My answer is that, as far as I can tell, there was never a decision, or a single inflection point. We never took a vote as a parish to determine whether or not we would be “open and affirming.” Rather, it was many decisions at many moments made by many people over many years that fostered the inclusive parish we know today. You don’t build a culture of embrace through a single vote, or even several votes. Culture is created by a community that chooses to live out its values slowly and steadily. Like rock formations in caves created by the accumulation of drips, Transfiguration has become what we are through countless little drips of love and leadership.

Transfiguration will be part of the Dallas Pride festival on June 4 and the Parade on Sunday, June 5. Open Door has reserved a booth in the festival building and a place in the parade. Contact Mark Ramsay at mramsay1974@gmail.com to participate. Learn more at www.dallaspride.org.

In recognition of Juneteenth, the Racial Justice Ministry is hosting supper on Saturday, June 18, after The Table service. Ribs will be provided by Off the Bone Barbecue and everyone who comes is invited to bring a side (see sign-up below). Pre-registration is requested on Realm. The suggested donation is $7.50 per person or $20 for family of 3 or more. The proceeds from our Juneteenth picnic will be used to offer a $500 scholarship to St. Philip's school. Transfiguration partners with St. Philip's School and Community Center in south Dallas.

If you would like to bring a side to share at the picnic, feel free! We have a sign-up for sides that can be accessed here if you are interested.

The final Art Music Monday performance of the season is June 6, at 7:30pm in the Performance Hall. The program will feature violinist Elizabeth Elsner, violinist & violaist Anat Malkin Almani, cellist Gayane Manasjan Fullford, and harpist Laura Logan Brandenburg in String Trio in B-fl at Major, No. 8 by Joseph Haydn, Mon Soufflé by Meghan Metheney, Adoration by Florence Price, and Trio for Violin, Cello, and Harp by Henriette Renié.

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Ellen Dingwall. Ellen was a faithful servant of Christ and a dedicated member of Transfiguration for many years, including nearly 20 years on staff. She guided our welcoming ministries, encouraged our many fellowship groups, supported our outreach efforts, and even coordinated formation at times. So effective was she at getting people more involved that it spawned a term, “dingwall,” as in “He was dingwalled and now serves as a greeter and on the Austin Street volunteer team.” Ellen was awarded the Tau Cross and Crown, our highest parish honor, at her retirement in 2018. A Requiem Eucharist will be held on June 28 at 2pm.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her. May Ellen's soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory.

Figs with Kids is our fellowship group for parents with children currently living at home. They will be hosting a number of events this summer and want you to join!

June 11, 4:00pm-7:00pm - Figs with Kids Pool Party at the Teeples'

July 23, 11:00am-4:00pm - Lake day at Cedar Creek Lake

August 13, 5:00pm-9:00pm - Family Movie Night

To learn more, click the button below and follow Figs with Kids on Facebook.

As part of our worship on the weekend of Pentecost, June 4 & 5, we hear the story from the Book of Acts in many languages. If you can read the story in a language other than English, at any of our three services, please contact Fr. Ted.

As we gear up for Vacation Bible School, Children's Ministry is asking the congregation to donate snacks that can be used throughout VBS week. These items may be dropped off at the VBS puppet theatre display in the Gathering Space between now and June 5. Items that need to be refrigerated may be dropped off on June 5. We are also requesting donations of empty cereal boxes for a special craft project that children will make during VBS.

Join us in Roper Hall Sunday, June 11 between services, for a reception and slide show presentation from the children's VBS week.

We are seeking a full-time Parish Administrator to oversee finances, keep us organized, and support the overall operational vitality of the church.

We are also seeking a part-time Director of Welcoming Ministries to greet newcomers and get folks plugged in at the Fig.