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Patient Work, Growing Community
Megan Atkinson
Building a meaningful community does not happen overnight. Over the past year, our parish has been intentionally investing time, care, and leadership into cultivating a young adult ministry rooted in connection and belonging. That steady work is beginning to show real and encouraging results.
Our most recent young adult gathering brought together members in their 20s and 30s for a shared dinner and an evening of meaningful fellowship. What began as a simple meal became a space marked by laughter, honest conversation, and the ease that comes when people feel genuinely seen and welcomed.
This event represents over a year of intentional planning and development led by one of our own young adults, Emily Badacour, and myself. From the beginning, we have taken a deliberate and methodical approach, prioritizing sustainable growth, relationship building, and trust within the community rather than quick outcomes. That foundation is now supporting increased participation and deeper engagement among our young adults.
We are grateful for the momentum that is building and for everyone who joined us. As this ministry continues to grow, I will remain committed to guiding its development and offering regular opportunities for young adults to gather, connect, and deepen their place within the life of the parish. We are reminded through this work that, just as in our spiritual lives, growth takes time, and God is always at work in His perfect timing.
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New Children's Ministry Intern
Julian Carrasco is a student at Georgia State University, where he is majoring in History and hopes to one day teach U.S. History at the high school level. He is currently discerning the possibility of pursuing a Master’s in Education.
Julian grew up in the Methodist Church, where he was deeply involved in church life, especially Vacation Bible School. His love for children’s ministry continued last summer when he served as an aftercare teacher at our VBS. Julian was a tremendous asset to the program and quickly became a favorite among the kids for his kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm.
In addition to his ministry experience, Julian is musically gifted and plays both guitar and keyboard. He is currently exploring the Episcopal tradition and worshiping at St. Bartholomew’s. We are excited to see how Julian’s gifts, faith, and passion for teaching will enrich our children’s ministry.
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Double Your Pledge
As part of our Together. For Good. stewardship season, a generous member of our parish has offered a $20,000 matching gift to encourage new pledges. Every new pledge made before our Annual Meeting will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $20,000—doubling the impact of your commitment and strengthening the ministries we share together. If you’ve been meaning to take this step, there has never been a better moment to join in and help move Holy Innocents forward, together.
Click here to pledge now!
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Wearing your nametag on Sunday morning is one small act that makes a big difference—especially for newcomers who are still learning names and faces. It helps clergy, long-time members, and new friends alike connect more easily and feel at home. So grab your nametag, put it on proudly, and help us be the welcoming church we hope to be. If you don't have a namteag, put your name on the clipboard this week or email Emily.
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This Is Our Moment: Belonging, Beauty, and the Episcopal Way
Across the country, people are talking differently about faith. Studies show growing openness to religion, and we’re seeing it locally too - more curiosity, more searching, more people longing for meaning and connection. This three week series invites us to reflect together on why churches like ours matter right now, and how we can be ready for this moment.
Join us Sunday mornings as we explore culture, community, and worship—and what they reveal about the Episcopal way of faith. No preparation needed. Come for one week or all three. Bill kicks off the series this Sunday.
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Parish Retreat Registration
This February 13-16 at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC, we’ll gather for a parish retreat exploring the deep connection between body and soul, spirit and flesh. Together we’ll reflect on where we feel disconnected—from ourselves, from one another, from creation—and how God invites us back into wholeness and authentic relationship.
A central theme will be food and eating as a spiritual practice: where our meals come from, who we share them with, and how food can become a sensuous, sacred way of reconnecting with God and the natural world.
Our leader is the Rev. Mark Wastler, an Episcopal priest, farmer, conservationist, and spiritual director, whose work helps people reclaim the spirituality of food, land, and daily life. Thirty-five people are already registered, and we’d love for you to join us.
Cost:
• $375 single room • $575 double room
Includes lodging for two nights and all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
- ids: Children and youth are free to attend with a paid parent/guardian.
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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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Men of HI: Annual Cookout
February 1, 6:30 PM
Get your cowboy ribeyes, 40 oz. t-bones, monster fillets, chicken, dogs, or burgers ready! Our annual cookout is happening on February 1st at 6:30 PM, downstairs in the Frost Youth Center.
Bring whatever meat you want to grill and whatever you want to drink, and we’ll supply the rest. Grills will be fired up, ready to go. Sides and Appetizers will be provided. Come help us kick off the New Year with old and new friends. Open to all men of Holy Innocents.
RSVP to help us plan. No cost to you!
Contact Kevin Nuffer | 404-307-2959
Kevin.g.nuffer@gmail.com
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Newcomers' Dinner
February 5, 6:00 PM
Join the Holy Innocents’ Church Clergy, Vestry, and Welcome Team for a Dinner Party in your honor! Enjoy delicious food, friendly faces, and good conversation as we gather in community and make new friends. We can’t wait to welcome you! Thursday, February 5, at the home of Rosalyn Devine.
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Ventulett Gallery Opening
February 7, 2:30 PM
Join us for the Ventulett Gallery opening on Saturday, February 7, at 2:30 PM, featuring artwork by Holy Innocents' students and alumni. Champagne and light refreshments will be served as we gather to celebrate creativity, connection, and the talent within our community.
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Curious About Holy Innocents?
Whether you’re new to the Episcopal Church, returning after time away, or simply ready to go deeper—we invite you to take the next step through our Confirmation Classes for youth and adults. These gatherings are a welcoming, no-pressure way to explore our faith, our community, and what it means to belong. Classes for adults will begin on Sundays after the 10:15 am service on March 1 in the Parlor. Youth classes for 9th-12th graders begin on February 1, 9:00 AM, in the Frost Youth Center. The Rt. Rev. Rob Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, will visit on May 31, to welcome and confirm new members. Adults please email the Rev. Ruth Pattison (rpattison@holyinnocents.org) or the Rev. Stewart Lucas (slucas@holyinnocents.org). Parents should email Megan Atkinson (matkinson@holyinnocents.org).
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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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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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Confirmation Classes
February 1, 9:00 AM
Excited to grow in faith? Students in 9th grade and older are invited to join our Confirmation class, starting Sunday, February 1st! Classes meet on Sundays at 9:00 AM, and regular attendance is required. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our church, explore your beliefs, and decide for yourself if you want to be confirmed. Please sign up with Megan by January 26th.
Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org
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Youth Group: Care Cookie Project
February 8, 4:00-6:00 PM AM
Hey 6th-12th graders! Join us for youth group as we tackle a fun service project for the church–involving tons of cookies! Come ready to lend a hand, make some sweet treats, and yes... eat some cookie dough too! It’s a great chance to give back and have a blast.
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Shrove Tuesday
February 17, 6:00-7:30 PM
Join us for a festive Pancake Supper as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday! Come hungry and enjoy a ton of delicious food, a live band, and great fellowship. Cost is $10 per person. Let’s celebrate together before we begin the season of Lent!
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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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Prayer Shawl
February 3, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, February 3, 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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Habitat for Humanity Build
February 7-March 28
Holy Innocents, along with several local churches, is sponsoring Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s Faith Build. Adult parishioners and teens ages 16 and up are invited to take part in this meaningful work. Volunteers from nine churches will participate in this year’s build, with each church assigned four of the seven total work Saturdays to provide volunteers. Each Saturday, at least four members of Holy Innocents will have the opportunity to serve. No construction skills are required—just the desire to help an Atlanta family purchase a home at a very affordable price. When you visit the registration site, you will see a calendar with links for each of Holy Innocents’ assigned Saturdays and the number of volunteers needed.
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Reading Connections
February 9, 6:00 PM
This month’s book is Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward. The novel follows an impoverished African-American family in Mississippi in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina.
Contact Michelle Driscoll
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Bucket List Book Club
February 3, 1:00 PM
The co-ed group is reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. We’ll meet at 1:00 PM in the Parlor room.
Contact Audrey Sumner audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
March 10, 6:30 PM
The book is Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home by Chris La Tray. Rolf Meinhold is hosting. All men at H.I. are invited!
Contact Jeremy Webber
jhwwebber@gmail.com
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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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