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Thanksgiving
Back when answering machines were part of daily life, I would change my outgoing message every other week and include some ridiculous question. I was in my twenties and thought I was a hilarious youth minister. My outgoing message one Thanksgiving was, "Hi, this is Bill. I cannot come to the phone right now. If you leave your name and number, I will be sure to get back with you - as long as you answer this one, simple question: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish and why?"
95% or more of the messages I got that year listed sweet potato casserole, turkey and dressing, green bean casserole, or a long list of desserts. I can say it was always fun to see what people answered. You learned all kinds of things about folks with their responses, especially some recipes for a killer Coca-Cola Cake and a delicious Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie! Then, you always had that one silly, smart-aleck response. "My favorite dish is Corning Ware. It is so wonderful to bake with and easy to clean!"
Thanksgiving is a fascinating holiday that has morphed in a hundred different ways and has taken on different meanings along the way: some funny, some tragic, some easy, and some challenging. I suppose that is true for almost every holiday. We carry all of our lives and emotions and hopes and dreams and share them with others. We just pray that we both share them appropriately and the responses will be kind and caring as well.
I have a great deal to be thankful for this year, along with a few complaints and concerns, and a lot of things to carry and share with family, friends, church, and country. I can get concerned and anxious, relaxed and grateful, or zoned out and watching football all in one afternoon. On more than one occasion, I have found it helpful just to be grateful for some good cookware to bake with and that is easy to clean - and the laughter that comes with it all.
Prayers that you each find time to give thanks for all God's gifts in your lives, moments to share your burdens and worries, and a loving group of friends and family to help you along the way!
God bless,
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray
Rector
So that we can spend time with our families, there is no Thanksgiving Day service at Holy Innocents. Click here to watch the Washington National Cathedral service at 10:00 am on Thursday morning.
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Christmas Flowers & Music
Help us prepare a beautiful and festive celebration for Christmas! We invite you to make a donation to support the Christmas decorations, flowers, and the string ensemble for Christmas Eve worship.
You may dedicate your gift In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one. These dedications will be included in our Christmas Eve service bulletin as a meaningful way to honor or remember those who hold a special place in your heart.
To contribute, please use this online form or the envelopes in the pew. Please use the memo line to indicate how you would like your donation to read in the bulletin. Donations are needed by noon on December 16.
Thank you for your generosity in helping make our church beautiful and our music inspiring this Christmas season! For more information, please contact Renee Stephens.
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Directory Photos
As part of our ongoing work to update our directory, we are excited to offer three upcoming opportunities to update your directory photo. On December 1st, 8th, and 15th, stop by our photo station in Bishop Commons with your family before or after the 10:15 service to snap a quick photo. You may also email your own picture to be uploaded or upload it yourself through Realm. For questions contact Renee Stephens.
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Pledge Update
Our stewardship campaign, Nurturing Faith and Cultivating Community, is making exciting progress! We’ve received $1,300,00 in pledges, which brings us to 84% of our $1.54 million goal. This generosity comes from 181 pledges, including 15 new ones—thank you!
We’re inspired by this momentum but need 10 additional new pledges to meet our goal of 25.
We especially encourage newcomers and families with young children to join this vital commitment. Every pledge supports ministries that enrich all ages, from children and youth programs to outreach and worship.
As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…for God loves a cheerful giver.
Together, we can build a strong foundation for our church and community.
If you’d like to discuss your pledge, please reach out to Bill or Stewart.
Visit our Giving Page today to learn more and make your pledge!
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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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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.
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Adopt a Child this Christmas
November 17-December 7
Thank You for Your Outpouring of Secret Santa Support!
Gratefully, all children have been adopted for the CAC and Solidarity Sandy Springs Secret Santa program this year. Our care for our neighbors in need is abundantly clear and your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Please return unwrapped gifts to Holy Innocents by Tuesday, Dec. 3.
If you would like to volunteer to help sort gifts at Holy Innocents on Dec. 4 or 5, please contact Doug Peterson at dopete29@gmail.com. Thank you again for your kindness!
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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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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: White Elephant
December 8, 11:30 AM
We’re excited to invite you to a fun opportunity with our young adult group! On Sunday, December 8th, right after the church service, we’ll be hosting a White Elephant gift exchange. Bring a wrapped gift under $35 to participate. To help us plan, just let us know if you’re coming. We hope to see you there for some laughs and festive cheer!
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Women of HI: Cookie Swap
December 8, 11:30 AM
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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Marycelis & Trey's Ordination
December 14, 2:00-3:30 PM
By the grace of God, Bishop Wright will ordain Travion Davis and Marycelis Otero to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
All are welcome via live stream and in person at St. Philip's Cathedral.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 15
We warmly invite you to a joint service with Our Lady of Guadalupe. Join us at 10:15 AM for a special bilingual service that unites our diverse community in worship and fellowship. After the service, stay for an Agape Potluck Lunch, a celebration of the rich culinary traditions that make our congregation so unique. Bring a traditional dish representing your cultural heritage or a cherished family recipe to share as we come together in unity, joy, and gratitude.
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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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Third Friday: Men of HI
December 20
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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Men’s Dinner and a Book
January 14
The next Men’s Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 pm and the book is The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. Rolf Meinhold is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact for Jeremy for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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Recharge, Connect, and Inspire: Building Up Holy Innocents Together
This Presidents Day weekend, join us at Kanuga Conference Center in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for a beloved parish tradition—a retreat that brings together all ages for a time of fellowship, games, singing, and connection. Whether you’re a new family just getting to know our community or a long-time member, this weekend is for you!
Our theme, “Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up,” invites us to dream together about our church’s future, exploring how we can grow as a welcoming, supportive, and faith-filled community. Inspired by the Greek word oikodomeite, meaning “to build a home,” we will come together to encourage and care for one another as we envision our next chapter. There will be time for deep conversation, shared meals, laughter, and even a service project in the surrounding area, a chance to live out our call to support and strengthen others.
Come be a part of this special weekend as we embrace the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Let’s make memories and build a strong foundation for the future!
Our retreat leader will be The Rev. Daniel P. Strandlund, rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in High Point, NC (Diocese of NC) where he has served since January of 2023. Daniel graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 2015 and has served churches in Alabama and Texas. In 2022 he completed an MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology through the University of Nottingham in the UK (long distance) and in October of 2024 began a DPhil in theology at the University of Oxford. When he is not touting his fancy academic credentials, he enjoys music, exercise, driving around in his Jeep, travel, the NWSL, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with his nerd friends. He loves a good story and believes you can tell a lot about a community by how well they play together. He and his wife, Lucy, live in Winston-Salem, NC where Lucy (also a priest) serves as an associate rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. They have one cat and a whole bunch of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and other kids who call them aunt and uncle.
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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 Ruth's sermon from 11/17
Due to a technical error, last Sunday's livestream was not uploaded.
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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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