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Lent Class with Temple Sinai
April 10 at 7:00 PM @ Holy Innocents
Rabbi Ron Segal and Rector Bill Murray conclude the series of Jewish and Christian perspectives on death, dying, resurrection, grieving, celebrating, and life. This last session will focus on what happens when we die. What do our traditions say about Heaven and Hell?
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Pastoral Notes
The memorial service for Bill Comer will be held in Christ Chapel this Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in Bishop Commons.
The service for Nancy McAlister will be held on Friday, April 25 at 11:00 am in Nave wiht a reception following in Bishop Commons.
Most merciful God, deal graciously with these families in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ruths' Reflection
There’s a Sweet Spot in Holy week.
It happens as vesper light floods an upper room and beckons our companionship.
On a Thursday.
It is the rich moment when we lean in . . .close enough to talk in whispers. The rich moment when we gather with friends, break bread, and celebrate our place at Jesus’ table. The rich moment when He is there, and is relaxed and present and full of love, and He is leaning in, too.
It is the rich moment when he calls us to love. And to take care of one another for the love of Jesus. And to love Jesus, for the love of Jesus.
Jesus sends his beloved disciples to prepare the room. To get ready.
He wants this moment with them. For this evening, in this moment, we are leaning into spiritual intimacy with the Divine, because something tells us this night is different. It is spring and source of what it means to live in love. It is the bedrock, of what it means to live faithfully in the faith community.
Our Upper Room will be staged in Inglett Hall.
We will set the table for young and old to be shaped by the experience of the Sweet Spot of Holy week. Goblets for wine, bread for each table, a home-made Eucharist. The scent of Middle Eastern fare will transport us to the elbows of Mary and Martha. The presence of our young children will welcome the raucousness of Peter and the Sons of Thunder. Bowls and towels and jugs of water as though we’ve just come in from the hot dusty streets of Jerusalem.
Our beloved king changes clothes and dons the garb of the suffering servant, and as it turns out, “yes”, “it is you”. And me. And we take up the burden of love. The work of being faith community. Like John the disciple reclines at table and leans in to Jesus and hears his heart beating in his chest at dinner, so we too listen for the heartbeat of God in each other.
Maundy Thursday. April 17 at 6:00.
This is our meal that defines and shapes, gives meaning and pattern and ritual for all our days that are simply one day, that singular day which contains the whole of the kingdom of God.
There’s a sweet spot in Holy Week.
Jesus bids you.
Maundy Thursday | Come Make Eucharist Together
This year, we’ll gather in Inglett Hall at 6:00 pm on April 17 for a family-style Agape Meal with Eucharist at our tables and a chance to wash one another’s feet, just as Jesus did. Please register for the Maundy Thursday Agape Meal here so we have the correct numbers for our caterer.
Easter Flower & Music Donations are due this Thursday. More below.
Sunday Adult Forum at 9:00 AM in Bishop Commons. Stewart will share the rest of this slides from his recent trip to Greece highlighting Paul's first missionary journeys in the book of Acts. Bill will wrap up our series and help us discern what the book has to say to us on as a church community.
Palm Sunday | April 13
8:00, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM • Potluck Brunch | 9:00 AM
The annual celebration of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus at Passover. We begin by blessings the palms and shouting hosannah and end with the gathering gloom of the week ahead with the reading of the Passion during our services. Please wear red and bring a dish to share for the potluck brunch in Inglett Hall.
Holy Week Services
Scroll down for the full schedule here and find it the Good News newsletter now online. along with information about Bill and Sean's upcoming sabbaticals.
Vigil in Christ Chapel
After the service, we invite you to watching and pray with the reserved sacrament through the night — just as Jesus asked: “Could you not wait one hour with me?” Choose a time that’s meaningful: an hour before sunrise, the quietest part of your day, or even the hour you’d usually be asleep. Click here to choose your hour.
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Agape Family Dinner
April 17, 6:00-7:00 PM
You're invited to our Agape Family Dinner on April 17th at 6:00 PM! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Holy Week by sharing in food, fellowship, and connection. This will be a warm, welcoming atmosphere with activities for all ages to mark the Last Supper. Whether you're a long-time member or a first-time guest, we welcome you to bring your family and friends for a night filled with joy and warmth to mark this special occasion. Catered Mediterranean dinner is $10 per adult. Children and youth are free.
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Easter Flowers & Music
Thursday, April 10th, is the deadline!
Help us prepare for a beautiful and meaningful celebration of Easter! Your gift In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one will be included in our Easter bulletins if we receive them by Thursday. Use this online form and the memo line to indicate how you would like your donation to be printed. For more information, email Renee Stephens.
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Lenten Food Drive Update – Progress and Gratitude
To date, we’ve collected well over two tons over $7,000 dollars in donations toward our $15,000 goal. Every dollar raised is stretched even further by CAC’s ability to purchase food in bulk, and every item donated goes directly to neighbors in need through their pantry.
Let’s keep the momentum going and see how far we can go together.
Here are a few reminders:
- If you purchase food online, enter Holy Innocents in the “Company Name” block.
- If you donate money, please send or deliver the check to the church so we can determine how many pounds of food your donation is worth.
- Drop off donated food items in the Bishop Commons.
Food items are most needed:
If you’ve donated, thank you for your support of CAC. If not, please join us in our Lenten observance and help our neighbors in need. Look for weekly updates and volunteer opportunities. For more information check our website here, or contact Charles Crosby at charles@corepm.net or Jan Paul at janpaul1005@gmail.com.
How to Get Involved at Holy Innocents
We always have room for you and your gifts at Holy Innocents. Could one of these joyful ministries be calling your name? We especially need:
- Closet organizers
- Chalice-Bearers & Ushers
- Buildings and Grounds team helpers
- Kitchen Team members
- Funeral Reception Ministry
- Acolyte robe washers
- Newsletter folders
Come, lend a hand — and share the joy. Sign up on this form.
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Palm Sunday | April 13
8:00, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM • Potluck Brunch | 9:00 AM
The annual celebration of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus at Passover. We begin by blessings the palms and shouting hosannah and end with the gathering gloom of the week ahead with the reading of the Passion during our services: 8:00 AM in the Christ Chapel, 10:15 AM in the church Nave, 1:00 PM for the Spanish service in the Nave, and 6:00 PM in the Chapel. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck brunch in Inglett Hall.
Holy Monday | April 14
After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus visited the home of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. In the Gospel of John, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly ointment. Our seminarian Marycelis preaches as Bill celebrates and offers an anointing prayer in Christ Chapel at 6:00 PM.
Holy Tuesday | April 15
In a conversation with some Greeks or Gentiles recorded in the Gospel of John, Jesus predicts his crucifixion. We mark this night by walking the way of the cross through the eyes of women by reading reflections from the book Women of the Passion. Ruth leads this service that concludes with communion in Christ Chapel at 6:00 PM.
Holy Wednesday | April 16
Sometimes called Spy Wednesday, the day recalls the betrayal of Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples. We pray for those we love, but we also do the hard work of praying for our enemies and for forgiveness. Stewart preaches & celebrates communion in Christ Chapel at 6:00 PM.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
April 18
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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Good Friday
April 18, 12:00 PM | Nave & Live-stream
Join us for a solemn and moving Good Friday Liturgy on Friday, April 18, at noon at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church. This powerful service will include scripture, prayer, and reflection on Christ’s passion and death, culminating in a profound musical offering—Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, performed by our adult choir and chamber orchestra. Fauré’s transcendent setting of the Requiem invites us into a space of deep contemplation, hope, and beauty, even in the shadow of the cross. All are welcome for this service expected to last about an hour.
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Solidarity Sandy Springs Celebrates Easter at HI
Again, this year Solidarity Sandy Springs will celebrate Easter at Holy Innocents with an Easter Egg Hunt for approximately 400 children on the Lower School’s playground. Please join us on this joyous occasion by volunteering to assemble Easter bags at the church on April 14-17 from 10:00-1:00 or purchasing goodies on Amazon to fill the bags.
For your convenience, click on links to volunteer to be a “bunny” or shop on Amazon with delivery to the church. Or you can shop and deliver them to the church.
The Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 19 from 1:00-4:00. Join us for the festivities that will include the Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, a balloon artist, refreshments, and visit by the Easter Bunny! This is one of the happiest celebrations of the year!
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Easter Vigil
April 19, 8:00 PM | Nave and Live-stream
Perhaps the most triumphant and joyful service of the year, this service marks the moment when Jesus was raised from the dead to bring new life to the world. The Vigil begins in the Memorial Garden in darkness with a kindling of the new Paschal/Easter fire and gradually moves into the Church nave. With choir, organ, brass, chanting, incense, readings, and the first Eucharist of Easter, we celebrate the defeat of death and the promise of new life.
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Easter Day | April 20
8:00 am | Holy Eucharist in Christ Chapel
9:30 AM | Easter Egg Hunt
10:15 AM | Holy Eucharist in the Nave
11:15 AM | Youth Easter Egg Hunt
1:00 PM | Spanish Service in the Nave
6:00 PM | Celtic Service in Christ Chapel
The Church celebrates Christ’s joyful resurrection as a community at our regularly scheduled services with singing, prayers, preaching, and praise. The rector will preach as we celebrate with choir, organ, brass, and a beautifully decorated church. The 10:15 AM service will be live-streamed.
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Men of HI Retreat
April 25-27
The Men of Holy Innocents will gather at Lake Logan Episcopal Center in Canton, North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a weekend of spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and renewal. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday evening, followed by a Saturday morning program. Saturday afternoon is free for activities like hiking, a visit to Waynesville, golf, fishing, or relaxing on the porch. We’ll wrap up on Sunday morning with the Eucharist.
Contact John Harris | harris4338@gmail.com
678-761-6765
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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.
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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.
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Children’s Choir
April 13, 9:00 AM
We are so excited to be singing and leading the processional for Palm Sunday. Our awesome kids have been working hard on our Palm Sunday piece and will lead the Palm Sunday processional at the 10:15 service and then sing our anthem at the very beginning of the service. Kids meet in Sunday school at 9:00 before we start rehearsal at 9:30 and get our big palm leaves!
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Youth Group
April 13, 9:00 AM
We invite all 6th- 12th graders to join us on Palm Sunday, April 13th, for a special Holy Week youth group event from 4:00-6:00 PM. This will be an event our students won't want to miss! Dinner will be provided, and all friends are welcome to join us.
Text Link
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 20, 9:30 AM
The hunt is on! Join us at 9:30 AM for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a basket and meet near the entrance of the playground behind the Church. Kids will hunt with their age groups. After the hunt, join us inside for refreshments, and kids can congregate and open their eggs together before worship at 10:15 AM.
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 20, 11:30 AM
Easter isn't just for the little kids! All 6th-12th graders are invited to join us for a Youth Easter Egg Hunt immediately after worship on Easter Sunday. We will meet on the playground to find some awesome prizes like gift cards, squishes, and more. This hunt won't take long but will help make Easter extra special for our older students. Bags will be provided!
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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
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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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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