|
Come See What’s Next!
This Sunday, join us for a special presentation at 9:00 AM in Inglett Hall.
Our architects will share initial sketches and ideas for our campus master plan. Your thoughtful feedback and creative hopes have been invaluable as we imagine how our buildings and grounds can better support the growth of our ministries and welcome more people into our community of faith. Come see what’s possible – and help us dream even bigger!
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." - Psalm 127:1
We’ll also have a Music-Themed light breakfast and coffee as we send our Director of Music off on his sabbatical.
| | |
Young, Faithful, and Fearless:
Celebrating Youth Sunday
Megan Atkinson, Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministries
This Sunday, we invite you to join us for Youth Sunday, a special day dedicated to honoring and celebrating our incredible students in grades 6–12, especially our graduating seniors. Throughout this school year, our youth have shown tremendous growth, spirit, and dedication to both their faith and their community. They've studied the major prophets of the Bible, served at AG Rhodes Nursing Home, played with shelter dogs at Furkids, hosted the Blessing of the Animals, and even braved the roller coasters at Dollywood. It’s been a joyful, impactful year filled with faith, service, and fun.
Youth Sunday is a meaningful reminder that our students are not just the future of the church – they are a vital part of the church right now. They lead, they serve, and they inspire. Scripture reminds us of the value and importance of young people in the life of faith: “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. This verse speaks directly to the heart of what we witness in our students; they are already setting an example for us all.
To mark this special occasion, we are thrilled to welcome guest preacher Lillian Thomas, who will bring the message at both the 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM services.
Come celebrate all that our youth have accomplished this year. Your presence affirms their place in our church family and reminds them just how deeply they are loved, supported, and called to lead in our shared life of faith.
| | |
Reminder: Bill’s Sabbatical Begins Soon
Don’t forget to check out the Good News newsletter for reflections and updates on Bill’s upcoming sabbatical. We hope you’ll join us for a special Send-Off Brunch during formation hour at 9:00 AM on Sunday, May 11, as we bless Bill and his family for this time of rest and renewal. Bill will also share a few thoughts on the biblical roots of sabbath—reminding us all to seek healthier rhythms of rest in a world that rarely slows down.
|
| |
CAC Lenten Food Drive Makes an Enormous Impact!
Parishioners’ generosity to CAC was a pure act of love and made a huge impact by providing monetary and food donations for the families they serve! Thank you to all our parishioners who participated and gave so generously! Our goal was to raise one ton of food. In summary, here is what we provided:
- 2,946 pounds of food collected at HIEC and delivered to the Pantry.
- 1,196 pounds donated through CAC Mindful Giving platform valued at $1,076.79.
- 4,192 total pounds of food which is more than twice our goal!
- Additionally, $11,310 in donations were paid to HIEC; checks for these funds sent to CAC.
- This equates to an estimated additional 6,318 pounds of food per Feeding America.
In total, our parishioners donated an estimated equivalent of more than 10,510 pounds of food, which is an astounding five tons of food—five times our goal!
CAC sends this note of appreciation to HIEC:
“Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase a wide variety of essential non-perishable food items to help nourish many families in our community. Thank you so much for your continued support and for being part of this network of care and hope!”
| | | |
Support VBS – Donate or Volunteer!
Vacation Bible School is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a fun, faith-filled experience for our kids! You can support VBS by donating supplies through our Amazon Wishlist or by volunteering your time. We’re especially looking for helpers to set up themed rooms, serve as the VBS nurse, guide kids as they move between stations, help with cleanup after the fun, or bring a baked treat to keep our volunteers energized and appreciated.
Every gift and helping hand makes a big difference—thank you for being part of it!
| |
Women of HI: Mahjong Game Night
May 2, 6:30-9:00 PM
The tiles are clicking, the tables are set – it's time for Mahjong!
Our Learn to Play track with Casey Freedman is now full.
If you already know the basics, even just a little, we’d love for you to join us for a night of friendly games and fun.
Experienced players, please register – it’s free! We still need a headcount, so whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, RSVP is required.
Bring your mahjong card and tiles if you have them, and please let us know:
- If you have a four-person card table we can borrow
- If you’re coming to play (not learn)
- If you're bringing your own tiles and/or mahjong card
Snacks will be provided. Bring your own wine or beer.
| | | | | | |
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.
| | | | |
Bucket List Book Club
May 6, 1:00 PM
This reading club for women and men focuses on timeless classics and modern masterpieces written by authors whose novels, stories, and plays have influenced literature, art, and culture. Even if you do not have your own bucket list of must read literature, if you are classics curious, please join us on the first Tuesday of the month at 1:00 PM in the small conference room. The next meeting is May 6, and we are discussing Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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.
| | | |
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.
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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.
| | | | |
GLOW
May 7, 6:00 PM
Let’s GLOW for Easter! Join us next Wednesday, May 7th for Wednesday Night GLOW where we will be making Resurrections Rolls- a sweet (and tasty!) reminder of the Easter story and play some fun games to keep everyone laughing and moving. This is our last meeting before summer break so mark your calendars and join us for this special time.
| | | | |
Children's Choir
May 11, 9:30 AM
We are so excited to be singing on May 11 in honor of Mother’s Day. Kids will start rehearsal at 9:30, immediately following a shortened Sunday School. Children’s Choir will sing for the congregation at the 10:15 service following that morning’s Children’s Chapel. All are welcome!
Contact Renee Stephens | rstephens@holyinnocents.org
| | | | |
Club 45: Sundae Sunday
May 11, 9:00 AM
Calling all 4th & 5th graders, get ready for a sweet start to your day with our Sundae Sunday Ice Cream Party! Join us on Sunday, May 11 at 9:00 AM for a morning full of fun, friends, and build-your-own ice cream sundaes! Join us for lots of toppings, games, and cool treats made just for you. Come hungry and ready to chill!
| | | | |
End of the Year Sunday School Celebration
May 18, 9:00 AM
Join us on Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 AM for a fun-filled morning as we wrap up an amazing year in Sunday School! Kids will make their own tasty Bunny Bait snack mix, play some exciting games, and celebrate all the fun we've had this year. We'll also take a special moment to honor our graduating 5th graders as they prepare to move up to youth group—and every child will go home with a special gift to remember the day! All kids PreK-5th grade are welcome!
| | | | |
VBS Decorating Party
May 29, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
We need your hands to help prep for VBS. In just a few short weeks we will welcome 100 kids for an entire week of crafts, science experiments, music, games, and other activities. Help us prepare our space and supplies for this exciting ministry. Pizza provided! May 29, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
| | |
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
| | Click here to watch last Sunday's service! | | |
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
| | |
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.
| | | | |
