I have been amazed by the humanitarian response of Eastern European countries to the exodus of Ukrainian refugees. Countries like Poland, which have in recent years grown more nationalist and suspicious of its neighbors, have nevertheless stepped up to this enormous challenge and accepted over 2 million people in barely two weeks. Small towns on the border of Ukraine are processing 2,000 refugees an hour every day – processing their entry, providing basic care, and directing them onward to safer settings further west.[1]  

If you feel compelled to donate to help the response to all this suffering, I commend to you the option of donating through Episcopal Relief and Development.[2]  ERD is working closely with agencies and ecumenical partners in eastern Europe to meet the urgent needs of thousands of Ukrainians. I know our individual donations can feel tiny in comparison with the size of the crisis, so we must remember the power of the unified Church. When joined together – Anglicans, Catholics, Orthodox, Protestant – we become a compassionate force capable of responding to every form of human suffering, no matter how large.

[1] https://www.npr.org/2022/03/10/1085838465/hundreds-of-thousands-of-refugees-are-passing-through-this-polish-city-mayor-say

[2] https://support.episcopalrelief.org/ukraineresponse?ID=220301DP0DS0100&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=fy22ukraine&utm_source=220301DP0DS0100

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 13 at 2:00am. Be sure to roll your clocks forward, grab some coffee, and plan on coming to church for worship and formation one hour sooner than you did last weekend.

Join us March 27 at 7pm as the Transfiguration Choir, soloists, and orchestra commemorates Christianity's most solemn season with music composed by masters of the 18th century. The program includes Cantatas 78 and 12 by Johann Sebastian Bach, the Organ Concerto in G Minor by George Fredric Handel, and Dietrich Buxtehude's Jesus meines Lebens Leben. This concert will feature soprano Terrie Prekitt-Brown, counter-tenor David Stanley, tenor Barrett Radzium, baritone Jason Awbrey, organist Stefan Engels, and conductor Joel Martinson.

Foyer groups is a great opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners by sharing and hosting meals together in small groups. After a long hiatus, we will Kick-Off our next season in the Parlor, April 3 at 4pm. Sign up with Sheila MacLennan Runnels at sheila.s.runnels@gmail.com by March 15.

Due to cancellations, we have two spots available for this summer’s pilgrimage to Oberammergau – July 10 - 20. This is a chance to witness this Bavarian village’s passion play which traditionally occurs every 10 years. If interested, contact Fr. Casey for details cshobe@transfiguration.net.

In 2021 we distributed $30,000 in funds to worthy non-profits that provide services for disadvantaged children and teenagers, abused women, refugees, victims of domestic violence, children’s summer programs, and after school programs.  

Agencies with 501(c)3 status must submit a Grant Request Friday, by March 25, 2022 to be considered.

The Grant Committee carefully reviews each application to decide which organizations will receive our parish's financial support. If you have a non-profit that you would like to be considered for a grant in 2022, please contact Darla Hodge at dhodgetx@sbcglobal.net

The next meeting of the Anti-Racism Reading Group will meet Tuesday, March 15 to discuss Layla Saad's Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor. For more information, email racial_justice@transfiguration.net.

or email fellis@transfiguration.net.