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Episcopal Schools Sunday, Sept. 7
We are especially excited for this year’s celebration, which we have been planning together for several months. This will be a joyful morning where parish and school life come together in worship, learning, and fellowship.
• Guest Preacher: The Rev. KC Crewdson
• Music: The HIES School Chorus will join our parish choir, with Zack Wright, Director of Middle and Upper School Chorus, at the organ
• Breakfast: The school will host a delicious breakfast during the Adult Forum
• Forum Conversation: Head of School Paul Barton, The Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor (Head Chaplain), Director of Admissions Tyler Sant, and Religion Department Chair Dr. Evan Bassett will lead a conversation on enrollment, Episcopal identity, the school’s strategic plan, and the joys and challenges of forming young people in today’s world.
This year marks 65 years of ministry at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School—the largest Episcopal parish day school in the nation—and we look forward to celebrating that legacy with you.
Come hungry for breakfast, worship, and a lively conversation about the mission we share in raising up a new generation in faith, wisdom, and love.
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Grace in the Hard Places
Renee Stephens
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Illness, heartache, job loss, and grief of all sorts saturate our earthly experience. Sometimes our kids don’t make the team or get the part they wanted or have trouble making friends. Doors close that you never expected. All of this is a normal but extremely painful part of our earthly walk. In those moments, we often feel powerless. We question if we’re doing enough, praying enough, being faithful enough. We wonder where God is and why the hard things are happening. We want to fix everything for ourselves, or for our kids, our parents, smooth the road ahead, and protect our hearts from disappointment. But we can’t.
And maybe, we’re not supposed to, because it’s in these broken and uncertain places where God’s grace shows up most clearly. God’s promise isn’t that we’ll avoid weakness and hardship but that God’s power will meet us there. When we have nothing left to give, God gives us more. When we’re unsure what to say or do, God gently reminds us: My grace is enough. This doesn’t mean we won’t hurt or grieve or long for something different. But it does mean we don’t walk through it alone. God’s presence is with us and within us, and sometimes the greatest lessons of faith are learned in our most difficult moments.
So if you’re in a season of weakness, or watching someone you love walk through one, know that you don’t need to have it all together or have all the answers. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness. God’s grace carries us through those dark nights of the soul, and eventually we emerge stronger and brighter. You are not alone. Let’s be a community that walks honestly with each other through those hard places. Let’s remind one another of the grace that holds us steady even when life feels out of control.
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Women of HI: Mahjong
September 5, 6:30-9:00 PM
Join Women of Holy Innocents for an evening of laughter, light snacks, and lively games at our 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. Please note in your RSVP whether you’ll bring your own tiles and if you have a 2025 Mahjong card. Snacks will be provided; please bring your own beverage of choice.
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Reading Connections
September 8, 6:00 PM
The Women's Reading Connections will meet on Monday, September 8, at 6:00 PM in Inglett Hall, Room C. This month's book is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
Contact Michelle Driscoll | dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men’s Dinner and a Book
September 9, 6:30 PM
The next Men’s Dinner and a Book is Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 PM, and the book is Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Kevin Nuffer 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
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Third Friday: Men of HI
September 19, 7:30 AM
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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CAC: Broadway Lights Gala
September 20, 6:00-10:00 PM
Step into the spotlight! Join our congregational partner, Community Assistance Center, for a dazzling evening under the Broadway lights at their annual benefit gala. Enjoy a seated three-course dinner, drinks, live entertainment by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory, and exciting silent and live auctions — all in support of CAC’s mission to help local families stay housed, fed, and financially stable.
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Church of the Common Ground
September 21
HI will be packing 120+ 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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Foyers
September 21
Want to make new friends or renew acquaintances? Sign up for Foyers on the sign-up sheet at the table in Bishop's Common. The purpose of Foyers is to get to know fellow parishioners in a small group setting (which is usually a simple dinner). After the sign-up period is complete (September 21st), groups of between 6 and 8 will be formed. Each group will have a starting host couple (or two singles) who will host the first dinner based on the availability of everyone in their group. At each get-together, plans for who will host the next are made and a date set. Everyone in the group is expected to host one dinner during the year. Since the fall is such a busy time, most groups won’t have their first get-together until the new year. Historically, Foyers met on Sunday evenings, but each group can determine the best time for their dinners (or lunches). A Foyers brochure with complete details is available at the table next to the sign-up sheets.
Contact Phyllis Weisser | pcweisser@yahoo.com
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FOMA Concert: Early Bird
October 5, 4:30 PM
EarlyBird returns to Holy Innocents’ Friends of Music series with Silk & Sequins, an hour-long concert where sacred light meets sequined shimmer. Join us on Sunday, October 5, at 4:30 PM in the chapel for a radiant journey of sound, featuring six local professional singers.
From the brilliance of Monteverdi and Lassus to the delicate colors of Takemitsu and Izawa, and the lush lyricism of Finzi and Stanford, the program traverses centuries and cultures. Four evocative sets — Thrones in the Spotlight, Brush Strokes, Petals and Sky, and The Gilded Stage — weave together Renaissance splendor, Japanese-inspired delicacy, English romanticism, and contemporary anthems of love, identity, and resilience. At once intimate and celebratory, Silk & Sequins invites us to see our true colors and embrace the glittering fullness of self.
Save the Date: The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus returns December 14, 4:00 PM!
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Bucket List Book Club
October 7, 1:00 PM
The next meeting of the book club will be on Tuesday, October 7, at 1:00 PM. The book we’ll be discussing is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The club is open to men and women.
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Prayer Shawl
October 7, 7:00-8:30 PM
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather in the Parlor on Tuesday, October 7, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. All are welcome! We would love to have you join us this fall. We knit and crochet prayer shawls that church staff deliver to those who are ill or grieving, but if you're currently working on some other project of your own – needlepoint, cross stitch, or even mending – come join us and socialize while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@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, children, youth, and adults, for meaningful activities, worship, and shared experiences. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection or lively conversation, you'll find space for both.
What to Expect:
- 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
Come away with us to Kanuga and return refreshed in spirit and community. We can’t wait to be with you!
Kanuga Conference Center | February 13–15, 2026
More details and registration info coming soon!
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Join the Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a ministry–a gift of time and talent to serve God–by committing to help others with setting up, attending, and cleaning up after Sunday services.
Serving on an Altar Guild Team is about an hour commitment one Saturday each month and 30 minutes before or following a Sunday Service; YOU can pick the service that's most convenient for you.
"How To" manuals are on hand in each Sacristy with specific directions so you and your teammates that week have the "blueprint" for each service.
We try to have social gatherings throughout the year to foster community and fellowship with all the altar guild members. If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Kimball 404-290-4924 or Debbie Vaky 678-642-8248
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Youth Group: AG Rhodes
September 7, 1:15-4:30 PM
Students in grades 6–12 are invited to join us on September 7 from 1:15-4:30 PM for a special youth group outing to AG Rhodes Nursing Home, where we’ll host a fun event for the residents. This is a great chance to give back, earn service hours, and make meaningful connections. Transportation is provided—just be sure to RSVP to save your spot on the bus!
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GLOW | September 10
Family Dinner at 5:30 PM, Program from 6:00-7:00 PM
Kick off the new year with GLOW a fun, faith-filled evening for kids in PreK–5th grade! We’ll slow things down and help kids reconnect with God through simple, meaningful spiritual practices they’ll explore (and take home a hands-on reminder they make themselves!)
This year, we’re adding a family dinner at 5:30 PM, so come hungry for food, fun, and faith.
Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids dive into the evening's activities.
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Club 45: Waffle House Day
September 14, 9:00 AM
Join us for a special day in Club 45! We will enjoy a catered Waffle House breakfast and have a special guest speaker. No rsvp needed. Reach out to Ms. Renee (rstephens@holyinnocents.org) if you have any questions.
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Club 45 Kickoff Event
September 24, 6:00-8:00 PM
4th & 5th graders are invited to a very special Club 45 Kickoff Party. Join us for pizza, an escape room, and a very special time of fun and fellowship as we start an exciting new year at Club 45. Register by September 20th here:
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Dollywood
November 7-9
Students in grades 6-12 are invited for a weekend of fun and fellowship at Dollywood on November 7-9! We’ll stay in a mountain cabin, enjoy the park, and connect over meals, games, and laughter.
This trip is all about building lasting friendships that help students stay engaged in church life. Spots are limited so sign up fast!
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Click here to watch last Sunday's service!
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Realm Access
Realm is our database system, which allows us to send emails, mailings, schedule events, and all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. The neat thing about it for you is that you are able to connect to your record in the system and have instant access to the directory, track your online giving, register for events, and more. To connect to your account:
- Click on the link in your invitation email that you received this morning
- 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, check to see if all of your contact information is up-to-date and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Reach out to Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org if you need any assistance.
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 404-255-4023 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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