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Join us this Sunday for a wonderful morning together at Holy Innocents!
• The Men of HI will be providing donuts for the church. Come enjoy a sweet treat and time in community.
• Adult Formation: Bill and John Porter will be leading formation this week. We hope you’ll join the conversation.
• Poptarts & Pajamas: Children are invited to wear their pajamas and take part in a fun poptart-themed formation!
• Ventulett Gallery Opening: Join us next Thursday, March 12, for the opening of our newest exhibit in the Ventulett Gallery.
• Lenten Food Drive for CAC – As we journey through Lent, we invite you to support our food drive benefiting the Community Assistance Center (CAC). Scroll down for details on how to participate.
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Folk. As in Folk Art.
The Rev. Ruth Pattison
I had the distinct privilege this weekend to serve as the chaplain for the Camp Mikell Folk School weekend, held at our diocesan camp and conference center in Toccoa, Georgia. The context inspired me to consider our Gospel story about Nicodemus in a different “light,” shall we say. Nicodemus, as we all read in our places of worship on Sunday, “came to Jesus by night.” Which is to say, it was dark.
Night offers the cover of darkness, and we wonder about Nicodemus and why did he go in the night? Was he afraid, was he embarrassed, was he hiding?
For my weekend folk art workshop, I signed up for the watercolor class. I love watercolor paintings, but I personally, for my own painting practice, prefer acrylics and collage and big and bold and messy dramatic work. So, I thought it would serve me well to try this other way. The way of watercolor.
It was an unknown to me. Intimidating, while at the same time tantalizing and intriguing. I was afraid to fail or be embarrassed in front of the other more accomplished students. And just as importantly, I didn’t want to frustrate myself beyond the point of the pleasure of it. But there at my place at the table, with a beautiful tin of 50 tiny cakes of watercolor, in I plunged.
It’s fair to say I came to watercolor, “by night”.
All the unknown, mysterious, confusing, romantic, perplexing, fearful, enticing, lonely, curious, elements of the night, were on board for me.
And you know?
It’s also fair to say that, just as for Nicodemus, Jesus was there. He met me there because that is where he is. He is in the night. My watercolor night. And he spoke out of, and from within, the darkness where we met.
Suffice it to say, the night is fair game for seeking and finding Jesus, because Jesus is there in the night, in the dark, any kind of darkness, even if it is just, simply, the unknown. But so too if it is a terrifying darkness. We can expect Jesus to meet us there.
The Nicodemus story is an invitation.
To just be bold, to go out into the dark of night. Because . . . Jesus is there. In the night. Sure enough. There in the night.
And he spoke.
What does Jesus talk about in the dark? He talks of water and spirit and being born from above. He talks about the wind, breathing, filling, going where it will, and about God giving birth to us.
In the night.
In this unknown. Any kind of not knowing.
We can come to Jesus by night. And find Him there.
Finding him with you,
Ruth+
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Stock the Shelves-Support Community Assistance Center
During Lent, Holy Innocents is turning our hearts and hands toward neighbors in need by supporting the Community Assistance Center (CAC) Food Drive. This vital outreach effort depends on the generosity of our parishioners to help meet the growing need right here in our community.
Every donated item goes directly to local families who rely on the CAC Food Pantry for support. Each month, the pantry provides food for more than 600 families—many of whom visit weekly. A family of four requires approximately 37 pounds of food per week, representing an average cost of $66.23. Your donations make a tangible difference, helping ensure that our neighbors have food on the table today and hope for tomorrow.
Please review the attached flyer for a list of most-needed items and program details and prayerfully consider how you and your family can participate. Donations may be placed in the CAC collection barrels located in Bishop Commons throughout the month of March.
For more information, please contact Charles Crosby at charles@corepm.net or Jan Paul at janpaul1005@gmail.com.
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Ventulett Gallery Opening
March 12, 6:00-7:30 PM
Not I in the Quiet by Victoria Phillips features abstract works that explore form, color, and quiet moments of reflection. Through layered textures and fluid shapes, the exhibition invites viewers to slow down and engage with the subtle emotion within the work. On view March 10–April 27 at The Ventulett Gallery, with an opening reception on March 12 from 6:00–7:30 PM.
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Family Bingo Night
March 20, 6:00-8:00 PM
Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled evening of bingo, food, and prizes! Enjoy a complimentary dinner featuring pizza, pasta, and salad. Everything is provided at no cost, and there is the option to purchase additional bingo cards, with proceeds going towards feeding children in need in our community.
Play exciting rounds of bingo throughout the evening for a chance to win fun prizes, including a grand prize of 4 tickets to a Braves Game with Delta Club access! Nursery care will be available, so parents can participate and enjoy the event with peace of mind. Invite your friends and neighbors and join us for a wonderful night of fellowship and family fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
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EfM Lenten Community Gathering
March 24, 7:00 PM
Looking to engage with God more deeply this Lent? Join the Holy Innocents’ EfM group for a Community Gathering centered on God’s Joyful Surprise, Sue Monk Kidd’s engaging memoir of her spiritual journey as an over-committed wife, mother, nurse, and “super-Christian” searching for a more authentic relationship with God.
As part of our Lenten reflection, participants will read the book and gather for discussion. Guided reflection questions will be provided to enrich the experience. All are welcome and encouraged to read and join in the discussion, but please contact Lin Stradley to register so that we can send discussion topics and plan for all participants.
Contact Lin Stradley | lstradley@gmail.com
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Agape Family Dinner
April 2, 6:00-7:30 PM
Celebrate Holy Week with us at our Agape Family Dinner on April 2nd at 6:00 PM. This special evening invites all ages to gather around the table for food, fellowship, and reflection as we remember the Last Supper. With activities for children, youth, and adults, this will be a welcoming space to connect and share together. Whether you’re new or have been part of our community for years, all are welcome to attend and invite others. A catered Mediterranean dinner will be served. $10 per adult; children and youth eat free.
Registration coming soon!
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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. Each Saturday, at least four members of Holy Innocents will have the opportunity to serve. No skills required, just the desire to help an Atlanta family buy a home at a very affordable price.
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Prayer Shawl
March 3, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, March 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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Third Friday: Men of HI
March 20, 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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Church of the Common Ground
Sandwich Build
March 22, 11:15 AM
Please join us in the Parish Hall after the 10:15 service to help make sandwiches for our unhoused siblings who worship in Woodruff Park weekly. If you would like to help deliver the lunches and worship with our friends, we will leave at 12:15 PM and will return to Holy Innocents after the service.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com
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Men's Retreat
April 24-26
Bill Harkins returns as retreat leader for the Men of HI Retreat at Lake Logan Episcopal Center in the mountains of North Carolina. This year’s theme is “Arete, Faith, and a Rule of Life for Connection Among Men.” Bill will serve as both facilitator and homilist, offering the grounded presence and depth many have come to value over the years.
Contact John Harris harris4338@gmail.com
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GLOW
March 4, 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW together! Kids are invited to a faith-filled evening during the season of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and drawing closer to God. Through age-appropriate activities, children will explore what it means to slow down, notice God’s presence, and grow in faith during this sacred season. Each child will take home something meaningful to support their Lenten journey at home, for kids ages PreK–5th grade.
All ages are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM. After dinner, kids will head to GLOW while parents are welcome to stay for wine and conversation. Friends are always welcome!
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Poptarts & Pajamas
March 8, 9:00 AM
Don’t let daylight savings bum you out! Bring the kids to church in their pajamas for a cozy, pop-tart-themed morning centered on faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy engaging, age-appropriate activities that connect God’s love to everyday life, helping them start the day feeling welcomed, cared for, and grounded in faith. With sweet treats and meaningful moments, it’s a joyful way to spring forward together, even after losing an hour of sleep.
Contact Renee Stephens rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Youth Group
March 15, 4:00-6:00 PM
Hey 6th–12th graders! Join us for youth group for an awesome evening together. We’ll start with a quick lesson, then dive into an epic game of sardines. Afterward, we’ll enjoy dinner and s’mores around the fire. Bring a friend and your best hiding skills!
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Children’s Choir
March 29, 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 AM service and then sing our anthem at the very beginning of the service. Kids meet in Sunday school at 9:00 AM before we start rehearsal at 9:30 AM and get our big palm leaves!
Contact Renee Stephens rstephens@holyinnocents.org
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Youth: Lock In
April 2, 6:00 PM–April 3, 9:00 AM
All 6th–12th graders are invited to our Maundy Thursday Lock-In on April 2! We’ll begin by attending the church service together, then stay overnight for a powerful evening of worship, reflection, and fun. Throughout the night, we’ll have meaningful moments to connect with God, along with games, snacks, and time to hang out. Don’t miss this special opportunity to grow in faith and community as we enter Holy Week.
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 5, 11:30 AM
Easter isn't just for the little kids! All 6th-12th graders are invited to join us for a Youth Easter Egg Hunt immediately after worship on Easter Sunday. We will meet on the playground to find some awesome prizes like gift cards, squishes, and more. This hunt won't take long, but will help make Easter extra special for our older students. Bags will be provided!
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Reading Connections
March 9, 6:00 PM
This month’s book is Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout. Amy and Isabelle is the author’s debut novel, focusing on the strained relationship between a single mother, Isabelle, and her 16-year-old daughter, Amy, in the fictional mill town of Shirley Falls, Maine.
Contact Michelle Driscoll
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Bucket List Book Club
March 3, 1:00 PM
This co-ed group is reading Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K Jerome. 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
| | Click the video above 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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