Extending the Radical Hospitality of Resurrected Life
through
Remembering God’s love in Christ,
Restoring body, mind and spirit, and
Reconciling ourselves to one another and
creation.
We welcome you to Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, a community of faith with a rich heritage of serving Atlanta and the Sandy Springs area for fifty years. Our growing membership moves boldly into God's future with an eye to meeting the evolving needs of our wider community as well as to serving the spiritual needs of people who are seeking a relationship with God. We are an open community to all people and welcome you to join us for worship or any of the wonderful programs that are detailed on this website. Please visit the various opportunities listed under the Worship, Spiritual Growth and Committee/Ministry links.
What Do I Do In Worship Today? First of all, RELAX! If you are not familiar with the Episcopal tradition, our worship will have dimensions that will feel both familiar and strange. If you come from a Protestant background, you will enjoy the focus on Holy Scripture as well as the importance of the sermon (although Episcopal sermons tend to be a bit shorter!). If you come from the catholic tradition, the sacraments of the church and its forms will be quite familiar. The Episcopal church blends both those streams of heritage in a way that is for many satisfying to the soul. We hope you will simply join in the worship by singing hymns, praying, offering thanks to God for the Gift of Life!
[ We provide printed programs outlining the entire service and notation of hymns in each Sunday Service Bulletin (provided by the ushers upon your entry to the Sanctuary). Our Sunday Service Bulletin is that day's service as excerpted from the books of Episcopal worship. Worship in the Episcopal Church is taken from the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer (red book in the pew holders) and the Hymnal (blue book in the pew holders). ]
You will be experiencing a style of worship that comes from the early church, even before the Gospels were written, as Christians gathered on Sunday, the Lord's Day. This worship is called the Holy Eucharist, and is made up of two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table. In the Liturgy of the Word, we read scripture from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the Letters from the early church, written mostly by Paul. You'll note that we emphasize the reading of the Gospel, because the four Gospels give us our best look at what Jesus taught and how Jesus lived. The sermon is intended to assist us in our personal reflection and application of these scriptural principles.
The second portion of the worship is called the Liturgy of the Table as we celebrate Christ's presence with us in the prayers of Holy Communion. You will no doubt note the variety of postures we employ during our worship including standing, bowing, kneeling, and making the sign of the cross. One thing you will also note is that there is a diversity of these expressions , so don't worry as to what you are expected to do. We're just glad that you are here with us for our common worship.
You will be invited to come forward for communion near the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Table. Know that you are invited to join us, but do not feel obligated. You may wish to remain in your seat in silent prayer or you may choose to move toward the altar to receive communion. Ushers will be there to make sure you know where to go at the proper time, so relax.
By the way, most Episcopalians who have come from other traditions will tell you that it was the mystery and beauty of the Eucharist that drew them to this church. Episcopalians believe that Christ is present in the Mystery of the Eucharist, and we invite you to explore this spiritual presence in our worship. Priests are available to talk with you about your experience or questions you might have.
Worship Schedule The Holy Eucharist is celebrated on:
(Labor Day to Memorial Day) Sundays @ 8:00, 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Tuesdays @ 12:15 p.m.
Wednesdays @ 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. (Healing) &
5:30 p.m. prior to evening dinner & programs
A Nursery is available on Sundays during the 9:00 am and 11:15 a.m. (8:30 and 10:30 in the summer) services and also during Christian Formation Hour.
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Need more information?
Before or after worship, stop by our Visitor's Table located in the Narthex. Members of our parish serve as greeters and will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you any way they can. Please take a moment to fill out our visitor's card so we can be in touch with you.
Still need more information?
Throughout the year, Holy Innocents' offers classes on Sunday mornings with an emphasis on newcomers meeting one another and learning about us. Visitors, new members, prospects and guests all are welcome to attend.
Visitors and newcomers to Holy Innocents' are invited to a Sunday luncheon, announced in advance. This is an excellent way to continue getting acquainted with HI and the many opportunities that are available.
