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Good afternoon friends,
As we shared at the Annual Meeting in January, we are in the process of upgrading our database. I’m so grateful especially to Caroline, Camille, and Renee who have been working diligently to get all our information transferred and updated. We have increased Renee’s hours to include oversight of Membership as she previously used this database called Realm at a previous church. Part of the conversion means moving from our mass emailing from Mailchimp to Constant Contact. Many thanks to Emily for learning this new provider very quickly.
If you do not want to receive this weekly email, you may unsubscribe below.
Our Holy Week and Easter Good News newsletter is in the US Mail this afternoon. You may also read it online here. If you do not wish to be on our mailing list any longer, have moved, or have a new address, please email Renee directly. The directory is not online yet, but if you would like a pdf version, email Caroline directly. Stay tuned for more exciting features of our new database in the coming months. We are grateful for your patience!
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Megan's Meditation
In the chaos of teenage life, it can be easy to overlook the beauty and significance of Easter. With homework looming, colleges to hear back from, and tests to be taken, the once vibrant joy of Easter can fade into the background. Unfortunately, this sentiment doesn't improve after adolescence but stretches beyond into adulthood. The days of eager anticipation, when coloring Easter eggs in vibrant shades brought so much joy, now seem like distant memories. The Easter season no longer brings Easter baskets full of chocolate and peeps but rather cleaning the house for relatives and cooking the Easter brunch.
As I reflect on the role that Easter now plays in the lives of our young people and adults, I am reminded of a moment I witnessed a few years ago during the Easter egg hunt at Holy Innocents. A child was so overcome with eagerness to find an egg, that he dove headfirst into the bushes by the memorial garden and disappeared into a mess of twigs and leaves.
This adorable and joy-filled memory is what makes the tradition of an Easter egg hunt so important for everyone at any age. The thrill of the search for an Easter egg serves as a reminder that we must search for God in the same manner, with eagerness and enthusiasm. To experience the child-like joy of Easter, we must practice setting our distractions aside and actively seek God.
Come celebrate Easter Sunday with us and fully immerse yourself in the sacredness of this day through our cherished traditions and activities. Stay centered, keep your heart receptive, and seek the boundless love of Christ.
Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7
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Ventulett Gallery Opening: "Quietness Without Loneliness"
March 14 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Jenni Horne is a Southern painter with deep roots in the rich cultural landscape of the region. Born and raised in Alabama, Horne has always been fascinated by the natural beauty of the South, which has inspired much of the work she creates today. After completing her undergraduate studies at Auburn University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking, Horne spent over 20 years teaching public art education in Georgia. During this time, she continued to develop her skills as an artist, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. In 2021, Horne decided to pursue her passion for art, and she enrolled in the Master of Art and Design program at Kennesaw State University. Here, she honed her skills as a painter and developed her signature style of bold colors and expressive brushstrokes.
Today, Horne is a professor of painting at the University of West Georgia, where she shares her love of art with a new generation of students. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries throughout the South, and she is known for her vibrant abstract landscapes, expressive portraits and bold floral arrangements. Horne's deep roots in the South are reflected in her art, which captures the essence of the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. She currently resides in a historic home in Newnan, Georgia, with her husband, two dogs, and four cats. When her adult children come for a visit, the family gathers to celebrate their shared love of art and the Southern way of life.
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Ye Olde Hymn Sing
March 17
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with mimosas and breakfast as we sing some familiar favorites…plus some fun St. Patty’s Day surprises. Will someone unlock the alleluias? Who will play the kazoo? Join us during formation for food, merriment, and song. We have raffles, guest solos on our spin-a-wheel, and good casual singing. As you enter Inglett Hall, please sign up for one of our raffles. This is a fundraiser event benefiting the Choir/Parish Scotland trip this summer.
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Young Adults: Egg Stuffing Party
March 19 | 6:00-7:00 PM
We need you! Come hang out and help stuff eggs for Easter. We can have fun and chat and share some snacks.
Contact Emily Badacour | ebadacour@holyinnocents.org
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A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven
March 20 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Our communities will once again join together in fellowship and learning on March 20. The Reverend Dr. Bill Murray and Rabbi Brad Levenberg, Ph.D., will share evocative and provocative texts from the Christian and Jewish traditions as participants gather in small groups for discussion and fellowship. Together we will glean where our traditions overlap and where there are differences. In so doing, we will deepen our own understanding of this timely and challenging topic. Space is limited, and RSVPs are required. Though light refreshments will be served, participants should dine beforehand.
Register here.
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Sound Bath Meditation
March 21 | 6:00-8:00 PM
The Women of Holy Innocents have invited Sonia Thames from Wellness Vibe to lead a Sound Bath Meditation for our retreat. She will lead us using harmonious soothing sounds of crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, gongs, solfeggio pipes, chimes, drums, and other healing musical instruments. Dress comfortably, with leggings, sweatpants, or anything comfortable to you. Bring a yoga mat (or a towel/blanket) to lay on, and a pillow and blanket for comfort. Light nutritious refreshments will be offered beforehand.
Register here.
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Easter Flower and Music Donations
Donations in memory of or in thanksgiving for friends and loved ones will help make our worship space beautiful with an abundance of flowers. Your gifts may also provide the joyful sound of our brass ensemble as we sing our Alleluias! You may give online by filling out this form, using one of the envelopes in the pews this Sunday, or sending a check to the church office with a note in the memo line. The deadline for donations is Palm Sunday, March 24.
When donating please list how you would prefer your donation to read in the service leaflet.
Contact Renee Stephens | rstephens@holyinnocents.org or calling (404)751-2908.
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Church of the Common Ground: Sandwich Build
March 24
On Sunday, March 24, please join us in the Parish Hall after the 10:15 service to assist in assembling over 80 lunches for our unhoused community members who attend Church of the Common Ground in Woodruff Park, located in downtown Atlanta. We will make sandwiches and pack lunch bags as part of our outreach efforts. Additionally, we are invited to worship with the men and women of CCG at their 1:00 PM service in Woodruff Park. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated.
To learn more about Church of the Common Ground go to churchofthecommonground.org.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com
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Easter Egg Hunt for Solidarity Families
March 26-30
Again this year, Holy Innocents Church and School will collaborate with Solidarity Sandy Springs to provide Easter baskets for approximately 450 preschool, elementary, and middle school children served by Solidarity Pantry. We will provide them with much-needed space to collect, assemble, and distribute these Easter treats to the children.
In addition to the baskets, we will host an Easter Egg Hunt, and the festivities will include face painting, a balloon artist, a bouncy house, and a visit by the Easter Bunny! We would love for you to join us in the fun by volunteering to fill the Easter eggs, assemble the bags, or help at the hunt from March 26-30. If you want more information, click here for a list of tasks and times. We can use 10 volunteers per day to join the school, our Youth Group, and Solidarity volunteers.
Another way to participate is to donate items for the bags and a link to the Amazon site is here. The items can be delivered to Holy Innocents or you can shop and deliver items to the church, as well. Please join us in one of the happiest celebrations of the year for our neighborhood children.
Contact Jan Paul | janpaul1005@gmail.com
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Vigil of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursday, March 28, 7:00 PM - Friday, March 29,10:00 AM
"So could you not wait one hour with me?” A silent watch through the night in response to Jesus’ question to his disciples.
We invite you to come and wait and pray in the Garden with Christ, to choose a special hour to come and pray and reflect. Wait with Christ as we prepare for Good Friday. Sign up here.
The Vigil will be held in the Oratory following the 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service in Christ Chapel. Contact Craig Wilson or the Rev. Ruth Pattision with questions.
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Reading Connections
April 8
Join us for the Women's Book Club every second Monday of the month, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, in the large conference room of the church. All are welcome to attend, regardless of age or background. This month's book is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org
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Men of HI Retreat
April 19-21
Mark your calendars for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and renewal at our annual retreat, on April 19-21 at Lake Logan Episcopal Center, in Canton NC near the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will begin our time together Friday evening for dinner followed by a Saturday morning program, afternoon activities, dinner, and a bonfire Saturday night, and wrap up Sunday morning with discussion and Eucharist. Register here.
Contact John Harris | harris4338@gmail.com
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I Will with God's Help
March 3 – April 28
These are the words with which we enter the Baptismal Covenant in the Episcopal Church. Companion with our confirmation candidates for this class series. See it as a refresher course and Reaffirm your own faith when our Bishop visits on May 5th. This class will explore all the questions to which we answer, “I will with God’s help,” at Baptism, Confirmation, and every Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant.
March 24 | Nora Hattauer
“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”
March 31 | Easter breakfast and Egg Hunt
April 7 | Dave Stockert
“Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?”
April 14 | Clergy team: Show and Tell, Fashion, and Episcopal-ese
The polity and practices of the Episcopal Church
April 21 | Lin Stradley
“Do you promise to follow and obey Jesus as your Lord?”
Reading and praying from Scriptures.
April 28 | Clergy team: Sacred Time
The rhythm of prayer: The Prayer Book, Sacraments, and the Seasons
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Children’s Choir
March 24
We are so excited to be singing and leading the processional for Palm Sunday. Our awesome kids have been working hard on our Palm Sunday piece and will lead the Palm Sunday processional at the 10:15 AM service and then sing our anthem at the very beginning of the service. Kids meet in Sunday school at 8:45 AM for muffins and orange juice before we get started with a rehearsal at 9:00 AM!
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Easter Egg Hunt
March 31
Double the Easter fun awaits! Join us at 9:30 AM for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids of all ages are invited to the playground behind the Church with their baskets in hand. Each age group will have their own hunting area. After the fun, head inside for coffee and pastries while the kids open their eggs together before worship at 10:15 AM.
After worship, it’s time for our Youth Easter Egg Hunt! Calling all 6th-12th graders to the playground for an egg-citing hunt for awesome prizes like gift cards and squishes. Bags will be provided, so come ready to hunt!
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You Who Witness Luncheon
April 7
“As witnesses to this transformative moment in the lives of our young confirmands, your presence is valued and cherished. Those who register for this “You Who Witness” luncheon will be assigned a youth confirmand to “adopt” for the remainder of their confirmation process. The requirements for adopting a confirmand are very minimal but extremely beneficial. The “You Who Witness” luncheon is a unique opportunity for our church community to connect with our 17 youth confirmands, engaging in conversations about their faith and sharing their excitement about this next step in their faith. Register here.
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Youth Group: Lemonade Days
April 21
The 24th annual Lemonade Days festival will be held in Dunwoody on April 21st and will have full-scale carnival rides, fabulous food, live music, and games! Our youth group will gather after worship at 11:30 AM by the fireplace in Inglett Hall and head to the festival to enjoy a day of fun! We will be back at the church by 4:00 PM, and all students must bring cash for food and rides. Friends are welcome to join us!
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Club 45 Sundae Sunday
April 14
Ice Cream for breakfast! Calling all 4th and 5th graders to come and make an ice cream sundae on Sunday, April 14th at 9:00 AM.
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Our 6th-12th grade students will meet for youth group on Sunday, March 17th from 4:00-6:00 PM for a special St. Patty's Day party! Friends are always welcome. Please RSVP to give us a headcount for food.
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March 24 | Youth Group Restore
Our 6th-12th grade students will meet for Youth Group: Restore on Sunday, March 24. we will gather in Frost from 4:00-6:00 to practice some spiritual exercises before catching up on homework and studying. Students are invited to bring their schoolwork and use this time to recharge and get ready for the week ahead. Light dinner will be provided and friends are welcome!
Our 6th-12th grade students will meet for youth group on Sunday, April 14th from 4:00-6:00 PM. We'll enjoy music and dinner together before using small groups to discuss our topic for the evening. Friends are always welcome. Please RSVP to give us a headcount for food.
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GLOW | March 27
Join us on March 27 for a very special Holy Week GLOW. We are going to do a campus-wide scavenger hunt focusing on the meaning of Easter. Don’t miss this special time!
GLOW | May 1
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Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church | Website | |
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