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Growing Together
Megan Atkinson, Dir. of Youth, Young Adults, and Family Ministries
Beginning this fall, our youth ministry will be dividing into separate middle school and high school gatherings so that we can better meet students where they are in their faith journeys and everyday lives.
Our High School Youth Group will meet immediately following worship from 11:30-1:00 PM, while our Middle School Youth Group will continue meeting on Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:00 PM. Meals will be provided at both gatherings, giving students time to connect, build friendships, and share life together.
While both groups will continue to grow in faith and community, our conversations and activities will be tailored to the unique experiences and challenges of each age group. We will focus on what our students are facing in their everyday lives, at school, with friends, online, at home, and in their communities, and explore how our faith can shape the way we respond. Together, we will work to make faith more than something we talk about on Sundays. We want to help students integrate their faith into their daily habits, decisions, relationships, and lives.
We are also looking for volunteers to help lead and support both our middle school and high school groups. Whether you have years of experience working with youth or are simply interested in getting to know and walk alongside our students, we would love to have you join us! We welcome anyone who feels called to get more involved in the lives of our young people and help create a community where every student feels known, supported, and encouraged in their faith. Please contact Megan Atkinson if you are interested.

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Coffee for Parents of Young Children
July 26, 9:00-10:00 AM | The Parlor
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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Back to School Bash & Backpack Blessing
August 9, 10:15 AM-12:30 PM
Holy Innocents’ is excited to kick off the new school year with our Annual Back to School Bash and backpack blessing! Join us on Sunday, August 9th for a fun-filled morning as we come together to support children and families heading into a new school year. The day will include a special blessing of the backpacks, a picnic lunch, a Foam Palooza party, and more fun for all ages!

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10:15 AM: Worship with Backpack Blessing; bring your backpack for this special service to celebrate the start of a new year!
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11:15 AM: Family Picnic–fried chicken provided; bring a side to share.
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11:30-12:30 PM: Foam Palooza Party! Wear quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit and bring a towel.
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Discover Education for Ministry
Register by August 4
EfM now has two courses of study, both with the same vibrant community and spirit of inquiry! Through EfM (Education for Ministry), you can:
-Deepen your Christian faith.
-Learn how to articulate that faith.
-Let that faith inspire you into action!
It’s more than Bible study–through reading, discussion, prayer, & reflection, trained mentors facilitate stimulating discussions & guide participants to examine life through an increasingly informed & inspired theological lens.
The newest option is EfM: Wide-Angle, a one-year overview of the spiritual journey that explores the Old Testament, the New Testament, Christian history, and Christian spirituality and ethics. It can be a great introduction to EfM or a refresher for those who have already participated in EfM.
In addition, the acclaimed four-year course of study, EfM Classic, continues with year-by-year, in-depth studies of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Christian history, and Christian ethics and spirituality.
The EfM group at HIEC is a caring community which meets every Tuesday evening at HI from 6:30-9:00 pm, September-May, and meetings may also be joined via Zoom. Lin Stradley and Terrell Johnson are the seminar leaders. There is a tuition; scholarships are available. Registration ends August 4.
Contact Lin Stradley | lstradley@gmail.com | (404) 932-9729
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Immigration Assistance Fund
We have established this fund to provide compassionate support for families in our Our Lady of Guadalupe community who are facing hardship due to immigration-related circumstances. Gifts may be used to assist with urgent needs such as rent, food, legal expenses, and other pastoral care as determined by Father Brito in consultation with the clergy.
To make an online gift, please use the link below. If giving by check, please make it payable to Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church and write "Immigration Fund" in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us care for our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and hope.
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Christmas in July
July 29
Family Dinner: 5:30 PM 
Kids Christmas Program 6:00–7:00 PM
Bring the whole family for an evening of summer fun with a Christmas twist! Kids will enjoy games, crafts, music, and a special Bible lesson about the greatest gift ever given, Jesus! Parents can unwind with a relaxing fellowship hour featuring wine and cheese. Whether you're wearing flip-flops or Christmas socks, come celebrate the joy of Christmas with us.
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Women of HI: Mahjong Night
August 7, 6:30-9:00 PM
Join the Women of HI for an evening of laughter, fellowship, and Mahjong! Experienced players are invited to enjoy a friendly game, while those new to Mahjong are welcome to participate in a special learning session. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, learn something new, or sharpen your skills. The learning session costs $65.
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Women of HI: Corks, Colas & Conversation
August 12, 5:30–7:00 PM
Join the Women of HI for a relaxed evening of conversation, fellowship, and community. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting someone new, this casual gathering is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and support one another. Refreshments will be available, and all women are welcome.
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Third Friday Breakfast: Men of HI
August 21, 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
September 27, 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
August 10, 6:00 PM
The August Women’s Reading Connections meeting will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026. The group meets in the Inglett Hall Small Conference Room C, at 6:00 PM. The meeting begins with light refreshments and the book discussion begins at 6:30 PM. This month’s book is The Meeting of Air and Water by Sharon Lacour. A debut novel that follows three generations of women in Louisiana, focusing on their artistic pursuits, particularly photography, and their struggles against societal expectations. The story begins in 1923 with a young girl named Dolores and explores themes of love, family secrets, and the creative spirit within the rich backdrop of Cajun culture and the Louisiana landscape.
Contact Michelle Driscoll
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
September 8, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 PM, and the book is Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention–and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari. Rolf Meinhold is hosting. We will be meeting at Holy Innocents Church. 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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