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Bishop's Visit, Confirmation, and Community
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray
Confirmation is an ancient sacrament of the church that confuses folks regularly. The Catechism provides a helpful definition: "Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop." For those with a long memory, confirmation was required to be a member of the church AND to receive communion. The Book of Common Prayer 1979 changed the rules so that baptism is full admission to the church. Ever since, bishops, priests, and churches have struggled with what exactly is happening with this sacrament.
This year we are blessed to have over 41 folks to be confirmed and received by the Bishop. We will have members from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Innocents youth, and at least 9 adults from Holy Innocents. One of those youth will be my son, Mose. Jessie and I and the whole family are excited that he is making this mature commitment of faith. So, clearly, our church has chosen to place an emphasis on this sacrament, even if folks are unsure of what is happening.
In our world of transactions and exchanges, we expect membership, prizes, or pay for almost everything we do. Confirmation is a reminder that not everything is the same in God's economy. All of those folks who will be presented to the bishop have already been baptized and are already full members of the church. They will not get a bonus for their choice. They will not suddenly receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has been a part of their lives for years, often decades.
Confirmation is ultimately the church catching up to the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives and a deep reminder that we are not in this alone. As Episcopalians, we work together as a Diocese with a Bishop and other churches. As Episcopalians, we pray and give to the national church. As Episcopalians, we are part of the Anglican Communion, the third largest denomination on earth, and some 85 million siblings in faith.
We will celebrate this Sunday that the Bishop is Confirming the presence of the Spirit in the lives of those renewing their vows to God and others. We will celebrate that the Spirit is doing something new between Holy Innocents and Our Lady of Guadalupe. We will celebrate that the Spirit is guiding us into an exciting future together with a multitude of the faithful. We will celebrate that God knits us together in a joyful tapestry of faith that literally covers the whole earth.
So join us for a joyful celebration of the Holy Spirit and the whole of the Anglican Communion. Join us for some chaos and uncertainty and faith which always dance together in our lives and in the world. Join us to see a whole wonderful and diverse group of people dedicating themselves to God. Join us to see the church grow and thrive at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray
Rector
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Bishop’s Visit this Sunday
The Right Reverend Robert C. Wright, Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, will join us for breakfast sponsored by the Outreach Team at 9:00 am. He will then lead our Adult Formation class in Inglett Hall. Many of you have heard he is a candidate for Presiding Bishop in the Episcopal Church. We will be able to ask him all our questions and hear his updates from around the Diocese of Atlanta.
Then he'll preach at our 10:15 AM service for a joint Confirmation with Our Lady of Guadalupe.
After the service please join us for a festive reception honoring our newest members.
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Staff Update
One of the gifts from the church as we increased our pledges in 2024 is moving Renee Stephens to a full-time position. Renee will continue with her amazing work and ministry with Children while adding a new role in managing our membership. She has been hard at work learning about and preparing for our shift to a new database system. The REALM system is a huge update that will help us with everything from tracking membership to improving our accounting programs and pledge collections. Renee has connected the staff with trainers to help us grow in this important area of caring for our community.
With all of that in mind, we are shifting the job titles for several of our staff. Renee Stephens will be our new Director of Membership and Children's Ministry. Megan Atkinson is continuing in her role of caring for youth, children, and families. She is also planning to expand by organizing our Young Adult Ministry to reach 20's and 30's that participate in our church but do not always have offerings dedicated for them. Megan's new title will be Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Families.
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New Portraits
After over a year of planning and preparation, the Portrait Task Force is excited to unveil the portraits of our founder Nellie Peters Black, and Deaconess Katherine Wood. The two ladies combined to lead Holy Innocents' Episcopal Mission for our first 74 years. The works were painted by award-winning artist Cheryl Mann Hardin from photos and images of each lady. In the process of creating these images, we discovered that our first two rectors were not on our walls and that Rev. Joe Reynolds' family did not like his portrait. They donated an alternate portrait to use when we reworked the gallery. This Sunday, we have the new portraits of Miss Nellie, Deaconess Wood, and Rev. Joe up along with photos and paintings of others. A close observer will note that we are missing the Rev. Hugh Saussy Jr. from our walls. The school has commissioned a painting of him since he both founded the school and built the church building. That painting should arrive in the next month or so and will be hung opposite Deaconess Wood.
I want to thank the members of our Painting Task Force who have helped shepherd this process to completion, from ideas to sketches to portraits and bios: Alice Ball, Susan Bishop, Margaret Boone, Camme Ives, Kyle Young. Part of being a community with 150 years of ministry is to tell our whole story and history. We are all excited to have a complete list of the women and men who have led this sacred place!
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Mary Ann's Garden
This week the church received a wonderful gift from Marianna Davis Cooney and Suzanna Davis Beard. The artwork is titled "Mary Ann's Garden" and is a tribute to their mother, Mary Ann Davis. Mary Ann was a longtime member of the flower guild and church and also served over a decade as the Executive Assistant to the Headmaster at the school. With the help and guidance of Maidee Spencer, the work was commissioned under the guidance of Judie Jacobs.
Judie was the longtime art teacher at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, was a good friend of Mary Ann, and is a longtime member of Temple Sinai. She crafted the triptych that will reside over the fireplace in the Bishop Common. The bright colors and inviting painting will bring joy and warmth to the "living room" of church for years to come. It is a beautiful legacy and gift from Mary Ann's family.
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VG Opening: Finding the Edge and Other Musings
May 2, 6:00-7:30 PM
Lance Carlson, an Atlanta-based artist with a background in architecture, was raised in a family that cherished the importance of art in life. He fondly remembers plein air outings where each family member would paint or draw, except for Lance, who preferred rolling around in the grass.
Choosing architecture as his initial form of expression, Lance later realized the constraints it imposed, particularly in terms of creative freedom within limited budgets. Rediscovering his passion for the creative process through painting classes, Lance now primarily works in mixed-media and collage.
His artwork has been showcased across metro Atlanta and throughout the United States. In his artist statement, Lance reflects on the timeless connections between events, emotions, and environment, drawing inspiration from music, art, and literature. His work serves as a record of his own discoveries and interpretations, transcending conventional boundaries of time and forming a rhythmic dialogue through his marks and imagery.
Learn more | carlsonmixedmedia.com/
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Pentecost & Parish Picnic
May 19
Join us for a vibrant Pentecost service on May 19th at 10:15 AM, where we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Wear your favorite red attire and help us celebrate a baptism.
Following the service, join us for a delightful parish picnic, with fried chicken. To make the picnic even more special, we invite those with last names beginning with A-L to bring desserts, while those with last names beginning with M-Z are invited to bring sides and salads. Let's come together as a community to share food, fellowship, and the joy of Pentecost!
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Habitat for Humanity Build
May 11-July 13
Holy Innocents, St. James Methodist, Cathedral of St. Philip, St. Martin in the Fields, and St. Luke’s Presbyterian are sponsoring Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s summer faith build. All parishioners 16 and older may participate. No skills are required, just the desire to help an Atlanta family buy a home at a very affordable price. Learn more here.
Contact John Harris | harris4338@gmail.com | 678-761-6765
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Church of the Common Ground Sandwich Build
May 19
On Sunday, May 19 please join us in the Parish Hall after the 10:15 service to assist in assembling over 80 lunches for our unhoused community members who attend Church of the Common Ground in Woodruff Park, located in downtown Atlanta. We will make sandwiches and pack lunch bags as part of our outreach efforts. Additionally, we are invited 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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Reading Connections
May 14
Reading Connections is the women's book club! The book for May is The Paris Library by Janet Skeslian Charles. We meet at 6:00 PM in the Conference room.
Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org
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Men’s Dinner and a Book
May 14
The next Men’s Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM, and the book is Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jonnes. Joe Nuzzaco is hosting. All men are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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Young Adult Camping Trip
June 28-30
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join us for an unforgettable young adult camping trip from June 28th to 30th! No camping experience? No problem! Leave the stress behind as we provide everything you need for a fantastic outdoor adventure.
Get ready to bond with fellow adventurers, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. But it's not all about fun and games. We'll also gather for a peaceful prayer service amidst the tranquility of the great outdoors. Join us as we lift our voices in hymns, connecting with each other and with something greater than ourselves.
The location is to be determined, but one thing's for sure: it'll be a weekend to remember. Mark your calendars and get ready for a fun camping experience!
Contact Emily Badacour | ebadacour@holyinnocents.org
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Children’s Choir
May 12
We are so excited to be singing on May 12 in honor of Mother’s Day. Kids, grab your doughnuts and meet in Sunday school by 9:00 AM for rehearsal! Children’s Choir will sing for the congregation at the 10:15 AM service following that morning’s Children’s Chapel.
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Club 45 Nerf Bash
May 19
4th and 5th graders join us for our end-of-the-year celebration including an epic playground Nerf Bash and a pancake bar. Bring your Nerf toy and get ready to party! RSVP here.
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VBS Decorating Party
May 30
We need your hands to help prep for VBS. In just a few short weeks we will welcome 100 kids for an entire week of crafts, science experiments, music, games, and other activities. Help us prepare our space and supplies for this exciting ministry. May 30th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, pizza provided!
Sign up here.
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Holy Innocents Episcopal Church VBS: Camp Firelight
Rising PK4 – 5th grade are invited to HIEC Camp Firelight VBS. Your child will enjoy an interactive and energizing, faith-based time as they learn to face their fears while trusting in God. Campers will explore timeless Bible stories showing how Old and New Testament figures trusted God, faced their fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name. Campers will perform their VBS song on Sunday, June 9th at 10:15 and families are invited to stay after for a picnic lunch!
Holy Innocents 2024 VBS will be June 3rd - 7th from 9:00 am until 12:15 with optional aftercare until 3:30. Registration cost is $85 and aftercare is an additional $65. Only 20 spots left! Register here.
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GLOW | May 1
Let’s GLOW for Pentecost! Kids ages PreK-5th grade, join us for a science experiment and a very special GLOW about Pentecost and prayer. This is our last meeting before summer break so mark your calendars and join us for this special time. Let Ms. Renee know you’re coming here.
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Click above to watch last Sunday's service! | |
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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 reach out to us by phone.
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Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church | Website | |
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