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Be the Difference!
Join us in Youth Ministry
Megan Atkinson
As we head into a new school year, we’re looking for caring, enthusiastic adults to join our youth ministry team. Our middle and high school students are incredible; they are loving, thoughtful, and full of potential. What they need most is for us to show up and show them they matter. Volunteering with our youth is one of the most meaningful ways you can support the next generation of the church.
Right now, we’re especially seeking Sunday School teachers for Sunday mornings. This role doesn’t require an every-week commitment, just two Sundays a month is all we ask. Lessons are provided, and no prior teaching experience is necessary. All you need is a willingness to engage, encourage, and be present.
Youth Group Update
We’re also thrilled to share that our youth group is growing! The youth from Sandy Springs United Methodist Church are joining us for youth group gatherings this year, as they transition out of their building. We are excited to welcome them into our community and look forward to what God will do through this new partnership.
Their first night with us will be Sunday, August 17th, which also marks the kickoff of our youth group year! We’ll start with a lesson on loving one another, even when we get on each other’s nerves, followed by a wild and fun game of wet sponge dodgeball. We’ll close the evening with dinner and a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar.
Please prayerfully consider getting involved this year. Whether it’s two Sundays a month or just helping at a special event, your presence makes a huge impact. Our students are amazing, so let’s surround them with a church that believes in them, supports them, and walks with them in faith.
To learn more or sign up to help, contact Megan Atkinson (matkinson@holyinnocents.org). Let’s make this year unforgettable for our youth!
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Valerie’s Farewell
August 24
After 40 faithful years of tender care and love, Valerie Elliott is retiring from her role as our beloved nursery caregiver at Holy Innocents’. On Sunday, August 24, join us at the 10:15 service for a special celebration of her ministry among us.
Over four decades, Valerie has comforted countless babies, chased toddlers, soothed anxious parents, and helped lay the foundation of faith and belonging for an entire generation of children. Her gentle presence and unwavering commitment have been a true gift to our community. To honor Valerie’s remarkable service, we are collecting a “retirement purse” as a tangible expression of our gratitude.
Please click here and select Valerie Elliott Retirement Purse in the dropdown menu, or write that in the memo line of your checks. Let’s send Valerie into her well-deserved retirement wrapped in our prayers and appreciation.
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Showing Up for Each Other A note from the Vicar...
Show Up Without Being Asked
When someone’s hurting—sick, grieving, overwhelmed—we often say:
“If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
It’s kind. We mean it.
But let’s be honest: we don’t always know what to say or how to help.
Here’s a better way:
• Just do something. Bring a casserole. Send a “thinking of you” text. Ask, “I’m heading to the store—need anything?”
• And if you’re in need? Be honest. Say, “Yes, I could use this.”
We’re not meant to go it alone.
“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” – Romans 12:5
So I’m Asking for Help
Holy Innocents is thriving, but we need you. Jump in where you can; we promise it’ll be fun.
⛪ This Sunday at HIEC
Sunday Worship at 8:00 & 10:15 AM
📲 Aug 3: Belonging & Realm Tech Forum
Let’s talk about why belonging matters and help folks get connected on Realm.
Are you tech-savvy? We’re creating a “Genius Bar” for Realm support.
Want to share your story of why you belong here?
Email to Help | communications@holyinnocents.org
🎬 Creatives, We Need You!
We’re refreshing our photo and video content.
Have editing skills or a vision for a welcome video?
Wanna make a TikTok that goes viral? Let’s talk.
Get Involved | communications@holyinnocents.org
Join Our Adult Forum Planning Meeting
Want to lead a forum this fall? Know a great speaker?
Email Stewart to join the Planning Meeting | slucas@holyinnocents.org
🔨 Buildings & Grounds Team Reboot
We’re recreating a team for:
• Minor fixes & maintenance, Meeting with vendors, Planning future needs
Contact Caroline | cfleming@holyinnocents.org
🤝 No One Can Do Everything. But Everyone Can Do Something.
Let me know how you want to jump in. I’m so grateful to belong with you.
Faithfully,
Stewart+
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Back to School Bash & Backpack Blessing
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 10th, 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 hamburger and hotdog cookout, Foam Palooza party, and more fun for all ages!
- 10:15 AM: Worship with Backpack Blessing: Bring your backpack for this special service to celebrate the start of a new year!
- 11:15 AM: Family Picnic- hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of treats!
- 11:30-12:30 PM: Foam Palooza Party! Wear quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit and bring a towel.
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Bake Sale to Support Flood Victims
August 10
We're hosting a Bake Sale on Sunday, August 10th, to raise funds for flood victims in need. Your delicious donations of cookies, cakes, pies, muffins, and more can help bring comfort and support to families affected by the devastating floods in Texas. All money raised will go directly to Episcopal Relief and Development to support them in their immediate efforts to help communities recover and rebuild. Please consider donating your favorite homemade treat. Drop off on August 10th in Bishop Commons. Let’s bake with love and give with purpose!
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John Porter Adult Forum Series | Sundays at 9:00 AM | Inglett Hall
Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31: John Porter leads a 4 part series! Difficult Conversations - how to talk about what matters most. And why that is important.
We’ve launched a Summer Book Exchange in Inglett Hall, bring a book, take a book! (Just no encyclopedias, please.) At summer’s end, we’ll donate any extras to a good cause.
Food Pantry Needs Rice, canned beans (any kind), canned meat (tuna, chicken, or Spam)
Directory Updates
As part of our ongoing work to put together a complete church directory, you may receive an email notification from our Director of Membership, Renee Stephens, through Realm that your privacy settings have been updated. Your privacy is important to us, and your information is not shared publicly. Reach out to Renee at rstephens@holyinnocents.org if you have any questions. Also, mark your calendars for a Realm 101 presentation on August 3rd at 9:00 am!
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Young Adults: Brunch
August 3, 11:30 AM
Join us for brunch, community, and a take-home self-care kit. We’ll also plan upcoming events! All are welcome.
Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org
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Reading Connections
August 11
The Women's Reading Connections will meet on Monday, August 11, at 6:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Room C. This month's book is Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray. This book tells the story of Frances Perkins, the first woman cabinet secretary (Labor). The book is set in the 1930s, a decade of the Depression era.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
August 15
Enjoy warm hospitality, engaging discussions, and a fresh sausage and biscuit breakfast. Come for the conversation and stay for the fellowship—7:30 AM in the Frost Youth Center.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Welcome Back, Bill!
August 16, 6:00 PM
Let’s give Bill a warm welcome home from his sabbatical with a festive Low Country Boil on Saturday, August 16 at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall—adults only this time! The kids will have their turn with the Backpack Blessing and Foam Party the week before, so this evening is just for the grown-ups to relax, reconnect, and celebrate. Want to lend a hand with setup, cooking, or clean-up? Contact Jenny Cantrell, we’d love your help!
Contact Jenny Cantrell | jpcantrell@pittman-construction.com
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Men’s Dinner and a Book
September 9, 6:30 PM
The next Men’s Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 PM, and the book is Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. 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
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Church of the Common Ground
September 21
HI will be packing 120+ lunches for our unhoused brothers and sisters who attend Church of the
Common Ground in Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta. Please join us in Parish Hall after the 10:15 AM service to help make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. An additional part of our outreach is to worship with the men and women of CCG at their 1:00 PM service in Woodruff Park.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com | churchofthecommonground.org
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Children’s Chapel Summer Series:
Under the Sea – Anchored in Christ
Dive into a faith-filled adventure this summer! Kids in PreK-5th grade are invited to explore exciting Bible stories from the sea that show us how our hope in Jesus is the anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). Each week features a fun object lesson, a hands-on ocean-themed craft, and a message that helps children trust God in every wave of life. Come set sail with us each Sunday while we discover a treasure of truth under the sea! June 15th - August 3rd, during the 10:15 service.
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First Day of Sunday School
August 17
Join us as we kick off a brand-new year of Sunday School on Sunday, August 17! Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to grow in faith, friendship, and fun together. Kids ages Pre-K to 5th grade will enjoy engaging Bible lessons, music, crafts, and a welcoming environment where they can learn about God’s love. Don’t miss this joyful start to a meaningful journey — we can’t wait to see you there! Please register for the new school year.
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Sunday School Begins
August 17
Sunday School kicks off again on August 17 at 9:00 AM for all middle and high school students! We meet every Sunday in the Frost Youth Center downstairs, and you're always welcome—even if you're running late. Just come as you are and jump in when you arrive. We can’t wait to grow, learn, and laugh together this year!
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Wet Sponge Dodgeball
August 17
All 6th–12th graders are invited to help us launch a brand new year of youth group! This year, we’ll be asking bold questions like, “If Jesus was serious…”—and exploring how His words shape the way we live. After the lesson, get ready for some fun with wet sponge dodgeball, a slip & slide, and a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar! Friends are welcome—just make sure to RSVP and come ready to get soaked and have a blast!
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GLOW | September 10
Dinner at 5:30 PM
Program from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Come and GLOW with us on Tuesday, September 10th, as we kick off a new year with a focus on spiritual renewal and grounding. In a world full of noise and busyness, this is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and help kids reconnect with God through simple but powerful spiritual practices. Children will explore four core spiritual disciplines that we’ll build on all year long, and they’ll get to take home a fun, hands-on reminder they create themselves! New this year, we’re offering family dinner at 5:30 PM, for kids in PreK–5th grade. Come hungry for food, fun, and faith!
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Club 45: Waffle House Day
September 14, 9:00 AM
Join us for a special day in Club 45! We will enjoy a catered Waffle House breakfast and have a special guest speaker. No rsvp needed. Reach out to Ms. Renee (rstephens@holyinnocents.org) if you have any questions.
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Club 45 Kickoff Event
September 24, 6:00-8:00 PM
4th & 5th graders are invited to a very special Club 45 Kickoff Party. Join us for pizza, an escape room, and a very special time of fun and fellowship as we start an exciting new year at Club 45. Register by September 20th here:
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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Funeral Planning Resources
If you missed Sunday's presentation, please find our funeral planning workbook and Holy Innocents' Memorial Garden and Columbarium burial options on our website here: https://holyinnocents.org/funerals/. Contact Melody McNeil with any questions.
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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 410-255-4023 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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