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Vicar's View
What Do You Believe?
That’s a hard question, no matter your age. The older I get, the less sure I am of anything. It’s harder and harder to watch the news because I don’t know what’s true and what’s been created. I don’t know how the world began. I don’t know what happens after we die. And yet, I believe.
I believe we were created out of love. I believe we are loved beyond measure, just because. I believe there is something indescribable that moves within and around us, guiding us through this world of toils and snares (from Just a Closer Walk with Thee, which we’ll sing Sunday).
I believe because others have shown me that believing makes a difference. Believing makes me kind and generous, grateful and joyful. Believing gives me strength when I do not know the answers.
This Sunday, we begin a study of the Nicene Creed with Dr. Gabrielle Thomas—an Anglican priest, professor, expert in Early Christian and Anglican history, and what our own Rosalyn Devine calls “the Mary Poppins of theological education!”
Rosalyn writes: “Beyond her impressive academic credentials, she is an extraordinary teacher. Having had the privilege of learning from her in two of her courses at the Candler School of Theology at Emory, I can say with confidence that Dr. Thomas brings a rare combination of depth, clarity, and approachability to her teaching. She has a gift for illuminating complex theological ideas in ways that are both intellectually engaging and spiritually enriching.
‘As a fellow educator of young children, I’ve collected my fair share of ‘Best Teacher Ever’ mugs, plaques, and glitter-covered crafts. But if I could, I’d hand them all over to Dr. Thomas — she’s that good. So, bring your curiosity, bring your questions, and bring a friend. It’s not just a class — it’s a chance to grow in faith with one of the finest teachers around.”
I look forward to learning together over the next three Sundays with Dr. Thomas.
Stewart+
P.S., we will have breakfast this Sunday, hosted by the Covenant Group.
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Together. For Good.
by Nora Hattauer
This is the first weekly meditation as our stewardship season begins at Holy Innocents.
Some mornings, I’m blessed with time to drive my daughter Elly to middle school instead of sending her off on the bus. The carpool lane may be long and slow, but we cherish that time—mostly because it’s our chance to belt out Broadway ballads with abandon. Our playlist rotates, but our showstopper is always “For Good” from Wicked.
It’s the perfect duet for us. And while I may be biased, I’d say our carpool karaoke rivals Kristin and Idina. Singing together, our voices blend in a way that connects us deeply—creating a “core memory” I know we’ll carry with us through the day and into the years ahead.
But it’s not just the melody—it’s the message. “So much of me is made of what I learned from you, and you’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart.” The song isn’t written as a prayer from a mother to her daughter, but it might as well be.
That line speaks to the heart of our stewardship theme this year: Together. For Good. It reminds me that we are shaped by those we walk alongside. We grow through our relationships, through the love and support of our community.
Elly and her brother Bobby have grown up in this Holy Innocents’ community—baptized at the Easter Vigil, portraying Mary and Joseph in the Christmas Pageant, and serving as readers in worship. I see them stretch outside their comfort zones: carrying an unwieldy banner as acolytes, introducing themselves to new friends, singing solos on quiet summer Sundays. These moments are more than milestones—they’re signs of a community that knows them, loves them, and encourages them to grow.
And the beauty is that the growth goes both ways. When Bobby and Elly share their gifts with our church, they bless us. Their presence, their voices, their courage—they help shape our community for good.
We all have gifts to share. And when we do, we deepen our connections and strengthen the foundation of love and faith that holds us together. That’s what stewardship is about—not just sustaining our church, but nurturing the relationships that make it a place where we are truly Together. For Good.
I invite you to reflect on the gifts you’ve received from our community—and the gifts you can share in return. Whether through time, talent, or treasure, your participation helps shape Holy Innocents’ into a place where love, faith, and connection flourish. Let’s grow together, give together, and be together—for good.
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CAC: Broadway Lights Gala
September 20, 6:00-10:00 PM
Step into the spotlight! Join our congregational partner, Community Assistance Center, for a dazzling evening under the Broadway lights at their annual benefit gala. Enjoy a seated three-course dinner, drinks, live entertainment by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory, and exciting silent and live auctions — all in support of CAC’s mission to help local families stay housed, fed, and financially stable.
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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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Young Adults: Puttshack
September 21
Join other 20s & 30s somethings for an afternoon of fun at Puttshack! After worship, we’ll head over together, carpooling from the church or meeting there at noon. Cost is $10. Bring your friends and your best mini-golf skills! Please RSVP so we can save your spot.
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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: EarlyBird
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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Blessing of the Animals
October 5, 6:00 PM
Join us on Saturday, October 5, at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall for our annual Blessing of the Animals. This special service will take the place of our regular 6:00 PM worship and will celebrate the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
Our youth, along with 4th and 5th-graders, will help lead the service. Bring your furry, fluffy, or plush animal and share in this joyful tradition!
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Bucket List Book Club
October 7, 1:00 PM
The next meeting of the book club will be on Tuesday, October 7, at 1:00 PM. The book we’ll be discussing is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The club is open to men and women.
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Prayer Shawl
October 7, 7:00-8:30 PM
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather in the Parlor on Tuesday, October 7, 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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Men of HI: Low Country Boil
October 19, 5:30-8:00 PM
Join the Men of Holy Innocents for food, fellowship, and fun at our annual Low Country Boil on the banks of the Chattahoochee! $30 per person, includes food and beverages.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Men's Dinner and a Book
November 11, 6:30-8:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, November 11, at 6:30 PM. The book is The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild by Bryan Burrough. Jeremy Webber is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact him for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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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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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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Youth Group
September 14, 4:00-6:00 PM
Join us for Youth Group on September 14! We’ll dig into the lesson “If Jesus was serious… then our image isn’t everything,” and talk about where our real value comes from. Come hungry—we’ll have dinner, and stick around for a super fun game you won’t want to miss. All 6th–12th graders are welcome! Bring a friend!
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Youth Group: Study Hall
September 21, 4:00-6:00 PM
Middle and high school students are invited to join us for Study Hall on September 21 from 4:00-6:00 PM! We’ll start with prayer, enjoy some dinner, and spend time working on homework and studying together. Feeling stressed? Head outside after you study for a fun surprise!
Contact Megan | matkinson@holyinnocents.org
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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.
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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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