Come Join the Circle

by Allison Blalock


Many of you may not know that my background is in elementary education and early childhood development. I have spent much of my professional career emphasizing the importance of play-based education for children, especially in the early years. Upon accepting the position as Director of Children’s Ministries three years ago, I was thrilled that Godly Play was being used to teach the Fig’s children to learn and grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible.


Godly Play is a Montessori-based program that follows the pattern of Christian worship and our church seasonal calendar. It teaches children religious language through sacred stories, parables, and liturgical action, as well as enhances children’s spiritual experience through wonder and responsive play. We offer Godly Play for children ages four to grade five. 


Transfiguration is fortunate to have four active Godly Play classrooms, and we have a goal to open a fifth classroom in the fall of 2025. If you come and visit one of these rooms, you will notice that they are set up identically with the focal point being the story of the Holy Family. This is the case for every Godly Play room everywhere, not only here at Transfiguration. The consistency of the room, flow of activities, and even the way the children enter the room needing to answer a simple question, “Are you ready,” all contribute to the learning environment of Godly Play. 


Children are invited to join the circle where they watch and listen to the story lead by the storyteller. Children are then invited to wonder together about the story with questions like, “I wonder what part of the story you liked the best? I wonder what part of the story is the most important? I wonder where  ...

 

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In this E-news:

  • Service Details for Jim Little
  • Figs With Kids Pool Party
  • Foyer Groups Reveal
  • Third Grade Bible Presentation
  • The Blessing of the Backpacks
  • Foyer Reveal This Sunday
  • Get Ready to Fig Party
  • Fellowship of the Fig Pool Party
  • Open Door: Wine, Cheese & Dessert
  • Take the Parish-wide Survey
  • Thank You! From the Bake-off
  • New Campus Pathways
  • Food Pantry Monday
  • Help at Austin Street
  • Nurturing Faith Through Fiction
  • Fellowship of the Fig Pool Party
  • Open Door Wine, Cheese & Dessert
  • DOK Commissioning and Reception
  • Formation Starts September 8
  • Faith Matters
  • Sixth Year Progress
  • Youth Acolyte Training
  • Children's Formation Starts Soon
  • St. Hilda's at the Fig

Faithful Departed

Jim Little Service Details


When we shared the sad news of Jim Little's death two weeks ago, details were were yet to be determined. We can now share those details: A Requiem Eucharist will be held for Jim, Saturday, August 24 at 1:00pm at the Church followed by interment in the Memorial Garden. A reception will follow in the Tower Cloister. Memorial Gifts may be made to the Endowment Fund.

This Weekend & Week

Figs With Kids Events


Our Figs with Kids ministry serves to connect a community of parents with kids who live at home - from diapers to 12th grade! – through fellowship, education, worship, and outreach.

Pool Party


Join us Saturday, August 17 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm for an end of summer pool party at the home of the Teeples. Check out the Figs With Kids Facebook Page for more information on what to bring.

Popsicles


Join us Sunday, August 18 at 10:00am for a Back-to-school Popsicle Party! We'll meet in the Parish Pavilion for treats and a chance to gather as the new school year ramps up.

Third Grade Bible Presentation


Transfiguration has a tradition of gifting a Bible to every child in the parish when they enter the third grade.


This year’s third grade Bible presentation will take place this Sunday, August 18 at the 9:00am service.

Blessing of the Backpacks


Blessing backpacks is not just for the children returning to the classroom. College students, adults headed back to school, and teachers are welcome too! You are all invited to bring your backpacks, bags, or briefcases for a blessing this Sunday, August 18th at the 9:00am and 11:15am services. 

Foyer Reveal Sunday


We are setting a record for participation in Foyer for this Fall with 14+ groups formed. Come join us for fellowship and the reveal of who will be in each group this Sunday, August 18 in the Parlor from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Bring a snack to share and your choice of beverage.


For more information contact

Jerry Garner

Get Ready to Party

We are just a week away from next Sunday's launch of Fig Parties. Fig Parties embody two cherished traditions at Transfiguration: fellowship and generosity! While the hosts of this year's Fig Parties have crafted some truly unique and fun gatherings that you won't want to miss, the funds generated from your participation will help enhance our Outreach, Children's, and Youth Ministries!


What to expect at the Launch


Next Sunday, August 25 between the end of the 9:00am service and the start of the 11:15am Service the Gathering Space around the Labyrinth will become Fig Party Central. Join us for mimosas and light breakfast foods. At 10:30am the Host Tables for each party will open for purchase of tickets.


Things to remember:

  • You must be present to purchase.
  • There are a variety of Fig Parties from which to choose ranging from events beginning in October and running until May of 2025.
  • Spots at parties are limited so don't be late and come prepared.
  • You will use your smart phone to scan a QR code at your desired Party Table to secure your spot and pay. We've prepared a document that will help you prepare.
  • If you are not able to scan a QR code and/or pay online, Staff will be present to register you and you can pay by cash or check. It is strongly suggested that you use your phone if at all possible because parties will go fast.
  • View the Fig Parties Menu using the button below to see full details of each party including a description, date and time, and cost per person.
View the Party Menu and Purchasing Tips Here

Parish-wide

Survey


If you have not done so already, join the 180+ members of the Transfiguration family who have provided their valuable input about our life together. Take 10 minutes and share your thoughts on topics such as the move from the Nave to Roper Hall, our formation offerings, the capital campaign, and Children's & Youth Ministries.

Take the 10-minute Survey

Thank You! From the Bake-off


Thanks to everyone who helped us raise money for Genesis Women's Shelter last week at the 3rd Annual Outreach Bake-off. We raised nearly $1600 in less than one hour and awarded the Golden Spatula to the Melendez family. Thanks to all our bakers for their wonderful baked goods: George Bienfang, Jessica Bogdan, Libby Cone, Sarah Cox, Bill Edwards, Jude Fones, the Harms family, Nancy Hogan, Sara Ivey, Billye Johnson, Christy & Lauren Jump, Barbara McAninch, the Melendez family, Tabitha & Jacqui Neylon, Andrew & Suzy Rickard, Linda Robb, Danielle Shroyer, Michele Stamm, and Kurt & Alyson Thompson.

New Campus Pathways


We are excited to announce that improved pathways for accessibility and new hardscaping near the church entrance have been completed. Next week, new irrigation systems will be installed, and landscaping improvements will be made in the coming weeks.


Our Sacristy expansion is underway and progressing on schedule – with the extended foundation and framing now in place.


Funding for the Belltower Courtyard and other improvements to the walkways of our campus comes from donations outside of Transfiguring Our Foundations. A lead gift was made by Bob Drotman in memory of his late wife, and other donations were made in memory of the late David Diggs. Significant additional funding comes from Parish Episcopal School, our partner and fellow steward of the campus. We are delighted that this work could be performed in conjunction with the renovation of the church and sacristy, which is the culmination of Transfiguring Our Foundations, thus helping us refresh our campus inside and out.


We hope you'll explore the campus and look around at all of the exciting improvements being made.

This Coming Week

Food Pantry Monday


Monday, August 19, is Food Distribution day. We invite you to join us in our efforts to provide food for those in need. We will setup in the Gathering Space. Join us as little or as much as you like:


10:30am to 11:00am – Setup

11:00am to Noon – Unloading

Noon to 3:30pm – Sorting/Bagging

3:30pm to 6:00pm – Distribution


For more info contact

Jodi Dalton or Alan Justice


Help Us at

Austin Street


On Wednesday, August 21, the Austin Street Ministry, will prepare and serve food to hundreds of our neighbors at Austin Street Center. Volunteers are welcome to join and assist us.


For more information and to volunteer to help, Contact

Matt Harms


Nurturing Faith Through Fiction


Experience the exploration of faith as it is portrayed in fiction and film. Join us this Thursday, August 22 at 7:00pm. We will watch and discuss The Late Liz, directed by Dick Ross (1971).


For more information contact

Ron Damholt

Fellowship of the Fig: Pool Party


Join us Saturday, August 24 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm for our end-of-summer pool party! We'll grill burgers (veggie options will be provided).


Please register to receive the address for the party. BYOB 21+.


Registration is required

Register Here

Open Door: Wine, Cheese & Dessert


Saturday, August 24 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Open Door invites members and allies to join us for fun and conviviality after The Table service.


Wine, cheese, and desserts will be featured.


For more info contact

Terri Torres

or call 832-547-3993

DOK Commissioning & Reception


Daughters of the King will commission their newest members Sunday, August 25 at the 11:15am service. Following the service, they will host a reception for them the Parlor.

Be Shaped By Faith

Formation Starts September 8


Formation classes this fall will explore practices of discipleship. Not sure what discipleship involves? Come and join us to learn more about how we can be salt and light for Christ.

Adult Classes


Outward Signs of Inward Grace


The Way


Waking Up White

See Course Descriptions & Details
Click to Register - Fee $10

Sixth Year Progress


53 Remaining Chairs


21 Remaining Pews


2 Remaining Lights

Explore the Sixth Year Webpage

Youth Acolyte Training


We are looking for new youth acolytes, age 8 to 17. Acolytes serve about twice a quarter at the 9:00am service. It is a great way for children to participate in and learn about the church service. A training for those interested will be held Saturday, September 7 at 8:30am.


If interested, contact

Brooke Robb


Children's Formation


This is a reminder to mark you calendars for the beginning of Children's Formation for the Fall. Children's Sunday School will kickoff Sunday, September 8. Impact Kids will start on Wednesday, September 11. For more details and to register see our Children's Formation Pages.


Contact

Allison Blalock

Read more about our Children's Ministry in our

recent Children's Ministry E-news.

St. Hilda's at the Fig

The Kay Andrews Bookstore


Our Bookstore and Gift Shop, located in the hallway near the Memorial Garden and the Children's wing offer a variety of gifts and books for purchase. We are open:


Thursdays: 10am - 2pm

Sundays: 9am - 1pm

The Clothes

Horse


The Clothes Horse is a resale shop offering reasonably-priced, good-quality apparel. We currently need gently worn summer clothing, jewelry, and handbags! Donations are accepted whenever The Clothes Horse is open or clothing may be placed in the dropbox behind the store. Hours of operations:


Tuesday: 10am - 2pm

Thursday: 10am - 2pm

Saturday: 10am - 2pm

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