What You Need to Know!

• John Porter continues his Adult Forum Series this Sunday at 9:00 AM: Difficult Conversations - how to talk about what matters most. And why that is important. This Sunday, the Ushers will be providing Breakfast!

• Say Thank You to Valerie Elliott for 40 years of nursery ministry! Give to Valerie’s Retirement Gift Here.

• Scroll down and make sure to put our next Ventulett Gallery Opening on your calendar for August 28.



• Foyer Groups are forming for this Fall. This is a great way to meet and stay connected at HIEC. See more below.

Celebrating 40 Years of Grace and Care

The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray

I remember one of my first days here at the church seven years ago. Abe was really too old for it. He was in first grade and entering a new place and a new school, so he wanted to go to the nursery. Valerie was there to greet him and all of us. Regardless of our age or disposition, she was going to greet us with a smile, embrace us, and make sure all was well. I am sure she was doing the same things 40 years ago and has continued most every day since.

Folks talk about Paul's gifts of the spirit and what each person has. Folks like to focus on speaking in tongues or preaching and testifying or teaching or even discernment. Paul never named a deep and loving hospitality as a gift of the spirit. I would argue any day of the week that he missed that one to all of our poverty. I would argue with you because we all need folks like Valerie in our lives and certainly in the lives of our children.

For all these years, she has been that loving, soothing, caring embrace to our children and grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Valerie has been the person who knows names and connections but is always more concerned with making sure that all is well. We will all miss her and those gifts of inclusive, loving hospitality that she has long shared with us.

Please join us this Sunday as we celebrate her many years of service. And even more, let us share some of that love with her that has made such a difference in the lives of our families and children

Bill+

Celebrating Valerie Elliott

After 40 years of faithful service, Valerie Elliott is retiring from her role as beloved nursery caregiver at Holy Innocents. Join us this Sunday, August 24, at the 10:15 service as we honor her lifelong ministry. Valerie has lovingly cared for generations of children, supported families, and nurtured our youngest members with grace and devotion. Let’s come together to celebrate her legacy and send her into retirement with our heartfelt thanks. Cake reception to follow the 10:15 service.

Lunch with the Archbishop

August 28, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

We have a special opportunity next week to extend some true Southern hospitality!

On Thursday, August 28, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves of Brisbane, Australia, and his wife will be joining us for a church-wide potluck luncheon here at Holy Innocents. They are here in the U.S. for several weeks and will be touring the school in the morning. We have offered to break bread with them and learn more about their ministries. He wrote in a email to me, "We are excited to meet with as many people as possible - I am keen to learn and to share stories."

What better way to welcome our guests than with fried chicken, salads, casseroles, deviled eggs, and a spread of desserts only the South can provide? We’ll gather after their morning at the school for food, fellowship, and a warm Atlanta welcome. We’ll provide the chicken and drinks! Please click on the link below to RSVP and let us know what you can bring. Or just email Melody directly mmcneil@holyinnocents.org.

Thursday, August 28 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM in Inglett Hall

Let’s show Archbishop and his wife Josie that when it comes to community, connection, and good eating, Holy Innocents does it best!

Gallery Opening: Woven Paths

August 28, 6:00-7:30 PM

The Ventulett Gallery invites you to Woven Paths, a dual-artist showcase featuring Jennifer Ferris and Janine McKenney. Jennifer and Janine follow their creative instincts, one through bold abstraction, the other through soft impressionism. Their works weave together at the intersection of color, emotion, and storytelling, creating a layered exhibition that invites viewers to explore both harmony and contrast.

Opening Reception: August 28 | Exhibit Dates: Through October 13

Bucketlist Bookclub

September 2, 1:00 PM

The next meeting of the book club will be on Tuesday, September 2, at 1:00 PM. The book we’ll be discussing is Geronimo by Geronimo as dictated to S.M. Barrett. The club is open to men and women.

Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com

Prayer Shawl

September 2, 7:00-8:30 PM

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather in the Parlor on Tuesday, September 2, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. All are welcome! We would love to have you join us this fall. We knit and crochet prayer shawls that church staff deliver to those who are ill or grieving, but 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

Women of HI: Mahjong

September 5, 6:30-9:00 PM

Join Women of Holy Innocents for an evening of laughter, light snacks, and lively games at our Mahjong Night! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the tiles, all are welcome for this special time of community and connection. You don’t need to be an experienced player to attend, but you should know the basics of how to play. This is not a learning session. 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.

Reading Connections

September 8, 6:00 PM

The Women's Reading Connections will meet on Monday, September 8, at 6:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Room C. This month's book is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. 



Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com

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

Third Friday: Men of HI

September 19, 7:30 AM

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

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

Foyers

September 21

Want to make new friends or renew acquaintances? Sign up for Foyers on the sign-up sheet at the table in Bishop's Common. The purpose of Foyers is to get to know fellow parishioners in a small group setting (which is usually a simple dinner). After the sign-up period is complete (September 21st), groups of between 6 and 8 will be formed. Each group will have a starting host couple (or two singles) who will host the first dinner based on the availability of everyone in their group. At each get-together, plans for who will host the next are made and a date set. Everyone in the group is expected to host one dinner during the year. Since the fall is such a busy time, most groups won’t have their first get-together until the new year. Historically, Foyers met on Sunday evenings, but each group can determine the best time for their dinners (or lunches). A Foyers brochure with complete details is available at the table next to the sign-up sheets.  



Contact Phyllis Weisser | pcweisser@yahoo.com

FOMA Concert: Early Bird

October 5, 4:30 PM

EarlyBird returns to Holy Innocents’ Friends of Music series with Silk & Sequins, an hour-long concert where sacred light meets sequined shimmer. Join us on Sunday, October 5, at 4:30 PM in the chapel for a radiant journey of sound, featuring six local professional singers.

From the brilliance of Monteverdi and Lassus to the delicate colors of Takemitsu and Izawa, and the lush lyricism of Finzi and Stanford, the program traverses centuries and cultures. Four evocative sets — Thrones in the Spotlight, Brush Strokes, Petals and Sky, and The Gilded Stage — weave together Renaissance splendor, Japanese-inspired delicacy, English romanticism, and contemporary anthems of love, identity, and resilience. At once intimate and celebratory, Silk & Sequins invites us to see our true colors and embrace the glittering fullness of self.

Save the Date: The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus returns December 14, 4:00 PM

Parish Retreat

February 13-15, 2026

Mark your calendars for a special weekend of connection, belonging, and spiritual growth at beautiful Kanuga Conference Center! Our parish retreat is a time for all ages to come together, children, youth, and adults, for meaningful activities, worship, and shared experiences. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection or lively conversation, you'll find space for both.

What to Expect:

• Engaging programs for kids, teens, and adults
• Campfires, music, and a classic s’mores sing-along
• Plenty of free time to rest, explore, and reconnect with nature
• Opportunities to deepen your faith and friendships

Come away with us to Kanuga and return refreshed in spirit and community. We can’t wait to be with you!

Kanuga Conference Center | February 13–15, 2026

More details and registration info coming soon!

Youth Group

August 24, 4:00-6:00 PM

All 6th-12th graders are invited to join us on Sunday, August 24th, from 4:00-6:00 PM for youth group. We will be exploring: “If Jesus was serious… then we will not cultivate anger.” Through Scripture and conversation, we’ll discover how to process our emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way.

We’ll have three interactive stations to help us do just that: cold water reset, splatter paint expression, and gentle yoga & breathing

Dinner is provided, and friends are welcome—just make sure to RSVP so we have enough food and supplies! You don’t want to miss it!

GLOW | September 10

Family Dinner at 5:30 PM, Program from 6:00-7:00 PM

Kick off the new year with GLOW a fun, faith-filled evening for kids in PreK–5th grade! We’ll slow things down and help kids reconnect with God through simple, meaningful spiritual practices they’ll explore (and take home a hands-on reminder they make themselves!)



This year, we’re adding a family dinner at 5:30 PM, so come hungry for food, fun, and faith.

Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids dive into the evening's activities.

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. 

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: 

Dollywood

November 7-9

Students in grades 6-12 are invited for a weekend of fun and fellowship at Dollywood on November 7-9! We’ll stay in a mountain cabin, enjoy the park, and connect over meals, games, and laughter.

This trip is all about building lasting friendships that help students stay engaged in church life. Spots are limited so sign up fast!