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Record Turnout for the Pet Blessing!
Pastoral Notes
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Judy Bullock upon her death this week. She was a member of Holy Innocents for at least 50 years. Her funeral will be held here in November at a date to be determined.
We also give thanks for the life of Jay Martin, father of Corinne Martin. His funeral was last week in Charlotte. Corinne and her fiancé are new to Holy Innocents in the last six months and will be married here in March.
Gracious God, in your boundless compassion, console all who mourn. Give them quiet confidence to continue the course on earth, until, by your call, we are all reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Liturgy of Belonging will take place on All Saints Sunday, November 2. If you are interested in officially joining the church or are not sure if your paperwork is in our records, please contact Renee Stephens. Bishop Rob Wright will visit on Sunday, May 31 for confirmation and reception of new members. Confirmation and Inquirers' Classes for youth and adults will begin in early 2026.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on Sunday, November 9. If you would like to be baptized or have your children welcomed into the faith, please find more information here.
This Sunday at Holy Innocents
The Rev. John Porter will preach this Sunday at the 8 & 10:15 AM services.
Adult Forum Series: Episcopal Identity in our Confusing World
Sunday, October 12 & 19, 9:00 AM
With so many arguments in our society about what it means to be Christian, the time is right to talk about what it means to try to be a Christian and what it means to be an Episcopalian. Join Stewart this Sunday as we discuss who we are and what we believe. We will have some answers and many more questions as we seek to understand God's call to be good and holy people together. The Women of HI bring donuts this Sunday, and the Vestry prepares breakfast on October 19!
Sunday, October 26, 9:00 AM
Music Program Review
The Vestry has unanimously approved bringing in Dr. Sonya Subbayya Sutton to help evaluate and strengthen our music program as we begin the search for a new director. A highly respected organist, conductor, and pianist with over 40 years of experience in the Episcopal Church—including 20 years as Music Director at St. Alban’s, Washington, D.C.—Dr. Sutton has guided several parishes through times of transition and is a past president of the Association of Anglican Musicians.
She will visit Holy Innocents October 25–26 to meet with the choir, donors, vestry, and congregation, and will lead the Adult Formation hour on Sunday to share insights on church music and the search process.
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Letting Go
Renee's Reflection
My oldest is 11 years old, and he likes all of his ducks in a row. He doesn’t like things to change. He thrives on routine and predictability. Well, last year we moved and whole bunch of things changed at once. He fought to hang on to things from the past, even toys that he hadn’t touched in six years. It was a huge challenge to organize his room in a way that made sense for his new phase of life. Finally, these last couple weeks he agreed to let go of some things that he hasn’t touched in over a year. And this weekend we were able to set up his room in a new way, and it’s the most functional and organized room that he’s ever had.
It made me think about how many times in our lives that we hang onto something from the past. Maybe something that is no longer serving us in any meaningful way, but we hold onto it because it’s something that we’ve always done or something that we’ve always had. Sometimes it really hurts to let things go and to embrace a new way of being. Sometimes, in that surrender we find an incredible freedom. A freedom that comes from God and from the realization that God has ordered our lives long before we even knew what we liked or didn’t like.
Letting go can be very difficult, and learning to sit with our grief is a lifelong skill. But as we learn to trust the process, we begin to embody God’s plan and promise for our lives, that we would know a peace that surpasses all understanding and a love that is so pure that it exists beyond the confines of space and time. In letting go, you might find what your heart really desired was there all along.
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Ventulett Gallery Opening
October 16, 6:00-7:30 PM
This exhibit will showcase the creative work of the Collage Society. Check out their website here.
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Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
October 26, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Come in costume for Sunday School and worship, then stick around after the service for an afternoon full of fall fun and festive fellowship.
Trunk or treat, hayrides, petting zoo, lunch, seasonal treats, and more! Chili and hotdogs for all.
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Ministry Fair at Holy Innocents
October 26, 11:30-1:00 PM
Together. For Good.
While the young and old enjoy the Fall Festival, the Ministry Fair will be there to deliver another kind of adventure!
Representatives from the Community, Outreach, and Worship Ministries will provide information about the ways you can find new friends at Holy Innocents’ Church and make a difference together.
Do you want to get involved? Contact Maggie Menkus | menkus10@gmail.com
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Holiday Market Returns
Sunday November 16
Do your Christmas Shopping at Church from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM in Inglett Hall.
If you are an artist or in any medium--pottery, metal, wood, fabric, jewelry, or a baker or an author, etc, you may reserve a table by contacting Elaine Morgan. Setup will be on Saturday morning before.
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Changes and Chances
A Grief Workshop
A workshop for all kinds of grief.
We are Practicing the Pastoral Arts. We are not about becoming artists, or even creating a “work of art”. Instead, we are being brave enough to let the art do its work with us. Join us on Wednesdays, November 12 & 19, at 10:30-12:00 PM or Thursdays, November 13 & 20, at 6:00-7:30 PM.
Art is powerful, freeing, and healing. It is evocative. Pastoral Art is a mindful mixed media approach to making something with our spiritual lives. We experiment with art supplies because it gives us access to the uncharted, untapped riches of the soul and the possibility for deep healing. We don’t have to be “creative” or “artistic” to engage in Pastoral Arts. We simply look, and listen, and oftentimes we wait; and I dare say, we play.
With this grief workshop, showing up is the hard part, but it is enough.
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S'mores Night!
6th–12th graders, join us for a cozy night of s’mores, worship, and pumpkin carving on October 19th! We’ll gather around the fire, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend time connecting with God and each other. Friends are welcome, but be sure to RSVP so we have enough pumpkins for everyone! You won’t want to miss this sweet and meaningful night!
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Trunk or Treat Volunteers
We need you! Sign up to host a trunk for our trunk or treat on October 26th. Decorate your trunk as simply or as elaborately as you would like. Prizes will be offered for Most Creative Trunk, Best Decorated Trunk, and Funniest Trunk. Setup will begin immediately after 10:15 worship, and Trunk or Treating will begin after lunch. Email Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org to host a trunk.
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Club 45 Halloween Breakfast Party
October 26, 9:00-10:05 AM
4th & 5th graders, join us this Sunday at 9:15 AM for a Halloween Breakfast Party. Wear your costume and come ready to enjoy breakfast, special treats, and fun times with friends!
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Men of HI: Low Country Boil
October 19, 5:30-8:00 PM
Join the Men of Holy Innocents for food, fellowship, and fun at our annual Low Country Boil on the banks of the Chattahoochee! $30 per person, includes food and beverages.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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WOHI: Progressive Dinner Table
October 21, 6:00-8:00 PM
Each course brings a new mix of guests to your table, sparking lively conversation and helping us grow our connections across the community. Enjoy an evening of good food, great conversation, and new friendships.
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Men's Dinner and a Book
November 11, 6:30-8:30 PM
The book is The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild by Bryan Burrough. Jeremy Webber is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact him for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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Parish Retreat
February 13-15, 2026
Mark your calendars for a special weekend of connection, belonging, and spiritual growth at beautiful Kanuga Conference Center! Our parish retreat is a time for all ages to come together. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection or lively conversation, you'll find space for both.
- Engaging programs for kids, teens, and adults
- Campfires, music, and a classic s’mores sing-along
- Plenty of free time to rest, explore, and reconnect with nature
- Opportunities to deepen your faith and friendships
More details and registration info coming soon!
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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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