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Happy Thanksgiving!
We wish you all the happiest of holidays this week, and we give thanks for each of you. Your generosity, presence, creativity, prayers, and support in many ways keep us coming back to work every day. We are grateful for the growth the Holy Spirit is encouraging right in our midst.
This drawing was done by one of our newest members on Sunday morning. She tapped an older member on the back after the service and said, "Here. I colored this just for you." Needless to say, that small act of kindness blew him away and brought tears to his eyes.
God bless you and your families. We look forward to beginning a new church year with you on Sunday!
With love and gratitude, Your HIEC Clergy & Staff.
The office will be closed at noon on Wednesday, November 26, and reopen Monday morning December 1.
Weekly Pledge Update
We are especially delighted to have received 204 pledges totaling $1,417,434 so far. You have responded so much more quickly than last year—thank you! We are within reach of our $1.6 million goal. This is extraordinary.
If you’re new to Holy Innocents, or haven’t yet made a pledge, we hold that membership in our community means committing to four things:
• Worshiping regularly (in person or online)
• Connecting with others through prayer and fellowship
• Serving our neighbors and help change the world
• Giving to support the church’s ministry
Every gift—large or small—helps build this community of love and hope.
Make your pledge here.
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Lighting the Way: Our Youth Advent Fundraiser
Megan Atkinson Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Family Ministries
As we step into Advent, the season when the church leans forward with expectation and prepares room for Christ’s coming, we invite you to pause, gather, and begin this holy journey together.
On Sunday from 9:00-10:00 AM our Youth Group will host a special Advent Fundraiser designed not just for fellowship, but for reflection and renewal. Over a warm breakfast and the sound of live music, we’ll enter a space that helps us remember why this season matters: God’s light breaking into our world.
As part of this time together, you are invited to take part in Advent wreath and candle making. These simple, hands-on traditions become powerful reminders of what we await, hope, peace, joy, and love. Each candle lit and each branch woven becomes a quiet prayer that Christ would be born again in us.
This event is open to everyone, families, individuals, longtime members, and new friends. As we eat, create, laugh, and reflect, we begin Advent with intention, choosing to root ourselves in the hope that does not disappoint.
Come join us as we begin this sacred season.
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Advent Wreath Making & Breakfast
November 30, 9:00-10:00 AM
Join us as we celebrate the season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ! Our youth will cook a delicious breakfast for $5. Enjoy live music while you and your loved ones create your own Advent wreaths and/or participate in candle making for the children and youth ($10 each). All proceeds go directly to the youth group.
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Parish Retreat Registration
This coming February at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC, we will explore this connection between spirit and flesh, body and soul. We will talk about our own experiences of disconnection, how we feel separated from nature, held captive by the virtual world, and confused about what our bodies are and what we can do with them. We will explore our deepest desires and our longing for authentic relationship—connection with ourselves, with one another, with God, and with all living beings.
The most pervasive modern experience of our disconnection from nature is food and eating. Think about your last meal—where did it come from, what was in it, how was it served, and who was around when you ate it? What did the experience mean? We will explore the practice of food as a sensuous, miraculous way to reforge those connections for which we long.
Our leader is the Rev. Mark Wastler who launched a non-profit organization, to help people reconnect their spiritual lives with the natural world. Mark brings to this work his experience as a farmer, Episcopal priest, conservationist, and spiritual director. He has been rector of large and small churches as well as a college chaplain. With twenty years of diversified, regenerative farming experience, he helps reclaim the spirituality of food and eating. Find more here: chesapeakewatershedministries.org
Cost:
- $375 for a single room. This includes lodging for two nights, meals Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and all programming for one person.
- $575 for a double room. This includes lodging for two nights, meals Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and all programming for two people.
- Kids: Children and youth are free to attend with a paid parent/guardian.
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Advent Adult Forum on Matthew
We’ll journey through Matthew’s Gospel full of anticipation, identity, revelation, and disruption—following the surprising ways God shows up in the world. From tangled family trees to midnight dreams, from unexpected visitors to a holy family on the run, Matthew invites us to see how God’s promises emerge in times of both hope and peril. On December 7, 14, and 21, we’ll explore how these ancient stories illuminate our own longings, fears, and acts of courage in a world still hungry for light. 9:00 am in Inglett Hall
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Adopt-a-Child for Christmas
A special thanks to everyone who has already “adopted” a child or family through our CAC and Solidarity Sandy Springs Christmas programs!
We're providing gifts for 150 children, 20% more than last year. Return the unwrapped items to the church by Sunday, Dec. 1.
All of our lists have been adopted, but you may still adopt a family on the CAC website here.
For more info: Jan Paul at Janpaul1005@gmail.com or Charles Crosby at Charles@corepm.net.
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Christmas Flowers & Music
We invite you to make a donation In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one to be included in our Christmas Eve service bulletin.
Please use this online form or the envelopes in the pew. Use the memo line to indicate how you would like your donation to read in the bulletin. Donations are needed by noon on December 15.
Thank you for your generosity ito make our church beautiful and our music inspiring this Christmas! For more info: contact Renee Stephens.
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HIES Upper School Chorus
December 2, 5:00 PM
Join us in the Nave for Advent Lessons and Carols! In the Episcopal tradition, this service intertwines music and scripture, inviting the audience to reflect and prepare for the impending joy of the holidays. The lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Quad follows the service.
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Piano Duet Concert
December 4, 12:30 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with lunch at 11:30 AM in Inglett Hall, 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! Register on Realm for lunch.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 7, 10:15 AM
On the Second Sunday of Advent, we’ll gather for our annual bilingual celebration of this feast with those who attend our Sunday afternoon Spanish-speaking service. After this joyful service of worship with special music honoring Mary, the Mother of God. Following the liturgy, we’ll gather for a festive lunch filled with food, fellowship, and the vibrant spirit of this beloved tradition. All are welcome—ven y celebra con nosotros!
Please Bring a Dish to Share for Lunch!
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Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus
December 14, 4:30 PM
“It’s Just Isn’t Christmas Until the Gay Men Sing!” The Chorus is back in our Nave for their Annual Holiday Concert. This is an Atlanta tradition that is not to be missed. The show brings us holiday favorites and the combination of beauty, camp, power, and joy that only the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus can.
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GLOW
December 3, 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW for Advent. Kids come and join us for some Advent FUN! Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, get ready for some fun games, and go home with a very special Advent activity to use at home. Kids ages PreK-5th grade.
Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, and then the kids will leave for the GLOW program from 6-7:00 PM. Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW. Friends are welcome! Parents are required to stay with their kids during dinner.
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St. Nicholas Sunday
December 7
Join us Sunday, December 7, 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! After worship, we will celebrate together with a parish-wide lunch and activities for children.
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Children’s Choir
December 14
Our Children's Choir will sing on Sunday, December 14th. Rehearsals are ongoing in Sunday School and Children's Chapel, and kids can join in 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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Magical Kids Christmas Party
December 14, 11:30-1:00 PM
Get ready for a merry, magical adventure! After church, all kids PreK–5th grade are invited to stay for a Christmas party straight from the North Pole! We’ll enjoy a festive lunch, decorate delicious cookies, and have a snowy playtime under the snow machine. There might even be a few surprises from Santa’s workshop along the way… So grab your Christmas cheer and come celebrate with your friends!
Register by December 10 to join the fun! Santa’s elves are saving your spot!
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Youth Group: Botanical Gardens
December 14, 11:15-2:30 PM
Join us after church on Sunday, December 14, from 11:15 AM to 2:30 PM as we head to the Botanical Gardens to explore their magical Christmas display and sip on some delicious hot chocolate. Don’t miss out on the fun, friends, and festive vibes.
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Club 45 Christmas Party
December 21, 9:00 AM
4th & 5th graders: Join us for a festive Club 45 Christmas Party full of holiday cheer and tons of fun! Join us for an hour packed with games, treats, music, and surprises as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. Come ready for laughter, friendship, and a little Christmas magic!
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Christmas Pageant
December 24, 10:15 AM
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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Prayer Shawl
December 2, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, December 2, 7:00–8:30 PM. We knit and crochet shawls for those in need, but bring any project—needlepoint, cross-stitch, even mending—and enjoy fellowship while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@gmail.com
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Women of HI: Majong Night
December 5, 6:30-9:30 PM
Join Women of Holy Innocents for laughter and lively games at our monthly Mahjong Night! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the tiles, all are welcome for this special time of community and connection. You don’t need to be an experienced player to attend, but you should know the basics of how to play. This is not a learning session. Bring your own beverage of choice, and a sign-up for snacks will be shared with attendees leading up to each date. To RSVP, email Emily Wilkerson (embwilkerson@gmail.com) or Sunni Newton (sunni.newton@gmail.com)
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WOHI: Cookie Swap & Lunch
December 14, 11:15 AM
Following the 10:15 AM service, join the Women of HI for a cozy soup-and-salad lunch and a festive Christmas cookie swap! Bring three dozen of your favorite homemade or purchased treats/cookies to share, and you’ll head home with three dozen assorted treats brought by others. It’s a sweet way to enjoy good food, good company, and a little holiday cheer.
Contact Brenda Letzler | bletzler@aol.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
December 18, 7:30 AM
Enjoy warm hospitality, engaging discussions, and a fresh breakfast in the Frost Youth Center. Come for the conversation and stay for the fellowship.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Bucket List Book Club
December 2, 1:00 PM
The group is reading Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, in November and December. We will discuss Book One on November 4 and Book Two on December 2. We’ll meet at 1:00 PM in the Parlor room. All are welcome!
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Reading Connections
December 8, 6:00 PM
Please join the Reading Connections group for our annual Christmas gathering on Monday, December 8 at 6:00 PM, in Inglett Hall room C. Bring a treat or something savory to share with the group.
Contact Michelle Driscoll |
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men's Dinner and a Book
January 13, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM and the book is Devil in The White City by Erik Larson. John Cox is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact Jeremy Webber for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber |
jhwwebber@gmail.com
| | We had technical difficulties on Nov. 23. Many Apologies. | | |
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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