Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges 

During Sunday school this school year, our 6th-12th graders will dive deep into the teachings of three Major Prophets, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. These prophets, though they lived centuries ago, offer powerful lessons that are still profoundly relevant today. Their messages are not just historical artifacts but living words that speak directly to the challenges our students face in their daily lives. 

For instance, the Major Prophets can have a profound impact on the decision-making of today’s teens. When it comes to issues like drinking alcohol or vaping, Isaiah’s warnings against following the crowd and straying from righteousness can help students understand the importance of making choices that honor their values rather than succumbing to peer pressure. Ezekiel’s emphasis on personal responsibility can encourage teens to take ownership of their decisions, understanding that their actions have consequences not only for themselves but for those around them. Lastly, Daniel’s story is particularly inspiring for teenagers facing pressure to conform. Despite being in a foreign land with different values, Daniel remained true to his beliefs. This can empower students to resist negative influences and stay true to the principles they learn in Sunday school and at home. 

By studying the Major Prophets, our teens will not only deepen their understanding of biblical history but also equip themselves with the tools to navigate their lives with wisdom and integrity. The lessons they learn will empower them to make positive choices, resist negative influences, and uphold their values, just as the prophets did in their time. I strongly encourage all our 6th-12th graders to make an effort to attend Sunday school whenever possible. 

Megan Atkinson

Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Family Ministries

Compact Wisdom Formation Series

The joke that Episcopalians don’t know the Bible well is getting old. So, let’s start with the shortest books together. By mid-October, we can cross off 20 books from our list—almost a third of the Bible! As we delve into these brief yet profound books, we will uncover their timeless wisdom. Through short lectures, group discussions, and reflective readings, we will explore what wisdom these ancient texts offer for our challenging times as Americans. Join us in exploring these compact yet powerful books, each offering unique insights into faith, perseverance, love, and redemption. We will deepen our understanding and find relevance in these scriptures for our lives today. This study will nurture our faith and grow our community as we break open the scriptures together.

• August 25: The Book of Esther led by Bill Murray
• September 1: Philippians and Philemon led by Stewart Lucas
• September 8: Episcopal Schools Sunday
• September 15: Ministry Fair
• September 22: 1, 2, and 3 John led by Stewart Lucas
• September 29: Mini Parish Meeting -Master Planning, Mortgage & Stewardship News

October & November: a class with John Porter and Bill Murray as well as the last three weeks of the Compact Wisdom Classes.

VG Opening: Nature Re-Imagined

August 22, 6:00-7:30 PM



Join us for our next gallery opening on August 22, from 6:00-7:30 PM. We are excited to showcase art by Anita Best Misel and Maryam Askaran! The exhibit will be displayed from August 22 to October 7.

Contact Caroline Fleming | cfleming@holyinnocents.org

Episcopal School Sunday

September 8



Join us for Episcopal School Sunday as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of HIES's founding. We will unveil the portrait of the Rev. Hugh Saussy, and breakfast will be provided by the school at 8:45 AM.

Men of HI: Braves Game 

September 8, 1:35 PM



Join the Men of Holy Innocents for an exciting Braves game with shaded, first-base seating! Tickets are $25 each. Purchase tickets by August 25.

It’s a perfect chance to enjoy a great game and fellowship! Contact Bill Clark for more information. 

Contact Bill Clark | dandbclark@comcast.net

Respite Care Volunteer Session

September 9

Respite Care Atlanta offers weekday support for individuals with early cognitive challenges and their caregivers. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles - schedule is flexible and fun!

Learn more | RespiteCareAtlanta.org

Reading Connections

September 9



Reading Connections is the women’s book club! The book for September is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. We meet at 6:00 PM in the conference room.

Contact Kathie Larkin | kathie.larkin@retired.paceacademy.org

Men's Dinner and a Book

September 10, 6:30 PM



The next book is The Women by Kristin Hannah.  Ham Henson 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.

Holy Comforter Plant Sale

September 14, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Holy Comforter will have a selection of houseplants, perennials and saplings, including Japanese Maples, Dogwood, Redbuds, Ferns, Begonias, Key Lime, Overbearing Raspberries, Blue Wild Indigo, and Columbine. Buy some of our home-baked goods while you're here to reward your efforts after planting your new greenery.

Proceeds from our plant sales support the work of the Friendship Center which offers programming for adults living with mental illness. The garden employs some of the community's members while providing us with much needed funds. Holy Comforter is located at 737 Woodland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316

Ministry Fair

September 15



There are numerous groups where you can worship, connect, and serve! During Formation time, Inglett Hall will be transformed into a Ministry Fair where each group will have a booth and you can learn more about ways to get involved at the church. We are enthusiastic about our ongoing growth and community involvement, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

An Evening with the 1872 Legacy Circle

September 19

You're invited to celebrate the 1872 Legacy Circle, honoring parishioners who have included Holy Innocents in their estate plans to ensure our church’s mission and ministry continue for generations. Whether you’re already part of the Legacy Circle, curious about planned giving, or simply want to enjoy a lovely evening with fellow parishioners, we encourage you to attend. We hope you’ll join us for a meaningful evening of fellowship, reflection, and inspiration on September 19 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in Bishop Commons. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome. If you have any questions, please reach out.

Contact Meredith Johnson | mgj30327@gmail.com

Third Friday: Men of HI

September 20

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

Church of the Common Ground

September 22

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. 

HIYA: Braves Games

September 27, 7:20

Batter up! Holy Innocents’ Young Adults are going to the Braves game on 9/27, 7:20 PM game. Meet at the church if you want to carpool! Tickets are discounted to only $10 each. 

Contact Megan Atkinson | matkinson@holyinnocents.org

Iconography Workshop

October 6-11



Join us in writing an icon! No previous experience is needed. Just a desire to try to push paint around and enjoy the process! This year, we will be painting the icon of Jonah. Jonah may well be the perfect prophet for this moment as we think and pray on our election, our nation, and our world. Where is God in all of this? Where is Jonah? Where are we?

Noted iconographer Mary Jane Miller will be joining us again and leading us in prayer, reflection, and conversation around this unique icon of faith. The class is open to all but limited to 15.  

LaAmistad Needs Volunteers to Teach Basic ESL Classes October 7-December 18

LaAmistad returns to Holy Innocents offering adult immigrant students in our community the opportunity to improve their English fluency in its English for Successful Living (ESL) program. For years, Holy Innocents has been the bedrock for ESL programs at LaAmistad, and post-Covid they are building the program once again and need volunteer teachers.

The curriculum focuses on the use of English for everyday situations, and volunteers are trained and mentored by experienced and certified ESL professionals. Speaking Spanish is not required; conversational English is the goal of this basic class. Classes run October 7-December 18, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Contact Howard Clark | ghowardclark@gmail.com.

Acolyte Training

August 25



Have you ever wanted to serve as an acolyte? We invite all 5th-12th grade students to register as an acolyte this school year! Training will take place every Sunday morning from 8:45-9:15 AM starting August 25th through the month of September. Please sign up for a training date (only one is necessary) if you are interested. All current and new acolytes must participate.

GLOW

September 11, 6:00–7:00 PM



Come and GLOW with us for our first meeting of the year. Our kids are offered seemingly endless opportunities for activities and stimulation. Let’s take a step back and see how we can renew our strength through spiritual disciplines. Kids, PreK-5th grade, will learn four easy spiritual disciplines that we will practice all year long. PLUS hang out with friends, share a snack, and make your very own scripture jar to take home! 

Club 45 Waffle House Day

September 15, 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 if you have any questions. rstephens@holyinnocents.org

Club 45 Kickoff Event September 25, 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 time of fun and fellowship as we start an exciting new year of Club 45. RSVP by September 18. 

Click above to watch Stewart's sermon from last Sunday!

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

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.