n THE BIBLE AND POP CULTURE\n \n\n \n Led by Dr. Dave Garber\, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew\, McAfee School of Theology\, Mercer University \n \n\n \n Explore the fascinating places where Scripture and popular culture meet with Dr. Dave Garber of McAfee School of Theology.\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n MONDAY | 10:15–11:15 A.M.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n BEDSIDE MANNER: BEST PRACTICES FOR HOSPITAL\, ASSISTED LIVING & HOME CARE VISIT\n\n \n Led by Rev. Patrick Baxter-Andrews\, Staff Chaplain\, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta\, and Rev. Mitzi Ethridge-Cantrell\, Pastoral Care Associate\, Smoke Rise Baptist Church \n \n\n Whether pastoral care has been part of your ministry for decades or you’re just beginning to make those first visits\, there is always more to learn about caring well.\nTwo experienced ministers\, a congregational minister and a hospital chaplain\, will share best practices from their distinct perspectives\, offering helpful approaches\, lessons learned\, and practical tools for meaningful pastoral care visits.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n BIBLE STUDY: EQUIPPED FOR THIS MOMENT \n\n \n Led by Dr. Ron McClung\, Associate Coordinator\, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia \n \n\n Through study\, reflection\, and conversation\, this Bible study will explore our State Gathering theme\, More Than Enough: Equipped for This Moment\, and invite us to consider how God is at work in and through the gifts\, resources\, and people already among us.\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n SPACES OF PLENTY: THRIVING APPROACHES TO CHURCH BUILDINGS & PROPERTIES \n\n \n Led by Matthew Loomis Rehnborg\, Senior Planner\, and Rev. Devita Parnell\, Senior Pastor\, First Baptist Church of Morrow \n \n\n Church buildings can present significant challenges\, but they can also offer abundant possibilities for ministry\, community connection\, and new partnerships.\nExplore practical approaches for imagining new uses for church buildings and properties\, and hear lessons from First Baptist Church of Morrow’s experience opening its campus to new people\, partnerships\, and unexpected opportunities.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n BEYOND WELCOME: NEURODIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH \n\n \n Led by Rev. Harrison Litzell\, Program Coordinator\, Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership \n \n\n What does it look like for a congregation to truly welcome and support neurodivergent children and families?\nExplore practical ways churches can create spaces of belonging and participation\, not only in worship but throughout the life of the congregation. Consider how greater awareness and intentional practices can help build a church community where people of all neurotypes can fully participate and thrive.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n CALLED TO LEAD: WOMEN IN MINISTRY \n\n \n Featuring Rev. Nikki Hardeman\, Dr. Karen Massey\, Rev. Ruth Perkins Lee and others \n \n\n What shapes the way we understand who is called to ministry and leadership in the church?\n \nThrough a fishbowl conversation with women and men in ministry\, we’ll explore the experiences\, assumptions\, and practices that influence how congregations recognize and welcome women’s leadership. Drawing on research\, personal experiences\, and the perspectives of both women and men\, the conversation will consider how churches can broaden their imagination for who God may be calling to lead.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Affinity Tables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nFind Your People. Join the Conversation.\n\n Make the most of lunch! Jump into a hosted conversation\, swap ideas\,\n meet someone new\, and connect with others who share your interests.\n \n\n Don’t see the conversation you’re looking for? Start one!\n Lunch is your chance to make connections and see where the conversation leads.\n \n\nLunch isn’t just lunch at State Gathering! \nGrab your meal\, find a table that interests you\, and spend some time connecting with people who understand your ministry\, your questions\, or your interests. No sign-up needed — just pull up a chair.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCHILDREN\nFor anyone who works with\, leads\, or cares about ministry with children and families. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nYOUTH\nFor anyone who works with\, leads\, or cares about ministry with youth. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCHAPLAINS\nFor chaplains and others serving in chaplaincy or specialized ministry settings. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nSMALL-TOWN & RURAL CHURCHES\nFor those serving and leading in small-town and rural congregations. Share ideas\, challenges\, and the unique opportunities of ministry in your setting. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCBFGA LEADERSHIP\nFor those serving on the Coordinating Council\, Congregational Life Team\,Missions Team\, or Leadership Development Team.Connect with others helping shape and support the work of CBF Georgia. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nPASTORS\nA place for pastors to connect\, share experiences\, swap ideas\, and learn from one another. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nDEACONS\nFor deacons and those who work with or support deacon ministry in their congregation. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nFACILITIES\nCaring for church property or wondering how your buildings could be used more creatively? Connect with others who are managing\, reimagining\, and finding new possibilities for church spaces. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nWELCOME & BELONGING\nHow do we help new people move from visitor to belonging? \nTalk with others about welcoming and connecting people through worship\, Sunday school\, Bible studies\, and the broader life of the church. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hotels\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort\n\n 4021 Lakeview Drive\n Stone Mountain\, GA 30083 \n \n\n Approximately 4.7 miles from Smoke Rise Baptist Church\n \n Located inside Stone Mountain Park. Park entry is included with a resort reservation.\n \n Phone: 770-879-9900\n \n\n \n Visit Hotel Website\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n Country Inn & Suites by Radisson\, Stone Mountain\n \n 1852 Rockbridge Road SW\n Stone Mountain\, GA 30087\n \n Approximately 2.8 miles from Smoke Rise Baptist Church\n One of the closest hotel options to the church\n \n Phone: 470-567-9627\n\n Visit Hotel Website\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta-Emory University Area \n\n 2183 North Decatur Road \nDecatur\, GA 30033\n Approximately 10.5 miles from Smoke Rise Baptist Church \n \n Phone: 404-320-0888\n \n Visit Hotel Website\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n Hampton Inn & Suites Snellville\, Georgia NE \n\n 1905 Pharrs Road \nSnellville\, GA 30078\n \nApproximately 10.6 miles from Smoke Rise Baptist Church \n \n Phone: 678-344-9090\n\n Visit Hotel Website\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory \n\n 116 Clairemont Avenue \nDecatur\, GA 30030\n Approximately 10.5 miles from Smoke Rise Baptist Church \n \n Phone: 404-377-6360\n\n Visit Hotel Website URL:https://cbfga.org/event/2026-state-gathering-smoke-rise-baptist-church/ LOCATION:Smoke Rise Baptist Church\, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd.\, Stone Mountain\, GA\, 30087\, United States CATEGORIES:Adult Event,Ministers Events,Pastors Events,Senior Adult Event,State Gathering ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cbfga.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/State-Gathering-Logo-e1784512432575.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20191117T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20191117T200000 DTSTAMP:20191102T172737Z CREATED:20191102T172737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191102T172737Z UID:4235-1574013600-1574020800@cbfga.org SUMMARY:A Night with the Foushees\, Smoke Rise Baptist Church DESCRIPTION:  \nA Night with the Foushees\n \nNovember 17\, 2019\n6:00 p.m. \nDinner Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child. \nThey’re in the states and it’s time to meet baby Ada! Sign up below to purchase Dinner tickets and hear more from the Foushees about their ministry in Japan. Market Items will be for sale and all proceeds will help the Foushees continue their good work! \nTo purchase Dinner Tickets please CLICK HERE. URL:https://cbfga.org/event/a-night-with-the-foushees-smoke-rise-baptist-church/ LOCATION:Smoke Rise Baptist Church\, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd.\, Stone Mountain\, GA\, 30087\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190907T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190907T140000 DTSTAMP:20190220T190312Z CREATED:20190220T190312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190220T190312Z UID:3328-1567846800-1567864800@cbfga.org SUMMARY:In Your Neighborhood DESCRIPTION:Online registration for this event is now closed.\n  \nPlease contact Martha Kate Hall at mkhall@cbfga.org if you are still interested!\n  \nPresenters: Becky Caswell-Speight and Emily Lemons\n\nJoin other Preschool and Children’s leaders on Saturday\, September 7\, at Smoke Rise Baptist Church\, as we study faith formation\, discipline\, and care for students through the lens of Fred Rogers’ life and teaching. Come as a group or on your own.\n[spacer] \nSchedule:\n8:30 am – Coffee and Continental Breakfast\n9:00 am – Sessions Begin\n12 noon – Lunch\n2:00 pm – Dismissal\n*Cost of this training event is $10\, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. \n*Childcare will be available by reservation for children from birth through 5th grade. URL:https://cbfga.org/event/in-your-neighborhood/ LOCATION:Smoke Rise Baptist Church\, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd.\, Stone Mountain\, GA\, 30087\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured On Homepage END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190531T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190531T200000 DTSTAMP:20190409T190357Z CREATED:20190409T190357Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190409T190357Z UID:3655-1559325600-1559332800@cbfga.org SUMMARY:A Celebration of Hope: A Night with Missy and Francis DESCRIPTION:Come celebrate with us the amazing ways that God is transforming lives in Uganda!\n \nAn Evening Benefiting Refugee Families in Africa\n\n[one-half first] \n\nStories of Hope and Transformation\nDinner\n\n[/one-half]\n[one-half last] \n\nAfrican Crafts Market\nAuction\n\n[/one-half] \n[blue-section] \nAll proceeds will benefit Amani Sasa\, a non-profit ministry in Kampala\, Uganda\, that offers shelter\, counseling\, training and empowerment to the Africa refugees — women\, men and families — affected by trauma\, abuse and war. \n[/blue-section] \n  \n[one-half first] \n \n[/one-half] \n[one-half last] \n  \n  \nJoin us Friday evening\, May 31st from 6-8 p.m. at the Smoke Rise Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for a fun\, informal evening of food\, fellowship and the opportunity to hear stories of God’s incredible transformation and healing! You will also have the opportunity to take home meaningful memories from our silent auction and African craft market. You will leave inspired and empowered to make a difference! \n[/one-half] \n\n[spacer] \n[one-third first] \n\n\n[/one-third] \n[one-third] \n  \nPurchase Tickets Here!\n[/one-third] \n[one-third last] \n \n[/one-third] \n\n[spacer] \nAbout Missy and Francis: In 2013\, Missy Ward Angalla\, CBF Field Personnel\, founded Amani Sasa (“peace now” in Swahili)\, a ministry in Kampala\, Uganda. Now led by Missy and her husband Francis\, Amani Sasa is providing safety\, nurturing wholeness and fueling empowerment among the most vulnerable refugee women\, men & families. Through shelter\, counseling and vocational training\, transformation and healing are happening. \n  URL:https://cbfga.org/event/celebration-hope-night-missy-francis/ LOCATION:Smoke Rise Baptist Church\, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd.\, Stone Mountain\, GA\, 30087\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured On Homepage END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR