Last Epiphany
Fr. Casey
I grew up in the 1980s, so my childhood coincided with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. I was in middle school when its slow deterioration accelerated and Gorbachev presided over its end. So, my lifetime has mostly been outside of the shadow of the Cold War.
Which makes this weeks’ events as bizarre as they are tragic and terrible. It is like the tape from 1991 is playing in reverse, and we have returned to the darkest days of Soviet brutality. I hope we will pray with all our might for the people of Ukraine, and for the leaders of the nations who are seeking ways to oppose Russia’s cruel and needless invasion. It is far too early to know how else we might help, but for now it is our job to pray.
Even as we pray over the disturbing events across the world, it is important to maintain awareness about disturbing news closer to home. On Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a new interpretation of state law that describes certain types of medical care for transgender youth as “child abuse.” The next day, Governor Abbott directed state agencies to investigate allegations of abuse, warning that doctors, teachers, and parents who fail to report could face consequences.
It is important for me to share three points in response to this announcement.
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Take the 8-minute Survey Now
As we update our COVID-19 safety protocols at Transfiguration we would like to better understand your thoughts and concerns surrounding the pandemic.
Click here to complete this optional, 8-minute survey.
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February 27 is FIGWORKS Day!
Figworks Day is a semiannual day of outreach when we actively commit ourselves to the work of seeing and addressing the needs in our community.
Service opportunities will include:
- Writing letters for shut-in members of our Fig family
- Assembling toiletry bags for our Food Pantry families
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An at-home soup kit drive. Get shopping list and instructions here.
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A blood drive. The Carter Blood Mobile will be stationed in the parking lot from 10:00am - 2:00 pm. Sign-up to donate here.
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Parents Circle: Families Forum
Sunday, February 27 in Roper Hall and online during the formation hour. The Parents Circle – Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 600 families who have lost loved ones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ravages lives in the Middle East. Each member family has made a choice to move toward reconciliation instead of revenge. Join us as we host members from two such families who will share the human side of the conflict in their ongoing efforts to foster peace and reconciliation. You will not want to miss this deeply moving discussion.
In-Person and Remote on Zoom - Link will be in your confirmation email.
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Transfigured Nights Evensong
February 27, at 5:00 pm. The service will be in commemoration of George Herbert, priest (1593-1633), and will feature the Transfiguration Choir singing Harold Darke's Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in F Major and Bruce Neswick’s Preces and Responses for St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Buffalo. The anthem will be the Dallas premiere of Joel Martinson's Antiphon & Praise which is based on two of Herbert's most well-known poems.
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Shrove Tuesday
Join us March 1, 5:00pm-7:00pm for the return of our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, provided by Episcopal Men's Fellowship (EMF). We will gather outside under the Parish Pavilion for food, fellowship, and the ceremonial burning of the palms as we prepare for the season of Lent. Cost is $5/person, $15/family.
*In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Roper Hall*
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Ash Wednesday
The season of Lent is traditionally marked by the disciplines of prayer, fasting, alms-giving, meditating on Scripture, and repentance. By ancient custom, Lent begins with the marking of the sign of the cross on our foreheads in ash – representing penance, mourning, and mortality.
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6:30 am – Holy Eucharist
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12:00 pm – Holy Eucharist with Music
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5:30 pm – Holy Eucharist (Children & Families)
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7:00 pm – Holy Eucharist with Music
- Imposition of Ashes at all services.
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Wednesdays in Lent
Beginning March 9, Wednesdays in Lent will include additions to our regular eucharist service.
- 5:30 p.m. - Stations of the Cross in the Nave
- 6:00 p.m. - Wednesday eucharist in the Nave
- 6:30 p.m. - Simple meal under the Parish Pavilion
- 7:00 p.m. - Lenten Wednesday speaker series in Roper Hall
- 8:00 p.m. - Compline in the Nave
Join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for "A Celebration of Discipline", a guest speaker series centered around Richard Foster’s classic book by the same title. Each week, we’ll focus on a spiritual practice, guided by a guest speaker whose life with God has been enriched by focused attention and discipline with that particular practice. Our guests include Danielle Shroyer, Sister Hannah, Fr. Oliver Lee, Mtr. Amy Heller, and author and activist, Shane Claiborne.
Childcare will be available each Wednesday in Lent beginning at 5:45 and concluding at 8:15 in the nursery wing for children ages infant - 4 years old. In an effort to have appropriate coverage, we kindly ask that you register for care no later than the Monday before the Wednesday event.
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Formation in Lent
The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Roper Hall): In this class, we’ll read and discuss Dr. James Cone’s provocative and award-winning book on the relationship between the cross and the lynching tree and how they “interpret each other.”
Remember That You Are Dust: The Church’s Teaching on Death & Dying (Parlor): On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded that we are dust, and to dust we shall return, and we carry those words with us throughout our Lenten journey. In this five-week series we will unpack what it means to be mortal and explore the Church’s teachings about death and dying.
Pilgrimage: An Introduction to Holy Journeying (Vestry Room): In recent years, Transfiguration has conducted numerous pilgrimages to places as diverse as the Holy Land, South Africa, and the Deep South. This summer a group of pilgrims will journey to Germany to see the Oberammergau Passion Play, and next fall, Fr. Casey will conduct the Via di Francesco in Italy. During Lent, Fr. Casey will explore this ancient spiritual practice, how it differs from other sorts of travel, and how we can all embrace it to enrich our faith.
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Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, Racial Justice Ministry (RJM) will be commemorating Black History Month with a spotlight on the work of Black Episcopalians and Anglicans.
Byron Rushing, who served as Vice President of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church and also many years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is an Episcopal lay person who describes his primary ministry as politics. Listen to his discussion on how the Episcopal Church awoke to social and political issues in the wake of the Civil War.
All month, RJM will have a table in the Tower Cloister outside the Library on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings with more information. Stop by the table to chat with an RJM member and sign up to receive emails of community and civic events to deepen our understanding of racism and the harm it does to all of us and to learn how you can make a difference.
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Bill Grona Funeral Information
Memorial gifts are invited to the Capital Infrastructure Fund of the Transfiguration Endowment.
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Lent Madness begins March 2
Join in on some friendly competition as 32 Saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket deciding who will win this year’s Golden Halo!
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Serious “Saints” fans may contact Anne Schmidt and, for a $5 fee, submit their bracket, enter giveaway drawings, and a chance to allocate the winning purse to the Fig ministry of their choice.
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Vacation Bible School - Save the Dates!
North Castle is hidden in a frozen land. The King’s valiant Knights are on a quest in search of the King’s Armor. But the armor isn’t what they think it is. We invite children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power! Kids will take on the role of brave Knights and begin their quest each session by opening the King’s Book. They will explore Old and New Testament stories and discover different pieces of protective armor- the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Justice, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation- at work in the lives of familiar Bible characters and explore how that armor works in their own lives as they follow and serve God. Help kids take up the gauntlet and accept the challenge to “armor up” and be strong by remaining with God!
Registration opens April 3!
Save the dates: June 6-10
Time: 9am-Noon
VBS Volunteer Meeting
VBS is not just for kids. We need adult and youth volunteers to join the fun!
Join us:
March 6 at 11:15 am
Classroom S203
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Reception Desk Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to work the reception desk. Hours are Monday through Friday, 1pm - 4pm. There may be occasional times that we need someone to work 9am- 1pm. Responsibilities include answering the phone, providing information, and routing calls to the appropriate staff members. The receptionist also greets individuals who are arriving on campus to meet with a staff member or who are seeking assistance.
If you are interested, please contact Fred Ellis at (972)233-1898
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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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