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Mother Mary
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray, Rector
Her role as the mother of Jesus is recorded in both Matthew and Luke. In Luke, she is famously given the news of her life as the mother of God, to which she replies, "Let it be." We celebrate her during Christmas in Protestant churches. Most Southern churches are unsure what else to do with her. Meanwhile, Mary is revered as the Queen of Heaven in the Roman Catholic tradition and the Theotokos or God-bearer in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. She shows up several times during Jesus' ministry and is very much present at the founding of the church on Pentecost. So, what do we do with Jesus' mom?
As Anglicans and Episcopalians, we can choose to follow multiple paths. Personally, I see Mary as the Theotokos, the God-bearer who holds an exalted position in our story, because she is the very human, physical link of Jesus to humanity. She had a critical hand in helping the early church. While there is nothing explicit in scripture, I feel confident that Jesus' mom had plenty of input and guidance with the disciples, many of them young men seeking meaning, organization, and guidance after Jesus' departure. I do not pray to Mary or really any of the saints. At the same time, I believe that Mary likely holds an exalted position. God chose her to nurture, love, and raise Jesus. That alone is no small honor. The work she did in teaching and caring for him shows in the way that he engages the world. In other words, there is a very straight line from the Magnificat, where Mary sings about raising up the poor, hungry, and lost, and Jesus teaches the very same ideas.
This Sunday, we will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, known in Spanish as Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. This particular vision of Mary is critically important to Mexico and all of Central America. It is a moment where Mary appeared as a local, indigenous peasant to the poor Juan Diego to invite the community into a relationship with Jesus and God. She chooses to speak about raising up the poor, hungry, and lost. Since 2019, Holy Innocents has hosted the Spanish-speaking community that takes her name and that particular apparition as a guide. The choice is intentional. It gives them a connection to home and family through Mary and God. Mary is also a reminder to us all to be available to God. To find ways not just to hear God's call but to be willing and able to help.
Our Spanish siblings plan to bring tamales, soup, and good things to eat. We ask the English speakers to bring sides and some desserts to celebrate this day. We will celebrate together at 10:15 am in a bilingual service. We will then eat lunch and visit after in the Bishop Common, Parish Hall, and Inglett Hall. We will celebrate Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Theotokos, the servant of God, who was and is ready to help us all.
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New Sound and Video System in Chapel
Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous member of our church, we have been able to install a wonderful sound and video system. The speakers help increase the sound for folks attending service so they can hear more clearly. The video system will allow us to stream events, especially funerals and weddings, in the chapel. Come to a service at 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM to hear the difference. It is pretty spectacular!
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New Choir Robes
Thanks to a generous donation from Marlene Hart in memory of her husband, Don, we have new, blue robes for the choir. These cassocks were selected to match both the blue of the Advent liturgical hangings and the ceiling above the choir. This wonderful pop of color adds to the incredible offering of our choir each and every Sunday. Many thanks to Marlene for such a wonderful gift!
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Weekly Pledge Update
We are especially delighted to have received 211 pledges totaling $1,476,000 so far. 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.
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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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Advent Adult Forum on Matthew
We’ll journey through Matthew’s Gospel full of anticipation, identity, revelation, and disruption—following the surprising ways God shows up in the world. From tangled family trees to midnight dreams, from unexpected visitors to a holy family on the run, Matthew invites us to see how God’s promises emerge in times of both hope and peril. On December 7, 14, and 21, we’ll explore how these ancient stories illuminate our own longings, fears, and acts of courage in a world still hungry for light. 9:00 AM in Inglett Hall
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Christmas Flowers & Music
We invite you to make a donation In Memory of or In Thanksgiving for a loved one to be included in our Christmas Eve service bulletin.
Please use this online form or the envelopes in the pew. Use the memo line to indicate how you would like your donation to read in the bulletin. Donations are needed by noon on December 15.
Thank you for your generosity ito make our church beautiful and our music inspiring this Christmas! For more info: contact Renee Stephens.
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Piano Duet Concert
December 4, 12:30 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with lunch at 11:30 AM in Inglett Hall, followed by a delightful Christmas Concert featuring our very own Randy Romig and his friend Cathy Adams on our Steinway piano. They’ll bring joy to the season as they “tickle the ivories” with festive tunes! Register on Realm for lunch.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 7, 10:15 AM
On the Second Sunday of Advent, we’ll gather for our annual bilingual celebration of this feast with those who attend our Sunday afternoon Spanish-speaking service. After this joyful service of worship with special music honoring Mary, the Mother of God. Following the liturgy, we’ll gather for a festive lunch filled with food, fellowship, and the vibrant spirit of this beloved tradition. All are welcome—ven y celebra con nosotros!
Please Bring a Dish to Share for Lunch!
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Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus
December 14, 4:30 PM
“It’s Just Isn’t Christmas Until the Gay Men Sing!” The Chorus is back in our Nave for their Annual Holiday Concert. This is an Atlanta tradition that is not to be missed. The show brings us holiday favorites and the combination of beauty, camp, power, and joy that only the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus can.
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St. Nicholas Sunday
December 7
Join us Sunday, December 7, to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas and wear your favorite Christmas pajamas! We will have a special children’s chapel and leave our shoes out for a treat from St. Nicholas, and we might even have a visit from the Saint himself! After worship, we will celebrate together with a parish-wide lunch and activities for children.
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Children’s Choir
December 14
Our Children's Choir will sing on Sunday, December 14th. Rehearsals are ongoing in Sunday School and Children's Chapel, and kids can join in any time. We are so excited to give children this opportunity to share their joy. Contact Ms. Renee if you have any questions!
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Magical Kids Christmas Party
December 14, 11:30-1:00 PM
Get ready for a merry, magical adventure! After church, all kids PreK–5th grade are invited to stay for a Christmas party straight from the North Pole! We’ll enjoy a festive lunch, decorate delicious cookies, and have a snowy playtime under the snow machine. There might even be a few surprises from Santa’s workshop along the way… So grab your Christmas cheer and come celebrate with your friends!
Register by December 10 to join the fun! Santa’s elves are saving your spot!
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Youth Group: Botanical Gardens
December 14, 11:15-2:30 PM
Join us after church on Sunday, December 14, from 11:15 AM to 2:30 PM as we head to the Botanical Gardens to explore their magical Christmas display and sip on some delicious hot chocolate. Don’t miss out on the fun, friends, and festive vibes.
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Club 45 Christmas Party
December 21, 9:00 AM
4th & 5th graders: Join us for a festive Club 45 Christmas Party full of holiday cheer and tons of fun! Join us for an hour packed with games, treats, music, and surprises as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. Come ready for laughter, friendship, and a little Christmas magic!
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Christmas Pageant
December 24, 10:15 AM
Mark your calendars for a wonderful afternoon as children retell the Nativity story! Children are rehearsing for the pageant in Sunday school and Children's Chapel, and we invite friends and guests to join in the fun anytime—no prior rehearsal is necessary!
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Women of HI: Majong Night
December 5, 6:30-9:30 PM
Join Women of Holy Innocents for laughter and lively games at our monthly Mahjong Night! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the tiles, all are welcome for this special time of community and connection. You don’t need to be an experienced player to attend, but you should know the basics of how to play. This is not a learning session. Bring your own beverage of choice, and a sign-up for snacks will be shared with attendees leading up to each date. To RSVP, email Emily Wilkerson (embwilkerson@gmail.com) or Sunni Newton (sunni.newton@gmail.com)
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WOHI: Cookie Swap & Lunch
December 14, 11:15 AM
Following the 10:15 AM service, join the Women of HI for a cozy soup-and-salad lunch and a festive Christmas cookie swap! Bring three dozen of your favorite homemade or purchased treats/cookies to share, and you’ll head home with three dozen assorted treats brought by others. It’s a sweet way to enjoy good food, good company, and a little holiday cheer.
Contact Brenda Letzler | bletzler@aol.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
December 18, 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
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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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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Reading Connections
December 8, 6:00 PM
Please join the Reading Connections group for our annual Christmas gathering on Monday, December 8 at 6:00 PM, in Inglett Hall room C. Bring a treat or something savory to share with the group.
Contact Michelle Driscoll |
dris1296@yahoo.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
| | Click here to watch last Sunday's service! | | |
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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