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Our stewardship campaign, Nurturing Faith and Cultivating Community is making great progress with $1,191,400 in pledges, reaching 77% of our $1.54 million goal, from 167 pledges, including 13 new ones. Thank you! We're encouraged by the momentum but still need 12 additional new pledges to meet our goal of 25.
We especially invite newcomers and families with young children to join us in this commitment, as every pledge supports ministries that enrich all ages. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…for God loves a cheerful giver." Together, let’s build a strong foundation for our community.
If you would like to discuss your pledge, please speak to Bill or Stewart. Go to our giving page to learn more and make your pledge today.
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Two Coins, True Stewardship
“She gave out of her poverty.”
The one who put in two copper coins that were worth a penny.
The one who Jesus saw when he was sitting across from the treasury.
The woman from last Sunday’s gospel.
The phrase stuck with me.
In this season of stewardship, (and thank you for keeping us in the forward motion of meeting our stewardship goals, yay!) each of us conduct our own internal inventories to discern how, where, and what to give.
What is our offering?
But this story makes me think about our poverty, which, for our abundant life and culture in this place, is kind of hard to think about, because we simply do not live in poverty. And yet, each of us experiences personal poverty. We know that we are lacking in some way, or that some need is not met, or that at some level, we are deplete.
I think Jesus invites us to visit that poverty. To dig deep into that empty pocket and bring out our two bits of nothingness. It’s there. And we can offer it to God as a strange form of stewardship, to give our nothingness to God, as our best offering.
The story suggests to me, that there is something about the very act of making an offering, that changes things. Maybe it changes the value of our lives, or our perspective and how we see things, or our sense of calling, direction, and purposefulness in this life.
“Everything she had to live on.” That’s what Jesus said she gave. Which is to say, she gave it all. Even the part that seemingly had no value.
And may we offer it up, with the words from our solemn vow:
“With all that we are, and all that we have, we worship you.”
The Rev. Ruth Pattison
Associate Rector
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Women of HI: Sound Bath
November 14, 6:00-7:30 PM
Back by popular demand! Sonja will be with us again to lead us in a Sound Bath just in time to de-stress and center ourselves before the fall and winter holidays. We’ll begin with simple healthy refreshments. Dress comfortably and bring a blanket or a yoga mat.
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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.
How do we work together? What do I owe my neighbor and myself? What do we do when they drive us crazy? What do we want in this life or the next? How does all of this work as individuals, as a community, and with our faith?
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Thanksgiving Food Drive
October 21-November 21
Emmaus House believes the holidays together is an important factor in maintaining family ties. With your help, we will help families in need enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We seek donations of bags filled with customary holiday side items. Please pick up a reuseable bag, with the list of requested items. Drop off filled bags at the church before November 21st. If you are able to help drop off bags to Emmaus House, please sign up below.
Contact Lilia Romero | lgrrn@comcast.net | 404-422-0523
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Third Friday: Men of HI
November 15
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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Church of the Common Ground
November 17
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.
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Reading Connections
November 18
Readings Connections is the women’s book club!
The book for November is Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Srout Join us at 6:00-7:30 PM in the conference room.
Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org
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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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Adopt a Child this Christmas
November 17-December 7
This year, CAC and Solidarity Sandy Springs are facing huge needs for Christmas gifts, and the Outreach committee would like to help as many families as possible by assisting both organizations. CAC has a waitlist of approximately 120 children beyond its usual capacity and Solidarity offered to support the 120 children on CAC’s waitlist in addition to their own families in need.
This Christmas we can support CAC and Solidarity by "adopting" the 120 children through Solidarity. The process will be similar to previous years with CAC; envelopes with the children’s wish lists will be on a table in Bishops Commons this Sunday, November 17. It’s recommended that each child receive approximately $75-100 in gifts, or gift cards are appreciated to go toward teenagers’ more expensive gift requests or allow them to select their own gifts. We will deliver the gifts to Solidarity on December 6 or 7.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will be here before we know it, and Christmas can be difficult for parents and children when families have little extra money to provide gifts. So, let’s spread Christmas cheer to our neighbors in need in our community. Please select an envelope with the children’s gift requests and return the unwrapped gifts to the church by Tuesday, December 3. For more information or volunteer to help, contact Doug Peterson at dopete29@gmail.com or Jan Paul at janpaul1005@gmail.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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HIYA: Secret Santa
December 15, 4:30 PM
Ho ho ho! The young adults are playing Santa Claus for a friend in the group. The deadline to sign up is November 15. The price limit is $30.
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Women of HI: Cookie Swap
December 15
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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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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HI Youth Basketball
November 17
It’s time for some fun with basketball! The Holy Innocents Youth Basketball, season is open for registration! All kids in grades 2-5 are welcome to join us.
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Children’s Service Opportunity
November 20
We are excited to offer a children’s service opportunity this fall! The Children’s Ministry will be serving dinner for 50 students at Agape, which is a local Youth & Family Center that empowers children from under-served families. Agape provides after-school academic support, development programs, and dinner for approximately 200 children every school night throughout the year. We are pleased to be able to join in that effort and allow this great opportunity for children to experience the joy of giving back to our community. Volunteer spots are limited to 15 children 3rd- 5th grade.
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Advent Wreath and Breakfast
December 1
Join us December 1 from 9-10 AM as we celebrate the season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ. Our youth will cook a delicious breakfast for $5 online and $10 at the door. You and your loved ones can create your own Advent wreaths for $15 with all proceeds going directly to the youth group. Please register by November 25th.
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GLOW
December 4 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW for advent. Kids come and join us for some advent FUN! Wear your favorite Christmas shirt and get ready for some fun games and go home with a very special advent activity to use at home. Kids ages PreK-5 grade.
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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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Click above to watch Bill's sermon from last Sunday! | |
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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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