Purpose in the Chaos

by Father Casey

Maui is ash. Ukraine is still besieged. Desperate migrants are still gathered at our border. July was the hottest month in recorded history, but August is chasing it. And another bitter election cycle is upon us. Sadly, the list of things to worry about seems only to grow every day.

As a church that has never shied away from engaging current events, it is tempting to want to respond to every one. Let me tell you, it’s hard as a preacher to decide which events to comment on, when everything feels important. The great Karl Barth said that preachers should hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, interpreting the latter with the former. But it’s easier said than done, especially when you feel like you’re living in a pinball machine, anxiously bounced here and there by every bit of breaking news.

Meanwhile, and almost certainly related, the Church is accelerating its decades-long period of decline. It’s been happening since the 1960s and picked up speed in the 90s, but the pandemic put it on steroids. Surveys of American religious practices in the last few years have revealed a startling drop in attendance and involvement across all generations, though the decline among...

Take the Assessment Here

In this E-news:

Butterfly Garden Fund Raising
Daughters of the King Commissioning
Food Pantry School Supplies Drive
Food Pantry Monday
Tuesday Women's Book Group
Nurturing Faith Through Fiction
Fellowship of the Fig Movie Night
Ministry Fair is Coming
Plan to Attend Together We Ball
Flower Guild Has Class
Hillcrest Live!
Just Curious
Figs with Kids Pool Party
Youth Bible Study
Children & Youth Formation Registration

Happening This Weekend

Butterfly Garden Fund Raising

Many of us have wanted to honor David Diggs for all that he did for the Fig and particularly the Flower Guild. Now we have the opportunity with the planned Transfiguration Butterfly Garden.

Stop by our table in the Gathering Space this Saturday, August 19 before and after The Table and Sunday, August 20 from 8:30am till 1:00pm for all the details and find out how you can lend your support to this project.

As part of the fund raising for the Butterfly Garden, be sure to see the notice entitled Flower Guild Has Class in the Important Future Dates section of this E-news.

DOK Commissioning

Our own Mary and Martha Chapter of the Daughters of the King will commission their newest members this Sunday at the 11:15am Eucharist. Lend your support through prayer and presence as this devoted group of women dedicate their life and labor to the support of our Church.

To learn more about the Daughters of the King,

contact

Barbara DeLizza

Food Pantry School Supplies Drive

We continue collecting school supplies for our Food Pantry families. Please bring pencils, pens, colors, paper, notebooks, and glue for children aged 18 months until 18 years to the Outreach table in the Gathering Space on August 20.

In the Coming Week

Food Pantry Monday

This Monday, August 21, and every third Monday of the month, the Fig Food Pantry puts together grocery orders for families in need. We can always use volunteers and are open to all ages. No special skills required. Join us in Roper Hall from 10:30am to 6:00pm - stay all day or come for an hour. Walk-in are welcome.

For more info contact

Jodi Dalton or Alan Justice

Tuesday Women's Book Group

This Tuesday, August 22, the weekly Tuesday Women's Book group will gather in the Parlor at 1:00pm. If you enjoy the study of literature of a spiritual nature know that you are welcome.

Nurturing Faith Through Fiction

Thursday, August 24 Nurturing Faith Though Fiction will have it regular monthly meeting. Folks will begin to gather at 630pm and the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. This month's meeting will be in the Vestry Room.

As is our custom, some refreshments will be provided, and we welcome you to bring along your own as well.

Fellowship of the Fig Movie Night

Transfiguration's Young Adult Ministry, the Fellowship of the Fig, will gather for a movie night in the Youth Center, this Friday, August 25 from 7:00pm -10:00pm. Join us for an epic adventure watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! Bring a snack to share. We'll have non-alcoholic beverage options available but those 21 and over may bring their own beverage of choice. Hope to see you there!

For more information contact

Colleen Carson

Important Future Dates

Ministry Fair Almost Here

The Transfiguration Ministry Fair is an annual event where we celebrate our ministries and encourage everyone to help us be the church God is calling us to be. Join us in Roper Hall on Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, between services. Visit our dedicated ministry leaders, learn more about what they do, and look for ways you might put your passion, talents, and skills to work here at the Fig!

Whet Your Appetite for Ministry

We are also excited to launch an initiative that will provide opportunities to dip your toe in the waters and try your hand at some of our ministries. We’ve created hundreds of samplings from our 50+ ministries that we’re calling “Small Bites.” We hope you’ll reflect on your spiritual gifts assessment results, join us for one of these ministry experiences, find a good fit to put the Holy Spirit’s gifts to work, and make some new friends along the way! More details to come.

Plan to Attend Together We Ball

Together We Ball is an annual basketball game sponsored by Project Unity, and this year the Fig is involved! The goal of the event is to bring faith leaders, law enforcement, and community leaders together with Dallas-area residents from all ages, races, genders, and neighborhoods through our shared love of basketball. Engaging in community is an important aspect of our faith.

This year’s 7th Annual Together We Ball event will take place Sunday, August 27 at SMU’s Moody Coliseum.

Join our Fig family in supporting the wider community to cheer on the High School Exhibition Game, participate in a Community 3-Point Contest, and to cheer on our Pastors and Police in the Big Game. Activities begin at 1:00pm and culminate in the Big Game at 4:00pm.

Tickets are free, so please reserve yours online today!

Reserve Your Tickets Here

Flower Guild Has Class

Do you see the flower arrangements in the church and wish that you could do that? You can!

Join us for the Fall Flower arranging class on Saturday, September 23 from 830am - 1:00pm. We’ll teach you the basics and you’ll go home with your very own arrangement. There is a $35 charge and participants will take home an arrangement and container. Minimum age to participate is 16 years. All the proceeds of this class go to the Butterfly Garden Project. Be sure to register no later than September 17, 2023!

Hillcrest Live!

Transfigured Nights and the Transfiguration Choir present this rescheduled fundraiser event that will include singing, food and drinks. Tickets go on sale September 1 in Realm for the September 30th event. It’s an evening that should not be missed!

Just Curious

Have you taken the Spiritual Gifts Assessment?

Yes and I was surprised

Yes but not too surprised

Started it but need to finish

Not yet

Youth Group News

Figs with Kids Pool Party

Saturday, August 19, join Figs with Kid at 4:00pm, for an-end-of-summer pool party at the home of Jeremy & Jordan Teeple. Follow us on facebook for more details, sign ups, and upcoming events!

Figs With Kids Facebook Page

Youth Bible Study

Beginning this Sunday, August 20, Embracing Faithful Identities is a Bible Study for Youth (grades 6th-12th grade). We will meet weekly on Sundays from 5:00pm - 6:30pm in the Youth Center with the goal of reading the Bible over the next three years starting with Genesis. You are invited to bring your own dinner and we will share faith and fellowship as we discuss the important stories that help us embrace who we are as people of faith. This is a drop in group. No registration is required. A zoom option will be available.

For more info contact:

Delynda Moravec