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In Sure and Certain Hope
Adult Forum Series | Sundays at 9:00 AM | Inglett Hall
Join us for a formation series exploring faithful end-of-life planning:
- May 25 – The Meaning of a Christian Funeral
The Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long will present a video session examining the historical development and theological significance of Christian funerals, drawing insights from his book The Good Funeral.
- June 1 – Planning Your Own Service
The Rev. Stewart Lucas will lead a reflective session on planning your own funeral service, utilizing Holy Innocents’ updated Funeral Planning Booklet to select scriptures, hymns, and prayers that reflect your faith journey.
This series is designed to provide peace of mind and spiritual grounding as we consider our legacies and the hope of resurrection.
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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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Holy Play
The Rev. Ruth Pattison
We used to knock on a friend’s door and when the grown up in the house answered, we would ask such a question as: “Can Julie come out to play?”
Would that we were still so well versed as to invite others to play.
Plain and simple like that. Just. Play.
Apparently, there’s a universal sign in dog language, that when he goes down low to the ground with the front half of his torso, with front legs splayed flat on the ground, it means he wants to play, (even if his intense barking sounds like he’s not). I’ve learned that. From our very smart dog, Roscoe. How is it that other dogs, cats, and humans can all understand this, this invitation to play?
It is spiritual practice to initiate play, or to respond to play. Our very own beloved Holy Spirit is the God-person who invites us to come out and play. Pentecost is the day we celebrate that reality together, (June 8 this year), but every day, every single day, the Holy Spirit wants you to come out and play.
Many churches give it a go on Pentecost with balloons and kites and bubble blowing because at the start of a very looooong season, we want to get it right: our worship is actually Holy Play.
Think of it: We change the sound of our voices and sing. We tell stories. We recite poetry. We invoke the Holy spirit to change bread and wine into God’s body. We swirl the water in the font and splash for water play because the stories of God can take us in and heal us and give us new stories to tell. And we laugh. And we light candles. We go silent like a game of hide and seek and listen to breathing and heartbeat. We recite things in unison and become one. We toss puzzling mysteries like “Hot Potato”. We line up and march around like it’s a parade but call it a procession and it is all so very Holy. And all so very playful.
One of my most favored scriptures is Proverbs 8. It’s a passage where the Holy Spirit is relishing in the creation events, and self-reflects about play and delight in you:
“. . . When he had not yet made the earth and the rivers, and the dust of the world, I was there. When he made ready the heavens, I was with him. When he compassed the sea with its boundaries, I was there. I was making all things with him. And I delighted by. . . and played before him in all time, and I played in the world; and my delight is to be with the song and daughters of men.” [Wycliffe Bible]
The Holy Spirit is always knocking at your door, to ask such a question as: “can you come out to play?”
In all Holy delight,
Ruth+
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Meet Lizzie Singleton, Children's Ministry Intern
We are thrilled to welcome Lizzie Singleton as our new Children’s Ministry Intern! Lizzie will be joining us for the summer before heading to the University of South Carolina this fall, where she plans to major in Exercise Science. Lizzie brings a deep love for ministry and a joyful energy to her work with children. She has served as Co-Chair of the Episcopal Youth Commission for the Diocese of Atlanta, participated on teams for Happening and New Beginnings, and been a Youth Delegate to Annual Council.
For the past three years, Lizzie has also worked as a counselor at Camp Mikell, where she helped create a fun, faith-filled environment for kids of all ages. In her free time, Lizzie loves to dance, read, and try new things. One of her favorite Bible teachings is the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, gently guiding and caring for us, a truth she is passionate about sharing with the children in our church. We’re so excited to have Lizzie on our team this summer and look forward to seeing how God will use Lizzie’s many gifts to inspire our children and families here at Holy Innocents’!
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Meet Kelsey Andries, Children’s Ministry Fall Intern
We’re excited to welcome Kelsey Andries as our Children’s Ministry Intern beginning this August! Originally from Conyers, Georgia, Kelsey is currently a student at Kennesaw State University, where she’s double-majoring in Journalism and Environmental Studies. Her passion for both storytelling and the outdoors shines through in everything she does. Kelsey brings incredible energy, creativity, and heart to her work with children. This summer she is serving as a Clover Leaf Adventure Program Counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, where she is leading high ropes and zip line courses which is an experience that deepens her love for camp life, leadership, and helping young people grow in confidence and courage.
Kelsey is also deeply involved in youth ministry through the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, where she has served in a variety of impactful leadership roles. She was a member of the Episcopal Youth Commission, led the Annual Council Service Project Committee, and helped guide the DYC Winter Camp weekend. She has served on the Happening Team for over two years and was honored to be the Rector for Happening 79. Additionally, she has contributed her gifts on the New Beginnings Team, further shaping the spiritual journeys of younger students.
Outside of school and ministry, Kelsey enjoys performing in theater productions, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time at camp, places where her joy and creativity come alive. Her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” reminds her daily of the strength and grace that comes from walking with Jesus.
We’re so glad to have Kelsey on our team this fall and can’t wait to see how God uses her gifts in ministry with our children and families!
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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!
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HIYA: Health & Wholeness Bible Study | Sundays in June, 11:30 AM
This June, we’re creating space for honest conversation and deep reflection as we gather for a Bible study series rooted in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. Each week, we’ll explore how trauma shapes the body, mind, and soul—and how Scripture invites us into healing, restoration, and peace.
Whether you’re carrying old wounds, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and emotional health, you are welcome. We’ll read, reflect, and process together in a space that’s safe, grace-filled, and grounded in truth. Bring your book, your questions, and an open heart.
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Dementia & Caregiving:
An Evening with Nancy Kriseman
June 2, 5:00-7:00 PM
Noted author and geriatric consultant Nancy Kriseman, LCSW, will be with us to discuss her book, Meaningful Connections: Positive Ways to Be Together When a Loved One Has Dementia, on Monday evening, June 2nd, from 5:00-7:00 PM. We will gather with snacks and beverages in the Narthex, and our speaker will begin at 5:30 PM. Our lay pastoral care team, The Community of Hope, is hosting this event and invites anyone in the parish and friends you might like to bring along. Please RSVP on Realm.
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Bucketlist Book Club
June 3, 1:00 PM
The next meeting is Tuesday, June 3, at 1:00 PM in the Parlor. The reading is One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This book club is open to men and women.
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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WOHI: Mahjong Night
June 6, 6:30-9:00 PM
It’s game night! Mahjong is a tile trading game akin to Rummy or Bridge that’s having a revival in Atlanta. Come learn to play mahjong Friday, June 6th. No experience needed - beginners will learn from Casey Freedman, an experienced mahjong instructor. If you already know mahjong (even if you’re a beginner), join us to play a few games.
Cost is $65 for the lesson with Casey and your own Mahjong card. Free for experienced players.
Please note in your rsvp whether you are signing up to learn or to play, and whether you’ll bring your own tiles and mahjong card (for players). Snacks will be provided; please bring your own beverage of choice.
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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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Pentecost & Parish Picnic
June 8, 10:15 AM
Join us for a vibrant Pentecost service where we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Wear your favorite red attire! After the service, join us for a parish picnic. We’ll provide BBQ & hot dogs. Those with last names beginning with A-L bring desserts, and last names beginning with M-Z are invited to bring sides and salads.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
June 20
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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Men's Dinner and a Book
July 8, 6:30-9:00 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 pm and the book is The Spy and The Traitor by Ben Macintyre. Joe Nuzzaco 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.
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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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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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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.
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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
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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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