Yes, there is a lot going on at HIEC! Scroll down to see details about the Thursday art gallery opening at the church, CAC benefit concert by our choir on Thursday at the Webber School, Saturday night concert in our Nave, Youth Sunday this week, and Jan and Rusty Paul at our Adult Forum. Plus, welcome our new Director of Music and Summer Interns. | | | | |
Our New Director of Music
After a nationwide search, the Vestry and Rector of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church are delighted to share that Dock Anderson has accepted the call to be the next Director of Music. “Dock is a perfect fit for our church and our community,” said the Rev. Dr. Bill Murray, “His musical skills are only exceeded by his deep commitment to relationship building. With his Spanish-speaking skills and his connections to both the Atlanta Symphony and Temple Sinai, he is perfectly positioned to draw so many of our communities together.”
Dock attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance, cum laude. Over the next 20 years, he won several organ performance awards and led choirs at Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Presbyterian churches. He finally found his way home to the Episcopal Church and has been serving the last nine years as the Organist and Choirmaster at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Carrollton.
The Search Committee was especially excited to learn that he has led bell choir programs for years, speaks Spanish, and is interested in developing a music program with Our Lady of Guadalupe, and hopes to find ways to work with both the school and Temple Sinai. He has more than doubled the size of his volunteer choir at St. Margaret’s. A nice bonus is his love of cooking–and then sharing his labors with others. Dock has additional good news in sharing his engagement to his partner of 10 years, Barry Crawford. They will be married at the end of May, followed by a honeymoon in France.
Dock’s enthusiasm is clear when he shares, “It is a joy to begin my ministry here at Holy Innocents. As we get to know each other, I invite you to share your heart with me, especially regarding how our worship may nourish your faith. My door and heart are always open to your ideas and reflections. Feel free to find me after a service or shoot me an email to set up a time to chat.”
Dock begins his ministry with us in June. His first Sunday will be June 21, 2026. He will overlap with our Interim Organist, Randy Romig, for two weeks. We will have a reception after church that Sunday to officially greet him. Join us in welcoming Dock and his fiancé, Barry.
| | Ansel Best will graduate from The Citadel in May 2026 and plans to continue his education at Candler School of Theology. He has been actively involved in church life for many years, participating in youth group throughout high school and faithfully volunteering with Vacation Bible School each summer during college. Ansel is passionate about ministry with young people and is eager to serve as a Youth Intern for the summer and fall of 2026, supporting both the adolescent and young adult communities. | |  | Kate George will graduate from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in May 2026. She will be a freshman at Northwestern University in the Fall, majoring in Religion. While she has long attended the school, she comes to the church hoping to learn more about our programs and community. Her hope is to give back some of the many blessings she has received being on campus. Kate will serve as a Summer Intern and help with Vacation Bible School and a whole variety of programs at the church. | | | |
We are so glad to welcome Lizzie Singleton back as our Children’s Ministry Intern this summer! Lizzie returns to Holy Innocents’ before heading back to the University of South Carolina this fall.
Lizzie brings a deep love for ministry and a joyful energy to her work with children. She has served as Co-Chair of the Episcopal Youth Commission for the Diocese of Atlanta, participated on teams for Happening and New Beginnings, and been a Youth Delegate to Annual Council. She has also spent the past four summers as a counselor at Camp Mikell, helping create a fun, faith-filled environment for kids of all ages.
We’re so excited to have Lizzie back on our team this summer and look forward to the ways she will continue to bless our children and families at Holy Innocents!
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Growing in Faith Together: Youth Sunday
Megan Atkinson
This Sunday, we are invited into something more than a celebration. Youth Sunday is a chance to pause and notice the faith that is already alive and active among us. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that God does not wait for people to reach a certain age, stage, or level of experience before calling them. Time and again, God works through young people who are willing to show up, listen, and respond.
We see that same spirit in our own youth. In the middle of full schedules and constant demands—sports practices, schoolwork, clubs, performances—they continue to make church a priority. Their presence is not accidental. It is a witness. It reminds all of us what it looks like to choose faithfulness in the midst of busyness, to show up even when life feels full, and to trust that God is at work in and through them right now.
This Sunday, we are especially grateful to hear from our senior preacher, Grant Heerin, who will help lead us in worship. But Youth Sunday is not just about who stands at the pulpit. It is about recognizing that our youth are already leading by example, through their commitment, energy, and willingness to stay connected to this community.
As a church, we have an opportunity and a responsibility. When we pay attention to our youth, when we encourage them, when we show up for them the way they show up for this community, we reflect the love of Christ. We remind them that they are not just the future of the church; they are a vital and important part of it right now.
Come ready to worship, to listen, and to be encouraged. And come ready to show our youth that they are seen, supported, and deeply loved.
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Sunday Forum: Coffee with the Pauls
9:15–10:00 AM • Parish Hall
I’ve long wanted to sit down with two remarkable members of our parish—Rusty and Jan Paul. Rusty just happens to be the Mayor of Sandy Springs since 2013, bringing decades of public service experience to our community. Jan is a longtime community leader with a deep commitment to local engagement and service.
Over coffee and donuts, we’ll talk about the story of Sandy Springs as it marks its 20th anniversary, what it means to serve a community well, the joys (and realities!) of being grandparents, and why volunteering still matters. We’ll also hear about Jan’s leadership in outreach here at Holy Innocents, Rusty’s journey into our choir, and—yes—even his beekeeping hobby.
It’s going to be relaxed, honest, and full of good stories. Come pull up a chair.
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Ventulett Gallery Opening | April 30, 6:00–7:30 PM
Are We Not Stewards by Teresa Fuller Kenton presents a powerful collection centered on animals and conservation. Through colored pencil and paint, Kenton draws our attention to species often overlooked or endangered, inviting us to reflect on our shared responsibility for creation. This is her first solo exhibition: timely, moving, and deeply aligned with our call to care for the world God has entrusted to us.
Multifaith Concert: Love Your Neighbor | April 30, 7:00 PM The Weber School
Our Adult Choir has been hard at work for this concert, and Randy Romig directs the entire combined chorus. This is a meaningful opportunity to gather with neighbors of different faiths to benefit the Community Assistance Center. You can learn more here.
Coro Vocati Concert | May 2, 7:00 PM, Nave. Free – no tickets required
Dirt Roads and Footpaths explores the journeys we take, both literal and spiritual. With music ranging from John Corigliano’s setting of Fern Hill to works reflecting memory and landscape, this promises to be a rich and moving evening. We’re especially proud that our own Alexis Lundy sings with them. Come be part of something beautiful.
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Coffee for Parents with Young Children
May 17, 9:00-10:00 AM
Parents and caregivers of children age 4 and under are invited to a cozy coffee hour to connect and get to know one another. This gathering is open to members, newcomers, and families baptized within the last three years. No agenda, just coffee, hot breakfast, conversation, and community.
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Support VBS: Donate or Volunteer!
Vacation Bible School is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a fun, faith-filled experience for our kids! You can support VBS by donating supplies through our Amazon Wishlist or by volunteering your time. We’re especially looking for helpers to set up, clean up, guide kids as they move between stations, or bring a baked treat to keep our volunteers energized and appreciated. Contact Renee at
rstephens@holyinnocents.org for more information or to volunteer.
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Youth Sunday
May 3, 10:15 AM
Join us on Sunday, May 3, as we celebrate our youth group and wonderful youth students! Graduating senior Grant Heerin will preach the sermon on this special day, and our graduating seniors will be celebrated during the service.
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GLOW
May 6, 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW for Easter! Join us on Wednesday, May 6, for Wednesday Night GLOW, where we will celebrate Easter with a fun scavenger hunt, sweet treats, and a special craft. This is our last meeting before summer break, so mark your calendars and join us for a fun evening! For kids ages PreK–5th grade.
All ages are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM. After dinner, kids will head to GLOW while parents are welcome to stay for wine and conversation. Friends are always welcome!
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Children’s Choir
May 10, 9:30 AM
We are so excited to be singing on May 10th in honor of Mother’s Day. Kids will start rehearsal at 9:30 AM, immediately following a shortened Sunday School. Children’s Choir will sing for the congregation at the 10:15 AM service following that morning’s Children’s Chapel. All are welcome! For questions, contact Renee at rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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VBS 2026: Knights of the North Castle
June 1–5
Join Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church for an unforgettable week at VBS 2026: Knights of the North Castle! June 1st–5th from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm, children will step into a world of courage, faith, and fun as they learn what it means to “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power” (Ephesians 6:10). Through exciting Bible stories, music, crafts, games, and fellowship, campers will discover the Armor of Faith and how God equips us to stand strong in every season of life.
Optional aftercare is available until 3:30 pm for families who need a longer day of fun and supervision.
The week will conclude with campers sharing their VBS song during the 10:15 am service on Sunday, June 7th. Families are warmly invited to stay after the service for a picnic lunch as we celebrate a wonderful week together!
Cost: $85 per camper | $85 additional for aftercare
Open to rising Pre-K through rising 5th grade. Rising 6th grade and up are invited to serve as youth leaders. Youth leaders, please sign up to volunteer here.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
May 5, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, May 5, 7:00–8:30 PM. We knit and crochet shawls for those in need, but bring any project—needlepoint, cross-stitch, even mending—and enjoy fellowship while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@gmail.com
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Third Friday Breakfast: Men of HI
May 15, 7:30 AM
Enjoy warm hospitality, engaging discussions, and a fresh breakfast in the Frost Youth Center. Come for the conversation and stay for the fellowship.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Church of the Common Ground
Sandwich Build
May 10, 11:15 AM
Please join us in the Parish Hall tomorrow to make sandwiches for our unhoused siblings who worship in Woodruff Park weekly. If you would like to help deliver the lunches and worship with our friends, we will leave at 12:15 PM.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com
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Reading Connections
May 11, 6:00 PM | Inglett C
The May Women’s Reading Connections meeting begins at 6:00 pm, with book discussion at 6:30 pm. This month’s book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, a novel about a mysterious older man whose quiet acts of generosity transform lives and build unexpected connections.
Contact Michelle Driscoll
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Bucket List Book Club
June 7, 1:00 PM | Parlor
This co-ed group is reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. The next meeting will be held on June 7 at 1:00 pm.
Contact Audrey Sumner audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
May 12, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 PM and the book is Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose by Jennifer Wallace. Kevin Nuffer is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact Jeremy Webber for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber
jhwwebber@gmail.com
| | Click the video to watch last Sunday's service! | | |
Realm Access
Realm is our database system, which allows us to communicate all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. You are also now able to connect to your record with instant access to the directory, your giving, event registration, 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, update your contact information and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Contact Renee for help. rstephens@holyinnocents.org
Pastoral Notes
If someone is in the hospital, has died, or has some other pastoral emergency, please contact our clergy directly. Call the church office at 404-255-4023 and follow the prompts. This will connect you directly with the clergyperson on call.
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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