Embracing Change 

Change is an inevitable part of life. While it can be daunting and uncomfortable, it also brings opportunities for growth, learning, and new beginnings. Embracing change teaches us invaluable lessons in flexibility, positivity, and the importance of recognizing what truly remains constant in our lives. 

As I prepare to welcome my first child, I know everything in my life is about to change. It’s a bit overwhelming to think of the new sleep schedule I will have or all the new things I need to buy. The arrival of this new baby will bring a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. It will require me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new situations, and develop resilience, which will be especially important as I navigate the many unknowns of parenthood. But with all this change comes the reminder of one thing in my life that will always remain the same: God. 

Hebrews 13:8 reassures us of God's eternal and unchanging nature: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Amidst all transitions, we can find solace in the unchanging nature of God, who remains with us through every step of our journey. This constant presence offers comfort and stability, allowing us to embrace change with faith and assurance. 



As I embark on this new adventure of parenthood, I invite you to also embrace whatever change might be ahead for you. Remind yourself of the constant presence of God and know that where you go, God has gone before you. 

Blessings,

Megan Atkinson

Director of Youth, Youth Adults, and Family Ministries

Camp HIEC - Summer Formation

July 28: Hiking, Pilgrimage | The Labyrinth

Summer camp always includes hiking. The Labyrinth is a long-time spiritual practice at Holy Innocents and will provide the means for putting one foot in front of the other for a meditative journey. Judy Fielder and Ursula Simmons will lead the event complete with our room-size canvas labyrinth, icons, votives, and music. We will also provide palm-size labyrinths for those who might prefer to sit as they make their pilgrimage.



August 4: Cabin Devotions | “Tea and B”

At the end of the day, campers gather in their cabins to wind down and connect in conversation about their wild day before they hit their bunks. It’s just a time to connect. To talk. Tell stories. Laugh. (And occasionally, cry). On this final day of Summer Formation, we will engage in conversation with a practice called “Tea and B”. The B is to simply invite each participant to just “Be”. We will have conversation starters on the placemats, to invite you to connect with others in our faith community, over a cup of tea.

Volunteer for the Backpack Drive

Solidarity is looking for help during backpack organization and pick-up!

Here are the times:

• Tuesday 7/23 - 10 people, 4:00-7:00 PM
• Wednesday 7/24 - 10 people, from 10:00 AM-noon
• Thursday 7/25 - 10 people, from noon to 3:00 PM
• Friday 7/26 - 10 people, from noon to 2:00 PM
• Saturday 7/27 - PICK UP DAY from 2:00-5:00 PM

Need 20 people, 1:00-3:00 PM 

Need 20 people, 3:00-5:00 PM 

• Sunday 7/28 - 10 people, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

All spots are first come first served. Please contact Solidarity Sandy Springs for more information.

toni@solidaritysandysprings.org

HIYA: Pool Party

August 3, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM

All young adults are welcome to enjoy a refreshing pool party and savor a delicious seafood boil crafted by Jenny Cantrell. Bring your swim gear and your appetite! Please RSVP.

Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org

Backpack Blessing and Picnic

August 11

Join us for a special Backpack Blessing and Picnic on August 11 during the 10:15 service! Bring your backpacks for a blessing to kick off the new school year with positivity and prayer. After the service, stay for a hamburger and hotdog picnic with your church family. It's a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate, and enjoy some summer fun. Don't forget to invite friends and family! We look forward to seeing you there.

Reading Connections

August 12

Reading Connections is the women’s book club! The book for August is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pel. We meet at 6:00 PM in the conference room.

Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org

Third Friday: Men of HI

August 16

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

VG Opening: Nature Re-Imagined

August 22, 6:00-7:30 PM

Join us for our next gallery opening on August 22, from 6:00-7:30 PM. We are excited to showcase art by Anita Best Misel and Maryam Askaran! The exhibit will be displayed from August 22-October 7.

Parent Party at Bill's

August 22

We would love all parents of Pre-K-12th grade students to join us for a fun gathering at Rev. Bill's house on Thursday, August 22nd. We will have dinner and drinks and enjoy getting to know each other as the new school year begins! Please RSVP by August 16.

EfM Registration

September 3

Education for Ministry is a four-year adult Christian formation program by the University of the South (Sewanee). It delves into the Holy Scriptures, Church history, and theology, helping us understand our relationship with God, neighbor, and creation. Our EfM group meets every Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, September 3 through May 27, both in-person and via Zoom. The vibrant community engages in stimulating weekly discussions. Registration is open until August 13. Tuition applies; scholarships are available.

Contact Lin Stradley | lstradley@gmail.com (404) 233-3155

Contact Nicole Yarsawich | cole.yarsawich@gmail.com

Episcopal School Sunday

September 8

Join us for Episcopal School Sunday on September 8, as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of HIES's founding. We will unveil the portrait of the Rev. Hugh Saussy, and breakfast will be provided by the school at 8:45 AM.

Men of HI: Braves Game 

September 8, 1:35 PM

Join the Men of Holy Innocents for an exciting Braves game with first-base seating! Tickets are $25 each. Contact Bill Clark to purchase yours before August 25. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy a great game and fellowship!

Contact Bill Clark | dandbclark@comcast.net

Ministry Fair

September 15

There are numerous groups where you can worship, connect, and serve! During Formation time, Inglett Hall will be transformed into a Ministry Fair where each group will have a booth and you can learn more about ways to get involved at the church. We are enthusiastic about our ongoing growth and community involvement, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Church of the Common Ground

September 22

HI will be packing 80+ 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 | churchofthecommonground.org. 

Iconography Workshop

October 6-11

Join us for a six-day retreat in Byzantine icon painting technique and Meditation where spirit will inspire you in the sacred art of painting in egg tempera. The schedule for the course begins on Sunday evening with introductions and continues daily from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM for five days.

If needed and depending on each participant's progress, extend the schedule every day throughout the workshop, allowing time to finish.

You are invited to take time anyway from your regular life. Miller is a full-time iconographer dedicated to egg tempera and the love for spiritual awakening through painting with Mother Earth. A Window into Stillness retreat includes prayer, solitude, materials, painting, and lunch. Each participant will complete one Icon.

Mocha Meetups

Every Wednesday, 1:00 PM

Join Megan every Wednesday this summer at Starbucks (6350 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327) for Mocha Meetups! All middle and high schoolers are invited to join a midweek treat to unwind and connect with new friends.

Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org

Youth Group: Games

August 18, 4:00-6:00 PM

It's our first youth group gathering of the school year! All rising 6th-12th graders are invited to join us as we enjoy a taco bar, learn a new spiritual practice, and play hilarious water games! This year, our youth group will focus on missional spirituality and practices that can bring them closer to God. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to bring a friend and a towel!

Acolyte Training

August 25

Have you ever wanted to serve as an acolyte? We invite all 5th-12th grade students to register as an acolyte this school year! Training will take place every Sunday morning from 8:45-9:15 AM starting August 25th through the month of September. Please sign up for a training date (only one is necessary) if you are interested. All current and new acolytes must participate.

GLOW

September 11, 6:00–7:00 PM

Come and GLOW with us for our first meeting of the year. Our kids are offered seemingly endless opportunities for activities and stimulation. Let’s take a step back and see how we can renew our strength through spiritual disciplines. Kids, PreK-5th grade, will learn four easy spiritual disciplines that we will practice all year long. PLUS hang out with friends, share a snack, and make your very own scripture jar to take home! 

Click above to watch Stewart's sermon from last Sunday!

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

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.