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This Sunday at Holy Innocents’
The Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor, Head Chaplain at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, will be our guest preacher at the 8:00 and 10:15 AM services. Stefanie and the school chaplains have been busy planning another rich year of worship and learning. And mark your calendars—our newly ordained Lower School Chaplain, the Rev. Trey Davis (who’s also been helping lead our 6:00 PM Celtic service), will preach on Sunday, July 27.
The Men of HI are bringing donuts, and Dave Stockert will lead our Adult Forum: Life After Death: Jesus, Judaism, and Justice. Together, we’ll hear from Jewish New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she explores Jesus’ words in John 14:6 from an interfaith perspective.
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 donations needed! We’re collecting non-perishables for the Community Assistance Center and Solidarity Sandy Springs. Cheerios, granola, peanut butter, pasta, and canned goods are all especially welcome.
Ruth continues to be deeply grateful for your prayers, cards, and meals. We give thanks for her excellent pathology report. She’ll begin radiation later this summer—please keep her in your prayers, along with all those suffering in Texas.
Whether I see you Sunday or you’re traveling, know you are in our prayers.
Peace,
Stewart+
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Welcoming College Students Home to HI
Megan Atkinson
There’s something profoundly joyful about seeing college students return home, not just to rest or reconnect with family, but to walk once again through the doors of their home church. These moments remind us that the seeds of faith planted in childhood and adolescence continue to grow, even when our young people are far from home.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Holy Innocents’ had the great joy of welcoming back two of our own: Kat Euston and Jackson Kelly. Not only did they return, they returned to serve. On Sunday morning, Kat and Jackson led Children’s Chapel, offering their presence, faith, and leadership to the youngest members of our church family. These two young adults, who once sat in those same pews as children, now stood before our children as role models, guiding them in faith.
It takes a truly special kind of church to cultivate this kind of connection, one where students don’t just feel like they belonged to the youth group, but to the entire church. It is the consistent care of a whole community, the clergy who greet them by name, the adults who offer kind words, the choir members who encourage them, the parishioners who pray for them, that helps build a lasting sense of belonging. When young people know they are truly seen and valued, they carry that love with them. And often, they bring it back home.
As Paul writes to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Kat and Jackson are living examples of this call. Their return was more than a visit. It was a witness to the power of a church community that lifts up its young people and reminds them they are an integral part of something sacred and enduring.
We are incredibly proud of Kat and Jackson and deeply grateful to be a church that continues to welcome students back with open arms, not just for the holidays, but for moments of real ministry. May we always strive to be a place where people of every age find space to belong, to grow, and to serve.
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Ruminations for Ruth
As Ruth has scribed her ruminations to us, let us return our ruminations to her, sending our love, prayers & well wishes for the journey ahead. A table is set up in the Commons with cards and a few craft items for you to use as you wish. Additionally, Ruth often walked our labyrinth; walk and join in this prayerful journey with her. Feel free to write and share the thoughts and prayers that come to you. You'll find paper and pens in the center that can be added to the messages at the table. Someone from the office will deliver them to Ruth. Let us all come together and surround her with our love and support!
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Pilgrimage to Germany
From Reformation Roots to Musical Heights
A Pilgrimage of Faith and Witness
with Luther, Bach, and Bonhoeffer
April 8-16, 2026
Join 20 pilgrims from Holy Innocents and 20 from Holy Trinity Lutheran (Hickory, NC) for a joint pilgrimage through Germany, co-led by Vicar Stewart Lucas and Lutheran Deacon Mitzi Budde. We’ll follow in the footsteps of Luther, Bach, and Bonhoeffer, traveling from the printing presses of Mainz to the music halls of Leipzig and the memorials of Berlin, reflecting on faith, justice, creativity, and community.
This Episcopal-Lutheran journey will deepen our connection to God and one another through worship, shared meals, and meaningful conversation. An optional Prague extension is available from April 16 to 19.
Registration for 20 Holy Innocents pilgrims opens at noon on June 25 (first come, first served).
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Summer Adult Forum Series | Sundays at 9:00 AM | Inglett Hall
July 13: Dave Stockert: Life After Death: Jesus, Judaism, and Justice.
July 20: Matt and Lindsey Parrish lead the conversation
July 27: Maggie Menkus: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts and Servant Leadership
Aug. 3: Realm 101
Aug. 10: Stay tuned… Blessing of Backpacks Sunday. Choir Returns
Aug. 17: Bill returns and shares about his sabbatical. Sunday School for all ages begins.
¿Habla español?
If you speak Spanish, even just a little, please email Stewart! We’re putting together a list of folks who might be willing to support our ongoing collaboration with the 1:00 PM Our Lady of Guadalupe community. Your language skills could make a big difference!
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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Backpack Drives for CAC and Solidarity Sandy Springs
Community Assistance Center (CAC)
CAC is working to provide 1,000 students with backpacks and essential school supplies. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate Supplies or Backpacks
- Drop them off at CAC by July 7 or 8 so volunteers can begin packing.
Volunteer Your Time
- Pack backpacks beginning the week of July 7
- Distribute backpacks to families on July 18–19 at:
- CAC Main Office
- CAC South Sandy Springs Pantry
- CAC Dunwoody Pantry
Solidarity Sandy Springs
Solidarity Sandy Springs is also collecting new backpacks and school supplies for local students. Their deadline is July 15. Click here for the Amazon Wishlist. Prefer to give online? Donate here.
Drop-off Location: Solidarity Sandy Springs Food Pantry
5920 Roswell Road, Suite A-103, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Questions? Email: solidaritysupplydrive@gmail.com
Every backpack packed is a child empowered. Let’s come together to make this school year brighter for families in need!
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Habitat for Humanity Build
June 7-August 2, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Holy Innocents’ is once again joining forces with seven other Atlanta-area churches to sponsor Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s Summer Faith Build! This year’s build days are Saturdays—June 7, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2—from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. All adult parishioners and teens 16+ are invited to serve (no skills required!) as we help an Atlanta family achieve affordable homeownership. Holy Innocents’ has 6 volunteer spots on June 7 and 4 on each following Saturday. Volunteers must register individually online; registration closes at 7:30 AM the Thursday before each build day. Youth volunteers (ages 16–17) must bring a printed waiver signed by a parent or guardian. If all slots are full when you register, you’ll be added to a waitlist and notified if a spot opens. Visit our website for full details and to sign up!
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Women of HI: Mahjong Night
July 10, 6:30-9:30 PM
It’s game night! Mahjong is having a revival in Atlanta, and we’re getting together to play! You don’t need to be an experienced player to attend, but you should know the basics of how to play. Please note in your RSVP whether you’ll bring your own tiles and if you have a 2025 Mahjong card. Snacks will be provided; please bring your own beverage of choice. If you want to learn how to play, please text Sunni Newton at 770-826-6263. If there is enough interest, we will be able to form a learning group. (Please note there is a charge for lessons).
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Reading Connections
July 14, 6:00 PM
The Women's Reading Connections will meet on Monday, July 14, at 6:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Room C. This month, we are reading The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. The novel is set in the 1960s in Maine. A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a tragic mystery that haunts the survivors, unravels a community, and remains unsolved for nearly fifty years. All are welcome!
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
July 18
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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Church of the Common Ground
July 20
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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HIYA: Glow & Grow Garden Party
July 20, 6:00-8:00 PM
The Young Adults (20-30s) are invited to an evening outdoors at our Glow & Grow Garden Party! This will be a peaceful summer gathering with refreshing iced tea and hands-on terrarium stations where you can craft a miniature garden to take home. Whether you come with friends or solo, it’s a chance to slow down, connect, and create something beautiful. Come as you are. Leave with something living.
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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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The Community of Hope will be offering a regional zoom training beginning Sunday, August 3rd. Community of Hope is an international organization, based on Benedictine spirituality, which equips people to participate in pastoral care.
Through ongoing spiritual formation and practical lessons on caregiving, members learn to align theological insights and spiritual practices with their experiences of ministering to others and giving spiritual care.
Pastoral care is when a person is being “present” in a listening, compassionate, non-controlling manner for the purpose of responding to their spiritual needs.
Training sessions will take place weekly on Sunday afternoons for 12 weeks, with an additional Saturday session.
For those who have completed training and decide to move forward in the parish with pastoral care ministry, we gather monthly as the Circle of Care on Monday nights for worship, continuing education, and spiritual support.
Please contact Karen Calhoun (kncalhoun@yahoo.com) or Craig Wilson (crwilson01@gmail.com) if you are interested in understanding more about the group; contact Ruth Pattison (rpattison@holyinnocents.org) if you would like to discuss the discernment process for participation in the upcoming training.
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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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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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Meetup with Megan
Rising 6th–12th graders, you're officially invited to grab coffee or lunch with Ms. Megan this summer! Whether you're in the mood for an iced latte or a midday bite, she is looking forward to catching up with each of you.
Choose a time that works best for you using the link below, and come hang out!
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Unknown Donations
We’ve received unidentified donations from Fidelity Brokerage Services. If you have any information regarding these gifts or believe they may be connected to your efforts, please reach out directly to Caroline (cfleming@holyinnocents.org) for
further coordination.
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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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