Spiritual Crisis

by Father Casey



Beneath the constitutional crisis that our country seems to be veering into lies a spiritual crisis. Before we arrived at the brink of eliminating due process or other basic tenants of our democracy, we seemed to misplace the moral compass that had helped us remain on a course (admittedly erratic at times) of freedom and opportunity for all. That’s the only way I can understand how our nation could be doing what it is doing these days: we have forgotten who we are and what we stand for, and most importantly, we’ve forgotten the difference between good and evil.


What our country is doing to Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the many now locked away for life in a gulag in El Salvador; what it is doing to suppress and intimidate foreign students exercising free speech; what it is doing to the myriad millions of starving and sick people whose hope for survival has been virtually eliminated with a stroke of a pen; these are grave sins. Due process and civil rights are not only guaranteed by our Constitution; they are moral obligations demanded by God.


Among the many egregious moral failings of recent months, one of the most appalling is the virtual elimination of the previously bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Virtually no new refugees have arrived since January and funding for resettling refugees who have already arrived has nearly evaporated. For perspective on the scope of this funding cut, Episcopal Migration Ministries, which ...


Continue reading...

In this E-news:

  • George Mason Guest Preacher
  • Office Closed Memorial Day
  • Pentecost Readers Needed
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Receptionist and Sound Techs
  • EMF Fish Fry & Auction
  • Faith vs. Force Workshop at St. Thomas
  • Figs with Kids Shrimp Boil & Splash Party
  • Summer Formation: The Book of Common Prayer
  • Dallas Pride Booth & Parade
  • Legacy of Freedom Presentation & Potluck
  • Footsteps of Paul Pilgrimage
  • Donating Snacks for VBS
  • Visit the Bookstore & the Clothes Horse

This Weekend & Week

Guest Preacher This Sunday


Longtime friend of the Fig, the Rev. Dr. George Mason, retired Sr. Pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church and Founder of Faith Commons, will be with us as our guest preacher this Sunday at the 9:00am and 11:15am services. Dr. Mason's preaching is widely regarded and was broadcast for many years on WRR radio. Be sure to join us!

Church Offices Closed on Monday


In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the Church offices will be closed this coming Monday, May 26. Office will reopen as usual on Tuesday morning.


If you have an urgent pastoral need, you can contact clergy two ways: Call 972-233-1898 and press option 9 or click here.

Volunteers Needed

Pentecost Readers Needed


On the weekend of Pentecost, June 7 & 8, we will hear a portion of our Acts lesson read in a cacophony of languages. If you can speak a language other than English and would like to add your voice to the mix at any of our three services, please let us know.


Contact

Fr. Ted Clarkson

Front Desk Receptionist


We are looking for several people to join our existing group of receptionist volunteers. Duties include answering the phone, providing information and direction to callers and visitors, and assisting as necessary. Hours typically are Monday-Friday, 9am -12pm and 1pm-4pm. We have several slots available. Please let us know if you have time and want to assist your fellow parishioners and our guests.


For more information and to Volunteer 

call 972-233-1898 Ext. 229, or contact

Fred Ellis

Sound

Technicians


We invite you to join our Sound Tech Ministry at the Fig! As a Sound Tech, you will help ensure that everyone can fully engage in our worship services and live-streamed events. No prior experience is necessary – we will provide all the training you will need. We strive to accommodate your availability to serve, whether it's on Saturdays for The Table or Sundays at our 9:00am and 11:15am Eucharists, as well as during special occasions like weddings and funerals. Reach out with any questions or to express your interest in this fulfilling ministry.


Contact

Shaun Manning


Opportunities to Join In

EMF Fish Fry & Silent Auction


Only one week to go! The biggest and most exciting fundraising event of the year is almost here! Join us in Roper Hall at 4:30pm on Sunday, June 1, for delicious fish 'n' chips, a variety of activities, and a silent auction with a goal of raising $75,000 to support Fig Ministries and local causes.


Please note that all bidding will be done online using credit cards, so it’s essential to register in advance and ensure that a valid credit card is entered on the auction site. Preregister using the button below so you’ll be ready when the bidding opens.

You can also browse the auction catalog on the website, which features hundreds of items, including fantastic parties and trips, with more items being added daily.


Additionally, EMF will be accepting donations for the auction until 5:30pm on May 31, so there’s still time to organize a party or contribute items. For assistance with donations, contact Jim Kirkman (972-814-6742).

Faith vs. Force Workshop


Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle located at 6525 Inwood Rd, Dallas, Texas, extends a warm invitation to attend the Faith vs. Force workshop on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00am – 3:30pm. The focus will be how Christianity itself helps us fight the serious threat of Christian Nationalism. Marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, this event gathers leading theologians and faith leaders, such as Dr. Scott MacDougall, the Rev. Natalya Cherry, and the Rev. Dr. George Mason, to explore the Church's role in advancing justice, truth, and hope amid societal upheaval with courage and humility.


10:00am – 11:30am | Anchored in Faith: 1,700 years of the Nicene Creed

1:30pm – 3:30pm | Christian Nationalism Exposed: What's at Stake

Figs with Kids Shrimp Boil & Splash Party


Figs With Kids invites all families to celebrate the start of summer with a Summer Shrimp Boil and Splash Party! Join us at the Parish Pavilion on Saturday, June 7 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm for family fun featuring a splash pad and a delicious meal featuring Cajun-style shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, along with kid-friendly food for the youngsters, and ice cream dessert.


Please register by 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 4 so we can know how many to expect.


In addition to the splash pad, the playground will be open, and we’ll have music and other entertainment. Come enjoy the fun and meet other families and kids!

Summer Formation

The Book of Common Prayer


Join Fr. Michael Merriman on Sunday mornings this June for a class on the development of The Book of Common Prayer (1979).


Fr. Michael was a consultant to the Standing Liturgical Commission from 1973 to 1979 and also participated in the creation of the original Book of Occasional Services. During that period he was also the Chair of the Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Dallas. After serving on congregations in Texas, California, Minnesota, and Australia (serving as chair of the diocesan liturgical commissions in all of those places), he served as Assisting Priest at the Fig from 2004 to 2016. 


This class will provide a rich overview of the origins of our prayer book and where The Episcopal Church could choose to go from here.

Volunteer for Dallas Pride


Dallas Pride Weekend draws neigh! Open Door invites all members of the parish to join them as we seek and serve Christ in all persons. Volunteers are needed for the our booth on Saturday, June 14 and to walk the parade route with us on Sunday, June 15. Full details are in the registrations below. Please sign-up today to participate.

Legacy of Freedom

Presentation and Potluck


Join our Racial Justice Ministry on Saturday, June 14, at 6:30pm for a presentation by Sheniqua Cummings, a historical marker researcher and descendant of the African American settler families of North Dallas. She will speak about the history of our area, including the White Rock Chapel of Addison, the White Rock Garden of Memories, and the families who settled the area after emancipation. Please bring a dish to share as we explore this hidden history of our region.


Contact

Barbara Woster

Footsteps of Paul

Pilgrimage


Transfiguration is organizing a pilgrimage through Turkey and Greece along the Apostle Paul’s missionary path. We'll visit significant sites like Istanbul, Perga, Colossae, Smyrna, and others, with three days cruising the Aegean Sea, stopping at Patmos, Santorini, and Ephesus. The pilgrimage runs from April 13-28, 2026, costing $5,100 per person plus airfare (double occupancy).


Plan to attend an informational meeting on June 15 at 10:15am in the Parlor.


Contact

Mother Rebecca

Contribute Snacks for VBS 

This year's Vacation Bible School is right around the corner and we are collecting individually wrapped snacks for our 45+ road trippers. If you would like to help out, donations can be dropped off in front of the puppet theatre located in the tower cloister beginning this Sunday through June 1.

 

Suggested items: Goldfish, cheez-its, fruit snacks, veggie straws, fruit bars, granola bars, animal crackers, teddy grahams, mini oreos, mini chips ahoy, etc. Only individually wrapped items, please.

St. Hilda's Guild

Shop Our

Bookstore


The Kay Andrews Bookstore and Gift Shop, located in the hallway near the Memorial Garden and the Children's wing offer a selection of gifts and books for purchase. 


Our hours are 10am - 2pm:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday


Sundays: 8am - 1pm


The Clothes

Horse


Working at the Clothes Horse gives the opportunity to meet new friends, work to sustain grants to support ministries outside the church and inside the church. All donated clothes are either sold or given to the Transfiguration Food Bank, Austin Street Shelter, New Friends New Life, and many other groups in need of clothing.


Our hours are 10am - 2pm:

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Saturday

or whenever the Blue & Yellow Signs are displayed


The Clothes Horse now accepts credit and debit cards.

Need more information? Contact Cassie Bledsoe or call at 214-536-2416.

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.

X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email

Follow Transfiguration on these Social Networks

Facebook  Instagram