First Coming

by Father Casey



Merry Christmas, friends! So much beautiful poetry and verse has been written for this joyous season, that it seems silly to add more words of my own. Instead, I share a poem I’ve long loved from the great Madeleine L’Engle. 


First Coming

by Madeleine L’Engle




He did not wait till the world was ready,

till men and nations were at peace

He came when the Heavens were unsteady

and prisoners cried out for release.


He did not wait for the perfect time.

He came when the need was deep and great.

He dined with sinners in all their grime,

turned water into wine. He did not wait


till hearts were pure. In joy he came

to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

To a world like ours, of anguished shame

He came, and his Light would not go out. 


He came to a world which did not mesh,

to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.

In the mystery of the Word made Flesh

the Maker of the stars was born.


We cannot wait till the world is sane

to raise our songs with joyful voice,

for to share our grief, to touch our pain,

He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

 

Christmas Continues

 

End-of-Year Giving


As the year comes to a close, we can look back upon a successful year of pursuing our mission to seek and serve Christ in all persons. You can help us finish the year “in the black,” and greet 2023 on a strong foot, by making a special end-of-year gift. Owing to inflation, we’ve operated “in the red” for much of the year, but the generosity of our church can help us cover that gap and end with a balanced budget. Every gift of every size matters, so please consider a special gift today. To make an end-of-year gift you can give online or contact Cathleen Dolt, our Parish Administrator.

Give Online Here
 

Christmas Eve Offering


Thanks to the generosity of the Transfiguration community, the Christmas Eve plate collections enabled gifts of $2,750 each to the three organizations recommended by the Outreach Committee: Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Vogel Alcove, and the Happy Homes Preschool in South Africa.

 


Twelve Days of Christmas


Christmas is not over; it's just starting!

Plan to experience the full Twelve Days of Christmas with us:


Dec 31 | 5:30pm

The Table (Lessons & Carols)

Jan 01 | 10:00am

Sunday Eucharist (Lessons & Carols)

Jan 04 | 6:00pm

Feast of Elizabeth Ann Seton

Jan 05 | Noon

Feast of Sarah, Theodora, & Syncletica of Egypt

Jan 06 | 7:00pm

Feast of the Epiphany


To see details about each of these services


Click Here.

 

This Weekend

 

Christmas Caroling


Since Episcopalians know that Christmastide lasts for twelve days, why would we go caroling during Advent? Bring your voice and your Christmas cheer as we sing favorite carols to those who might not have been able to make it to church this season. We will gather in the Parlor on tomorrow, December 31, at 1:00pm to practice our parts and then disperse around town. Register to join in the fun!

Register Here
 

Service Times This Weekend


While the Table will be at its normal time Saturday at 5:30pm, this Sunday, January 1, there will be one Eucharist at 10:00am rather than our normal 9:00am and 11:15am services. This special combined service will feature special music for the Christmas Season.

 

Offering Envelopes


If you use offering envelops for your pledged giving and other financial gifts, envelops are available for pick-up in the Gathering Space on the Bulletin Table.

 

This Week

Church Offices Closed


The Church Offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. We wish everyone a joyful New Year!


If you have a pastoral emergency while the offices are closed,

please contact clergy at (214) 296-2748.

 

Feast of the Epiphany


Our journey to Bethlehem and celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus ends on January 6 at 7:00pm with a final Festival Eucharist remembering the arrival of the Magi and Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles. At this service, we will convene outside for the annual Burning of the Greens and outdoor reception. 


To see all the worship, fellowship, and growth opportunities planned for Epiphany,


Click Here.

Mark Your Calendars

 

Let's Have Breakfast Together!


All are invited to gather in Roper Hall between services on Sunday, January 8, for fellowship and a parish breakfast.

 

Sacred Ground


Racial Justice Ministry is excited to offer Sacred Ground this year. Please come to Roper Hall during the Formation Hour on Sunday, January 15, to hear a presentation about this wonderful experience and sign up to be part of a small group.



Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful film-and readings-based dialogue series that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism. It holds the vision of a beloved community – where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God. 


If you have questions before January 15, please contact

Pastor Nancy
 

Roll Up Your Sleeves at Bonton Farms


Bonton is a historically African-American neighborhood in South Dallas, located in a “food desert.” Bonton Farms started out as a garden and is now two fully functioning farms, a Farmer’s Market, a Café and Coffee House. The Racial Justice Ministry is encouraging volunteers from Transfiguration to help the surrounding community from 9 am to noon on the second Saturday of every month. Tasks may include neighborhood trash pickup, home renovation, and landscaping. Sign up is required.  If you are interested in carpooling from the church to Bonton Farms on January 14, please contact us here. 

Register To Participate
 
Youth Group News
 

Impact Kids


All 4th & 5th graders are invited to Impact Kids on Wednesdays, January 18th, February 15th, March 15th, April 19th and May17th. We meet from 7-8 in classroom S203. During our time-together the kids will experience fellowship and conversation then explore how they can make an impact as kids in the lives of others. 

 

Our Impact Kids will be given opportunities to serve others in need. Kids will learn that serving others is, compassion in action, and understand as Christians we are called to this as a way of life. 


For more info, contact

Allison Blalock

 

Support St. Hilda's

 
 

Shop Our Bookstore


The Kay Andrew's Bookstore & Gift Shop offers Christian Books and Gifts. 


Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00am - 2:00pm

Sundays from 8:00am – 1:00pm.


All proceeds benefit St. Hilda's Guild and our church's ministries.


For questions about books or gifts, contact Carolyn by phone at

(972) 231-1634.

Visit The

Clothes Horse


The Clothes Horse is a resale shop providing the community with a place to donate gently worn clothing and offering budget-minded customers a source of reasonably-priced, good-quality apparel.

They are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00am until 2:00pm.


Clothing donations are accepted at any time the shop is open.

 

Messianic Predictions, Thomas Ingmire, Copyright 2005, The Saint John’s Bible,

Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 
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