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There’s a lot to celebrate (and remember!) this week at HIEC. Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour this Sunday as we “fall back” for Daylight Savings. It’s also All Saints Sunday, a beautiful time to honor and remember those who’ve gone before us.
Before we get there, our Women’s event is tomorrow—we hope to see you there! Get ready for some friendly team spirit on Jersey Day, November 9, and be sure to sign up for the Holiday Market on November 16.
It’s a full, joy-filled season ahead. Come be part of it!
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Season of Gratitude
Wow—what a response!
We are filled with gratitude for 138 pledges totaling $983,000 so far. You have responded so much more quickly than last year—thank you! If this trend of generosity continues—and if we are blessed with just 10 more new pledges—we’ll be very close to reaching our goal. That will allow us to:
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Provide a cost-of-living increase for our dedicated staff,
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Hire a bilingual employee to help coordinate ministry with Our Lady of Guadalupe community, and
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Expand our outreach and communications to invite even more neighbors into this growing, joyful church.
We know these are uncertain times financially, but a pledge is simply a statement of faith and intention, not a binding contract. Life happens, and we understand. Together we strive to give out of gratitude for what God has given us. Every gift, large or small, helps us build this community of love and hope—Together. For Good.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.”
— Psalm 107:1
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Ruminations from Ruth
Even as I write this, I am keenly aware that today marks 64 years since my mother died. If I didn’t notice the date on the calendar, then the slant of the sun, the gray sky, the air, the pavement, and the color of the earth would all tell me, and I would know it intuitively. (don’t do the math! I was a very, very young child!)
Sorrow slings its sickle, loss throws its curve ball for a “swing and a miss”, and what are we to do?
Well?
It sounds a little cliché, but come to church this Sunday.
It is All Saints’ Day, which may be the church’s greatest gift to us for our grief work.
It soothes the individual soul by inviting us to name our lost loves, it acknowledges the sadness that sinks us like a rock when we least expect it, and offers the sweet validation of the limp that we seem to carry always. We show up in our woundedness and full of love, and we don’t hide.
At the same time, All Saints’ Day scoops us up into an ethereal reality with the company of all the saints who sing our song with us from the other side, the side of glory that delivers unimaginable joy and consummated love. And inexplicable healing. We enter the company of heaven, and all of this, right there around the communion table.
When we celebrate Holy Eucharist, we are always in this thin place where heaven and earth are joined, always, in our worship and gathering at the altar. But All Saints is a day set aside to be poignant and particular about it, so that on all the other days of the year we still know it to be true and real and worth showing up for.
Beyond this All Saints’ celebration that begins in November for us, consider the thought that a grief workshop is offered in November if you want to spend a little intentional time together.
Changes and Chances
November 12 and 19 at 10:30, or November 13 and 20 at 6:00.
As always, sharing the joy,
Ruth+
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Supporting Our Neighbors in Need
The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is preparing to help families affected by the temporary suspension of federal SNAP benefits beginning November 1.
Working closely with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and other partners, CAC is securing extra food and resources so that no family goes hungry.
If you or someone you know needs food or financial help, please contact CAC at 770-552-4889 or visit ourcac.org.
You can also support their efforts by:
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THE TRICK AND THE TREAT
OF CREATION
On Sunday, November 2, as we approach All Hallows’ Eve, we will explore the two creation stories in Genesis and the competing images of God as just and merciful—leaving us with the timeless rabbinic question: should humankind have been created at all?
FROM FRANKENSTEIN TO CLONES:
PLAYING GOD
On Sunday, November 9, as we observe All Souls and All Saints, we will help us examine human beings as creators in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Together, we’ll wrestle with the haunting question: What obligation does the creator have to its creation?
Adult Formation at 9:00 am in Inglett Hall
Led by longtime parishioner Holly Chesser and The Rev. John Porter. Holly teaches Upper School English at the Lovett School, holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Virginia, and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut. John is, well, he’s still John.
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Jersey Sunday
Sunday, November 9
Team Colors or Jersey Sunday
As the football season winds down and the basketball seasons kicks in, we thought it would be fun to invite folks of any and all ages to wear the jersey of their favorite team to church. Feel free to wear a jersey, branded shirt or sweatshirt, or even just the team colors. Wear a baseball jersey, a football jacket, basketball socks, or mix and match all three. Come and see who else pulls for the same team or just share your pride for your alma mater.
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Celebrating Caroline Flemming and
Melody McNeil
Sunday, November 16
This year, Caroline Flemming marks her 15th year on staff. Melody McNeil marks her 20th year of service. They are NOT leaving, but we do want to honor them and recognize their extraordinary service to our community. Join us for some cake and to celebrate Melody and Caroline after the 10:15 am service!
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Holiday Market Returns
Sunday, November 16, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Haven't found the perfect gift for your friends and family? Looking for something local or handmade? Trying to find something different and unique? The Annual Holiday Market is making a return this year to connect artists in our community with anyone hoping to find that perfect gift. Join us during Sunday School or even after church on Sunday, November 16
If you are an artist in any medium--pottery, metal, wood, fabric, jewelry, or a baker or an author, etc, you may reserve a table by contacting Elaine Morgan at ewmorgan1@bellsouth.net. There is no fee to participate, and all proceeds are your own. Bring your own method of accepting payments (e.g., PayPal, cash, Square, etc.) Setup will be from 9:00-11:00 AM the day before. If you have questions, reach out to Elaine and get ready to have a great morning!
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Church of the Common Ground
November 16, 11:30 AM
Help pack 120+ lunches for the unhoused at Parish Hall after the 10:15 AM service. Worship follows at 1:00 PM in Woodruff Park.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com
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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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GLOW
November 5, 6:00-7:00 PM
Family Dinner at 5:30 PM, Program from 6:00-7:00 PM
Let’s GLOW for November. Kids ages PreK-5th grade are invited to join us for a special time of gratitude. We will talk about our upcoming food service volunteer opportunity, make a craft, and play some games. Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, and then kids will leave for the GLOW program from 6-7pm. Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW. Friends are welcome! Parents are required to stay with their kids during dinner.
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Youth Group: Hook
November 16, 5:30-8:00 PM
All 6th-12th graders are invited to a special outdoor movie night under the stars! We’ll be watching the classic film Hook, with plenty of space to relax, hang out with friends, and enjoy the evening. There will be a food truck, yard games, and cozy spots to chill- whether you're all about the movie or just want to play and unwind. Friends are welcome, but RSVP is required so we can plan for food and seating. Don’t miss this fun fall hangout from 5:30-8:00 PM!
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Children’s Service Opportunity
November 19
HIEC Children’s Ministry will be serving dinner to 120 students at Agape, a local Youth & Family Center that empowers children from underserved families. Agape provides after-school academic support, development programs, and dinner for approximately 200 children every school night throughout the year. We are pleased to join in this effort and offer children a great opportunity to experience the joy of giving back to our community. Volunteer spots are limited to 15 children in 3rd-5th grade.
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HI Youth Basketball
November 28
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, in partnership with HIES basketball programs, is excited to sponsor the 2025-26 Holy Innocents’ Youth Basketball league. Our mission allows us to bridge ministry and sports to develop the minds, bodies, and spirits of children so that they may serve their families and community in God’s name. This inclusive program for children of all skill levels includes quality basketball instruction designed to improve skills in shooting, defense, passing, ball-handling, and footwork. Equally important, our program strives to nurture sportsmanship, self-confidence, and friendship with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment. The church basketball program is led by the Director, Maria Smith, and the Associate Director, Richard Wood.
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Prayer Shawl
November 4, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, November 4, 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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Women of HI: Monthly Mahjong
November 7, 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. Fall Dates: October 3, November 7, December 5. 6:30-9:30 pm. 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 at embwilkerson@gmail.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
November 21, 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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Bucket List Book Club
November 4, 1:00 PM
The group is reading Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, in November and December. We will discuss Book One on Tuesday, November 4 and Book Two on December 2. 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
November 10, 6:00 PM
We meet in Inglett Hall, Room C, light refreshments at 6:00 PM; the discussion will begin at 6:30 PM. This month's book is Things Left Undone by Anne Lovett. We are pleased to have the author and HI member, Anne Lovett, leading the discussion.
Contact Michelle Driscoll |
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
November 11, 6:30 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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