|
Glory at the Games
by Father Casey
I am an Olympics mega-fan. At age 6, my mom took me to see the Olympic torch as it was carried through the town in California where we lived, on its way to Los Angeles for the 1984 Summer Games, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I cheer for a few professional teams, I root for the Texas Longhorns, but nothing quite compares to the joy I feel watching athletes from around the world compete at the Olympics.
Not even the bruhaha over the Opening Ceremony could dampen my spirit. For a few days, all anyone seemed to want to talk about was their outrage – outrage at a perceived aggression against the Christian faith, followed by outrage at the people feeling outraged. It was a sad sort of outrage loop, predicated on our societal habituation to take sides the minute anyone complains about anything. I hope we’ll all remember that outrage is often manufactured, and we can choose to see things with more nuance than our social media feeds typically exhibit. Thankfully, once the athletes began competing, the outrage faded and we could return to the joy and wonder of the games.
I love watching gold medal performances. The excellence of these athletes, what they are capable of doing with their bodies, often defies...
Continue Reading...
| |
- Faithful Departed
- 50 Years of Ordained Women
- New Home for Ross Organ
- Application Deadlines: Vestry & Diocesan Delegates
- Fig Party Host Sign-up Deadline
- Last Chance: Bake-off Sign-up
- Fig Youth Backpacks for the Family Place
- St. Elizabeth's Monthly Potluck
- Volunteer to be a Receptionist
| |
- Join a Foyer Group
- Little Pantry New Leader
- Become a Stephen Minister
- Sixth Year Progress
- Youth Lock-in
- Youth Open House/6th Grade Welcome
- Godly Play Training is Coming
- Third Grade Bible Sign-Ups
- Fig Youth Summer Plans
- Who was St. Hilda
| | |
|
|
Jim Little
We mourn the death of Jim Little, who died on July 30. Jim was a beloved member who was involved with EMF. Please pray also for his widow, Melinda, whom he married six years ago. Funeral arrangements have yet to be determined.
May Jim's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.
|
|
|
50 Years of Ordained Women
On July 29, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of one of the most important events in the history of The Episcopal Church: the Ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven. Women had long served the Church as lay ministers and deacons, but they had been excluded from serving as priests, despite years of pleas to General Convention. But in 1974, on the Feast of Martha and Mary of Bethany, eleven female deacons were ordained as priests in The Episcopal Church at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia. At the following General Convention, two years later, a majority of bishops and deputies resolved to uphold their ordinations and paved the way for thousands of women to serve the Church as priests.
Eleven years later, Transfiguration became the site of another first for women's ordination when Gwen Buehrens, who was already a deacon, became the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Dallas. And two years after that, Barbara Kelton became the first woman to make it through the discernment process in Dallas from start to finish and be ordained a priest. Mother Barbara will be our presider this Sunday at both services!
Today, we give thanks to God for all the women who have served as pastors, preachers, and priests here at Transfiguration:
| |
|
Gwen Buehrens
Barbara Kelton
Helen Betenbaugh
Tamara Newell
Dru Ferguson
Barb Sajna
Joy Daley
| |
|
Sharon Turner
Virginia Holleman
Amy Heller
Erin Jean Warde
Rebecca Tankersley
Nancy DeStefano
Alina Williams
| |
|
New Home for Ross Organ
The Vestry, Rector, and Director of Music are delighted to announce that the Ross Organ, Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1525, will be acquired this fall by St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. St. Clement’s is a vibrant congregation with a growing music ministry. They have long hoped for a better instrument to support their worship and choir, so the Ross Organ is like an answer to a prayer. It will be moved in mid-October to its new home, where it will no doubt bless the people of that church as it has blessed us.
| |
|
|
Application Deadlines for Vestry & Diocesan Delegates Approach
The Vestry is the governing body of our local church family and Delegates from our congregation to the Diocesan Convention ensure our voice is heard on important matters of our larger church life. Throw your hat into the ring to join the Vestry or become a Diocesan Delegate. The coming year will see important engagements for both of these roles.
| |
|
Applications are due by this Sunday, August 4 for Vestry Candidates and by August 30 for Diocesan Delegates.
For more info, contact
Lindsey Murphy
| |
Party Host Deadline Sunday | | |
|
|
The deadline to sign-up to host a Fig Party during the coming year is this Sunday, August 4. Don't delay.
Get in touch with Brooke Robb to learn more about this exciting Mission, Ministry and Connection (MM&C) initiative that aims to enhance our Fig family's engagement and energy throughout the upcoming year. "Fig Parties" will host a kick off on Sunday, August 25 between services, when members of the Church can decide on parties to attend. This is your last chance to volunteer as a host, co-host, or group host for one of these events.
To learn more and to sign-up, contact
Brooke Robb
|
|
|
Last Chance
Bake-Off Sign-up
Our Third Annual Outreach Bake Off will take place Sunday, August 11 between services in the Parlor. This is your chance to grab bragging rights as one of the best bakers at the Fig. You will need to provide 100 small bite samples of your item. We will provide napkins. Parishioners will buy tickets and vote for their favorite items. All proceeds will go to Dallas' Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, a nonprofit helping women in abusive situations find a way out.
Sign up to bake by this Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Note the kitchen may not be available, so do not plan to use it.
Not a baker?
Bring your appetite and join us on Sunday, August 11, at 10:15am in Parlor to sample delicious treats, cast your vote for your favorite tasty items, and help us support Genesis. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
For more details, contact
Brooke Robb
|
|
|
Fig Youth Backpack & School Supplies
Help the Fig Youth collect backpacks and school supplies for the Family Place. We will fill the backpacks at the Youth lock-in and they will be blessed on Sunday, August 18 at the Blessing of the Backpacks and delivered to Family Place.
Supplies can be ordered from our Amazon wish list and delivered directly to the church. Please note "Attn: Fig Youth" when you order or you may drop items off in the Gathering Space. All supplies should be received no later than August 8.
| |
Fellowship & Ministry Opportunities | |
|
St. Elizabeth's Monthly Potluck
This Thursday, August 9, St. Elizabeth's will host their monthly Potluck dinner which includes the unique opportunity to participate in a Home-Raised Chicken Fry. Bill and Jacob will be prepping and frying 3 of their lovingly raised birds in the Roper Kitchen. You are invited to be a helper where you can learn new bird cooking skills or practice what you already know. Remember all are welcome to join in this great opportunity to keeping friendships with members of your Fig Family.
Socialize/Appetizers - 5:30pm Gathering Space
Dinner - 6:30pm
Our Ministry Spotlight Guest will be Nancy Jagmin and Linda Horton who will discuss the Labyrinth Ministries.
Members of the St. Elizabeth's Potluck Realm Group can RSVP here. If you are not already a member of our Realm group, click here to join and RSVP.
You may also contact Nancy Korman or
simply show up with a side dish or dessert!
|
|
|
Volunteer to be a Receptionist
As we approach the beginning of our Program Year, we are looking for several people to augment our existing group of volunteers. Duties include answering the phone, providing information and direction to callers and visitors, and assisting as necessary. Hours normally are Monday-Friday 9 AM-12 Noon and 1 PM-4 PM. We have a number of slots available. If you have time, and want to assist your fellow parishioners and our guests, please let us know.
For more information and to Volunteer
call 972-233-1898 Ext. 229, or contact
Fred Ellis
|
|
|
Join a Foyer Group
It’s time to organize the Fall Foyer Groups for 2024. The Foyer ministry brings together small groups of 6-10 people to host meals, share in fellowship, and is an excellent way to meet people here at Transfiguration! We will gather to reveal the randomly sorted groups on Sunday, August 18 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm in the Parlor. Bring a snack to share and your choice of beverage. If you would like to participate or if you have questions about Foyer Groups, we want to hear from you.
For more information and to participate, contact
Jerry Garner
|
|
|
Little Pantry New Leader
For the last couple of weeks we shared how the little pantry which is on the right of the church doors serves the homeless and those in need and how you can help by keeping it stocked. Now we wish to add that Jacqui Neylon will be taking the lead with this ministry. If you feel lead to assist with our efforts by volunteering to be responsible for checking and adding items to the little pantry one weekend each quarter, Jacqui will now be your contact.
Remember, Items needed are: Food that can be eaten walking away from the pantry such as cans with pull-tops, easy-to-eat proteins, water, non-perishable fruit and veggies. Just drop your contributions in the brown basket near the name tag board.
For more information and to volunteer, contact
Jacqui Neylon
| |
|
Become a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
We will be holding four training sessions for new Stephen Ministers starting in September.
Contact Jack Skelton for more information and to join a training.
| |
|
Youth Lock-in
August 9 - 10
Let’s start the year off right with our annual lock-in on Friday, August 9. Events during the lock-in will include swimming, games, movies, etc. Please bring a sleeping bag and a pillow and be prepared for a great night! We will conclude the lock-in with a yummy breakfast!
| |
|
Youth Center Open House August 11
The Youth Council would like to invite all youth (6th-12th grade) to an Youth Center Open House / 6th Grade Welcome at the Youth Center on Sunday, August 11, 2024, 10:15am - Noon.
Youth leaders will be available to give tours and show off the new and improved Youth Center and and share our exciting plans for the Fig Youth in the upcoming school year.
| |
Godly Play Training is Coming
Our Children's Ministry will be hosting a Godly Play Core Training for teachers. The event will begin on Thursday, August 15 and conclude Saturday, August 17. Registration is required through the Godly Play foundation. To receive the registration link and to obtain further information contact the Director of Children's Ministry, Allison Blalock.
| |
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 on Sunday, August 18 at the 9:00am service.
If you have a child/grandchild entering the third grade and would like them to participate in our tradition, please register them.
| |
|
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
| |
Remember to follow, rate, comment, and share our content on | |
|
Share the Good News of Christ at work at the Fig!
Share this e-news with your friends and family.
| |
Follow Transfiguration on these Social Networks | | | | |
