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Wearing your nametag on Sunday morning is one small act that makes a big difference—especially for newcomers who are still learning names and faces. It helps clergy, long-time members, and new friends alike connect more easily and feel at home. So grab your nametag, put it on proudly, and help us be the welcoming church we hope to be.
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There’s a lot to be excited about at Holy Innocents!
This week’s email highlights several upcoming opportunities to gather and celebrate, including our Wine & Wisdom women’s event, the Winter Warm-Up Concert, the Men’s Annual Cookout, the Newcomers’ Dinner, and the Ventulett Gallery opening.
This Sunday, the Women of HI will be providing breakfast, we’ll celebrate a baptism, and formation continues for all ages. We hope you’ll find a moment, or many, to join us.
This Is Our Moment: Belonging, Beauty, and the Episcopal Way
Across the country, people are talking differently about faith. Studies show growing openness to religion, and we’re seeing it locally too - more curiosity, more searching, more people longing for meaning and connection. This three week series invites us to reflect together on why churches like ours matter right now, and how we can be ready for this moment.
Join us Sunday mornings as we explore culture, community, and worship—and what they reveal about the Episcopal way of faith. No preparation needed. Come for one week or all three. Bill kicks off the series this Sunday.
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Parish Retreat Registration
This February at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC, we’ll gather for a parish retreat exploring the deep connection between body and soul, spirit and flesh. Together we’ll reflect on where we feel disconnected—from ourselves, from one another, from creation—and how God invites us back into wholeness and authentic relationship.
A central theme will be food and eating as a spiritual practice: where our meals come from, who we share them with, and how food can become a sensuous, sacred way of reconnecting with God and the natural world.
Our leader is the Rev. Mark Wastler, an Episcopal priest, farmer, conservationist, and spiritual director, whose work helps people reclaim the spirituality of food, land, and daily life. Thirty-five people are already registered, and we’d love for you to join us.
Cost:
• $375 single room • $575 double room
Includes lodging for two nights and all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
- ids: Children and youth are free to attend with a paid parent/guardian.
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Annual Meeting
January 25, 9:00 AM
Join us in Inglett Hall for breakfast and fellowship as we review our ministry’s finances, reflect on 2025’s accomplishments, and embrace the vision for the year ahead. We’ll elect four new vestry members and two youth representatives and step forward together in faith and community. Scroll down to see their bios and photos.
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Sandwich Build for CCG
January 25, 11:15 AM
We will be packing 125+ 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
Learn More churchofthecommonground.org
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Winter Warm-Up: Song & Celebration
January 31, 4:30 PM
Something wonderful is cooking at Holy Innocents! Join us for a cozy winter evening featuring some of our very own staff singers as they share favorite songs, along with the choir singing a few of our all-time favorite anthems. After the music, we’ll move into a festive reception with food, fellowship, and celebration. Come celebrate the talent among us, enjoy good company, and shake away the winter blues!
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Men of HI: Annual Cookout
February 1, 6:30 PM
Get your cowboy ribeyes, 40 oz. t-bones, monster fillets, chicken, dogs, or burgers ready! Our annual cookout is happening on February 1st at 6:30 PM, downstairs in the Frost Youth Center.
Bring whatever meat you want to grill and whatever you want to drink, and we’ll supply the rest. Grills will be fired up, ready to go. Sides and Appetizers will be provided. Come help us kick off the New Year with old and new friends. Open to all men of Holy Innocents.
RSVP to help us plan. No cost to you!
Contact Kevin Nuffer | 404-307-2959
Kevin.g.nuffer@gmail.com
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Newcomers' Dinner
February 5, 6:00 PM
Join the Holy Innocents’ Church Clergy, Vestry, and Welcome Team for a Dinner Party in your honor! Enjoy delicious food, friendly faces, and good conversation as we gather in community and make new friends. We can’t wait to welcome you! Thursday, February 5, at the home of Rosalyn Devine.
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Ventulett Gallery Opening
February 7, 2:30 PM
Join us for the Ventulett Gallery opening on Saturday, February 7, at 2:30 PM, featuring artwork by Holy Innocents' students and alumni. Champagne and light refreshments will be served as we gather to celebrate creativity, connection, and the talent within our community.
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John Cox became a member of Holy Innocents last year with a letter of transfer from St. Benedict’s Episcopal (Smyrna, GA), where he served on their Vestry during its founding years. He is active in the men’s group (MOHI, book dinners, retreat, etc.) and offers his support to other activities such as the Ventulett Gallery displays and outreach to Holy Comforter, Habitat for Humanity, and CAC drives. John’s career background lends experience in several ways, including renovation and refurbishing medium-sized construction projects. Recently at HIEC, he began the Education for Ministry (EfM) series, enrolling in the inaugural ‘wide angle’ curriculum. John has two grown sons with their own families (4 grandkids!) and enjoys golf, hiking, yoga, and an array of other interests.
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Graham Hurtt is married to Clara Hurtt and father to Madison (10) and Sadie (7). He is a managing director in the Technology and Services investment banking group at Raymond James, focusing on financial services end markets. Graham is an embarrassingly big fan of science fiction in all its forms and media, often to the chagrin of his family. In his free time, Graham can most often be found transporting the girls to sports and lessons or losing card and board games to the other members of his family.
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Sunni Newton has been a member of HIEC since 2011, along with her husband, Tommy Newton. They have two children, Boyd (13) and Rosie (10), and live in Buckhead. Sunni works as an education researcher at Georgia Tech, where she has been a student or an employee since 2001. At Holy Innocents, she serves as a Reader, a Greeter, and co-chief mahjong enthusiast. Her favorite free-time activities include reading, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and playing with the best dog in the world, Lita, whom her family is fortunate to have adopted in 2023. She looks forward to being in the room where it happens on the Vestry.
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Jan Stewart has been an active member of Holy Innocents for 25+ years. She has volunteered her time in all areas of the church community during those 25 years, which included serving as past chair of the Altar and Flower Guilds and as a past Junior and Senior Warden. Currently, she is a team leader for both the Altar and Flower Guilds, a lay Eucharistic Minister, and a member of Community of Hope. She has exceptional finance (profit and non-profit) experience, a passion for outreach, and a commitment to pastoral care. She is the mother of three grown children, and although she continues to work full time she always finds the time for the community of Holy Innocents. She is honored to serve on the Vestry and looks forward to representing the community.
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Anna Blair Gates is a ninth grader at Marist School. She has been a member of HIEC since birth. She has grown up in the church nursery, attending Sunday school, singing in the children's choir, and enjoying youth activities. She has also been a VBS volunteer for the past several years. Anna Blair plays competitive soccer with Concorde Fire; she also runs cross country at Marist.
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Mary Brooks McCrystal is a sophomore in high school at HIES and has been a member of HIEC since she was born. She has attended Sunday school regularly as a child and is an active participant in the youth group. She has attended the school since Kindergarten and is now participating in their football cheerleading, basketball, and lacrosse programs. Mary Brooks is also on the yearbook committee as well as many clubs such as HI Trees, HIES for CHOA, and Blood Cancer United.
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GLOW
January 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW together this winter! Kids are invited to join us for a faith-filled evening focused on God’s love and the beauty of winter. We’ll enjoy snow-themed games, activities, and a meaningful take-home project to help kids grow in faith. Wear your favorite winter or snow-themed outfit and get ready for some fun! For kids ages PreK–5th grade, 6:00–7:00 PM
Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, then kids will head to the GLOW program from 6:00–7:00 PM. Parents are welcome to stay for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW. Friends are welcome!
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Youth Group
January 11, 4:00-6:00 PM
Middle and highschoolers are invited to Youth Group on Sunday, January 11! We’ll kick back with some good food and great company. We'll also play a hilarious game of human battleship! It’s the perfect way to relax and reconnect after the holidays, bring a friend and come hang out!
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Children’s Choir
January 25, 10:15
Our Children’s Choir will sing on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Rehearsals are ongoing during Sunday School and Children’s Chapel, and kids are welcome to join at any time. We are so excited to give children this opportunity to share their joy through music.
Contact Renee Stephens | rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Young Adults: Winter Party
January 9, 6:00-9:00 PM
We’re excited to invite you to a Winter Party at Rev. Stewart Lucas’ home! Come as you are and join us for a cozy evening of delicious food, fun, and great conversation. Come hang out, get to know one another, and kick off the new year together!
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Women of HI: Wine and Wisdom
January 15, 6:00-7:30 PM
What Every Woman Should Know about Money & Planning
Preparation empowers women in every season of life. The Women of HI and the Endowment Committee invite you to join us for an evening of wine, conversation, and practical wisdom. In the spirit of the late Betty Barstow, we will share some quips from the book “Being Dead is No Excuse” along with door prizes! We will welcome a trusted estate attorney to share what every woman should know about estate planning and financial security. While this is not a workshop, it will be a pain-free way to learn what documents matter, what to have in place, and where to find essential information.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
January 16, 7:30 AM
Enjoy warm hospitality, engaging discussions, and a fresh breakfast in the Frost Youth Center. Come for the conversation and stay for the fellowship.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Prayer Shawl
February 3, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, February 3, 7:00–8:30 PM. We knit and crochet shawls for those in need, but bring any project—needlepoint, cross-stitch, even mending—and enjoy fellowship while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@gmail.com
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Habitat for Humanity Build
Febuary 7-March 28
Holy Innocents, along with several local churches, is sponsoring Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s Faith Build. Adult parishioners and teens ages 16 and up are invited to take part in this meaningful work. Each Saturday, at least four members of Holy Innocents will have the opportunity to serve. No skills required, just the desire to help an Atlanta family buy a home at a very affordable price. Registration details coming soon.
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Reading Connections
January 12, 6:00 PM
The women's book club will meet on Monday, January 12 in Inglett Hall Conference Room C. We will be discussing The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Our meeting begins at 6:00 PM.
Contact Michelle Driscoll
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Bucket List Book Club
February 3, 1:00 PM
The co-ed group is reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. We’ll meet at 1:00 PM in the Parlor room.
Contact Audrey Sumner audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
January 13, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM and the book is Devil in The White City by Erik Larson. John Cox is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact Jeremy Webber for details.
Contact Jeremy Webber
jhwwebber@gmail.com
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We are pleased to welcome Bill Harkins once again as retreat leader for the 2026 Men of Holy Innocents' Retreat at Lake Logan Episcopal Center in the mountains of North Carolina, where our theme will be “Arete, Faith, and a Rule of Life for Connection Among Men.” Bill will serve as both facilitator and homilist, guiding us with the wisdom, depth, and grounded presence many of us have come to value over the years. Registration information will be available soon.
Contact John Harris harris4338@gmail.com | Charles Crosby charles@corepm.net
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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 communicate all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. You are also now able to connect to your record with instant access to the directory, your giving, event registration, and more. To connect to your account:
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Email Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org for an invitation link.
- 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, update your contact information and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Contact Renee for help. rstephens@holyinnocents.org
Pastoral Notes
If someone is in the hospital, has died, or has some other pastoral emergency, please contact our clergy directly. Call the church office at 404-255-4023 and follow the prompts. This will connect you directly with the clergyperson on call.
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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