Ruth's Reflection

As I write this, my niece-in-law is in labor.

She is doing the creative work of bringing forth life. And then, she will rest, and the baby too.

That’s how God did it, as told in that first lovely poem on the first thin page of Genesis. After six days of life-producing work, God rested.

Sometimes, hopefully, most of the time, our labor is life-giving and produces a new creation, or at least some life-giving effects in our own souls.

Monday is Labor Day—a day when the homeland invites rest.

It’s built into our rhythm of life. Subtle bits of rest to remind us that we need more, to remind us that we should give in to its delicious capacity to renew and restore; the rest between heartbeats, our breathing in and breathing out, the wax and wane of the moon in a 28-day cycle. The daily rising and setting of the sun. The tide comes in and rolls out. Again. Work and rest.

We usually hear the call for rest, or “sabbath” as we call it in religious circles, from the divine initiative of the 7th day of creation. God rested. There is, however, another rationale as found in Deuteronomy. In the decalogue, as written there, it says that Sabbath rest should be observed because “you are no longer slaves. . .the Lord God brought you out of Egypt with a mighty outstretched arm.” This is more in keeping with our national holiday called Labor Day.

There is some dispute as to who suggested this day as a holiday, in the late 1880’s, for the laboring classes. Perhaps it was Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Perhaps not. But I picked him because I love the way he said a holiday could honor the laboring classes: “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

Consider the work of your hands and let them rest. Consider the beauty of your handy work and take heart. Consider the work of friend and neighbor and behold the grandeur.

The Rev. Ruth Pattison

Associate Rector

Compact Wisdom Series

As we delve into these brief yet profound books, we will uncover their timeless wisdom. 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.

• 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.

Foyers Sign Up

A Foyers group is a random collection of 8 people from church, who don’t already know each other, with the sole purpose of sharing a meal and getting acquainted. Foyers captures Holy Innocents’ fall theme of Nurturing Faith, Cultivating Community.

The meals are meant to be simple, inexpensive, and stress-free. For each dinner gathering, two participants co-host a meal.

We have a sign-up table in Bishop Commons at church or the link below.

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. Join our Rector Bill Murray, Day School head Paul Barton, and other leaders from the school to discuss where we have been and where we are going in the next 65 years.

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.

Youth Group: Service

September 8, 1:15-4:30 PM



This school year, our youth group is focusing on practices we can do to strengthen our faith. On Sunday, September 8th we will head to AG Rhodes Senior Center to host an ice cream social and play games with the residents! We will use this opportunity to spread God's joy to those who need it. We will meet at 1:15PM and be back at the church at 4:30PM. Transportation is provided but please RSVP by September 4th to reserve your seat.

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 Ruth'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.