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Ruth's Reflection
The Rev. Ruth Pattison, Associate Rector
For me, messy paint and collage help me pray. So does writing. For me, these are forms of contemplation and listening. They are forms of revelation and reconciliation and they keep me present to the Holy Spirit. They are good for my soul, and it is Lent.
So, this is what I am going to do: I will open our “art studio” here at the church, (at the far end of the education wing), one day a week from 12:00-7:00 PM, every Wednesday. I will be in the studio for the duration doing just this kind of spiritual work, and I invite you to join me, randomly at your convenience, for an open studio, self-directed, Lenten retreat.
You can bring anything you want to work on if it helps you pray or be present to God, such things as reading or knitting or journaling or sitting with headphones and listening to music or writing letters, or “artsy things” like painting, or mark making. We could have holy conversation over tea if you so desire. Or you can simply join alongside me in what I’m doing.
Just stop in for an occasional hour, or stay for a day, or come by on your way home from work a few times or make it a ‘disciplined’ kind of thing and come every week at the same time for the same amount of time, and see it through, even if you find yourself staring at the wall.
My hope, for my own creative work, is to focus on the images from Ezekiel’s vision and the Revelation to John: “the ox, the eagle, the lion, and the man”. (I wrote to you about these in the GOODNEWS paper mail.)
You might like to do the same or you might have another interesting process in mind. Bring it on. I will also have ideas available for you if you feel a bit stumped and want some friendly suggestions, or a familiarization tour of art supplies and how they work. It will be “open” studio which means you can come and go as you please and work how you want to.
Would you like to join me for any of that time?
Like I said. It is lent. And Lent is a season of journeying.
I will be here and hope to see you sometime during these weeks of wandering in the wilderness.
Sojourning with you,
Ruth+
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Parish Directory Update
The directory is live! We have updated the database settings in Realm to include baptized members, confirmed members, and associate members in the church directory. Information that is available through the directory is your name and contact info. This information is only available within our church. For questions, please contact Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org
Grateful Giving Reminder
We are so grateful for the generosity of those who give to Holy Innocents through stock donations or Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). These gifts make a meaningful impact and are easy to arrange! However, they often arrive without donor information, making it difficult for us to acknowledge them properly.
If you have recently sent a gift—especially through Fidelity—please let us know! Contact Caroline Fleming at cfleming@Holyinnocents.org so we can ensure your generosity is properly recognized. Thank you for your faithful support of our ministry.
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CAC Lenten Giving Week One Update
During the first week of Lent, we collected 18 bags of food, weighing approximately 155 pounds, from the 100 purple bags distributed on Sunday. Our goal to meet CAC’s needs is 20,000 pounds a week. These figures are only for the bags returned to Holy Innocents and don’t include online purchases or checks written to CAC. However, as you can see, we are far short of missing our goal.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Please don’t let the weeks go by. Shop now and deliver the food to the church.
- If you purchase food online, enter Holy Innocents in the “Company Name” block during checkout.
- If you donate money, please send or deliver the check to the church so we can determine how many pounds of food your donation is worth. There is a formula to calculate the average pounds.
Food items are most needed:
If you’ve donated, thank you for your support of CAC. If not, please join us in our Lenten observance and help our neighbors in need. Look for weekly updates and volunteer opportunities. For more information check our website here, or contact Charles Crosby charles@corepm.net or Jan Paul janpaul1005@gmail.com
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Ventulett Gallery Opening
March 13, 6:00-7:30 PM
Join us for an evening of creativity and inspiration as we celebrate the opening of our latest exhibition featuring works by Barbara Lehman and Tina Christina.
Barbara Lehman, whose career began with painting children's murals in 1978, has spent decades refining her craft. With experience in the Atlanta Decorator Showhouse, she brings a unique understanding of how art transforms a space. Now fully devoted to oil painting, she finds joy in creating something from nothing, capturing light, shadow, and color in captivating ways.
Tina Christina presents a bold and striking approach to realism in oils and acrylics. Her work offers an extreme yet ominous perspective, reflecting her mischievous spirit. She embraces both personal inspiration and commissioned collaborations, bringing favorite images to life with a simple, uncluttered touch.
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Master Plan Meeting
Sunday, March 16
Our incredible architectural team from Houser Walker is coming to seek feedback from the whole community.
As we cast a vision and plan for the church through our master plan process, we hope everyone in the parish will come to one or both meetings to discuss who we are and what we value as a church!
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Church of the Common Ground
March 16
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.
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Easter Flowers & Music
Help us prepare for a beautiful and meaningful celebration of Easter! We invite you to make a donation to support Easter flowers and music. You may dedicate your gift In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one. These dedications will be included in our Easter bulletins as a meaningful way to honor your loved ones. To donate, please use this online form or the envelopes in the pew. When donating, please use the memo line to indicate how you would like your donation to printed in the bulletins. Deadline for donations is April 10th. For more information, please contact Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Lent Class with Temple Sinai
“A season is set for everything”
Rituals, Traditions, and Theology for when our time comes.
March 20, 27 & April 3, 10 at 7:00 PM
Senior Rabbi Ron Segal and Bill Murray will teach and share the Jewish and Christian perspectives on death, dying, resurrection, grieving, celebrating, and life. Similar to past classes, the goal is to get to know our neighbors and go deeper in conversations and relationships. Please plan to come to all four classes to get to know each other better as we learn, share, and laugh together.
March 20: Temple Sinai
March 27: Holy Innocents
April 3: Temple Sinai
April 10: Holy Innocents
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Third Friday: Men of HI
March 21
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
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Newcomer's BBQ
March 26, 6:00-8:00 PM
Join the Holy Innocents’ Church Clergy, Vestry, and Welcome Team for a BBQ dinner while making new friends.
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Burn the Mortgage
Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 11:15 AM
We have almost paid off the note from our 2012 renovation (the balance is just under $10,000). So, it is time to celebrate this big moment. After the 10:15 service on Sunday, March 30, we will go outside to the luminarium (the big cauldron in the memorial garden) and burn the loan documents. Since it will be Lent, we encourage you to write down things you also want to be done with - and cast those burdens, sins, injuries, grudges, and worries into the fire. We will share some prayers (it is the Episcopal Church, we always have a liturgy), burn the mortgage and our burdens, and then celebrate with some "hot" themed food together. Join us for a celebration!
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Young Adult Egg Stuffing Party
April 2, 6:00 PM
Calling all young adults for an Easter egg stuffing party on April 2 at 6:00 PM! This is a great way to give back and bring joy to the Church. Join us for food, fun, and to connect with other young adults. Meet in Bishop Commons from 6:00-7:00 PM.
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An Evening of Inspiration: WOHI Dinner & Event
April 3, 6:00-8:00 PM
Give yourself the gift of grace. Join us to learn from Katherine Wolf, founder of Hope Heals. She’s a disrupter in the most inspiring way: "disrupting the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life." Her story is extraordinary, and so is what she and her team have accomplished since her catastrophic stroke in 2008, at age 26. The cost is $15. Sign up below.
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Reading Connections
April 14, 6:00 PM
Join us for the April Reading Connections meeting at 6:00 PM on Monday, the 14th. We’ll meet in Inglett Hall C. This month's book is The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu. The novel delves into the lives of a group of teachers navigating their personal and professional challenges at a high school in Texas.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Agape Family Dinner
April 17, 6:00-7:00 PM
You're invited to our Agape Family Dinner on April 17th at 6:00 PM! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Holy Week by sharing in food, fellowship, and connection. This will be a warm, welcoming atmosphere with activities for all ages to mark the Last Supper. Whether you're a long-time member or a first-time guest, we welcome you to bring your family and friends for a night filled with joy and warmth to mark this special occasion. Catered Mediterranean dinner is $10 per adult. Children and youth are free.
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Men of HI Retreat
April 25-27
The Men of Holy Innocents will gather at Lake Logan Episcopal Center in Canton, North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a weekend of spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and renewal. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday evening, followed by a Saturday morning program. Saturday afternoon is free for activities like hiking, a visit to Waynesville, golf, fishing, or relaxing on the porch. We’ll wrap up on Sunday morning with the Eucharist.
The Rev. Brad Whitaker, a former Holy Innocents’ clergy member will lead the retreat. Focused on Finding God in Everyday Companions, we will explore how relationships—whether lifelong or brief—reveal God’s love and presence in our lives.
Fees include lodging and all meals.
Single occupancy: $495 (1 single room available)
Double occupancy: $356
Contact John Harris | harris4338@gmail.com
678-761-6765
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Men's Dinner and a Book
May 13, 6:30 PM
The next Men's Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm and the book is "The Right Stuff " by Tom Wolfe. Tony Clarke 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.
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Youth Group
March 16, 4:00-6:00 PM
Our 6th-12th grade students will meet for youth group on Sunday, March 16th from 4:00-6:00 PM. We'll enjoy dinner together, play outside, and enjoy some worship music. Friends are always welcome.
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Youth Group: Study Hall
March 23, 4:00-6:00 PM
Our 6th-12th grade students will meet for Youth Group: Study Hall on Sunday, March 23rd. We will gather in Frost from 4:00-6:00 to practice some spiritual exercises before catching up on homework and studying. Students are invited to bring their schoolwork and use this time to recharge and get ready for the week ahead. Light dinner will be provided and friends are welcome!
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Children’s Choir
April 13, 9:00 AM
We are so excited to be singing and leading the processional for Palm Sunday. Our awesome kids have been working hard on our Palm Sunday piece and will lead the Palm Sunday processional at the 10:15 service and then sing our anthem at the very beginning of the service. Kids meet in Sunday school at 9:00 before we start rehearsal at 9:30 and get our big palm leaves!
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 20, 9:30 AM
The hunt is on! Join us at 9:30 AM for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a basket and meet near the entrance of the playground behind the Church. Kids will hunt with their age groups. After the hunt, join us inside for refreshments, and kids can congregate and open their eggs together before worship at 10:15 AM.
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VBS
June 2-6
Join Holy Innocents Episcopal Church for a very special Road Trip VBS June 2nd-6th! This year's VBS is based on Joshua 1:9, "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." It reminds us that God's presence is always near no matter where the journey of life takes us. Kids will go on an exciting journey to discover new places, new friends, and new ways that we can discover God's goodness and presence everywhere. Open to rising Pre-K to rising 5th grade. Rising 6th grade and up are invited to serve as youth leaders. The cost is $85 with optional aftercare until 3:30 for an additional $85
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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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
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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.
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