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What You Need to Know!
• Lunch with the Archbishop and Ventulett Gallery Opening tomorrow!
• John Porter finishes his Adult Forum Series this Sunday at 9:00 AM: Difficult Conversations - how to talk about what matters most.
• At the 10:15 am service, we will welcome Liam Atkinson into the household of God. He is the son of our Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Family Ministries, Megan Atkinson, and her husband Jacob.
• We will also bid farewell to Dr. Sean Vogt, our Director of Music, after 6 amazing years here with our choir and musicians. We will send Sean and Amy off with cake and a toast as they drive Sunday afternoon to their new home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where Sean will become the Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
• Foyer Groups are forming for this Fall. This is a great way to meet and stay connected at HIEC. See more below.
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Lunch with the Archbishop
August 28, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
There’s still time to join us in extending some true Southern hospitality!
Tomorrow from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves of Brisbane, Australia, and his wife Josie will be our guests for a church-wide potluck luncheon. After touring the school, they’re eager to meet our community and share stories of ministry. They’ve been in New York and Washington and fly out of Atlanta early tomorrow morning.
We’ll provide the fried chicken and drinks—please bring your favorite sides, salads, casseroles, or desserts if you can. Let’s give them a warm Atlanta welcome filled with food, fellowship, and connection.
👉 RSVP by emailing Melody McNeil now!
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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
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Youth Ministry: Expanding the Circle
Megan Atkinson
One of the greatest joys of my ministry at HIEC has been walking alongside our youth and witnessing their faith, questions, and joy in community. Whether in study, service, or fellowship, I see God at work in their lives.
I’m excited to share that, in addition to serving our youth here at HIEC, I’ve been invited to also walk with the youth of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This new partnership is not about dividing energy but multiplying opportunity—creating retreats, gatherings, and shared experiences that will build friendships and strengthen faith across our congregations.
The Body of Christ is bigger than any one parish, and together we’ll discover the richness of God’s love expressed in different traditions. I’m eager to see how God will use this season to grow our teens in wisdom, courage, and compassion.
As always, youth ministry is a shared effort, rooted in prayer and supported by caring adults. If you’d like to get involved—through events, meals, or simply showing up—I’d love to hear from you. Your prayers and presence matter more than you know.
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Bucket List Book Club
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
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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!
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Join the Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a ministry–a gift of time and talent to serve God–by committing to help others with setting up, attending, and cleaning up after Sunday services.
Serving on an Altar Guild Team is about an hour commitment one Saturday each month and 30 minutes before or following a Sunday Service; YOU can pick the service that's most convenient for you.
"How To" manuals are on hand in each Sacristy with specific directions so you and your teammates that week have the "blueprint" for each service.
We try to have social gatherings throughout the year to foster community and fellowship with all the altar guild members. If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Kimball 404-290-4924 or Debbie Vaky 678-642-8248
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Youth Group: AG Rhodes
September 7, 1:15-4:30 PM
Students in grades 6–12 are invited to join us on September 7 from 1:15-4:30 PM for a special youth group outing to AG Rhodes Nursing Home, where we’ll host a fun event for the residents. This is a great chance to give back, earn service hours, and make meaningful connections. Transportation is provided—just be sure to RSVP to save your spot on the bus!
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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.
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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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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!
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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Realm Access
Realm is our database system, which allows us to send emails, mailings, schedule events, and all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. The neat thing about it for you is that you are able to connect to your record in the system and have instant access to the directory, track your online giving, register for events, and more. To connect to your account:
- Click on the link in your invitation email that you received this morning
- Create your password and remember it
- Use your email address and password to log in through a browser or the Connect app
Connect app for iPhone: click here.
Connect app for Android: click here.
Once you have your account access, check to see if all of your contact information is up-to-date and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Reach out to Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org if you need any assistance.
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 404-255-4023 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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