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This Weekend at Holy Innocents
Mahjong Night – Friday, October 3, 6:30–9:00 PM
Women of HI gather for an evening of fun and fellowship.
School Homecoming - Friday, October 3. Scroll down for the festivities
Breakfast & Adult Forum – Sunday, October 5, 9:00 AM
Parents of our children and youth will serve breakfast. Bill will lead the Adult Forum on our Episcopal Values.
FOMA Concert: EarlyBird – Sunday, October 5, 4:30 PM, Christ Chapel
An inspiring program of sacred and contemporary music by six professional singers.
Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 5, 6:00 PM, Parish Hall
Bring your pets or plush friends for this joyful service.
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Adult Forum Series: Episcopal Identity in our Confusing World
With so many arguments in our society about what it means to be Christian, the time is right to talk about what it means to try to be a Christian and what it means to be an Episcopalian. Join Bill, Stewart, and Ruth for a three-week class as we start to talk about who we are and what we believe. We will have some answers and many more questions as we seek to understand God's call to be good and holy people together.
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Ministry Fair at Holy Innocents
October 26, 11:30-1:00 PM
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Together. For Good.
While the young and old enjoy the Fall Festival, the Ministry Fair will be there to deliver another kind of adventure!
Representatives from the Community, Outreach, and Worship Ministries will provide information about the ways you can find new friends at Holy Innocents’ Church and make a difference together.
Do you want to get involved? Contact Maggie Menkus | menkus10@gmail.com
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Time Flies, Gratitude Stays
Megan Atkinson
Time moves faster than we often realize. I look around my home and see my 9-month-old son crawling across the floor, exploring every corner with curiosity and energy. It feels like just yesterday he was a tiny newborn, completely dependent on me, and yet here he is, already discovering the world for himself. These moments hit me with the truth that life doesn’t slow down unless we make it. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years before we even notice.
In the busyness of our routines, work, school, and errands, it’s easy to forget to pause and simply breathe. But these pauses are vital. They give us the chance to recognize the blessings in our lives and to thank God for His unwavering presence and love. We are called to be grateful, not just in fleeting moments, but intentionally, in the midst of our daily chaos.
Taking the time to slow down doesn’t mean we neglect our duties; it means we live fully aware of the preciousness of each moment. It means celebrating milestones, cherishing laughter, and treasuring the small, everyday moments that often pass unnoticed. When we pause, we allow ourselves to experience joy, to reflect on God’s goodness, and to strengthen the relationships that matter most.
Tonight, I will hold onto my son and cherish him just as he is, knowing that these fleeting moments are gifts to be treasured. I encourage you to join me and intentionally pause your routine tonight to treasure what you have. Take a breath. Look around at the blessings in your life, whether big or small, and offer a heartfelt thank you to God. Time will continue to move swiftly, but when we intentionally slow down, we can savor life’s moments and grow in gratitude for all that God has given us.
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Foyers – Allergy Friendly Group
Looking for a way to connect without the worry of shared meals? We’re finalizing our Foyers groups and are excited to offer a “no food” group for anyone with dietary restrictions. In this group, hosts will provide the setting (and wine, if they choose!) while each guest brings their own safe food. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy fellowship with parishioners, without the stress of navigating dietary concerns.
Contact Phyllis Weisser | pcweisser@yahoo.com
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Women of HI: Mahjong Night
October 3, 6:30-9:00 PM
Join Women of Holy Innocents for an evening of laughter and lively games at our Mahjong Night! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the tiles, all are welcome for this special time of community and connection. You don’t need to be an experienced player to attend, but you should know the basics of how to play. This is not a learning session.
Please note in your RSVP whether you’ll bring your own tiles and if you have a 2025 Mahjong card. Please bring your own beverage of choice.
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FOMA Concert: EarlyBird
October 5, 4:30 PM
EarlyBird returns to Holy Innocents’ Friends of Music series with Silk & Sequins, an hour-long concert where sacred light meets sequined shimmer. Join us on Sunday, October 5, at 4:30 PM in the chapel for a radiant journey of sound, featuring six local professional singers.
From the brilliance of Monteverdi and Lassus to the delicate colors of Takemitsu and Izawa, and the lush lyricism of Finzi and Stanford, the program traverses centuries and cultures. Four evocative sets — Thrones in the Spotlight, Brush Strokes, Petals and Sky, and The Gilded Stage — weave together Renaissance splendor, Japanese-inspired delicacy, English romanticism, and contemporary anthems of love, identity, and resilience. At once intimate and celebratory, Silk & Sequins invites us to see our true colors and embrace the glittering fullness of self.
Save the Date: The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus returns December 14, 4:00 PM!
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Blessing of the Animals
October 5, 6:00 PM
Join us on Sunday, October 5, at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall for our annual Blessing of the Animals. This special service will take the place of our regular 6:00 PM worship and will celebrate the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
Our youth, along with 4th and 5th-graders, will help lead the service. Bring your furry, fluffy, or plush animal and share in this joyful tradition!
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Reading Connections
October 6, 6:00 PM
The Women’s Reading Connections will meet on Monday, October 6, at 6:00 PM in the Frost Youth Center (a week earlier than usual to accommodate the upcoming holiday on October 13). We will be discussing Life and Other Love Songs by Anissa Gray, author and HIEC member, will be leading our discussion. The book chronicles a father’s disappearance on his 37th birthday and how his disappearance has a lasting impact on his family. The narrative moves from the Great Migration to 1970s Detroit and 1990s New York as the book follows the hopes, triumphs, losses, and secrets that build up and tear apart an American family.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Bucket List Book Club
October 7, 1:00 PM
The next meeting of the book club will be on Tuesday, October 7, at 1:00 PM. The book we’ll be discussing is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The club is open to men and women.
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Prayer Shawl
October 7, 7:00-8:30 PM
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather in the Parlor on Tuesday, October 7, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. All are welcome! We would love to have you join us this fall. We knit and crochet prayer shawls that church staff deliver to those who are ill or grieving, but if you're currently working on some other project of your own – needlepoint, cross stitch, or even mending – come join us and socialize while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@gmail.com
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Men of HI: Low Country Boil
October 19, 5:30-8:00 PM
Join the Men of Holy Innocents for food, fellowship, and fun at our annual Low Country Boil on the banks of the Chattahoochee! $30 per person, includes food and beverages.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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WOHI: Progressive Dinner Table
October 21, 6:00-8:00 PM
Each course brings a new mix of guests to your table, sparking lively conversation and helping us grow our connections across the community. Enjoy an evening of good food, great conversation, and new friendships.
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Men's Dinner and a Book
November 11, 6:30-8:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, November 11, at 6:30 PM. The book is The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild by Bryan Burrough. Jeremy Webber is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact him for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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Changes and Chances
A Grief Workshop
A workshop for all kinds of grief.
We are Practicing the Pastoral Arts: No artistic skill required!
In this workshop, we are not about becoming artists, or even creating a “work of art”. Instead, we are being brave enough to let the art do its work with us. Join us on Wednesdays, November 12 and 19, at 10:30-12:00 PM or Thursdays, November 13 and 20, at 6:00-7:30 PM.
Art is powerful, freeing, and healing. It is evocative. Pastoral Art is a mindful mixed media approach to making something with our spiritual lives. We experiment with art supplies because it gives us access to the uncharted, untapped riches of the soul and the possibility for deep healing. We don’t have to be “creative” or “artistic” to engage in Pastoral Arts. We simply look, and listen, and oftentimes we wait; and I dare say, we play.
With this grief workshop, showing up is the hard part, but it is enough.
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Parish Retreat
February 13-15, 2026
Mark your calendars for a special weekend of connection, belonging, and spiritual growth at beautiful Kanuga Conference Center! Our parish retreat is a time for all ages to come together, children, youth, and adults, for meaningful activities, worship, and shared experiences. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection or lively conversation, you'll find space for both.
What to Expect:
- Engaging programs for kids, teens, and adults
- Campfires, music, and a classic s’mores sing-along
- Plenty of free time to rest, explore, and reconnect with nature
- Opportunities to deepen your faith and friendships
Come away with us to Kanuga and return refreshed in spirit and community. We can’t wait to be with you!
Kanuga Conference Center | February 13–15, 2026
More details and registration info coming soon!
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Wednesday Night GLOW
October 1
Family Dinner at 5:30 PM, Program from 6:00-7:00 PM
Come & GLOW with us for a very special STEAM-themed evening where kids will learn about the power of prayer through an exciting science experiment and art activity. Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, and then kids will leave for GLOW program from 6-7:00 PM. Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW.
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Children’s Choir
October 5
Come Be the Light. Our Children’s Choir has been preparing to sing this beautiful anthem at the 10:15 service on October 5th, following Children’s Chapel. All kids in preK-5th grade are welcome to participate. Rehearsals are ongoing in Sunday School and Children’s Chapel.
Contact Renee | rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
October 26, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Celebrate the season with us at our Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 26! Come in costume for Sunday School and worship, then stick around after the service for an afternoon full of fall fun and festive fellowship.
We’ll have something for everyone, including: trunk or treat, hayrides, petting zoo, lunch, seasonal treats, and more! Whether you're young or just young at heart, all are welcome to join in the fun as we enjoy the beauty of fall fun together.
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Trunk or Treat Volunteers
We need you! Sign up to host a trunk for our trunk or treat on October 26th. Decorate your trunk as simply or as elaborately as you would like. Prizes will be offered for Most Creative Trunk, Best Decorated Trunk, and Funniest Trunk. Setup will begin immediately after 10:15 worship, and Trunk or Treating will begin after lunch. Email Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org to volunteer to host a trunk.
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Club 45 Halloween Breakfast Party
October 26, 9:00-10:05 AM
4th & 5th graders, join us this Sunday at 9:15 AM for a Halloween Breakfast Party. Wear your costume and come ready to enjoy breakfast, special treats, and fun times with friends!
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Dollywood
November 7-9
Students in grades 6-12 are invited for a weekend of fun and fellowship at Dollywood on November 7-9! We’ll stay in a mountain cabin, enjoy the park, and connect over meals, games, and laughter.
This trip is all about building lasting friendships that help students stay engaged in church life. Spots are limited so sign up fast!
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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Realm Access
Realm is our database system, which allows us to send emails, mailings, schedule events, and all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. The neat thing about it for you is that you are able to connect to your record in the system and have instant access to the directory, track your online giving, register for events, and more. To connect to your account:
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Email Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org for an invitation link
- Create your password and remember it
- Use your email address and password to log in through a browser or the Connect app
Connect app for iPhone: click here.
Connect app for Android: click here.
Once you have your account access, check to see if all of your contact information is up-to-date and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Reach out to Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org if you need any assistance.
Pastoral Notes
If someone is in the hospital, has died, or has some other pastoral emergency, we hope you will contact our clergy directly. Please call the church office at 404-255-4023 and follow the prompts. This will connect you directly with the clergyperson on call for the week.
If you have joys to share, new births, grandbabies, graduations, or job announcements, we will gladly share them in our weekly Hi-Lights email if you send a note to communications@holyinnocents.org
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Warning about email scammers
When you receive an email from a Holy Innocents staff member, please check if the sender's email address ends with 'holyinnocents.org'. If it does not, it is likely not from us. Unfortunately, some individuals are attempting to scam various church members, posing as clergy and requesting gift cards. We never ask for money in this way. If someone claiming to be Bill, Stewart, Ruth, or another staff member contacts you, please let us know immediately. Report the email, block the sender, and delete the message. If you have any doubts, please give us a call.
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