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We Didn't Start the Fire
by Father Ted
All summer long, while we have been preaching on the prophets on Sunday mornings, Fr. Casey, Mthr. Rebecca and I have used these Friday E-News articles to say a little bit about the upcoming Gospel lesson. That means that most weeks we have preached on the difficult lessons of the Old Testament, while we have written articles about the relatively kinder messages of Jesus. This week is the exception; this Sunday, Jesus has the harsher words.
“Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth?” Jesus asks. “No, I tell you, but rather division!” This is arguably the most confounding of all Jesus’ statements; he is the Prince of Peace, after all. He also describes how his message will tear families apart, “three against two and two against three.” This doesn’t seem to describe Jesus, who we prefer to think of as the one in whom we are all united.
Suffice it to say, this isn’t the most popular passage for preachers. However, I think that because of our long journey with the prophets this summer, perhaps we are better prepared to understand what Jesus is trying to say in this chapter of Luke. I think that the message of the prophets that we ...
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- Bake-Off Success
- Third Grade Bibles Presentation
- Back-to-School Blessing
- Food Pantry Monday
- Serving Dinner at Austin Street
- Newcomer Workshop
- Ministry Open House
- Convention Delegate Application Deadline
- Increase Your Tech Skills
- Fall Formation Launches For All
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- Children & Youth Choirs Rehearse
- Youth Acolyte Training
- Guns to Gardens
- Godly Play Teachers Needed
- Helping Our Children Grow
- Youth Lock-in Sign-ups
- Youth Pilgrimage Sneak Peek
- Youth Fall Kick-off
- Volunteers Needed at the Clothes Horse
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Bake-off Success!
Thanks to everyone who helped us raise money for the Diocese of West Texas in their flood relief efforts at the 4th Annual Outreach Bake-off. We raised over $2600 in less than one hour and awarded the Golden Spatula to Jude Fones. Thanks to all our bakers for their participation.
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Third Grade
Bibles
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 17 at the 9:00am service.
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Back-to-School Blessing
This Sunday, August 17 is our annual blessing of the backpacks! All children, youth, and adults are encouraged to bring their backpacks, bags, or briefcases for a blessing. Transfiguration will honor and bless all students and teachers returning to school at the 9:00am and 11:15am services.
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Youth Pilgrimage 2026 Sneak Peek
Make plans to come hear Fr. Ted and Youth Director Bailey Roberts on this coming Sunday, August 17 at 10:15am as they talk about the exciting ideas for next year’s pilgrimage to Scotland. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. This informational session is open to all Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, who have NOT attended a previous pilgrimage
For more info contact
Bailey Roberts
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Help Stock our Little Pantry
There are still several sign-up slots available for families and individuals who wish to help stock the Little Free Food Pantry outside the Church entrance. We are asking you to volunteer for a week period to check and make sure that the pantry is stocked from our store of food items. For full details and the dates that are still available, check the sign-up below.
Contact
Brooke Robb
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Food Pantry Food Distribution
We invite you to join us Monday, August 18 in Roper Hall as we provide food for those in need. The Fig Food Pantry serves 50+ food insecure families in our area each month. Participate as little or as much as you like. No prior experience needed. We will show you all you need to know to help out. Also, if you have clean, brown paper grocery shopping bags that you can donate, the Food Pantry would be grateful. These bags are used to package food for our families.
10:30am to 11:00am – Setup
11:00am to Noon – Unloading
Noon to 3:30pm – Sorting/Bagging
3:30pm to 6:00pm – Distribution
Contact
Jodi Dalton Dalton or Alan Justice
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Serve Dinner at Austin Street Center
Our Austin Street Ministry will serve dinner at Austin Street Center this Wednesday, August 20 at 5:00pm. Austin Street Center provides important housing and support to our unhoused sisters and brothers and Transfiguration's work there has a long history. If you would like to be a part of this week's dinner service or learn more about this ministry, be sure to sign up so we can plan appropriately. To do so, click the button below.
Contact
Louise and Mart Harms
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Newcomer
Workshop
Are you new to Transfiguration? Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 9:00am to Noon for a workshop designed for newcomers and visitors who are interested in membership. The class includes the history of the Episcopal church and its traditions, the fascinating story of how Transfiguration came to be, a church tour, a lively Q/A led by Father Casey, and more. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. RSVP to Gabby Guion by clicking the button below.
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Ministry
Open House
Join us for two weekends, August 23/24 and August 30/31, before and after services for our Ministry Fair Open House! Meet new people and learn about the many ministries that we offer. We will have behind-the-scenes tours of the sacristy and music area. We need your time and talent to help us be the church God is calling us to be! If you’re even the slightest bit curious, please don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and to Seek and Serve!
Click the button below to learn more about ways to get involved at the Fig.
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Convention Delegate
Application Deadline August 24
If you would like to serve as a representative of this congregation at the Diocesan Convention, now is the time to submit your application. The deadline to be considered as a Convention Delegate is Sunday, August 24. To view the eligibility requirements for this role and to submit your application online, click the button below.
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Increase Your Tech Skills
The FigTech Ministry exists to assist you with your use of the technology tools we have invested in to help grow our community and our witness in the world. Whether it is being a Ministry Group Leader with a Realm Group, using the technology in the Vestry Room and Parlor, or leading a presentation in Roper Hall, the FigTech team is here to help.
We will be hosting another of our live, interactive, training sessions from 12:45pm - 3:00pm, Sunday, August 24. Make your plans to join us now.
Contact
Michael Durrance
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Sunday School
for All Ages Returns
Starting September 7, we will offer a great lineup of Sunday School classes for the entire parish. Sunday School is an important part of our Christian Formation program here at Transfiguration. It’s a chance to learn something new about the Christian Life or go deeper in a topic close to your heart. Sunday School, along with our other offerings throughout the week, form us for ministry and help us grow into the full stature of Christ.
Sunday Mornings:
- Sunday morning adult classes at 10:15am covering The Letters of Paul: Philippians & Ephesians, Practical Mysticism, and the Practices of Grace
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A class specifically for parents with young children lead by our Figs With Kids Ministry titled "Bowling Alone: Faith, Community, and Seeking Commonality"
- Youth Formation for Grade 6 - 12
- Wee Wonder for ages 2-3 years
- Godly Play for ages Pre-K to Grade 5
Wednesday Evenings:
- Youth Crossover
- Impact Kids
More details will be shared over the coming weeks
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Children & Youth Choirs
Transfiguration’s three choirs for children and youth begin rehearsals on Sunday, September 7. Come visit the second floor rehearsal rooms, meet the directors, and receive information between the services next Sunday, August 24, or the following week, August 31.
Holy Family choir for children in grades 1-3 meets in the Music Room during children’s chapel time.
Canticle Choir for children in grades 4-7 meets in the Music Room from 11:10am to noon. Kim Ahrens directs both of these choirs.
The Youth choir, grades 8-12, is directed by Chris Ahrens and meets in the Performance Hall from 11:10am to noon.
Contact
Kim Ahrens or Chris Ahrens
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Youth Acolyte Training
Youth acolytes are an important part of our church, and give children a chance to learn about and participate in the service. Kids age 8 to 18 serve 3-4 times a quarter. If your child is interested, please let us know. Our next training will be September 13 at 8:30am.
Contact
Brooke Robb
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Spread the Word
from Father Casey
Guns to Gardens (G2G) allows owners of unwanted firearms to safely dispose of them, after which the weapons are dismantled and the pieces transformed by blacksmiths into garden tools. It is the modern day realization of the Biblical vision of Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3.
Transfiguration, in partnership with several local pastors and religious leaders, especially the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, will host this event Sunday, September 7.
View the full article for ways you can support this event by spreading the word, training as a volunteer, or donating.
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Youth Fall Kick-Off
Sunday, August 31, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, come meet the new Youth Director, Bailey Roberts, for a night of faith, food, and fellowship. This is a chance to ask questions, hear about what’s planned for the year, and enjoy a wonderful dinner together.
All youth participants and their parents/guardians are invited.
Please register here no later than Tuesday, August 26th.
We apologize for the incorrect link provided in last week's E-news.
This has now been corrected.
For more info contact
Bailey Roberts
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Youth Crossover Meal Train
Come be a part of the Crossover excitement by volunteering to bring a meal for the Youth. Sharing a meal together is one of the Crossover hallmarks, as the Youth breakaway from the stress of the week for an evening of prayer, fellowship, and fun.
For more info contact
Bailey Roberts
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Volunteers are needed for the second and fourth Mondays of the month to work in the back of the store sorting and pricing clothes. Keep the donations coming! We need summer handbags at the present time. Please let us know if you are able to help even one time.
Contact
Billie Bennett
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