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Note from Bill
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray, Rector
So we begin again. We start this Stewardship season with the simple and incredibly powerful reminder that we do this together. We gather together in Christ's name. We pray together in all of our spaces. We eat and talk and laugh together. We learn together. We weep together. The church is a clear and constant reminder that we are not alone.
Each week we have members of our community taking time to share why they love our church. Take a moment and watch the videos. They are a powerful witness to the ministry we do in this community together. You will hear from folks of all different ages and backgrounds who share why they come again and again to be fed with others.
We begin this stewardship season reminded of the amazing work that God is doing in our lives and through each other. We are thriving. We are growing. We do all of this together. So often we hear about how divided Americans are. I am not sure that I buy what they are selling. Maybe we are just an oasis in the middle of the storm. Maybe we are that place that refuses to accept those artificial divisions. Maybe, just maybe, this is the kingdom that Jesus always had in mind - a place where there are absolutely differences of opinions and ideas and theology and politics, but where we strive to love and care for each other. Holy Innocents is a place where we can come together for God and for good.
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Music This Sunday
Dock Anderson, Director of Music
This Sunday’s music celebrates the gifts we receive from God and the ways we are called to share those gifts with one another.
We’ll begin with something a little different: “All Good Gifts” from Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell, featuring DreQuan Riley as soloist. Based on the familiar hymn text “We plow the fields and scatter,” the song reminds us that although we may plant and tend, ultimately “all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.” It seems a particularly fitting way to begin worship during stewardship season.
Because “All Good Gifts” will begin our worship rather than the usual instrumental voluntary, I hope you’ll plan to arrive and settle into your pew a few minutes early. The music we offer before the opening hymn is intended to be part of our preparation for worship, and this Sunday especially, you won’t want to miss it! Once you’re settled, I invite you to let the music have your attention and allow it to help make the transition from the conversations and activity of Sunday morning into a time of worship together.
That theme continues in “We the Lord’s People” and in “Together for Good,” a new hymn I have written especially for our stewardship season.
At the Offertory, the choir will sing T. Frederick H. Candlyn’s “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies,” a glorious example of the traditional English choral anthem. A gentler middle section gives way to a grand conclusion, with soaring lines for the choir and some particularly wonderful writing for the organ—including a prominent appearance by our Solo Tuba. If you like your Anglican church music with high notes and a big organ underneath it, this one is for you!
We’ll also sing “I’m a-going to eat at the welcome table,” which reminds us joyfully that there is a place at God’s table for everyone, and join our voices in the simple traditional round “Dona nobis pacem.” Grant us peace.
Finally, we’ll send one another out with one of the great hymns of praise, “O for a thousand tongues to sing.”
From Broadway to the grand English choral tradition, from a spiritual to a simple round, there is quite a variety of music this Sunday. I hope each piece offers another way to hear and to sing the message of gratitude, generosity, welcome, and praise.
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The Corinthians Conversation
Sundays through November 1
9:00-10:00 AM Ingeltt hall
A new class led by Dr. Ebby Arnold Emory's Candler School of Theology was a big hit on Sunday morning. Many of us who have been reading the Bible for a long time walked away saying, "I learned so much about Paul that I didn't know! I'm so glad I came." Join us for Donuts and Coffee and Conversation.
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Women’s Progressive Dinner
October 8, 6:00–8:00 PM
Join us for an evening of good food, meaningful conversation, and the joy of getting to know one another better. This dinner is designed around a simple idea: connection. As we move from table to table, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with friends, and share conversation with women from across our church community. Whether you’re new or a longtime member, there’s a place for you at the table.
We’ll begin the evening with appetizers and beverages in Bishop Commons, then gather for dinner in Inglett Hall. Each course will bring a new table group, with thoughtful conversation prompts to help us share our common experiences, discover what makes each of us unique, and build deeper relationships. Together, we’ll make space for community, friendship, and fellowship. The cost is $15, register on Realm.
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Race for the Cure
October 17
Please join the Holy Innocents team for Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 17th! Several people expressed interest in walking together, so we’ve created a team of our own. We’d love to have you join us! Register and join our team. Click the “Join our Team” button beneath the drop-down box displaying Rhonda Hills’ name. For more information, contact Rhonda Hills at rhondaahills@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
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Joe Alterman Jazz Trio
October 24, 7:00-8:30 PM
Settle in for an evening of live jazz, wine, and cheese in Bishop Commons with Atlanta jazz pianist Joe Alterman. Known for bringing swing, soul, and an unmistakable sense of joy to the piano, Alterman is a longtime mentee of jazz greats Les McCann and Ramsey Lewis, carrying forward their groove-filled, life-affirming approach while bringing a musical voice all his own. McCann called him “a giant,” while Ahmad Jamal hailed him as “a very special artist.”
Alterman has released eight critically acclaimed albums and performed at celebrated venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and the Blue Note. His work also appears on two Grammy Award-winning projects, and his collaborators have ranged from jazz legends to Atlanta music icon Dallas Austin.
Beyond the stage, Alterman is a writer, interviewer, and host and producer of The Upside of Jazz on WABE 90.1, where he explores the music, people, and stories that have shaped jazz. At the heart of it all is his piano—joyful, swinging, and alive.
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Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
October 25, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Celebrate the season with us at our Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25! Come in costume for Sunday School and worship, then stick around after the service for an afternoon full of fall fun and festive fellowship. We’ll have something for everyone, including: Trunk or Treat, Hayrides, Petting Zoo, Lunch, Cake Walk, and more! Whether you're young or just young at heart, all are welcome to join in the fun as we enjoy the beauty of fall together.
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Trunk or Treat Volunteers
We need you! Sign up to host a trunk for our Trunk or Treat on October 25. Decorate your trunk as simple or as elaborate as you would like. Prizes will be offered for Most Creative Trunk, Best Decorated Trunk, and Funniest Trunk. Setup will begin immediately after 10:15 worship, and Trunk or Treating will begin after lunch. Email Renee Stephens (rstephens@holyinnocents.org) to volunteer to host a trunk.
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Cake Walk for a Cause!
October 25
Get ready to walk, win, and make a difference at our Fall Festival Cake Walk on October 25th at the HIEC Fall Festival. We’re looking for cake donations to make this fun event a success. Bring your favorite homemade or store-bought cake and help us raise money to feed kids in need! Tickets will be sold for the Cake Walk, and 100% of the proceeds will support meals for children facing food uncertainty.
Twice a year, we serve dinner at Agape Youth & Family Center, where approximately 150 children are served each evening. Your cake donation and/or ticket to participate helps us continue putting food on the table and hope in the hearts of local kids.
Contact: Renee Stephens (rstephens@holyinnocents.org)
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Women of HI:
Corks, Colas & Conversation
October 28, 5:30-7:00 PM
Join the Women of HI for a relaxed evening of conversation, fellowship, and community. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting someone new, this casual gathering is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, build connections, and support one another. Refreshments will be available, and all women are welcome! Come as you are and enjoy a fun evening of conversation and connection.
Contact: Jenny Cantrell (jennypcan@aol.com)
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Holiday Market
November 8, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Holy Innocents Holiday Market! Browse gifts and goodies from local artists, makers, bakers, and other creative vendors, all gathered right here at Holy Innocents. Whether you’re checking off your Christmas list or just seeing what catches your eye, there will be plenty to explore throughout the morning.
Interested in being a vendor? We’d love to feature artists, makers, bakers, and anyone with something creative to share. There is no cost to participate, and Holy Innocents will provide a table and tablecloth for your display.
Contact: Elaine Morgan (ewmorgan1@bellsouth.net)
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Immigration Assistance Fund
We have established this fund to provide compassionate support for families in our Our Lady of Guadalupe community who are facing hardship due to immigration-related circumstances. So far we have supported three families with rental, translation and legal support. Our fund currently is sufficient for the immediate needs, but we will continue to keep you posted.
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Children’s Choir
October 18
Our Children’s Choir has been preparing to sing a beautiful anthem at the 10:15 service on October 18th following Children’s Chapel. All kids preK-5th grade are welcome to participate. Rehearsals are ongoing in Sunday School and Children’s Chapel.
Contact: Renee Stephens (rstephens@holyinnocents.org)
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Club 45: Halloween Breakfast Party
October 25, 9:00–10:15 AM
4th & 5th graders, join us this Sunday at 9:15 for a Halloween Breakfast Party. Wear your costume and come ready to enjoy breakfast, special treats, and fun times with friends!
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Dollywood Trip
November 13-15
The youth group is heading to Dollywood November 13-15! All 6th-12th graders are invited for a weekend of fun and fellowship in Pigeon Forge, TN. The cost is $475 plus extra cash for fast food on the way there and back. We'll head to our beautiful Airbnb on Friday night, spend all day Saturday exploring the rides, and head back Sunday after a devotional. Friends are welcome to join us but must attend 3 youth group events before we depart.
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Youth Basketball League
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, in partnership with HIES Basketball, is excited to sponsor the 2026–27 Holy Innocents’ Youth Basketball League! Open to boys and girls in 1st–5th grade, the league welcomes players of all skill levels and focuses on building basketball skills, confidence, sportsmanship, and friendship, all while having fun.
Registration is now open, and spots are expected to fill quickly!
- $200 registration fee
- Weekly practices and Saturday games at Duncan Gymnasium
- Divisions for 1st–3rd grade and 4th–5th grade boys and girls
- Volunteer coaches needed! Coaches receive a $25 registration discount.
- Questions? Contact Maria Smith at hiyb@holyinnocents.org
Our motto: Have Fun & Get Better!
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Reading Connections
October 19, 6:00 PM
The October Women’s Reading Connections meeting will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026. The group meets in the Inglett Hall Small Conference Room C, at 6:00 PM. The meeting begins with light refreshments and the book discussion begins at 6:30 PM. This month’s book is Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. The book recounts a sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller. Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives.
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Men's Dinner & a Book
November 10, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 pm and the book is The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson. Kevin Nuffer is hosting. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber
jhwwebber@gmail.com
| | Click the video to watch last Sunday's service! | | |
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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