A Pair of Pilgrimages
Father Ted
Let me begin by saying that it’s good to be back with you. On Monday, I returned state-side after a fantastic, 18-day trip to Ireland and England. The first eight days of the trip were with members of our youth group on their (delayed) pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle. Traditionally, the youth have gone to Scotland and spent two or three days on the island of Iona, living and praying with the centuries-old community of Christians founded by St. Columba. However, due to some pandemic-related travel restrictions, the group was unable to go to Iona, so they decided to try a different destination: Ireland. (I don’t want to give away too many details about the pilgrimage, because I’d rather you hear it from the youth when they give a presentation during the Formation Hour on September 11.) Suffice it to say, we learned new things about ourselves and our Creator by immersing ourselves in the centuries-long life of the Church in Ireland.
After the Transfiguration Pilgrims flew back to Texas, I went to London for the second half of my trip. Almost three years ago, my seminary choir received invitations to serve as choir-in-residence at both St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh and Westminster Abbey in London. (I missed the Scotland portion of the choir pilgrimage because I was in Ireland.) While in London, we sang Choral Evensong at the Abbey every afternoon and Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli at the Sunday Eucharist. It was thrilling to be part of a 900-year tradition of daily, sung services in the quire of Westminster Abbey, surrounded by the remains and effigies of kings, queens, scientists, poets, musicians, governors, and warriors. Both pilgrimages were wonderful in very different ways. For me, it has been interesting to reflect on how doing these back-to-back has affected my experience of each.
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Transfiguration Sunday Approaches |
On August 7 we observe our namesake feast with service and celebration!
Join us for:
- Health screenings with the Parish Nurses
- Baptisms at 9:00am
- Commissioning of Eucharistic Visitors and the Prayer Shawl Ministry
- Figworks Bake-off
- The St. John’s Bible debut!
- Meet the Vestry
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Calling all Bakers and Tasters |
Figworks is a day of outreach when we actively commit ourselves to the work of seeing and addressing the needs in our community. Join us on August 7 for our first Outreach Bake-Off benefitting Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry (part of St. Philip’s School & Community Center).
Tickets will be sold at the door.
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Health Screening with
the Parish Nurses
The parish nurses are available next weekend to screen for blood pressure before and after services. Come see them in the Library on Saturday from 5:00 - 6:30pm and on Sunday from 8:30am until 11:00am.
Meet The Vestry
Next weekend, before and after each service, two Vestry members will be at a table in the Tower Cloister. The Vestry provides leadership and oversight to the mission and ministry of our church and they are eager to meet you, answer your questions, and learn more about what’s on your mind.
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Women's Evening Book Group
Women’s book group will resume meeting in-person Thursday, August 4 at 7pm in the Parlor. Learn more and see the 2022-2023 reading list at Transfiguration.net/book-groups
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Foyer Groups Return
Foyer groups are a great opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners by sharing and hosting meals together in small groups. We will kick-off our next season in the Parlor, August 14 at 4pm.
if you are interested in participating.
We look forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and sharing good meals together!
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Sturdy Family Farewell
Michael Sturdy, our Interim Youth Director, and his family will head to seminary at the start of August, and this Sunday, July 31, will be his final Sunday with us. Join with us as we bid the Sturdy Family a fond farewell. If you would like to make a contribution toward a purse for Michael, click here. |
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Youth Open
House Invitation
The Youth Council would like to invite all youth (6th-12th grade) to an Open House & 6th Grade Welcome at the Youth Center on August 14. Youth leaders will be available to give tours and share with you the exciting plans for the upcoming year.
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For more information on the Youth Open House, Transfiguration's Youth Ministry, or to become a Youth volunteer contact Delynda Moravec at dmoravec@transfiguration.net
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3rd Grade Bibles &
Back-to-School Blessing
August 14 will be a big day at that Fig. This year’s third grade Bible presentation will take place on at the 9:00am service as we recognize those entering the third grade.
We will honor and bless all students and teachers returning to school as we observe our annual blessing of the backpacks at both the 9:00am and 11:15am services! All children, youth, and adults are encouraged to bring their backpacks, bags, or briefcases for a blessing.
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Summer Fun for Figs with Kids
Figs with Kids is our fellowship group for parents with children currently living at home. As this summer draws to a close, they are hosting an event you will enjoy!
August 13, 5:00pm-9:00pm - Family Movie Night
To learn more, click the button below and follow Figs with Kids on Facebook.
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Reception Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to help staff our main reception desk. Duties include answering the phone, greeting members and visitors, responding to inquiries, and directing folks to the appropriate area or staff person. Times are Monday through Friday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm with the occasional possibility of a morning shift. If you are interested, please contact Fred Ellis, 972-233-1898 Ext. 230 or fellis@transfiguration.net
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Bookstore Corner
Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sundays from 8:30am – 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.
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