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Almost Christmas: With Grateful Hearts
Dear Friends,
This is one of my favorite days in the life of the church.
All around the world, Christmas is taking shape—and right here at Holy Innocents it is unfolding in the most beautiful ways. Creative spirits are rehearsing music and decorating sacred spaces. Angels keep appearing with beautifully wrapped (and highly caloric!) treats for our amazing staff. Bulletins are being folded, linens perfectly ironed and set for Communion. Vacuums hum. Cues are practiced—for readers, shepherds, and animals alike.
At the same time, the world beyond our doors is buzzing. Frantic travelers hurry along. Last-minute gifts are bought. One final trip to the store feels unavoidable.
And some of us, by choice or by life’s circumstances, are having a quieter day. Perhaps there is relief in doing less. Perhaps there is longing for someone we miss, or for a season of life that feels far away.
Into all of this, busy or quiet, breaks forth a beauteous heavenly light, as one of Bach’s hymns so beautifully proclaims. No matter our activity or lack thereof, Jesus enters our world, turning everything upside down, bringing peace and joy if we pause long enough to receive it and then to share it.
So, Merry Christmas… almost.
Your clergy and staff are deeply grateful to be part of this remarkable community, where we prepare, pray, serve, and celebrate together. Thank you for being part of the light we share.
With gratitude and love,
Stewart Lucas, Vicar
P.S.
For those of you traveling, please know that you go with our prayers. And for those joining us for one of our beautiful worship services listed below, we invite you—if you’re able—to park in the back lot, helping ensure that our many guests and visitors have a welcoming place close to the church.
Christmas Offering
Thank you for your generosity already this Advent. There is so much to celebrate at Holy Innocents—newcomers, new families, baptisms, and growing participation in worship and giving. We invite you to share this joy by inviting friends, neighbors, and loved ones to worship with us in the days ahead. Our entire Christmas Outreach Offering will support vital ministries of care beyond our walls. Let us go together to Bethlehem and see what God is doing among us especially through our Outreach Ministries. Click here to give now.
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CHRISTMAS AT HOLY INNOCENTS
The Weary World Rejoices
This Christmas we celebrate the astonishing news that God comes to us in tenderness and glory, meets us in our weariness, and fills our world with unquenchable light. Joy and light break into every shadow.
10:00 AM ∙ December 24 ∙ Chapel
Quiet Christmas Eucharist
Begin Christmas Eve in peace before the busyness begins. A simple, beautiful service in Christ Chapel with communion, prayer, and organ.
3:00 PM ∙ December 24 ∙ Nave
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Our beloved, family-friendly pageant. Children may come 30 minutes early to dress as angels, shepherds, or animals and participate in the telling of the Christmas story. Holy Eucharist to follow.
6:00 PM ∙ December 24 ∙ Nave
Festival Eucharist with Choir & Strings
A joyful and elegant Christmas celebration with full choir, organ, strings, carols, and communion. A favorite for families no longer in the pageant years.
9:00 PM ∙ December 24 ∙ Nave
Candlelight & Incense Festival Eucharist
A stunning, traditional Christmas liturgy with choir, strings, incense, carols, communion, and the beauty of candlelit worship.
10:00 AM ∙ December 25 ∙ Chapel
Christmas Day Eucharist
A peaceful, reflective Christmas morning service in Christ Chapel with communion and the story of Christ’s birth.
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Pageant schedule for December 24
- 2:00-2:20 PM: Pick out your costume in Inglett, help your child get dressed, and then head to Christ Chapel.
- 2:25-3:00 PM: Kids will rehearse their pageant song and movements while parents find their seats in the Nave.
- 3:00 PM: The pageant & worship service begin
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Potluck Brunch December 28
We’ll gather around good food and good company. There will be no formation this week; just time to eat, connect, and linger a little longer.
Parish Retreat Signup
Ready to step away, slow down, and reconnect?
Our February Parish Retreat at Kanuga invites you to explore the deep connection between body and soul, faith and daily life—through conversation, prayer, and even the food we share. Scroll down to learn more and register for a weekend of rest, reflection, and renewed connection with God, one another, and the natural world. 32 folks have already signed up. Email Stewart if you'll like to ride the bus.
Sign Up Here.
Weekly Pledge Update
We are especially delighted to have received 222 pledges totaling $1,536,659 so far. (That's 20 new pledges!) We are within reach of our $1.6 million goal. This is extraordinary.
Every gift—large or small—helps build this community of love and hope.
Make your pledge here.
Upcoming Office Closures
The office will close on Christmas Eve at noon and reopen Monday, December 29. For New Years, the office will be closing at noon on December 31, reopening Monday January 5.
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Procrastinator's Pledge Payoff with the Rector
December 31, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Still meaning to fulfill that pledge before the ball drops? Join us for a light-hearted, judgment-free morning designed especially for the well-intentioned… but slightly delayed.
Where the coffee is strong, the judgment is gentle, and the side-eye is 100% sanctified.
Come for the laughter. Stay for the satisfaction of crossing that pledge off your list before the year ends.
Bring:
✔ Yourself
✔ Your pledge
✔ Your sense of humor
See you there—unless you put it off… again.
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Annual Meeting
January 25, 9:00 AM
Join us in Inglett Hall for breakfast and fellowship as we review our ministry’s finances, reflect on 2025’s accomplishments, and embrace the vision for the year ahead. We’ll elect four new vestry members and two youth representatives and step forward together in faith and community. Scroll down to see their bios and photos.
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Sandwich Build for CCG
January 25, 11:15 AM
We will be packing 125+ 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
Learn More churchofthecommonground.org
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Winter Warm-Up: Song & Celebration
January 31, 4:30 PM
Something wonderful is cooking at Holy Innocents! Join us for a cozy winter evening featuring some of our very own staff singers as they share favorite songs, along with the choir singing a few of our all-time favorite anthems. After the music, we’ll move into a festive reception with food, fellowship, and celebration. Come celebrate the talent among us, enjoy good company, and shake away the winter blues!
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John Cox became a member of Holy Innocents last year with a letter of transfer from St. Benedict’s Episcopal (Smyrna, GA), where he served on their Vestry during its founding years. He is active in the men’s group (MOHI, book dinners, retreat, etc.) and offers his support to other activities such as the Ventulett Gallery displays and outreach to Holy Comforter, Habitat for Humanity, and CAC drives. John’s career background lends experience in several ways, including renovation and refurbishing medium-sized construction projects. Recently at HIEC, he began the Education for Ministry (EfM) series, enrolling in the inaugural ‘wide angle’ curriculum. John has two grown sons with their own families (4 grandkids!) and enjoys golf, hiking, yoga, and an array of other interests.
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Graham Hurtt is married to Clara Hurtt and father to Madison (10) and Sadie (7). He is a managing director in the Technology and Services investment banking group at Raymond James, focusing on financial services end markets. Graham is an embarrassingly big fan of science fiction in all its forms and media, often to the chagrin of his family. In his free time, Graham can most often be found transporting the girls to sports and lessons or losing card and board games to the other members of his family.
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Sunni Newton has been a member of HIEC since 2011, along with her husband, Tommy Newton. They have two children, Boyd (13) and Rosie (10), and live in Buckhead. Sunni works as an education researcher at Georgia Tech, where she has been a student or an employee since 2001. At Holy Innocents, she serves as a Reader, a Greeter, and co-chief mahjong enthusiast. Her favorite free-time activities include reading, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and playing with the best dog in the world, Lita, whom her family is fortunate to have adopted in 2023. She looks forward to being in the room where it happens on the Vestry.
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Jan Stewart has been an active member of Holy Innocents for 25+ years. She has volunteered her time in all areas of the church community during those 25 years, which included serving as past chair of the Altar and Flower Guilds and as a past Junior and Senior Warden. Currently, she is a team leader for both the Altar and Flower Guilds, a lay Eucharistic Minister, and a member of Community of Hope. She has exceptional finance (profit and non-profit) experience, a passion for outreach, and a commitment to pastoral care. She is the mother of three grown children, and although she continues to work full time she always finds the time for the community of Holy Innocents. She is honored to serve on the Vestry and looks forward to representing the community.
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Anna Blair Gates is a ninth grader at Marist School. She has been a member of HIEC since birth. She has grown up in the church nursery, attending Sunday school, singing in the children's choir, and enjoying youth activities. She has also been a VBS volunteer for the past several years. Anna Blair plays competitive soccer with Concorde Fire; she also runs cross country at Marist.
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Mary Brooks McCrystal is a sophomore in high school at HIES and has been a member of HIEC since she was born. She has attended Sunday school regularly as a child and is an active participant in the youth group. She has attended the school since Kindergarten and is now participating in their football cheerleading, basketball, and lacrosse programs. Mary Brooks is also on the yearbook committee as well as many clubs such as HI Trees, HIES for CHOA, and Blood Cancer United.
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Christmas Break
Children will not meet for Sunday school or chapel on Sunday, December 28th. We invite kids to worship with their families that day, and we'll be back and ready for a new year of fun on Sunday, January 4th!
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GLOW
January 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW together this winter! Kids are invited to join us for a faith-filled evening focused on God’s love and the beauty of winter. We’ll enjoy snow-themed games, activities, and a meaningful take-home project to help kids grow in faith. Wear your favorite winter or snow-themed outfit and get ready for some fun! For kids ages PreK–5th grade, 6:00–7:00 PM
Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, then kids will head to the GLOW program from 6:00–7:00 PM. Parents are welcome to stay for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW. Friends are welcome!
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Children’s Choir
January 25, 10:15
Our Children’s Choir will sing on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Rehearsals are ongoing during Sunday School and Children’s Chapel, and kids are welcome to join at any time. We are so excited to give children this opportunity to share their joy through music.
Contact Renee Stephens | rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Prayer Shawl
January 6, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, January 6, 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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Young Adults: Winter Party
January 9, 6:00-9:00 PM
We’re excited to invite you to a Winter Party at Rev. Stewart Lucas’ home! Come as you are and join us for a cozy evening of delicious food, fun, and great conversation. Come hang out, get to know one another, and kick off the new year together!
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Women of HI: Wine and Wisdom
January 15, 6:00-7:30 PM
What Every Woman Should Know about Money & Planning
Preparation empowers women in every season of life. The Women of HI and the Endowment Committee invite you to join us for an evening of wine, conversation, and practical wisdom. In the spirit of the late Betty Barstow, we will share some quips from the book “Being Dead is No Excuse” along with door prizes! We will welcome a trusted estate attorney to share what every woman should know about estate planning and financial security. While this is not a workshop, it will be a pain-free way to learn what documents matter, what to have in place, and where to find essential information.
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Third Friday: Men of HI
January 16, 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
January 6, 1:00 PM
The group is reading Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. We’ll meet at 1:00 PM in the Parlor room. All are welcome!
Contact Audrey Sumner audreysum4833@gmail.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
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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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We are pleased to welcome Bill Harkins once again as retreat leader for the 2026 Men of Holy Innocents' Retreat at Lake Logan Episcopal Center in the mountains of North Carolina, where our theme will be “Arete, Faith, and a Rule of Life for Connection Among Men.” Bill will serve as both facilitator and homilist, guiding us with the wisdom, depth, and grounded presence many of us have come to value over the years. Registration information will be available soon.
Contact John Harris harris4338@gmail.com | Charles Crosby charles@corepm.net
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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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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