The Songs of the Season
Father Ted
“Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.”
-Luke 1:1-4
On the First Sunday of Advent, we began the third year of readings in the Revised Common Lectionary. Many of you will know that each of the three years focuses on a different gospel. In Year A we read through most of the Gospel of Matthew; Year B focuses on Mark, and Year C is primarily Luke. Portions of John’s Gospel are found in all three years, particularly around major feasts. (We also hear a lot of John in Year B, because Mark is considerably shorter Matthew and Luke.)
I’m not sure it’s useful to say that one year is better than any other year, but I am willing to make the case that the start to Year C is stronger than the other two years, and it has everything to do with the Gospel of Luke. While Luke may not include the story about the Magi, which is only in Matthew, or the theologically rich discourse on the Incarnation which begins John’s Gospel, Luke has something particularly special: Canticles.
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Advent Taizé
Meet us on the Labyrinth this Sunday, December 12 at 6:00 pm. This candle light service featuring beautiful music seeks to slow us down and turn our minds toward the Light that shines in the darkness.
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Art Music Monday:
Two Trios by Two Masters
Join us in the Performance Hall December 13 at 7:30 pm as Transfigured Nights presents Piano Trios by Ludwig van Beethoven and Peter Tchaikovsky. This performance will feature Maria Schleuning violin, Gayane Manasjan Fullford cello, and Evan Mitchell, piano.
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Dedicate Christmas Flowers and Music
For dedications made in memoriam or thanksgiving to be included in the Christmas Eve worship service, please submit a dedication by December 12.
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Join us for
Advent in Narnia this Sunday!
Join in this Sunday for our second Advent in Narnia: Conversations in Community on the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Our all-star panel includes Robert Patten and Roy Heller. The class will meet Sundays, December 12 and 19 during the formation hour in Roper Hall and via Zoom.
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Stations of the Nativity
Journey through the Nativity story along a beautifully lighted outdoor path. Ten stations will feature art, scripture, a short reflection, and prayer. Bring a smart device to experience a narrated version that includes music.
Appropriate for all ages. Open December 19 through January 5.
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The Longest Night: A Service of Remembrance, Consolation,
and Assurance
Many in this season are not ready to sing “Joy to the World.” For some of us this is the first Christmas without someone we love. Others are hurting or still mourning losses from long ago. Join us December 22 at the 6 p.m. Holy Eucharist as we gather to shed tears and cry out together “How long, O Lord?”
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Schedule of Christmas Services
We will gather together this Christmas season to share insacred acts of worship, including gorgeous music, a beautifully greened church, the Nativity gospel,
and Holy Communion.
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Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24)
Musical prelude starts 30mins before each service begins.
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3:00pm* - Holy Eucharist & Children's Christmas Pageant
5:00pm* - Holy Eucharist for families,
featuring Canticle & Youth Choirs
8:00pm* - Holy Eucharist
featuring Transfiguration Choir & instruments
10:30pm - Holy Eucharist (with incense)
featuring Transfiguration Choir & instruments
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Christmas Day (Saturday, December 25)
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10:00am - Holy Eucharist featuring Octet & Instruments
(No sevice at 5:30pm)
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First Sunday after Christmas (Sunday, December 26)
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10:00am* - Holy Eucharist with Christmas Lessons & Carols
featuring Transfiguration Choir & Instruments
(No formation classes)
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*Childcare is available by our professional, fully-vaccinated nursery staff
for infants through 4-year olds.
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Blessing the Baby Jesus
Those planning to attend either the 3:00pm or 5:00pm Christmas Eve services are encouraged to bring baby Jesus from their home nativity sets for a special blessing. This new tradition is a way for families to connect their Nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at Transfiguration.
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Sharing Our Story
Over the past year we've shared videos from members of the Fig family sharing stories of our history and some of the stand-out aspects of our campus that you may not have heard before. If you have not taken the opportunity to watch these, we encourage you to take the time this holiday season to dive into this miniseries celebrating how we got here. A playlist of the videos may be found here.
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Please Consider an End-of-year Donation to Support our Mission and Ministry
To make an end-of-year donation or fulfill your 2021 pledge click here
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Childcare is Available
As in-person formation for all ages resumes, childcare is available for infants through 4-year olds, at all weekend services.
Visit the childcare wing to sign your child in.
Professional, fully-vaccinated nursery staff will be available Sundays
from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Saturdays 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
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Children's Chapel
Children's Chapel is designed to introduce children to the traditions of Episcopal worship in a way they can understand and enjoy. During our time together, children hear the gospel, sing, say the creed, share prayers of the people, and conclude with passing the peace to one another. Our older children have opportunities to be role models and proclaim the Good News as Junior Lectors.
Children’s Chapel is offered for elementary-aged children on Sundays at 9:00 am.
Contact Allison Blalock, Director of Children's Ministries for more information.
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Bookstore Corner
The bookstore has everything you need to kick off Advent in Narnia at the Fig!
Get a copy of the C.S. Lewis classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
We've got limited quantities of the daily devotional Advent in Narnia, for which this season's formation offering is based. Author Heidi Haverkamp will be our first guest speaker, so get one while they last.
Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sundays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For questions about books or gifts, contact Carolyn by phone at (972) 231-1634.
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