Maybe
Father Casey

Years ago, I came across an old story in the Caldecott-winning picture book Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth. It’s what is known as a koan, which are like the Zen Buddhist versions of the parables of Jesus: they take an ordinary situation and play with it in surprising ways to stretch your mind and heart. The story goes like this:

There once was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“Maybe,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the farmer.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

“Maybe,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

“Maybe,” said the farmer.
Formation Classes

Formation classes have returned during the 10:15 hour between services. In addition to children's and youth formation classes, there are two adult formation classes on offer:

Belonging to God: James Martin’s Learning to Pray (in Roper Hall and zoom): We long for connection with God – for a sense of real belonging to the One who created and loves us. This connection comes through prayer – through cultivating a relationship with God. Prayer is conversation, presence with, and deep listening for God’s voice. There is no one secret formula for prayer; rather everyone can discover forms that work best for them. In this class we’ll explore the rich history of different styles of prayer with a view toward enriching our connection with our gracious and loving God.

As part of the formation class on prayer, this Sunday (January 23)
we will welcome the author of Learning to Pray James Martin via Zoom. He will speak with Fr. Casey about what happens when we pray, and how we can even know we’re talking with God. Fr. Jim is a bestselling author, Jesuit priest, and editor-at-large of America magazine. He is a sought-after public speaker and media commentator and is a passionate advocate for the LGBT community within the Roman Catholic Church.

Belonging to One Another as Parents (in the Vestry Room): Parents of children living at home are invited to join Pastor Nancy in the Vestry Room to reconnect and dream together about formation and other activities for 2022.
Evensong Rescheduled

Due to the current surge in Covid 19 cases, Transfigured Nights' Evensong on February 6 will be moved to Sunday, February 27, at 5:00 pm.

The service will be in commemoration of George Herbert, priest (1593-1633), and will feature music by Harold Darke, Bruce Neswick, and Joel Martinson.
Church Tour

On Sunday, January 23 at 10:15 am Anne Schmidt and Bill Edwards will lead a tour of Transfiguration, offering stories of our history, altar, organ and other works of art around our church’s campus. The tour will begin in the library.
Youth Confirmation Class

Youth confirmation classes will begin this Sunday, January 23. All baptized high school students who have not yet been confirmed are welcome to sign up for this class where we will be exploring the Christian faith as we prepare to reaffirm our baptismal covenant and make it our own. This class will culminate in the Rite of Confirmation when Bishop Smith joins us in May 2022.

Please reach out to Michael Sturdy if you have any questions.
Poetry and Spirituality

Poetry, through its artful use of sound and sense, is able to communicate to the emotions as well as to the intellect and so connect with both the heart and head. Join us for an exploration of the ways in which poems embody spiritual truths and become vessels for deep growth and healing. Through close-readings of poems that strongly “incarnate insight" (in the words of poet and priest Malcolm Guite) and guided writing exercises, we will work to see what poems can teach us about our common call to witness and social action.

This event will be hosted by the church on January 25 from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Annual Parish Meeting

Join us online on January 30 from 10-11:00 am for updates from Father Casey and our Vestry Leaders. You’ll learn about all the things that have happened in 2021 and new things planned for 2022. There will be time to ask questions as well. The meeting will also be live-streamed.
Annual Parish Meeting
Youth & Children's Outreach

On Sunday, January 30, during the Annual Parish Meeting, children's and youth ministries will meet in Roper Hall to help Outreach Ministry make soup kits for North Dallas Shared Ministries. Watch for a chance for the entire congregation to participate in this project at home in February.
Bookstore Corner

Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sundays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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.
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