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VG Opening: Angels Among Us
December 5, 6:00-7:30 PM
Join us at the Ventulett Gallery on December 5th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM for the opening of Angles Among Us, an inspiring exhibition showcasing the work of Judie Jacobs and other talented local artists. Discover a collection of pieces that invite viewers to explore unique perspectives, celebrate creativity, and experience the artistry within our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with captivating art and connect with artists from around the area!
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Just Three More Weeks!
I’ll admit it—I was struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this week, let alone the reflective spirit of Advent. But everything changed when I stayed to hear the Upper School sing Lessons and Carols last night in the church.
The music, led by their new director Zachary Wright and accompanied by our own Sean Vogt on the organ, was nothing short of sublime. But it wasn’t just the music that moved me. Something deeper was happening in our sacred space.
Sitting in the pew, I felt the transcendence of God all around me—the play of car headlights through the stained glass, the majesty of the church itself. But what truly captured my heart was the joy on the faces of the students. They weren’t just singing—they were thriving in the music, carried to a place of beauty and wonder that perhaps they didn’t even know existed.
In their soaring voices, I found something I didn’t realize I’d been missing: renewal. My heart, my hope, my spirit, my soul, and my faith felt alive again.
This whole idea of the "holiday spirit" isn’t just a cliché. It’s real. But we have to make space for it—to pause, to breathe, to let God’s spirit wash over us. As I often remind myself (and others), the first step is simply showing up. God takes care of the rest.
We have so many opportunities in the coming weeks to enter into the holy here at Holy Innocents. From concerts to services, there’s something for everyone. Take a moment to scan the list below and prioritize time to experience the beauty of this season with us. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Let’s make these next three weeks a time to slow down, tune in, and let the spirit of Advent and Christmas transform us. See you soon!
The Rev. T. Stewart Lucas
Vicar
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Directory Photos
As part of our ongoing work to update our directory, we are excited to offer three upcoming opportunities to update your directory photo. On December 1st, 8th, and 15th, stop by our photo station in the Narthex with your family before or after the 10:15 service to snap a quick photo. You may also email your picture to be uploaded or upload it yourself through Realm. For questions contact Renee Stephens rstephens@holyinnocents.org.
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Christmas Flowers & Music
Help us create a beautiful and festive Christmas celebration! Your donation supports decorations, flowers, and the string ensemble for Christmas Eve worship.
You may dedicate your gift In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one, with dedications included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
To contribute, use this online form use the online form or pew envelopes and indicate your dedication in the memo line. Donations are needed by noon on December 16.
Thank you for your generosity in making our church beautiful and our music inspiring this Christmas! Contact Renee Stephens for more information.
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Pledge Update
Our stewardship campaign, Nurturing Faith and Cultivating Community, is making exciting progress! We’ve received $1,347,000 in pledges, which brings us to 87% of our $1.54 million goal. This generosity comes from 189 pledges, including 15 new ones—thank you!
We’re inspired by this momentum but need 10 additional new pledges to meet our goal of 25.
We especially encourage newcomers and families with young children to join this vital commitment. Every pledge supports ministries that enrich all ages, from children and youth programs to outreach and worship.
If you’d like to discuss your pledge, please reach out to Bill or Stewart.
Visit our Giving Page today to learn more and make your pledge!
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Recharge, Connect, and Inspire:
Building Up Holy Innocents Together
This Presidents Day weekend, join us at Kanuga Conference Center in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for a beloved parish tradition—a retreat that brings together all ages for a time of fellowship, games, singing, and connection. Whether you’re a new family just getting to know our community or a long-time member, this weekend is for you!
Our theme, “Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up,” invites us to dream together about our church’s future, exploring how we can grow as a welcoming, supportive, and faith-filled community. Inspired by the Greek word oikodomeite, meaning “to build a home,” we will come together to encourage and care for one another as we envision our next chapter. There will be time for deep conversation, shared meals, laughter, and even a service project in the surrounding area, a chance to live out our call to support and strengthen others.
Come be a part of this special weekend as we embrace the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Let’s make memories and build a strong foundation for the future!
We begin with dinner on Friday night and end after Eucharist with a buffet lunch on Sunday.
Click below to register.
$375 for a single
$575 for a double
Children and youth are free with a paid parent/guardian.
Our retreat leader will be The Rev. Daniel P. Strandlund, rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in High Point, NC. A 2015 graduate of the Seminary of the Southwest, Daniel has served churches in Alabama and Texas. He holds an MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology and recently began a DPhil in theology at the University of Oxford. Daniel enjoys music, travel, exercise, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. He and his wife, Lucy, also a priest, live in Winston-Salem, NC, with their cat and a lively extended family of nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
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An Unexpected Guide
to Human Nature & Happiness
Join the Rev. John Porter and Rev. Dr. Bill Murray each week at 9:00 AM in Inglett Hall as they lead conversations filled with quotes and ideas from thinkers like Thomas Jefferson, Adam Smith, the French Enlightenment as well as Jesus, the prophets, and a long line of Christian thinkers. Class resumes Dec. 8.
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HIYA: White Elephant
December 8, 11:30 AM
We’re excited to invite you to a fun opportunity with our young adult group! On Sunday, December 8th, right after the church service, we’ll be hosting a White Elephant gift exchange. Bring a wrapped gift under $35 to participate. To help us plan, just let us know if you’re coming. We hope to see you there for some laughs and festive cheer!
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Women of HI: Cookie Swap
December 8, 11:30 AM
Sunday soup and salad and a festive spread of cookies to swap. Bring 3 dozen of your own favorite Christmas cookies and exchange them with other bakers to go home with a lovely variety of home-baked goodies.
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Reading Connections
December 9
Join us for the Reading Connections Christmas Gathering on December 9 in Inglett Hall. The festivities begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at 7:30 PM. Bring your favorite dish to share!
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Christmas Concert & Lunch
December 11, 11:30 AM
Get into the holiday spirit on Wednesday, December 11, with lunch at 11:30 AM, followed by a delightful Christmas Concert featuring our very own Randy Romig and his friend Cathy Adams on our Steinway piano. They’ll bring joy to the season as they “tickle the ivories” with festive tunes!
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Marycelis & Trey's Ordination
December 14, 2:00-3:30 PM
By the grace of God, Bishop Wright will ordain Travion Davis and Marycelis Otero to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
All are welcome via live stream and in person at St. Philip's Cathedral.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 15
We warmly invite you to a joint service with Our Lady of Guadalupe. Join us at 10:15 AM for a special bilingual service that unites our diverse community in worship and fellowship. After the service, stay for an Agape Potluck Lunch, a celebration of the rich culinary traditions that make our congregation so unique. Bring a traditional dish representing your cultural heritage or a cherished family recipe to share as we come together in unity, joy, and gratitude.
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FOMA: Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus
December 15, 4:30 PM
“It’s Just Isn’t Christmas Until the Gay Men Sing!” The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus is back with our 44th Annual Holiday Concert. This holiday show is a preview of the one at the Cathedral of St. Philip – an Atlanta tradition that is not to be missed. This year our show will be on the third weekend in December, and we’ll be joined by a jazz combo to bring you holiday favorites and the combination of beauty, camp, power, and joy that only the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus can.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
December 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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Reading Connections
January 13
Join us for our first meeting in 2025 at 6:00 PM on January 13. We meet in the small conference room by the chapel. If you’d like to curl up by the fire with the January selection, pick up a copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men’s Dinner and a Book
January 14
The next Men’s Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 pm and the book is The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. Rolf Meinhold is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact for Jeremy for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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St. Nicholas Sunday
December 8
Join us on Sunday, December 8 to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas and wear your favorite Christmas pajamas! We will have a special children’s chapel and leave our shoes out for a treat from St. Nicholas, and we might even have a visit from the Saint himself!
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Kid's Christmas Lunch
December 8, 11:30 AM
Kids ages PreK-5th grade are invited to a special Christmas Lunch and Cookie Decorating in celebration of St. Nicholas Sunday. Stay after church until 12:30 and enjoy a festive meal, cookie decorating, and fun with friends! Registration is required.
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Youth Group | White Elephant
December 8, 4:00 PM
Let's celebrate the upcoming birth of our King! Join us for a special youth group on Sunday, December 8th from 4:00-6:00 PM as we enjoy a meal together and play the fun game of White Elephant. Anyone who wishes to participate must bring a wrapped gift. Limit of $35 per gift.
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Club 45: Christmas Party
December 22, 9:00 AM
4th & 5th graders: Join us for a festive Club 45 Christmas Party on December 22 at 9:00am. Did you know that in 1965, astronauts played “Jingle Bells” on a harmonica in space? Well we won’t be playing harmonicas during our party but we will play some fun Christmas games and share some special treats. Bring your holiday spirit and get ready for a festive morning!
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Children’s Choir
December 22
Our Children's Choir will sing on Sunday, December 22nd as part of the 10:15 Lessons & Carols.
Rehearsals are ongoing in Sunday School and Children's Chapel; kids can join any time. We are so excited to give children this opportunity to share their joy. Contact Ms. Renee if you have any questions!
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Christmas Pageant
December 24
Mark your calendars for a wonderful afternoon as children retell the Nativity story! Children are rehearsing for the pageant in Sunday school and Children's Chapel, and we invite friends and guests to join in the fun anytime—no prior rehearsal is necessary!
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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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