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Easter Isn’t Over Yet!
The Rev. T. Stewart Lucas, Vicar
What a glorious Easter weekend we shared together! From candlelit wonder to trumpet-filled joy, we boldly proclaimed that love gets the final word. Thank you to everyone who came, watched online, brought family and friends, arranged flowers, sang with heart, served behind the scenes, and gave so generously of your time and treasure. Your support helps us share resurrection hope not just in worship, but through our many outreach ministries that meet real needs every day.
And here’s the good news—Easter lasts 50 whole days! We’re just getting started.
Join us this Sunday as we continue the celebration. I will celebrate at all services while Bill leads the Men’s Retreat at Lake Logan and Ruth enjoys time away with her family. We’re thrilled to welcome John Porter as preacher at 8:00 and 10:15 AM. Come early for coffee and conversation at 9:00 AM in Inglett Hall, where we’ll explore Logic, Faith, and Resurrection with Jewish New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine’s insightful and often humorous take on Jesus’s words in John 14:6.
Christ is risen—still and always! See you Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Stewart+
CONGRATULATIONS to Anna Marie & Chase Fulbright on the birth of their son Fredrick James Fulbright “Freddie”. The 8 lbs 11 oz, 22” long bundle of joy and mom are doing well. Alleluia!
Other Notes
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Come hear John Porter preach at 8 & 10:15 am this Sunday!
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This will be Marycelis' last Sunday with us as our Seminarian.
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Our Director of Music Sean Vogt's last Sunday before his sabbatical is May 4.
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Youth Sunday is May 4.
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The Architects will share their ideas for our Master Plan on May 4 at 9:00 am
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Our Rector Bill Murray's last Sunday before his sabbatical is May 11.
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To My Beloved Family of Holy Innocents,
As I prepare to step into the next season of my journey, I find myself reflecting on these past two years and the incredible gift you have been to me. Words cannot fully capture the depth of my gratitude, but I pray this letter carries even a glimpse of the deep love and appreciation I hold for you.
From the moment I arrived, you welcomed me, not just into your parish, but into your hearts. You gave me a place to grow, a place to wrestle with my calling, and a place to discover more fully what it means to serve God’s people. You became my teachers, my mentors, and my companions on this sacred journey. Your kindness, your patience, your curiosity, and your faith in me helped shape me into the minister I am becoming.
You gave me space to bloom. You offered encouragement when I doubted, wisdom when I needed guidance, and joy that lifted my spirit when the road felt heavy. In moments of learning, of laughter, of prayer, I found myself becoming more confident, more rooted, and more assured that God’s hand was leading me forward. This community has been an instrument of grace, a living reflection of God’s love, and I am endlessly grateful.
Though my time as a seminarian in your midst may be ending, my bond with this parish is not. You are forever a part of my journey of faith, and I carry you with me as I step into the ministry that awaits. The lessons I have learned, the love I have received, and the faith you have helped instill in me, these gifts will remain with me always.
With all my heart, I thank you. For your prayers, for your support, for walking beside me in this sacred work. I pray that God continues to bless this parish abundantly, as you have so richly blessed me. May His love shine through all you do, just as it has shone so brightly upon me.
With deepest gratitude and love,
The Rev. Marycelis Otero
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Opening Reception:
Flora and Fauna
May 1, 6:00–7:30 PM
Join us for the opening reception of Flora and Fauna, a vibrant art exhibit celebrating the natural world through the eyes of artists Cathy Ehrler and Kathy Rennell Forbes. Explore their unique interpretations of botanical beauty and wildlife in a setting that invites reflection and wonder. The exhibit is on display May 1 to June 16.
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Women of HI: Mahjong Game Night
May 2, 6:30-9:00 PM
Let’s Learn Mahjong with Casey Freedman.
It’s game night! Mahjong is a tile-trading game akin to Rummy or Bridge that’s having a revival in Atlanta. Come learn to play mahjong on Friday, May 2nd. No experience needed - beginners will learn from Casey Freedman, an experienced mahjong instructor. If you already know mahjong (even if you’re a beginner), join us to play a few games.
Cost is $65 for the lesson with Casey and your own Mahjong card. Free for experienced players.
Please note in your RSVP if you have a four-person card table we can borrow for the event, whether you are signing up to learn or to play, and whether you’ll bring your own tiles and mahjong card (for players). Snacks will be provided; please bring your own wine or beer.
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Holy Comforter Work Day
May 3
Holy Comforter has a long to-do list and is looking for all kinds of helping hands to freshen up their campus during a not-your-typical work day! Whether folks can stay for the whole day or just drop in for an hour, every bit of help is appreciated. The day will involve cleaning, purging, and making repairs.
Not able to help physically? Donations—financial or in-kind—are also a huge help. Holy Comforter is in need of volunteers of all ages, as well as trucks, cars, hammers, rags, power washers, cleaning supplies, garden refuse bags, and more.
Questions? Please contact Holy Comforter directly.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
May 6, 7:00-8:30 PM
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather in the Parlor on Tuesday, May 6, from 7-8:30 PM. All are welcome. It’s our last meeting until September, and a great time to start a prayer shawl or baby blanket that you can work on over the summer. 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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Camp Mikell Open House
May 10, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Camp Mikell and the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center are holding an Open House on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. This opportunity is open to families looking for a summer experience for their children aged rising 1st grade through high school. Children and adults will have the opportunity to tour the camp, experience some activities, and enjoy lunch in the dining hall. The Mikell summer staff will also be on hand to meet and greet. Educators are also encouraged to attend to learn of the educational benefits that the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center offers for either day trips or overnight trips for their students. No open house registration is needed, but the full summer camp schedule is available at campmikell.com
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Church of the Common Ground
May 11
HI will be packing 80+ 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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Reading Connections
May 12, 6:00 PM
The Women's Reading Connections will meet on Monday, May 12 at 6:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Room C. This month we are reading The Caretaker by Ron Rash. Set in 1950s Blowing Rock, North Carolina, The Caretaker is a heartfelt tale about a love triangle between Jacob, the son of a wealthy family who shuns him when he marries Naomi, an uneducated hotel maid, and his friend Blackburn, the disfigured caretaker of the town cemetery.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men's Dinner and a Book
May 13, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm and the book is "The Right Stuff " by Tom Wolfe. Tony Clarke is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact Jeremy Webber at jhwwebber@gmail.com for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
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CAC Night of Hope
May 14, 7:30 PM
Before she was music superstar Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn who wrote hit songs for the biggest acts in music. BEAUTIFUL chronicles her rise as a songwriter, eventually finding her own unique voice with her ground-breaking 1971 album Tapestry. With unforgettable classic songs as “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” this Broadway, feel-good phenomenon is a story you’ll never forget.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
May 16
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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Dinner for Holy Comforter
April 23, 5:00-8:00 PM
The youth group will serve dinner at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 5:00-8:00 PM! About 60% of this congregation lives with mental illness and comes for a worship service on Wednesday nights at 6:30. Our group will provide and serve dinner for those who attend the service. Transportation will be provided, but please sign up quickly so we can plan our meal.
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VBS Volunteers
April 23
We’re calling on our awesome youth to help make an unforgettable week for the kids in our community! Join us as a volunteer from June 2–6—you’ll build leadership skills, create lasting memories, and have a blast with the little ones.
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Youth: Pool Party
May 4, 12:00-3:00 PM
Join us for a pool party after the service on Youth Sunday, May 4th, at the home of David and Madeleine Fluke. We’ll hang out from 12:00–3:00 PM, and lunch is included. Please RSVP to receive the address.
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VBS
June 2-6
Join Holy Innocents Episcopal Church for a very special Road Trip VBS June 2nd-6th! This year's VBS is based on Joshua 1:9, "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." It reminds us that God's presence is always near no matter where the journey of life takes us. Kids will go on an exciting journey to discover new places, new friends, and new ways that we can discover God's goodness and presence everywhere. Open to rising Pre-K to rising 5th grade. Rising 6th grade and up are invited to serve as youth leaders. The cost is $85 with optional aftercare until 3:30 for an additional $85
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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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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