The Vicar's View

Let's just say your Rector got be pretty good on Sunday...

We did indeed have a blast at our parish picnic after the Blessing of the Backpacks. Who knew foam could be so fun? More pictures to come. It was delightful to have the choir back, and to see so many happy faces ready to get back to school. They are all duly blessed, and we indeed are blessed by their presence in our community. The Holy Innocents' Episcopal School started back today, so we encourage you to be extra vigilant in our parking lots in the weeks to come.

We look forward to the start of Sunday School this Sunday morning for all ages. Megan, Renee and their team of amazing leaders are ready to welcome our young members. Sally Parsonson will resume her Faith and Fiction class in the conference room. And Ruth is back from vacation and ready to tell us everything she knows about the book of Ruth in our new Compact Wisdom class in Inglett Hall. Bring your Bibles! More about all of these below...

Join us for breakfast by the Men's & Women's Book Club and Prayer Shawl ministry around 8:45 am in Bishop Commons. Then stay for formation. Look for signups for the Foyers Groups that will be forming this Fall, and ask any of our staff if you have questions about the updated REALM database launch. We are so delighted with the response and for your patience as we learn all that it can do for us to keep us up to date on events and contact information.

It was so lovely to have Marycelis Otero back with us as she begins her final year in seminary. You can ask her how her summer hospital chaplaincy experience was when you see her. But please keep her family back in Puerto Rico in your prayers. She spoke to them this morning after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ernesto. They do not have power but they do have water. The area where they live will not be affected by flooding, but we know so many others are not so lucky. We give thanks for their safety and pray for all of those beginning recovery efforts.

And finally read a letter from Taylor Irwin next. We wish her all the best at Epiphany and know we will see her around very soon. God bless you all. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Stewart+

A Letter from Taylor Irwin

Hi friends,

Saying goodbye is never easy, and I write this with a mix of gratitude, excitement, and sadness. Over the past two years at Holy Innocents, your commitment and community have profoundly shaped me, both as a person and as a minister.

During my time here, Holy Innocents has been a place of growth and discovery, especially in deepening my understanding of the Episcopal tradition. This church has offered me a safe space to learn and explore, and through our many conversations and reflections, I've gained invaluable insights into our shared faith. I have cherished the opportunities to preach, teach, and engage in meaningful dialogue with you all. Your support played a pivotal role in my journey to seminary, and I deeply appreciate the emphasis on education and formation that this community embodies. It has been a privilege to live out that vision with you.

While I am saddened to leave this space that has become so dear to me, I am excited to share that I have accepted a position as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. This new role offers a wonderful opportunity for continued formation and discernment, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

With the whirlwind of summer schedules, it was difficult to find a Sunday to say farewell in person, but please know that I welcome your prayers and support as I embark on this next chapter.

Thank you once again for the privilege of being part of this community. 

With gratitude and love,

Taylor Irwin

Compact Wisdom Formation Series

The joke that Episcopalians don’t know the Bible well is getting old. So, let’s start with the shortest books together. By mid-October, we can cross off 20 books from our list—almost a third of the Bible! As we delve into these brief yet profound books, we will uncover their timeless wisdom. Through short lectures, group discussions, and reflective readings, we will explore what wisdom these ancient texts offer for our challenging times as Americans. Join us in exploring these compact yet powerful books, each offering unique insights into faith, perseverance, love, and redemption. We will deepen our understanding and find relevance in these scriptures for our lives today. This study will nurture our faith and grow our community as we break open the scriptures together.

• August 18: The Book of Ruth led by Ruth Pattison
• August 25: The Book of Esther led by Bill Murray
• September 1: Philippians and Philemon led by Stewart Lucas
• September 8: Episcopal Schools Sunday
• September 15: Ministry Fair
• September 22: 1, 2, and 3 John led by Stewart Lucas
• September 29: Mini Parish Meeting -Master Planning, Mortgage & Stewardship News

October & November: a class with John Porter and Bill Murray as well as the last three weeks of the Compact Wisdom Classes.

VG Opening: Nature Re-Imagined

August 22, 6:00-7:30 PM



Join us for our next gallery opening on August 22, from 6:00-7:30 PM. We are excited to showcase art by Anita Best Misel and Maryam Askaran! The exhibit will be displayed from August 22 to October 7.

Contact Caroline Fleming | cfleming@holyinnocents.org

Parent Party at Bill's

August 22



We would love all parents of Pre-K-12th grade students to join us for a fun gathering at Rev. Bill's house on Thursday, August 22nd. We will have dinner and drinks and enjoy getting to know each other as the new school year begins! Please RSVP by August 16.

EfM Registration

September 3

Education for Ministry is a four-year adult Christian formation program by the University of the South (Sewanee). It delves into the Holy Scriptures, Church history, and theology, helping us understand our relationship with God, neighbor, and creation. Our EfM group meets every Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, September 3 through May 27, both in-person and via Zoom. The vibrant community engages in stimulating weekly discussions. Registration is open until August 13. Tuition applies; scholarships are available.



Contact Lin Stradley | lstradley@gmail.com (404) 233-3155

Contact Nicole Yarsawich | cole.yarsawich@gmail.com

Episcopal School Sunday

September 8



Join us for Episcopal School Sunday as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of HIES's founding. We will unveil the portrait of the Rev. Hugh Saussy, and breakfast will be provided by the school at 8:45 AM.

Men of HI: Braves Game 

September 8, 1:35 PM



Join the Men of Holy Innocents for an exciting Braves game with shaded, first-base seating! Tickets are $25 each. Purchase tickets by August 25.

It’s a perfect chance to enjoy a great game and fellowship! Contact Bill Clark for more information. 

Contact Bill Clark | dandbclark@comcast.net

Reading Connections

September 9



Reading Connections is the women’s book club! The book for September is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. We meet at 6:00 PM in the conference room.

Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org

Men's Dinner and a Book

September 10, 6:30 PM



The next book is The Women by Kristin Hannah.  Ham Henson is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact Jeremy Webber at jhwwebber@gmail.com for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.

Ministry Fair

September 15



There are numerous groups where you can worship, connect, and serve! During Formation time, Inglett Hall will be transformed into a Ministry Fair where each group will have a booth and you can learn more about ways to get involved at the church. We are enthusiastic about our ongoing growth and community involvement, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Third Friday: Men of HI

September 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

Church of the Common Ground

September 22

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. 

HIYA: Braves Games

September 27, 7:20

Batter up! Holy Innocents’ Young Adults are going to the Braves game on 9/27, 7:20 PM game. Meet at the church if you want to carpool! Tickets are discounted to only $10 each. 

Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org

Iconography Workshop

October 6-11



Join us in writing an icon! No previous experience is needed. Just a desire to try to push paint around and enjoy the process! This year, we will be painting the icon of Jonah. Jonah may well be the perfect prophet for this moment as we think and pray on our election, our nation, and our world. Where is God in all of this? Where is Jonah? Where are we?

Noted iconographer Mary Jane Miller will be joining us again and leading us in prayer, reflection, and conversation around this unique icon of faith. The class is open to all but limited to 15.  

Youth Group: Games

August 18, 4:00-6:00 PM



It's our first youth group gathering of the school year! All rising 6th-12th graders are invited to join us as we enjoy a taco bar, learn a new spiritual practice, and play hilarious water games! This year, our youth group will focus on missional spirituality and practices that can bring them closer to God. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to bring a friend and a towel!

Acolyte Training

August 25



Have you ever wanted to serve as an acolyte? We invite all 5th-12th grade students to register as an acolyte this school year! Training will take place every Sunday morning from 8:45-9:15 AM starting August 25th through the month of September. Please sign up for a training date (only one is necessary) if you are interested. All current and new acolytes must participate.

GLOW

September 11, 6:00–7:00 PM



Come and GLOW with us for our first meeting of the year. Our kids are offered seemingly endless opportunities for activities and stimulation. Let’s take a step back and see how we can renew our strength through spiritual disciplines. Kids, PreK-5th grade, will learn four easy spiritual disciplines that we will practice all year long. PLUS hang out with friends, share a snack, and make your very own scripture jar to take home! 

Click above to watch Stewart's sermon from last Sunday!

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

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.