EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE Transfiguration PARISH PROFILE

E P I S CO PA L C H U RC H O F T H E
Transfiguration
PA R I S H P RO F I L E
The Mission Statement
The mission of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is to seek and serve Christ in all persons. By our
Anglican heritage and our community life, we strive to present Jesus Christ as Savior through worship,
education, evangelism, pastoral care, and outreach. The mission of each member is to support this parish
with time, talent, and money, and be: faithful in worship, dedicated to the study of scripture and to a life
of prayer, open to the power of the Holy Spirit, and active in spreading Christ’s love and reconciliation.
Tabl e of
Contents
4
Welcome
6
Transfiguration at a Glance
8
Qualities We Desire in Our New Rector
10
Who We Are
12
Worship
16
Music
20
Children and Youth Ministries
24
Adult Formation and Fellowship
30
Pastoral Care and Evangelism
32
Outreach
36
Parish Episcopal School
40
The Financial Picture
of those who shall choose a rector
46
Church Staff and Vestry
for this parish, that we may
48
Facilities
receive a faithful pastor, who will
50
History of the Parish
care for your people and equip
56
Diocese of Dallas
us for our ministries; through Jesus
58
Dallas Area Information
Christ our Lord. Amen.
60
How the Profile Was Created
62
Receiving Names – Discerning with Us
Search Prayer
Almighty God, giver of every
good gift: Look graciously on your
church, and so guide the minds
Prayer for our Parish Family
Save us, O Lord, as a parish, from being inward-looking
and backward-looking in the work of the church. Help
us to take our eyes off ourselves and turn them on the
world around us: to be concerned less with what we
have accomplished or where we have failed and more
with what remains to be done: that with our vision
enlarged and our love rekindled, we may go forward to
attempt new and greater things to your glory, in the Name
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome
to the
Church of
the
Transfiguration
This is the Lord’s house,
home of all his people,
School for the faithful,
refuge for the sinner, rest
for the pilgrim, Haven
for the weary: all find a
welcome.
– Hymn 51 The Hymnal 1982
We are a community of faithful worshippers,
We have 1,867 baptized members. Our
for whom both attendance at services and partici-
Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) is 651, and
pation in parish life and outreach are vital and
83 percent of survey respondents attend church
meaningful.
services at least three times a month.
“Transfiguration is truly a House of God. I feel his
We have a high level of satisfaction and energy,
presence is affirmed by each and every priest,
but there is always room for improvement. We
deacon, staff and the members. I am able to
are open to new initiatives and change, and we
reconnect, refuel, and revive myself for the week
are not “self satisfied.” There is always more that
ahead, knowing that I will return for ‘re’s’ the
we can accomplish, more that we can learn,
next week.” – A parishioner
more that we can do to spread the story of God’s
immeasurable love, a story revealed through
We are a welcoming, friendly, and diverse
Jesus Christ our Savior.
church.
Learn more about Transfiguration – read our
“Every Sunday I look around the congregation
history, our achievements, and our dreams for the
future. www.transfiguration.net/who-we-are
and see a rainbow of parishioners… races, ages,
straight, gay, rich, poor, gorgeous, plain, brilliant,
not so brilliant, sad, happy, funny, somber, and
I love the inclusiveness of it all. That is what it
means to be the church!” – A parishioner
We value the liturgy, music, and traditions of
the Episcopal Church and its Anglican heritage.
The joy, solemnity, and meditation found in our
services, with exceptionally beautiful music
and a sanctuary that at every turn provides an
incredible variety of visual reminders of our faith,
Rector Search Committee
keep us focused on the story.
Robin Caldwell, Chair
“I am impressed by the music and the traditional
Ted Clarkson, Chaplain
liturgy which I hold dear. I love the sanctuary. It is
Chris Ayres
a spiritually aligning place to be.” – A parishioner
Bob Button
Bill Edwards
Excellence in Christian education and formation
Susan Fisk
for all ages is another priority and achievement
Sue Gray
of this parish.
Molly Hall
Chuck Huffman
“I have been fed in worship--spiritually,
Michelle Kirby
intellectually, emotionally--and enabled to take
Jim Kirkman
my faith into the world during the week. There
Anne Schmidt
is deep respect and acceptance for everyone
Mat Thekkil
and their gifts.” – A parishioner
Luann Tucker
5
Transfiguration
at a Glance
• The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
• We have beautiful facilities with a triptych;
is a theologically progressive parish in the
labyrinth; Richard, Fowkes & Co. organ;
Diocese of Dallas.
and a meditation garden including
• We endeavor to live out our mission
columbarium.
statement: To seek and serve Christ in all
• We are blessed with a diversity of
persons.
ministries, plus educational and social
• We began in 1956 with 11 families.
opportunities.
• We have 1,867 baptized members, with
• We believe in outreach to our communities
an Average Sunday Attendance of 651.
nearby and abroad.
• At the November 2013 Diocesan
• Parishioners would like to see additional
convention, the delegates voted to resume
energy focused on:
paying “a worthy share in the program of
– Developing and implementing a
the National Church.” The chairman of our
comprehensive strategy to reach new
delegation, who is also our parish treas-
people and incorporate them into the
urer, was instrumental in implementing this
life of the church
change in diocesan policy by contacting
– Expanding outreach ministries that
other parishes and building consensus.
provide direct services to those living on
• Transfiguration has been paying our share
the margins of society
of the assessment directly to ECUSA since
– Developing ministries to heal those who
2005.
are broken
• We were the location for the first woman’s
• We need to work more to develop the
ordination to the priesthood in the Diocese
spiritual generosity of the parish to support
of Dallas in 1985.
the ministry of the church financially.
• We value the liturgy, music, and traditions
• We would like our church to strengthen the
of the Episcopal Church and its Anglican
process by which we are called and
heritage.
equipped for ministry and leadership.
• We are spiritual at our core, with our faith
• We want to devote more energy to
being central to our lives.
attracting and retaining more young
• We are a transformational church with
families.
high energy and high satisfaction.
• We want to devote more energy to
• Parish Episcopal School began as Parish
integrating new members into the life of
Day School in 1972 and now serves
the parish.
1,100 students from 3 years old through
• We have so much to offer, and with the
12th grade.
right leadership, there is no limit to what
• We are a destination church – 32 percent
we can accomplish together.
drive over ten miles to attend services.
• We are well-educated – 91 percent of the
survey respondents are college graduates,
with 46 percent having graduate degrees.
• We provide high-quality Christian
education that is appropriate to every age
and stage of life.
7
Qua lities We
De sire in Our
Ne w Rector
“In all that you do, you
are to nourish Christ’s
people from the riches of
his grace, and strengthen
them to glorify God in
this life and in the life
to come.”
– The Book of Common Prayer,
The Ordination of a Priest
• A delegator who understands his or her
Parishioners participated in both a written
survey and Holy Conversations (focus groups).
personal limitations and recognizes the gifts
Responses on the survey mirrored those in the
of others so that, through collaboration,
Holy Conversations. The following were identified
Transfiguration can achieve our potential
as the qualities we seek in our new rector:
as a transformational church
• A leader who is not afraid to address the
• A strong, articulate preacher who teaches,
finances of the parish and the fundraising
empowers, and inspires us to be faithful
required to ensure growth of our parish
stewards of our God-given gifts and who
• A priest who will support and strengthen
our family-centered ministries
brings the spiritual readings into present-
• A priest who will focus on outreach and
day realities
• A strong administrator who can work with
expand ministries that provide direct
both the staff and lay leadership to bring
services to those living on the margins of
out the best in all while working for the
society and develop ministries that work
good of the parish
toward healing those broken by life circum-
• A priest who is well-versed in Episcopal
stances
liturgy and who has a strong appreciation
• A family person who embraces the
of the outstanding quality of music at
importance of a work/life balance
Transfiguration
• A priest who will focus on meeting the
• A visionary who will embrace the strengths,
pastoral needs of parishioners
• An ambassador to the local community,
opportunities, and energy at Transfiguration
and develop and implement a comprehen-
Diocese and national church
sive strategy to reach new people and
incorporate them into the life of our church
9
Who We Are
“Will you seek and serve
Christ in all persons,
loving your neighbor
as yourself?
We will, with God’s
help.”
– The Book of Common Prayer,
The Baptismal Covenant
We, the people of Transfiguration
• Are theologically progressive
• Are spiritual at our core, with our faith
being central to our lives
• Are a transformational church with high
energy and high satisfaction, with a rectorfocused culture
• Value the outstanding quality of our music
and liturgy
• Value tradition and ritual, but we also want
to grow and develop; we can be flexible
and open to change
• Believe that participation in Transfiguration
is very meaningful in our lives
• Attend services – 83 percent of respondents
attend at least three times a month
• Are a destination church – people drive a
long way, passing other churches, to get
here; 32 percent of respondents drive over
10 miles to attend services
• Are well-educated – 91 percent of
respondents are college graduates, with
Followed by These Priorities
46 percent having graduate degrees
• Provide high-quality education that is
• Attract more families with children and
appropriate to every age and stage of life
youth
• Are friendly and welcoming
• Develop spiritual generosity to financially
• Are effective in fulfilling our mission
support the work of the church
statement (To seek and to serve Christ in all
• Strengthen the process by which members
persons) – 91 percent of respondents
are called and equipped for ministry and
agreed with this statement
leadership
• Want to make a difference
Room for Improvement
• Have a paraclete culture – we want to be
an advocate; we want to help and comfort
• We can do more to help those in times of
personal need
Our Top Three Priorities
• We can be better at supporting persons in
• Reach new people and incorporate them
various ministries by reminding them that
into the life of the church
they are making a difference
• Expand outreach ministries that provide
• We can help parishioners better discern
direct services to those living on the
their gifts – 29 percent of respondents
margins of society
noted that they often felt like they had
• Develop ministries to heal those who are
something to give Transfiguration but didn’t
broken
know how
11
Worship
“Worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness: Come
let us adore him.”
– The Book of Common Prayer
Liturgy of the Table
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the heart
of the worship life of this congregation. Our
worship defines our community as Episcopalians
and is grounded in The Book of Common Prayer,
1979 and the liturgy of our Anglican tradition.
It is a rich and carefully offered liturgy, guided
by clergy who are acknowledged experts. The
Eucharist is celebrated six times during the week
(three services on Sunday, evening service on
In addition to the weekend services, the Eucharist
Wednesday, noon service on Thursday, and late
is celebrated on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.
afternoon service on Saturday). Each of these has
and Thursdays at noon. Both services are spoken
a different style and a different demographic.
Rite II Eucharist and feature the intimacy of the
congregation gathering around the altar for
The Saturday evening Eucharist, a spoken Rite II
the Liturgy of the Table. Both services include
Eucharist with an informal atmosphere, is
Unction.
followed by the sacrament of Unction for those
who desire it. The first Sunday Eucharist (7:30
While keeping true to the historic forms of service
a.m.) is also a spoken service, using Rite I. It is
found in The Book of Common Prayer, variety is
a favorite of the early risers among the congrega-
a part of liturgy. We have a strong commitment
tion who love the quiet nature of the service as
to following liturgical seasonal changes and
they start the day.
avoiding “we have always done it this way.” The
clergy, ordained leaders of worship, are also
The second Sunday Eucharist (9 a.m.) is fre-
responsive to feedback from the congregation
quently characterized as the “family and youth”
about many aspects of worship. A recent example
service. It is a sung Rite II service featuring the
is changing the times of the early Christmas Eve
youth choirs, with parallel Children’s Chapel
services for families with children to earlier
available during the service for children ages 3
(3 p.m. and 5 p.m.) so that the services end at a
to 8 years. At the close of this service, Eucharistic
time better suited to family meals for children.
Visitors carry the sacrament to members unable
to attend a service in the sanctuary. The third
Liturgy of the Word
Sunday Eucharist (11:15 a.m.) is a sung Rite II
One advantage of a large parish with multiple
service with more formal style and elements. A
clergy is the variety in style and content of
parallel Children’s Chapel is available during this
sermons. Demographically, Transfiguration’s
service too. Having Children’s Chapel at both
congregation is a well-educated group, with an
these services gives parents a greater choice in
unsurprising expectation that sermons be well
meeting their families’ needs.
and thoughtfully prepared and presented. A
balance in the level of scholarship and a solid
The parish was a leader in the Dallas area in
background in theology are core. There is a
providing a weekend service bulletin with the full
strong desire for sermons that challenge and
text of the service. This bulletin serves as a means
inspire the hearer and that are relevant to our
of evangelism for the church by enabling visitors
daily lives. A recent sermon by the Rev. Amy
to feel more at ease with the service.
Heller intertwined God and his relationship with
13
Moses, the 1970s sitcom All in the Family with
In 2008, a Service of Hope and Healing began.
Archie and Edith Bunker, anger, confrontation,
It offers a service of remembrance for those who,
reconciliation, love, and how “God goes after the
due to losing a loved one, may have a difficult
lost, the sheep, the coin, us!” A common theme is
time during the holiday season of celebrations.
the call to take the lesson of the sermon into the
Typically held before Thanksgiving, the service
world as our personal call to active ministry.
is sponsored by the parish’s Stephen Ministers.
The service helps attendees remember their
One challenge of a large parish is maintaining the
loved ones and celebrate their lives in a quiet,
feeling of community in a diverse congregation.
respectful, and hopeful way.
For those who cannot attend a weekend service,
sermons are available via website recordings, and
In the fall, we also have a “Kirking of the Tartans”
print copies may be requested from the church
Eucharist celebrating the importance of Scot-
office. In this manner, the community shares the
land’s help in establishing the Episcopal Church
common message.
in America. The service includes a procession
and blessing of tartans and music and hymns
Special Liturgies
linked to Scotland. Organization and leadership
The parish has a long commitment to the Triduum
are provided by the neXtgen group (aged 30-
of Holy Week, especially the beautiful Easter
something), a group also active in their support
Vigil Service, which is often standing-room only.
and organizational leadership of Stations of the
Holy Week includes a Tenebrae service with
Cross, Compline, and Evening Prayer during
music provided by the men’s Schola Cantorum.
Lent; Evening Prayer on Sunday evenings during
Eastertide; and the Ascension Day “Seersucker
The importance of providing services appropriate
Eucharist.”
for families with young children has grown to a
complete Holy Week program including Ash
Lay Ministry in Worship
Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday
Worship of such high quality and diversity could
services, and an Easter Day concurrent Eucharist
not occur without the commitment of an active lay
designed for this demographic group – a signifi-
ministry. This is seen in the large number of lay
cant portion of our congregation.
volunteers who enable the worship in this space
and its expansion beyond our physical location.
The volunteers include MCs for Sunday services,
Eucharistic Ministers, youth and adult acolytes,
adult and youth lectors, an altar guild that includes men and women, a member who bakes
bread for the Saturday Eucharist, the recently
formed flower guild, ushers, sound technicians,
children’s chapel volunteers, and Eucharistic
Visitors who carry our corporate worship to those
who cannot join us. This number is multiplied
when the number of members serving in music
ministries is counted.
14
The Transfiguration Worship Space
Transfiguration Labyrinth. This space sees an
The church building provides the physical and
amazing variety of activity. Individuals use the
spiritual focus for this community of prayer,
Labyrinth for personal meditation, and special
praise, and ministry. The corbelled brickwork and
meditative programs are sponsored for group use
hard-surface floors contribute to the magnificent
of the Labyrinth by parishioners and external
acoustics and enhance our music-making, which
groups – a fruitful means of evangelism. The most
is integral to worship at Transfiguration. This spiri-
vivid activity each Sunday is the sight of children
tual focus was the plan from the beginning.
of the parish joyously racing through its curves
Everything done since has had the same goal: in-
and turns. It is the common place for everyone to
spiration. The worship space, religious art, and
meet before going to the next activity.
music speak to all the things of the spirit that are
beyond the power of words to communicate.
With the leadership of Gaye Lynn Huddleston,
Each addition or change has served to enhance
director of children’s ministries, a worship space
was created for the Children’s Chapel near the
worship – whether corporate or individual.
sanctuary. The space has its own altar, created
Important examples in our main
by a member of the parish, and its
worship space include:
own appointments that echo the liturgical seasons children see in the “big
• The altar, which in addition to
church.”
being a work of art is movable,
allowing orientation to the north
transept to create a chapel-size
In recent years, the parish has
setting for small services
provided worship space elsewhere
on campus for Christian communities
• An altar rail that is openwork
wrought iron and removable,
from Zimbabwe and Korea, helping
which opens up space for flexi-
them grow and support their
bility in worship, providing room
congregations in partnership with
for children’s pageants, choral
their sisters and brothers in Christ.
and musical ensembles, etc.
The quiet space in the Meditation
• Glass partitions that replaced
Garden contains the columbarium, a
solid walls at the entrance to
Narthex and were then complemented by
stone altar, seating space, sculpture, and a wind
the addition of the Herald Angels Doors
chime. It serves as a worship space for interment
and, most recently, by the 12 Apostles
services in the columbarium and as meditation
windows (each with the saint’s personal
space for individuals. A matching second garden
symbol and a symbol connected to
space on the south side of the sanctuary awaits
Transfiguration’s community) – all bringing
development with the addition of the proposed
light to the space and reminding us that
chapel.
we are entering a holy space
Outside the main worship area are other areas that
serve as holy spaces and provide room for special
services, meditation, and spiritual outreach.
Immediately outside the sanctuary is the
15
M usic
“I will sing to the Lord as
long as I live; I will praise
my God while I have my
being.”
– Psalm 104:43
The Book of Common Prayer
Music as a ministry of the church is important to
The instrument central to worship services in most
the fabric of our community. Even before the
Episcopal congregations is the organ. The parish
arrival of the first director of music, an enthusiastic
began with only a small electronic organ that
group of musical leaders supported the
floated away in a flood on the day of music
congregation’s love of music by forming a small
director Howard Ross’s arrival. When the
choir. In 1964, Howard Ross arrived to lead
congregation moved to its present location, a
the music program and did so for 39 years until
parish family donated a new organ with the
his retirement in 2004. A national search was
intention that it would shortly serve in a chapel
conducted, and after careful consideration, the
of the church, replaced by a larger instrument
parish selection committee and the rector selected
appropriate to the space. The Aeolian-Skinner/
Joel Martinson, a well-known composer who
Robert L. Sipe organ served the congregation
had been commissioned earlier to write our
well for many years. In 2013, the instrument was
Transfiguration Hymn. He joined the ministry staff
dedicated to the memory of Howard Ross, who
on June 1, 2004. Assisting Mr. Martinson are
spent so many years coaxing from it the very
paid children and youth choir leaders, eight choir
best. It now rests in the south transept, awaiting
section leaders, and an assistant organist. He
its home in the proposed future chapel.
continues to lead and expand the music ministry,
Complementing the organs are a Willard Martin
building on the foundation laid by Mr. Ross. The
harpsichord, a five-octave set of Schulmerich
enthusiasm and commitment of that first choir
handbells used regularly for service music by
exists today in the multiple choirs and instrumen-
the Bella Musica handbell group, and one Petrof
talists that compose the ministry of music for
and two Kawai grand pianos.
Transfiguration.
A few weeks after Mr. Martinson joined our staff,
That musical foundation includes a varied and
the first meeting of a new Organ Committee was
plentiful repertoire. At the sung weekend services
held on July 1, 2004. Focused on commitment
(9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.), hymns are selected
not only to the Transfiguration community but to
from The Hymnal 1982 to complement the texts
the larger community, the committee set a
of the day. Early in 1999, hymns from Wonder,
goal of selecting an organ builder that was not
Love, and Praise joined the selection, expanding
represented in the Dallas area. This would not
the variety. The congregation participates fully
be an organ solely for the members of the parish
in the musical portion of the worship experience.
but an instrument to share much more broadly
In addition to the hymns and psalms, many
that could even be an “instrument” of evangelism.
other parts of the Eucharist are sung by the
The search began, and after much research, a
congregation. The celebrant of the service
contract was signed in 2005 with Richards,
currently sings the Holy Eucharist. Anthems and
Fowkes & Co., based in Tennessee. On July 13,
motets prepared by one or more of the choirs are
2009, a group of 150 members helped with the
presented at the offertory and during communion.
“ODE” (Organ Delivery Event), unloading the
The anthems are chosen, like the hymns, to enrich
hundreds of pieces that when assembled would
the spoken word and represent a wide range of
be Opus 17. Members of the congregation
musical styles and periods. The musical repertoire
helped with unloading the pipes, assisted in
has grown and developed into a rich seasonal
gilding parts of the organ, and accomplished all
rotation of service music in concert with the
the other tasks that culminated in the glorious
seasonal rotation of the liturgy.
dedication of the organ on April 18, 2010. The
17
Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ is the jewel in the
Transfiguration in Dallas had prepared us to
crown of the musical program of Transfiguration
assume the role of worship leaders in this familiar
– a program of such note that it is one of the
yet foreign land,” said Mr. Martinson. Choir
main tools of evangelism for the parish.
members returned with their own spiritual
souvenirs. A tour in 2016 is in the planning
Involving the younger members of the congregation
after this successful event in the life of the
in the music programs is essential in a congrega-
Transfiguration Choir.
tion where young families are a growing
demographic. Husband and wife Chris and Kim
“I realize every Sunday that our worship heritage
Ahrens are staff members in charge of the Holy
is rooted in the Church of England. I never imag-
Family Choir (kindergarten through third grade),
ined that the true experience of singing and wor-
the Canticle Choir (fourth through seventh
shipping God in those indescribably beautiful
grades), and the Youth Choir. A devoted group
and old places would move me so! The liturgy
of adult volunteers also supports the children and
took on new and profound significance. The best
youth choirs. It is important to allow these young
thing I have been blessed by God to be able to
musicians a way to minister to the congregation
do.” – A parishioner
by sharing their gifts in services throughout
the year. A second goal is to prepare them for
Sicut cervus by Palestrina
lifelong ministry in the church, through music or
Sung by the Transfiguration Choir. From the
through other venues.
recording “Tune Me, O Lord,” 2009.
In 2013, one of Mr. Martinson’s cherished goals
Zion hört die Wächter singen
was accomplished when the Transfiguration
(from the Cantata “Wachet auf”) by J. S. Bach.
Choir toured England. This was a long-planned-
Sung by the Tenors of the Transfiguration Choir
for opportunity for members of the Transfiguration
with Joel Martinson, organist. From the recording
Choir to experience as a group the gift of singing
“Love Came Down at Christmas,” 2012
in historic Anglican venues and to offer the gift
of their choral skills to the congregations at these
In dulci jubilo by J. S. Bach
venues. “It was thrilling to know that so much
Played by Joel Martinson. From the recording
of our worship tradition at the Church of the
“Love Came Down at Christmas,” 2012
18
Musical Outreach
Transfigured Nights also sponsored an
Music is not just for the members of the
educational event—the 2010 Hymn Symposium
Transfiguration congregation. The gift of music
with Carl P. Daw Jr.; Delores Dufner, OSB;
is a gift to share with others, so that it enhances
and John Thornburg—focusing on hymnody in
the spiritual enrichment of all.
the 21st century.
A major accomplishment of Joel Martinson’s
In addition to musical programs featuring the
tenure as music director was the creation and
choirs and musicians of Transfiguration, our
success of the Transfigured Nights program.
performance spaces have provided settings for
Transfigured Nights continues in the Anglican
many other musical performances open to the
tradition of enriching the lives of the people of
public. Some are local groups such as the
God through art and music, whether in the
Orpheus Chamber Singers and the Turtle Creek
liturgical rites of the church, concerts, or other
Chorale, but the doors of Transfiguration also
programs. It debuted in fall 2004 with two
have been open to choral groups from outside
types of events: choral events presented by
Texas and outside the country. They include the
Transfiguration’s choir, and concerts presented
choirs of the National Cathedral School for Girls
by outside performing groups and soloists. The
and St. Albans School for Boys; choirs of Grinnell
Transfigured Nights musical season has grown to
College, Iowa; and the Holy Trinity Episcopal
a balanced schedule of free and ticketed musical
Cathedral Choir School of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
events covering a wide range of musical styles,
periods, instruments, and vocal combinations.
In summary, Transfiguration is accustomed to a
A new subgroup of the program is Art Music
full and varied program of sacred music and
Monday. Completion of the south building and its
is fully committed to participation in and support
performance hall opened the opportunity for a
of the program.
chamber music venue that is growing in popularity.
19
Children and
Youth
M inistr ies
“Children are a heritage
from the Lord”
– Psalm 127:4
The Book of Common Prayer
Families play an important role in the life of
Transfiguration. Our strong Children’s Ministries
program is a draw for families with young
children. At the start of the 2013 school year,
there were 253 children at Transfiguration in
fifth grade or younger.
During worship services, Christian Formation,
and various church functions throughout the
week, we have two fully staffed nurseries for
children aged 6 weeks through 3 years. Children
may begin Christian Formation at age 3, with
two options available. We offer four classrooms
of Godly Play, teaching children the art of using
religious language – parable, sacred story,
silence, and liturgical action – in the Montessori
Method. Enrollment is required, and a limited
number of spaces are available. As an alternative
priest and reflects the service in the Nave. The
to Godly Play, we also offer more traditional
children rejoin their parents during the Offertory
classrooms using the Spark curriculum, a
hymn.
comprehensive, Bible-based Sunday school
program. Stories are read from the Bible, and
With the leadership of Gaye Lynn Huddleston,
group activities build around it. We have very
director of Children’s Ministries, the All God’s
dedicated teachers, some of whom have been
Children ministry to children with special needs
teaching for many years. Children may attend
has begun. “Our parish embraces the inclusion
one of these two options from age 3 through
of families whose lives are touched by these
fifth grade. Christian Formation is on Sunday
children,” said Mrs. Huddleston. The program
mornings from 10:15 to 11, between the 9 a.m.
provides companions for children who need
and 11:15 a.m. services.
personal assistance during worship and
formation classes, and a quiet room, funded by
“Both of my kids are in the Godly Play spiritual
the Episcopal Men’s Fellowship, is available.
formation classes. During playtime at home one
The vestry has authorized funding of a monthly
day, they spontaneously constructed a church
All God’s Children worship service for our
worship space with pews and made their Nano
community, scheduled to begin in fall 2014.
bugs the congregants. It was adorable!”
– A parishioner
We have numerous other opportunities for
children in our parish. Children may become
During the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship
acolytes starting in third grade. We offer an
services, we offer a Children’s Chapel for
excellent weeklong Vacation Bible School each
children 3 years old through second grade,
summer for children in our church and the
designed for those too old for the nursery but too
community. Each fall, we have Fig Fest, an
young to fully appreciate the full service in the
annual family festival that is fun for the whole
Nave. The Children’s Chapel service is led by a
church. We have an annual Advent Festival on
21
the first Sunday of Advent, an Epiphany pageant
Starting in sixth grade, our youth transition from
on Epiphany Sunday during the 9 a.m. service,
the children’s program to our Youth Program. In
and a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. We
the 2013 school year, we have eighty-five youth
offer a Holy Week Workshop on Palm Sunday,
from sixth through 12th grades at Transfiguration.
detailing the events of Holy Week, and family
Our newly renovated youth building, completed
services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday,
in fall 2012, was a $200,000 project that was
Good Friday, and Easter. We offer First Informed
fully paid for shortly after completion. Our con-
Communion each year starting in first grade,
gregation makes our youth a priority, and we
and Confirmation every two years starting in
take pride in our investment in the young people
ninth grade.
of our parish.
The Rev. Michael Merriman has recently assumed
temporary leadership of the youth program and
is assisted by Nichola Bartkus, part-time Intern.
This has been an adjustment period for our young
people, but our youth ministry programs are
strong and continue to grow.
Sixth-grade through 12th-grade students have
Christian Formation during the same time as the
rest of the church. They gather as a large group
in the Youth Center for a 10- to 15-minute introduction to the lesson for the day, then break into
smaller groups based on age level for a more
in-depth discussion. The format used for Christian
Formation is based on the Journey to Adulthood
22
program that leads youth in junior high and
The youth also participate in mission trips each
middle school in Rite 13 and youth in high school
summer. In the past they have worked at Mission
in J2A. In J2A, the youth can choose confirmation
Arlington and the Appalachian Service Project
when it is appropriate for them, and the program
in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. Every
uses mission trips, outreach ministries, and a
other year, the 11th- and 12th-graders participate
spiritual pilgrimage in the last year of high school.
in a Pilgrimage. In 2013, they explored their
heritage as Episcopalians and discovered the
In addition to Christian Formation, there are two
roots of our faith and denomination in Scotland,
weekly offerings for students. For sixth- to eighth-
visiting churches, castles, and holy sites. This is
graders, a program called Credo meets Sunday
a life-changing event for our youth. Upon arriving
afternoons from 12:30 to 2 p.m. For ninth- to
home, members of the youth group share their
12th-graders, the program is called Crossover
experiences in the sermon during worship
and meets Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Both
services. We look forward to having some of
programs offer a meal, opportunity for fellowship
our young people attend the tri-annual Episcopal
with other students, music, games, and a message
Youth Event in July this year.
designed to address the issues that students face
in the world today.
It means a great deal to our parish to invest in
our young people and support them on their
The youth participate in outreach programs
spiritual journey.
throughout the year. They have served groups
like the North Texas Food Bank, Mission
“On our Pilgrimage, we explore our church
Arlington, The Bridge, and many others. They
history, places such as the historic island of Iona
also run a large garage sale each year that
and Melrose Abbey; there is a Day of Silence
provides thousands of items to people at a
providing 12 hours of contemplation without the
fraction of the cost. This is a major fundraiser
influence of peers or priests. We consider our
for the youth. Another major fundraiser is having
religious beliefs away from the pressures of our
a pumpkin-patch sale each fall.
daily life.” – Mark Wilson, Transfiguration youth
23
Adult
For m ation and
Fe llowship
“For where two or three
are gathered in my
name, I am there among
them.”
– Matthew 18:20 NRSV
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is
that focus on an in-depth look at the Sunday
blessed with a tremendous diversity of ministries
readings from the lectionary and on spirituality in
and educational and social opportunities for our
contemporary literature and film and Bible study.
adult parishioners. These groups and programs
A new group has formed, Sons of the Father, an
are often organic, formed and driven by the
early-morning Bible study for men. The specific
needs of the membership and supported by the
topics studied generally have a four- to six-week
clergy. The members who attend meetings,
focus and then shift to a new subject.
participate in activities, and become involved
in their causes “are not volunteers, they are
The Way is a special opportunity for adults
ministers,” said the Rev. Amy Heller in a recent
who are seeking baptism or who want to be
sermon.
confirmed or be received into the Episcopal
Church from another faith. This three-part series
Adult Formation
takes an in-depth look at what it means to be an
There are dynamic programs to enhance our
Episcopalian and how we are called to live in
understanding of Christ’s call to us, and a variety
community with God and God’s church. The
of classes are offered each Sunday with tracks
comprehensive nature of this program echoes the
focused on faith, personal insight and spiritual
early Christian church, whose disciples often
growth, and conversations about faith with book
studied extensively before making the dangerous
study. Discussions are usually facilitated by
commitment to the new religion. This program is
laity, many of whom hold advanced degrees in
led by the Rev. Michael Merriman, assisted by a
religious studies. There are also classes for
team of 25 catechists, sponsors, and small group
parents: Parents Connect for parents of infants
leaders. Father Merriman said, “In eight years,
and toddlers, iParent for those with elementary-
we have baptized 18 adults and presented 150
age children, and GPS (Giving Parents Support)
adults for confirmation or reception; 84 percent
for parents of preteens and teenagers. Other
are still active in ministry at Transfiguration.”
classes meet during the week, including ones
25
Fellowship
“Two of us from EMF went to a parishioner’s
“Friendships that have spiritual, not just social,
home to assist with a home-repair project that
value.” – A parishioner
the homeowner was unable to perform on her
own. The need was identified by the clergy,
Opportunities for fellowship – the opportunities to
communicated to the EMF chair, and volunteers
build friendships and to share the power of God’s
stepped forward when the need was recognized
word – abound at Transfiguration. The Parish
and defined. It was not a program, rather a
Council, with leaders from the different groups,
person-to-person response that built fellowship,
meets quarterly to discuss plans and goals. In the
met a safety need, and when it was performed, it
fall, Homecoming is held on a Sunday morning
ended with a prayer of thanks.” – A parishioner
to let the parish know all the opportunities for
involvement – outreach, fellowship, and worship
The women of St. Hilda’s Guild support the
ministries. Different groups have displays set
Clothes Horse, a resale store offering a low-cost
up, showcasing what they do and asking for
clothing option for people in our community.
volunteers. The Episcopal Men’s Fellowship at
Over 80 volunteers donate time each month
Transfiguration, a very active group, provides
to help make the Clothes Horse operation
social fellowship and educational networking for
successful. Also under the auspices of St. Hilda’s
men of all ages. The monthly dinner meetings
is the Kay Andrews Bookstore, which focuses
may be as diverse as attending a sporting event
on providing religious and educational books,
or hearing a guest speaker. The EMF also
children’s books, seasonal items (Advent
supports other groups in the church through the
calendars and candles, for example), cards,
proceeds from several events including an annual
stationery and gift items, and other materials
fish fry and auction. The group often supports
for parishioners and ministries. Proceeds from the
other activities such as providing help in
Clothes Horse and the Kay Andrews Bookstore
decorating Roper Hall for Christmas, cooking
create a revenue source for special projects
hamburgers for the Youth Garage Sale, and cook-
within the church community.
ing and serving the annual New Vestry dinner.
26
The MacMaster Library, located in Roper Hall,
The Wedding Guild helps ensure that everything
has a collection with a predominantly theological
goes smoothly on this very important day in the
basis of over 1,500 volumes encompassing
life of the new couple. This includes helping all
fiction, nonfiction, and young adult titles.
members of the wedding party prepare for the
Supported by donations and volunteers, it
service and coordinate supporting vendors. The
provides an additional resource for the parish
Wedding Guild also helps make sure the service
community.
participants adhere to the established etiquette
and guidelines of the Episcopal Church, so that
The goal of the Women’s Forum is to unite
the focus can be on the commitment to God and
generations of women of the parish by providing
their new life partnership. This guild capably
quarterly luncheons with speakers on topics of
handles many details and duties, such as the
interest to women. These programs enrich the
rehearsal.
spirit in an atmosphere of Christian fellowship.
Programs include outreach speakers, book
Funeral Receptions Ministry is available at this sad
reviewers, musical performances, Lenten
and difficult time to offer an opportunity for family
meditation, and the Clothes Horse Style Show.
and friends to reflect on the life being celebrated
at a reception catered by the committee in either
The Flower Guild celebrates the beauty of nature
the Gathering Space or Roper Hall.
and the delight of creativity. This ministry is
twofold. The first is external and obvious –
The Labyrinth Ministry offers services like Taize
flowers are offered as a visual celebration of
connected with walking the labyrinth. The
God’s love for us. The second is internal – to
members also invite others to come walk our site,
support and nurture the innate creativity that
and they take two canvas replicas to other
resides in everyone. Flowers are provided for
places. Our labyrinth, created in 1997, has
the sanctuary and altar throughout the year and
become a destination.
for social events for the parish.
27
restaurant. Generally composed of eight to ten
adults (couples or singles), these small groups
allow members to get to know each other and
enjoy a great meal and conversation.
Like Foyer Groups, St. Elizabeth’s Guild is the
church’s monthly potluck dinner – an informal
community event where members can become
acquainted and reacquainted with other people
in the church. Thursday-evening dinners are
held in Roper Hall.
Fig Fest is the parish’s annual fall festival held on
the church grounds. Parishioners and their friends
and families are invited to enjoy games, pony
rides, a bounce house, and a petting zoo – this
is time for fun and fellowship.
The Women’s Book Group meets monthly to
review and discuss a recommended title. A wide
GLF (Gay & Lesbian Fellowship) ministry is open
variety of women meet to share their opinions,
to gay, lesbian, and transgender members
ideas, and thoughts on plot, writing style, and
of the parish, as well as those who support
characters. The titles are not limited to spiritual
them. This is in keeping with Transfiguration’s
commitment to “Seek and Serve Christ in all
persons.” Meetings are relaxed, informal
opportunities to network and socialize with
other gay and lesbian parishioners.
neXtgen is a special social organization of the
“next generation” of Transfiguration members
who are in their 20s and 30s, both single and
couples. Their meetings can be as diverse as a
wine tasting, sports event, or serious theological
discussion. neXtgen also supports other churchwide events such as operating the Beer Garden
at FigFest and special religious services.
The Foyer Groups provide the opportunity for
adults to meet socially in smaller, informal
settings. Re-forming every six months, Foyer
Groups may meet in someone’s home for a
potluck, in the park for a picnic, or in a
28
readings, but spirituality always flows from the
discussions. Recent books the group has read
include The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins,
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca
Skoot, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and
The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of
Faith by Marcus Borg.
Primetimers meet monthly for lunch and sometimes a program, followed by time for the Bridge
Group. Our senior citizens have been enjoying
this activity for many years.
Fig Theatre Company draws on talented parishioners, many of whom have a professional
theater background, to present dramas,
comedies, and musicals, including one production every year specifically for children. In 2013,
Noah and the Great Auk and The Odd Couple,
the Female Version have been presented. The
Fig Theatre Company provides a creative outlet
for members of the parish (acting, set design,
and marketing) along with the opportunity to
share their love of live theater with their fellow
parishioners and people in the community.
29
Pa stor a l Care
and
E vangelism
“Then I heard the voice of
the Lord saying, ‘Whom
shall I send, and who will
go for us?’ And I said,
“Here am I; send me!’”
– Isaiah 6:8 NRSV
Pastoral Care
Evangelism
Transfiguration provides meaningful pastoral
Several activities welcome newcomers to the
care. Eucharistic Visitors visit the elderly or sick
Transfiguration community, and a staff person,
members, bringing them communion, news,
Ellen Dingwall, coordinates Adult and New
and fellowship. Stephen Ministers work with
Member Ministries. Welcoming Ministers at every
parishioners in times of crisis or transition.
Saturday and Sunday service greet people as
Hospital and home visits are made by clergy, lay
they enter and leave the church. These volunteers
staff, and lay leaders. The Parish Nurses often
also offer newcomers a gift bag and ask them to
provide health checks on Sunday, such as blood
sign the visitor registry. Personal follow-up letters
pressure readings, which have alerted members
are mailed, and the names of newcomers are
to potential problems. The Prayer Chain accepts
given to the various church volunteer groups so
prayer requests from clergy, staff, and parish-
that newcomers will be invited to get involved.
ioners to pray with confidentiality for those in
Quarterly Newcomer Brunches are held in Roper
need. ROSES (Reach Out Serving Elder Seniors)
Hall. The volunteer committee members set up
has volunteers who visit and make phone calls
Roper Hall, provide the food and beverages,
to our older members. Also, and perhaps most
and welcome guests; this group has been known
important, the connections and friendships forged
as the Rector’s Welcoming Committee. Forty
through activities in various groups in the parish
people are involved in these two ministries.
create strong pastoral support groups.
With outreach work, Christian formation classes,
parish life groups, and Sunday worship
“The hospital visits, the support, keeping tabs on
volunteers – lectors, acolytes, ushers, the choirs –
us, conversations: I can provide loving testimony
there are limitless opportunities for welcoming
of God carrying us through a most difficult time,
the newcomer.
through Transfiguration.” – A parishioner
31
Ou treach
“O Lord, you are my
God… You have been a
refuge to the poor, a
refuge to the needy in
their distress, a shelter
from the rainstorm, a
shelter and a shade
from the heat.”
– Isaiah 25:1-4 NRSV
Outreach opportunities abound at Transfiguration.
“We thank God for putting it in your heart to help
There are many ways to give of one’s time,
us in this very unique and special way, that is,
talent, and treasure to causes that can positively
sharing your life with us and helping to shape
change people’s lives, both in the Dallas area
the future of this country by loving and caring for
and thousands of miles away. The church
the most vulnerable, our children.” – Veronica
supports many outreach programs through
Flowers, head of the Holy Trinity Episcopal
direct financial grants, and hands-on activities
School in Honduras, whose students are tutored
supplement and complement outreach
by the Mission Team
contributions.
The church has funded and built three Habitat for
The Outreach budget, determined each year by
Humanity homes. The most recent home was built
the vestry, is $48,500 for 2013. These funds
in 2012 in cooperation with Parish Episcopal
support local agencies such as Austin Street
School to honor the Rev. J.D. Godwin, the rector,
Center, a 30-year-old agency providing 400
and his 40 years as a priest and the school’s
homeless men, women, and children with shelter,
40th anniversary. During Advent, a Salvation
food, showers, and clothing – our church provides
Army Angel Tree is always “sold out,” with
and serves dinners twice a month; St. Philip’s
parishioners fulfilling the specific Christmas
School and Community Center, a preschool and
wishes of Salvation Army clients. At their annual
elementary school in south Dallas founded more
summer fish fry and silent auction, the Episcopal
than 40 years ago by white and African-American
Men’s Fellowship donates the proceeds to a
Episcopalians during the era of segregation when
variety of causes including parish ministries such
minority students were completely underserved;
as funds for the renovation of the Youth Center
Voice of Hope in West Dallas, a newer agency
and outreach programs: the Honduras mission
for children in an area with high crime and
trip, Habitat for Humanity, and North Dallas
poverty; CASA (Court Appointed Special
Shared Ministries. In the past two years, they
Advocates), an agency providing advocates for
have raised and disbursed $51,000. During the
abused and neglected children who are now in
foster care; North Dallas Shared Ministries, an
agency providing food, medical and dental care,
and guidance for low-income residents; Cathedral
Gardens, a low-cost home for the elderly adjacent
to the Diocesan cathedral, St. Matthew’s; and,
internationally, the Happy Homes project in South
Africa, a school in need of basic services such
as drinking water. The church and individual
parishioners have also supported the Honduras
mission trip for nine years. Responding to the
needs of the people, Transfiguration team
members have given eye exams, repaired a
bridge, tutored students, treated the sick, built
toilets, and helped build a church. The next trip
is planned for February 2014.
33
summer, Vacation Bible School families collect
In October 2011, the Vision Forum – a
items for the Rainbow Room, where Child
Transfiguration guest speaker program – hosted
Protective Services caseworkers gather items
former Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief
(toys, clothes, personal items) for children placed
Justice Margaret Marshall, sister of a parishioner,
in their care. The youth of the parish usually
in a discussion of marriage equality. Chief Justice
have a monthly outreach project, for example
Marshall wrote the court’s 2003 majority opinion
providing breakfast at Brother Bill’s Helping Hands
ruling that Massachusetts could not deny the
and working at The Bridge and North Texas Food
right to same-sex marriage. Following her speech
Bank. The church responded to Bishop James
and question and answer session on Saturday
Stanton’s request for each parish to support One
evening in the nave, on Sunday afternoon
Church, One School. Volunteers now read at the
850 people attended a photo shoot with a
neighborhood Spring Valley Elementary School –
professional photographer, sponsored by
sometimes in costume – and the parish supports
NOH8, a national nonprofit that raises money
a new book ingathering, so each that student can
for marriage equality awareness. While our
own a book. St. Hilda’s Guild with 80 members
parishioners hold a broad range of opinions on
operates the Clothes Horse, a resale shop for
marriage equality, we believe that by welcoming
gently worn clothes. Besides providing a service
people who have been marginalized by the
to the community, the Guild also distributes its
church, we are following our mission statement:
profits to good causes within the parish and out-
seeking Christ in all persons.
side it. A separate Outreach Endowment Fund,
part of the Transfiguration Endowment Fund, with
The parish has opportunities twice a year to
current assets of $125,263, can distribute money
donate to UTO (United Thank Offering), and when
to a worthy cause, as determined by the vestry.
a crisis or disaster such as the typhoon in the
34
Philippines occurs, parishioners respond to
visibility for and better communications about
Episcopal Relief and Development with donations.
what the church does for outreach. To help
The church also supports The Episcopal Church
achieve this, there was a successful food ingath-
(ECUSA) and the Diocese of Dallas via our
ering to support North Dallas Shared Ministries
assessments, and thus their programs that support
in November. Parishioners could walk the
outreach issues.
Labyrinth, lined with donated food items, and
experience a visible display of what we as a
The Outreach Steering Committee meets monthly
parish can accomplish joined with an opportunity
to evaluate programs, distribute funds, and
to meditate on the needs of others.
discuss new projects. One proposal is to join
other Diocese of Dallas parishes in attending the
There is a strong desire within
Sunday Eucharist for the homeless in downtown
the Transfiguration community
Dallas and providing home-cooked meals for
after the service, through the agency The Gather-
to do even more in our
ing. Another proposal is to have a food pantry
on campus, operating two days a week for
outreach to others.
limited hours. The committee supports stronger
35
Par ish
Episcopal
Sc hool
Founded as the Parish Day School by Mary Blair
by all Parish students; co-curricular experiences
in 1972, the “little school at the top of the hill”
in robotics and after-school programming through
started as a prekindergarten-through-sixth-grade
ParishEXTEND (a complement to the academic
day school at the Episcopal Church of the
school day with programs that allow the
Transfiguration with two classrooms and a library
customization of the learning experience outside
cart. Gloria Snyder, a longtime Transfiguration
of traditional school hours).
parishioner, served as head of school from 1980
to 2009 and fostered the growth from Parish Day
Centered on Parish’s tenets of wisdom, honor,
to Parish Episcopal. After an extensive national
and service, ParishLeads offers students an
search, in 2009, Dave Monaco joined Parish as
experience to develop a common understanding
the third head of school in Parish history.
of what it means to be a person of impact
through specially designed courses and leader-
Today, Parish Episcopal School maintains a long
ship opportunities. Parish Personalized, the
history and strong relationship with the Episcopal
Academy of Global Studies, and a new partner-
Church of the Transfiguration. Serving 1,100
ship with the George W. Bush Institute are just a
students and about 900 families on two campuses,
few more examples of Parish’s fervent emphasis
the coeducational school provides an enriching
on developing strong individuals prepared to
and challenging educational experience within a
make a difference in their world.
Christian community of service and worship to
children from 3 years old through 12th grade.
Students have a variety of opportunities to
Known for excellent teachers and strong parental
experience learning outside the traditional
support, Parish is a highly regarded member
classroom. Seventh-graders travel to Catalina
of both the Episcopal and independent school
Island to investigate environmental concerns,
communities in the Dallas area. In addition to a
eighth-graders go to Washington, D.C., for an
solid core curriculum and daily chapel, there
appreciation of American history and political
are classes in computer technology, science, art,
policies, and ninth through 12th grades embark
music, foreign languages, and physical education.
on Upper School class retreats where they forge
In the Upper School, students choose from a
bonds with classmates and prepare for their
wide assortment of courses in the arts, sciences,
upcoming year. Service to others, both within
mathematics, and humanities – including honors,
the Parish community and in the greater Dallas
Advanced Placement, and dual credit courses.
area, is an integral part of Parish’s tenets and
is exemplified through such projects as working
Through a number of innovative programs,
with the North Texas Food Bank, Austin Street
students learn using the latest in technology and
Center, Operation Kindness, and Scottish Rite,
educational research and prepare for an ever-
among many other agencies.
changing global society. ParishSTEM (science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics) has
Dave Monaco, in his fifth year as the Allen
been recognized as a model for the purposeful
Meyer Family Head of School, leads a diverse
integration of these STEM components across an
and highly qualified faculty and staff of 229.
entire PreK-12 program. Few schools nationally
Last year, Parish celebrated its 40th anniversary
offer as rich an array of integrated STEM activities
and the tenth anniversary of its Midway campus.
as does Parish: interactive labs, activities,
Parish Episcopal School is situated on two
projects, and enrichment classes experienced
campuses: the nine-acre Hillcrest campus serves
37
PreK through second grade and is shared with
The Independent School Association of the
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration; the
Southwest, the Southwestern Association of
50-acre Midway campus in North Dallas serves
Episcopal Schools, the National Association of
third through 12th grades. The Midway building
Episcopal Schools, and the National Association
was originally an I.M. Pei-designed Mobil Oil
of Independent Schools accredit Parish Episcopal
research center. Tuition costs range from
School.
$10,000 to $24,000 a year. The school offers
financial aid to families demonstrating need.
Although 20 percent of Parish
Parish’s governing body is a board of trustees
students are Episcopalian, the
that comprises a majority of Episcopalians
majority of students represent
and no less than 10 percent (minimum of two)
members from Transfiguration. The board
23 faith backgrounds.
recommends trustees, with final approval
remaining with the Vestry. Offering guidance,
Parish strives to develop a diverse student body
support, and service, the board provides a
and teaching staff, recognizing the importance
positive link between the church and the school
of a variety of economic, cultural, and racial
and oversees an annual operating budget of
backgrounds. Parish is represented by about
$25 million. A separate board whose members
90 zip codes in the Metroplex area, and there is
are nominated by the board of trustees adminis-
22 percent diversity among students. The quality
ters the Parish Episcopal Endowment Fund of
of a Parish Episcopal School experience exposes
$22.1 million.
new families to the church each year.
38
The rector has had visibility and accessibility for
the children, parents, and faculty. The rector has
presided over Thursday Eucharist services at
Midway on a monthly basis and has attended
all board meetings, Parish’s annual fundraiser
evening gala, and various other school events
such as Parents’ Association meetings and
Christmas pageants. Transfiguration’s new rector
should understand and support Parish’s mission
and ministry and promote the school’s role as
an important conduit through which daily chapel,
religion classes, and everyday example expose
the children to the liturgy, music, values, and
teachings of the Episcopal Church.
Parish Episcopal School provides a wealth of
information about its programs, community, and
programs on its website, parishepiscopal.org.
“We all know being a good Christian does not begin and end with attendance at Church on Sunday,
and at Parish it does not begin and end with chapel and religion class each day. Being a good
Christian must permeate everything you do in life, every day. I firmly believe that the Church and the
School are teaching that.” – Caroline Mitchell, PES Class of 2014, lifelong member of Transfiguration,
from her sermon on Episcopal Schools Sunday
39
The Fin anci al
Picture
“Offer to God a sacrifice
of thanksgiving and
make good your vows
to the Most High.”
– Psalm 50:14
The Book of Common Prayer
Transfiguration’s overall financial picture illustrates
To ensure maximum participation, follow-up
its standing as a healthy, highly committed
emails and calls remind parishioners of the
Episcopal parish. For example, unlike many
importance of returning a card and pledging.
churches, Transfiguration did not cut staff,
The pledged amount helps determine the budget
reduce compensation, furlough employees, close
for the following year. The Budget and Finance
facilities, or shutter programs when facing the
Committee formulates draft budget figures in
economic strains of the “Great Recession.”
late summer and early fall based on historical
Instead, during the downturn, our community
numbers and reasonable projections. This
invoked a Holy Spirit-centered, can-do attitude to:
committee meets monthly throughout the year to
• Complete a multimillion-dollar, custom-built
review the church’s financial ledger and balance
pipe organ that is nationally recognized
sheet and to advise the vestry on money matters.
• Finish the new South Building’s campus
Appointed by the vestry, the budget and finance
expansion of classroom, office, and parlor
chair selects committee members for vestry
spaces
approval to three-year terms that concurrently
• Enlarge the footprint of Godly Play
ensure office rotation and institutional knowledge.
• Renovate the Youth Center
• Partner on several local Habitat for
Humanity houses
• Honor our full Diocesan and National
Church Assessments
• Build on our liturgical and musical strengths
with program enrichments.
Such performance draws on our legacy of
Christian mission wedded to stewardship and
fiduciary responsibilities. Collaboration among
the church staff, the Stewardship Committee, and
the Budget and Finance Committee helps make
This year’s stewardship campaign theme was
this favorable financial picture possible.
“The Constant Steward.” Flyers explaining the
church’s goals and needs were in service
Stewardship comprises a year-round program,
bulletins, and a color brochure was mailed to all
led by a chairman and co-chairman for a two-
parishioners. Traditionally, a layperson from
year period, that emphasizes the joyful giving
the Stewardship Committee serves as the homilist
of time, talent, and treasure for our shared
for the Saturday and Sunday services before
work on behalf of God’s Kingdom. By taking an
Ingathering Weekend; this year, the co-chair
overlapping leadership approach, the church
gave a highly regarded sermon emphasizing the
maintains continuity and evaluates lessons
humility and humbleness required of us to learn
learned. These leaders form a Stewardship
and grow as stewards who are “outward-
Committee at the start of the year, and they meet
looking.” Also, the clergy partner with the
often to prepare for the stewardship campaign.
stewardship campaign by highlighting parallel
Pledge cards are mailed in October, and the
themes from the lectionary readings during
campaign culminates in early November with an
October, with the rector typically preaching a
Ingathering Weekend during all church services.
stewardship sermon.
41
Our community includes 1,867 baptized members, and in 2013, we received 465 pledges totaling
$1,411,847. As of December 2013, we have received 353 pledges for 2014 totaling $1,100,000, and
$295,000 has been raised and paid for the “Burn the Note” campaign to retire the residual debt from
our recent campus expansion. Although the number of pledge cards received has decreased over the past
three years, pledge receipts remain strong and have consistently exceeded the pledge card commitments.
The recent economic downturn serves as a primary driver for a decrease in the number of pledges.
However, over the same period of the past five years, our pledge receipts have continued to exceed pledge
card commitments. While pledge revenue has been down from 2011 through 2013, dollars per pledge
have grown at a rate of 2 percent to 3 percent per year. For the past ten years, dollars per pledge have
demonstrated a positive trend of growth.
42
Transfiguration has a long history of sound financial management. The following charts highlight some
key financial figures. Total revenue has remained relatively stable in recent years, with a slight decreasing
trend if the 2013 estimate materializes; however, total expenses have risen only 3 percent over the same
period. Thus, the church has managed to end recent years with budget surpluses that have been reserved
for future operational contingencies, given the levels of economic uncertainty. This fits a longer-term
historical trend of prudent stewardship: We have ended nine of the last ten years with budget surpluses
that average about $62,000.
Transfiguration maintains restricted funds used for emergencies and exigencies as determined by vote of the
vestry. These funds now total about $500,000 spread across Operating Capital, Vestry Emergency, and
Capital Contingency accounts.
The following chart illustrates the high-level operational expense categories, including the summation of
actual expenses for 2011 and 2012 and estimated expenses for 2013.
43
Transfiguration has $505,000 remaining to be raised on an eight-year bank note that represents the
residual obligations from about $8.6 million in campus construction, renovations, and improvements. The
church’s recently launched “Burn the Note” campaign reduced the original note obligation of $800,000
(principal and interest) by $295,000 in new pledges and payments. Additional fundraising efforts will
occur over the next 18 months to retire the debt in its entirety. Examples include a parish cookbook,
Transfiguration Cooks, and a fellowship golf outing to benefit the effort.
Historically, the parish has stepped out in faith to build and fund several needed facilities. During the last
rector transition, remaining debt from the fellowship hall and gathering space were quickly retired at the
appointment of the new rector. The parish has deep resolve for eliminating the current debt, with the vestry
and endowment planning to commit additional funds as necessary. Given these additional resources and
the fundraising potential in the parish, the renegotiable note’s minimum annual principal payments of
$25,000 represent an imminently manageable financial obligation.
44
The Endowment Fund
primarily former vestry members and longtime
Created in 1979, the Endowment Fund had
parishioners, considers every request and gift
$4,000 by the end of its first year. Its goal was
carefully to ensure that the fund stays true to
to build a resource large enough to protect the
its mission and continues to grow. For the past
church in any emergency and to ensure the
several years, trustees and clergy have attended
enduring nature of Transfiguration’s welcoming
the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes
message, worship, and community. The fund’s
conference.
primary mission is “to operate as a charitable
trust for the benefit of the Episcopal Church of the
Transfiguration.” The fund has enjoyed a period
of steady and considerable growth, largely
through bequests and memorials, in addition to
reinvestment of much of its income. In 2012,
the value of the managed funds exceeded
$1 million for the first time. The fund continues
to grow, and in November 2013, the fund
totaled $1,281,928.
The Endowment Fund has three separate, distinct
endowments: a primary or undesignated fund
In January 2012, the board of trustees of the
(current balance of $1,106,576), an Outreach
Endowment Fund launched the Legacy Society to
Endowment Fund created as part of the Jubilee
acknowledge, thank, and honor members and
Capital Campaign I 2006 (current balance of
friends of the parish who have remembered the
$125,263), and a Youth Endowment Fund
church in their estate planning. We are humbled
established in 2011 (current balance of $50,089).
that so many have been so moved by the life and
ministry of the Church of the Transfiguration, and
Gifts from the primary fund have been used
we are pleased to recognize and celebrate that
for a wide variety of projects that range from
with our new and growing Legacy Society.
underwriting bonds to help pay off the loan for
the addition from the Fulfill the Vision Capital
Campaign in 1994 to helping the parish realize
dreams, as we did by providing supplemental
funds for the purchase of the altar and the
renovation of the Youth Center. The Outreach
Endowment Fund fully funded the Jubilee Habitat
for Humanity House, and the Youth Endowment
Fund recently facilitated a pilgrimage scholarship
for the youth trip to Scotland. The Endowment
Fund trustees continue to ensure that as gifts are
given, the funds keep growing, so that future
generations may have access to a resource that
allows the church to grow and flourish.
The carefully selected board of five trustees,
45
Chur ch Staff
a nd Vest ry
“I will give you shepherds
after my own heart,
who will feed you with
knowledge and understanding.”
– Jeremiah 3:15
NRSV
Our Staff
Clergy
Position
Since
The Rev. Fred Barber
Interim Rector
2013
The Rev. Joy Daley
Associate Rector
2001
The Rev. Amy Heller
Associate Rector
2011
The Rev. Aaron Hudson
Priest (part-time)
2013
The Rev. Michael Merriman
Priest (part-time)
2004
The Rev. Liz O’Donnell
Deacon (part-time)
2009
Lay
Position
Since
Chris Ahrens
Youth Choir (part-time)
2010
Kim Ahrens
Children’s Choir (part-time)
2008
Nichola Bartkus
Youth Ministries Intern (part-time)
2014
Ellen Dingwall
Adult and New Member Ministries
2001
Bill Grona
Facilities Manager (part-time)
2011
Gaye Lynn Huddleston
Children’s Ministries
2005
Christine Kurtz
Publications Manager
2007
Joel Martinson
Director of Music and Organist
2004
Ann Mason
Volunteer Coordinator (part-time)
2004
Kirby Purjet
Business Administrator
2003
Glenn Stroh
Assistant Organist (part-time)
2011
Deanie Winstel
Executive Assistant
1986
Our Vestry
Louise Harms
Bob Button, Treasurer
Chris Holley
Bob Keeler, Assistant Treasurer
Chris Ayres
Michelle Kirby
Tudi Owens, Clerk
Gene Bledsoe
Sandy Potter
Jay Madrid, Chancellor
Hal Bybee
Jennifer Rodgers
Bridget deBruyn
Anne Schmidt
Bill Edwards
Paul Welch
47
Fac ilit ies
“Happy are they who
dwell in your house!
They will always be
praising you.”
– Psalm 84:3
The Book of Common Prayer
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is on
The South Building, built in 2008, has a lower
the northwest corner of Spring Valley Road and
floor with a large parlor/bride’s room, clergy
Hillcrest Road in North Dallas. The nine-acre
and lay staff offices, small kitchen, and meeting
site has been developed gradually over the past
rooms; the upper floor has music rehearsal halls,
40 years.
children’s Sunday school classrooms, a large
meeting room, offices, and choir vesting rooms.
Sanctuary and Nave
The “sanctuary on top of the hill” was built in
Building A – Youth Center
1972 and holds about 500 people. Many works
Originally serving as the church, then the parish
of art and beauty have been added over the
hall, this building was remodeled again in 2013
years: the triptych of the Transfiguration over the
to be a more desirable Youth Center. It also
altar and the altar itself (both by artists Charlotte
houses The Clothes Horse, a clothing resale shop
and William Hallett), the baptismal font with
run by St. Hilda’s Guild, a group of 80 dedicated
moving water, the Christus Rex over the entrance
volunteers. The Guild began over 50 years ago,
to the nave, the stained-glass windows,
and the proceeds from their ministry
and most recently the Apostle
fund projects for the church and for
Windows (dedicated in 2013). There
outreach projects. These two active
are two organs: the Aeolian-Skinner,
ministries use this building daily.
the church’s first organ, and the new
Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 17.
Building B – Niles Building
It is an inspiring space for worship,
One of the parish’s first buildings on
contemplation, and celebration.
this site, and for many years used as
church offices and a nursery area, it is
Church Life Center
now used for Alcoholics Anonymous
The North Building, completed in
meetings, Boy Scouts, the Play Wisely
1997, contains a large hall used for
Program, and storage. In 2012, it was
receptions and large meetings; it was
named in memory of the first rector,
named Roper Hall in honor of the
the Rev. James J. Niles.
second rector on his retirement. The
building also has a labyrinth within the gathering
Buildings C, D, E, and F
space, two large classrooms (one provides space
These buildings are used for Parish Episcopal
for the church library), a hospitality room used
School pre-K through second-grade classes.
for children’s chapel on Sundays, a courtyard/
Spaces include classrooms, offices, a gymnasium,
meditation garden with the columbarium, a
library, playground area, and a newly renovated
kitchen, the Kay Andrews Bookstore, the child-
Beasley STEM Center for the young students.
care wing for our youngest members, and
The school refers to these buildings as the
restrooms. These spaces are used daily by
“Hillcrest campus.”
individuals and groups. There is also a bell tower
– the eight bells resound with hymns on Sundays
and Parish Episcopal School days, the bells are
tolled at funerals, and a bell is rung by the bride
and groom at their wedding.
49
History of
the Pa rish
“But you are a chosen
race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, God’s own
people, in order that you
may proclaim the mighty
acts of him who called
you out of darkness into
his marvelous light.”
– 1 Peter 2:9 NRSV
1956 – 11 families
flooding, and six feet of muddy water entered the
Small like the mustard seed but with great faith,
church. Immediately, the vestry acted to move to
the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
higher and safer ground, and the parish bought
began as a mission in 1956 with 11 families
four acres and then five more acres from a local
meeting at a tennis club in North Dallas. The
developer and parishioner at the northwest cor-
Rev. Smythe H. Lindsay, archdeacon and first
ner of Hillcrest and Spring Valley roads. (The
vicar, had wisely forecast northern growth for
major Interstate Highway 635 south of the site
Dallas and its suburbs. With services at the tennis
had not been built, and Spring Valley Road was
club, then temporary quarters at the Lamplighter
not a thoroughfare – it stopped at the creek, and
School, the congregation grew quickly and, in
Hillcrest was a two-lane road with deep bar
1957, bought five acres on Spring Valley Road
ditches.) As forecast, the area of North Dallas
on the banks of White Rock Creek for $50,000.
and Richardson was becoming a booming sub-
The original house and a three-car garage were
urb, with many young families moving to the area
renovated and used for classrooms, offices, and
to attend the excellent Richardson Independent
the chapel. The second vicar, the Rev. Joseph
School District schools. The first buildings at the
Frazer, and his wife briefly lived in this house in
new location were Buildings B and D (now the
the woods.
Niles building and the Parish Episcopal School’s
Beasley STEM Center). Then a parish hall/chapel
was built (the current Youth Center).
Annual Report 1970 – 1,456 Total Communicants
The church needed more space, and the vestry
commissioned noted architect Ed Beran of Beran
and Shelmire to design the new “church on top of
the hill.” The sanctuary, an inspiring space for
worship and music – traditional yet modern, brick
with slate roof, and with excellent acoustics –
opened its doors on Easter Sunday, March 29,
In 1958, the Rev. James J. Niles became the third
1970. After 17 years as rector, Father Niles re-
vicar, and the following year, Transfiguration
tired in 1975. There were other changes: the
became a parish, with the vestry electing Father
Episcopal School of Northwood that had occu-
Niles as the first rector. Insufficient space
pied buildings on the church campus was closed,
remained an issue, and in 1961, an A-frame
and a new Church of the Transfiguration- affili-
chapel was built that could later be changed into
ated school, Parish Day School, was founded in
a parish hall as anticipated growth occurred.
June 1972 by parishioner Mary Loving Blair.
In 1961, St. Hilda’s Guild began its ministry of
selling gently used clothing. (Moving to a store-
“When I came to Transfiguration to be your
front in downtown Richardson, then to space on
rector in 1976, the parish had sunk into serious
the church campus, this ministry is still very active
financial straits, and all resources had to be
in the life and good works of the church.)
focused on the all-consuming burden of debt that
shrouded the parish. There were no funds for
In 1964 came a transforming event in the
anything except debts, and the parish suffered
parish’s saga: a spring storm caused massive
accordingly. Without money, there can be no
51
programs, and without programs, there will be
of national social and economic concerns and
no growth. The equation is distressingly simple.
new challenges to the Episcopal Church.
Just holding it all together was difficult. Two
Transfiguration continued to be a voice for the
organizations carried us through. The Women of
Episcopal Church at the local level. In 1982,
the Church kept us on the mark with regard to
the parish began using The Hymnal 1982;
our mission and ministries appropriate to a parish
the Rev. J.D. Godwin, the new curate from Iowa
of this size, and the Music Department under
(and future rector) served on the commission
Howard Ross kept the worship of Almighty God
charged by the General Convention to produce
alive and vital during those very difficult times.
the hymnal.
I credit both organizations with the survival of
Transfiguration in 1976 and the remaining years
In 1985, the Bishop of Dallas, the Rt. Rev. Donis
of that decade.”
Patterson, approved the ordination to the priest-
– From the Holy Cross Day Evensong sermon,
hood of Deacon Gwen Buehrens, the first woman
September 15, 2013, given by the retired
priest in the Diocese of Dallas. At the service held
second rector, the Rev. Terence C. Roper, on the
at Transfiguration, a woman from another parish
dedication of the pipe organ in memory of
marched down the aisle to protest, but the
Howard E. Ross, first Director of Music
congregation – all wearing red at Mother Gwen’s
request – resoundingly said “We will!” when
Annual Report 1980 – 1,717 Baptized Members
asked to affirm her ordination. Father Roper
Father Roper, originally from England, faced
said, “Ordaining women is not something the
other challenges and opportunities. On Mrs.
Episcopal Church is doing in order to get into
Blair’s retirement in 1980, Gloria H. Snyder, a
step with the women’s movement of the day; it is
parishioner and former Richardson High School
something the Episcopal Church is doing to get
history teacher, was selected to be the new head
into step with the Gospel.”
of school for Parish Day School. Lay leadership,
always a strength at Transfiguration, inspired
In 1986, a fire damaged the building used for
the creation of new groups: Fine Arts Guild,
the Clothes Horse, the used-clothing resale shop
Episcopal Men’s Fellowship, Outreach Committee,
sponsored by St. Hilda’s Guild as an outreach
St. Therese’s Guild (for “working women” who
to the community; the church library space; and
preferred night meetings), and Primetimers (for
the magnificent white needlepoint festival altar
members who were retired). This was a period
frontal. All were rebuilt and reborn, just like the
phoenix on the newly reworked frontal. Also in
1986, the church instituted the Saturday evening
5:30 Eucharist. In 1987, Father Roper commissioned New England artists William and
Charlotte Hallett to design and create the triptych
above the altar that tells the story of the
Transfiguration, Elijah’s ascent to heaven, and
Sarah’s visit by the angels. The closing of the
triptych doors during Advent, as well as Lent
and their ceremonial reopening on Easter Eve,
accompanied by banners and bell ringing, have
become a memorable Transfiguration tradition.
52
Annual Report 1990 – 1,700 Baptized Members
the AIDS Support Group, the Parish Nurse
The 1990s had its challenges and controversies
Program, and the Fig Theatre Company. A
within the national church and in the Diocese of
partnership with Christian Chapel CME was
Dallas. Following the request of Bishop Patterson
established to reduce racial barriers; there were
to each parish, Transfiguration engaged in a study
preacher and choir exchanges and occasions
of human sexuality and how sexual orientation
for fellowship and basketball games.
might affect the life and service of the church.
“This sensitive topic evoked passionate opinions
In 1994, a capital campaign titled “Fulfill the
on both sides of the issue and acrimonious debate.
Vision” raised funds to bring the parish “Together
… Some parishioners reduced or withheld their
on Top of the Hill.” The new building design
stewardship contributions, an act aimed at the
included a gathering space, a parlor for use by
leadership of our church but, in fact, one that will
brides and by families before a funeral, a parish
impact all of us as we look to Transfiguration to
hall, a kitchen, conference rooms, a childcare
fulfill our spiritual needs,” wrote Senior Warden
wing, a courtyard and columbarium, a bell
Allyn Patrick in the 1991 Annual Report. In
tower, a labyrinth, and restrooms (the current
1993, the Vestry affirmed the parish’s mission
facility had one unisex restroom). The labyrinth is
statement: To seek and serve Christ in all persons.
a reproduction of the one at the cathedral in
Father Roper emphasized that people of good
Chartres, France. The bell tower was funded by a
faith can and may disagree – but how we treat
cell phone company that needed a high location.
each other, how we act on our belief in God
The bells were donated by a parish family, with
and his never-failing love and care for us, is most
the bells to be rung by the bride and groom after
important and most revealing.
their marriage ceremony and the bells to be
tolled at funerals. All these spaces, except for the
During this period, old ministries flourished and
bell tower, would now be connected to the
new ministries and groups formed: Neighborhood
church itself.
Fig Groups (parishioners organized by zip code),
53
Annual Report 1995 – 1,638 Baptized Members
purchase of a new campus site in 2001 for the
In February 1997, the new building was
older grades. This new site, with a building
dedicated, and its presence immediately changed
designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, was a
the life of the parish. The great hall is used often
former Mobil Oil research building. The school
for receptions, classes, theater productions,
now had two campuses and was renamed Parish
and meetings. People have space to linger after
Episcopal School.
Sunday services, attend classes, gather to
welcome friends and newcomers, and eat donuts!
In 2001, a Celebration of the Anniversary of
On Father Roper’s resignation in 1998 after
Women’s Ordination was held at Transfiguration.
serving as rector for 23 years, the great hall was
Besides celebrating the ordination of Gwen
named Roper Hall.
Buehrens in 1985, the parish has been blessed
throughout the years with the ministries of priests
Wanting to get ready for the new rector, a
Joy Daley, Amy Heller, Virginia Holleman,
group of parishioners rallied enthusiasm and
Barbara Kelton, and Barb Sajna and deacons
commitment and successfully retired the debt
Liz O’Donnell and Nona Payne.
from the 1994 capital campaign and the higher
construction costs of the new spaces. In 2000,
New opportunities arose for lay programs and
after a national search, the Rev. J.D. Godwin
activities. In 2003, the first mission trip to
was called to be the third rector at the church he
Honduras occurred, inspired by the Rev. Joy
had been serving since 1982.
Daley, and the neXtgen group of young
professionals was organized and became very
involved in parish life.
During this period, Parish Day School experienced
remarkable growth, from serving preschool and
early elementary-aged students to serving students
Lois Waller, parishioner and longtime parish
through sixth grade. The school had built new
bookkeeper/administrator, retired after serving
classroom buildings three times on the church
33 years, and Kirby Purjet became the new
campus, spaces sometimes with joint church/
manager in 2003. Howard Ross, music director
school use. The newest school building included
and organist since 1964, retired in 2004, and
a gymnasium. The interest in serving more
a national search for a new music director was
students and expanding grade levels to middle
conducted. Joel Martinson, nationally known
and high school resulted in the transformation
composer of church music, was selected to be the
of the school, one grade at a time, and the
second music director and organist.
54
Celebrating its 50-year Jubilee Anniversary in
In 2010, inspired by Mother Joy Daley’s sermon
2006, the parish rejoiced with a series of events.
commending the parish for its can-do spirit, a
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa came
“Say Yes” campaign was established to clear the
to the church for a standing-room-only presentation.
debt from the 2006 Jubilee Campaign. In 2012,
On a rainy Sunday in September, with scattered
Parish Episcopal School celebrated its 40th
power outages across the city, the parish cele-
anniversary with a series of events, including a
brated a “One Great Festival of Faith” Eucharist
reception to announce the naming of its chapel
with one service in the Eisemann Center perform-
the Godwin Chapel in honor of the rector. There
ance hall in Richardson. One thousand people
was another significant anniversary – Father
attended, and ten former and current clergy
Godwin was celebrating the 40th anniversary of
participated. The church undertook a capital
his ordination to the priesthood. A joyful party
campaign to fulfill the 1994 dreams of expansion
was held in December, to which the parish and
including a new organ and building changes
friends were invited.
needed for its placement; an Outreach
Endowment Fund; and a South Building to house
In March 2013, the rector announced his
another parlor, choir rehearsal space, offices for
resignation and his move to Seattle, Washington.
clergy and staff, and Sunday school classrooms
In recognition of his leadership and devotion,
(young students would no longer wander over the
the new organ was named, in his honor, The
campus to find classrooms). After a search for the
Jerry D. Godwin Richards, Fowkes & Co. Organ.
best organ maker, Richards, Fowkes & Co. was
Again, the process for a national search for
selected to build the Opus 17 organ, which was
the fourth rector began, and again, an initiative
dedicated with a special performance in 2010.
was proposed to “clear the debt” to welcome our
new rector. Transfiguration’s history continues to
In 2009, Gloria Snyder, head of Parish Day
be written.
School and then Parish Episcopal School, retired
after 29 years. Another national search was
Today, November 2013 – 1,867 Baptized
undertaken, this one by the school’s board of
Members
trustees, and Dave Monaco became the head
Tomorrow?
of school.
55
Dioce se of
Dall a s
“They devoted themselves
to the apostles’ teaching
and fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and
the prayers.”
– Acts 2:42 NRSV
The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas was founded by
Beyond financial support and attendance at
Alexander Charles Garrett, its first bishop, in
diocesan convention, there are a number of
1895. There are now 64 parishes in the diocese,
Transfiguration members who are active in
which has six convocation areas based on
diocesan or diocesan-related leadership
geographical areas of North Texas and the City
positions. One member serves on the diocesan
of Dallas. The Rt. Rev. James M. Stanton was
Nominating Committee. Another serves on the
consecrated the sixth bishop on March 6, 1993.
Missional Church Commission. Several members
During his 21 years as bishop, he has been a
serve on the Board of the Episcopal Foundation
strong advocate of Biblical authority. Before
of Dallas. This work and ministry is in addition
coming to Dallas, he was the rector of Saint
to mentoring and service by clergy and staff on
Mark’s Church in Glendale, California. Bishop
diocesan projects.
Stanton has announced his retirement effective
May 2014. The Standing Committee will decide
The diocese has 17 Episcopal schools, ranging
the next steps for the diocese.
from college preparatory schools like Parish
Episcopal School – founded by Transfiguration as
On March 3, 2008, the Rt. Rev. Paul E. Lambert
Parish Day School in 1972 – and the Episcopal
was consecrated as the diocese’s seventh bishop
School of Dallas to schools specifically serving as
suffragan. Previously, he was the canon at the
preschools, Montessori, and elementary schools.
cathedral in Dallas and rector at Saint James’
The diocese sponsors Camp All Saints, the
Church in Texarkana, Texas. Earlier in his career,
Stanton Center for Ministry, evangelism programs,
he served two years (1978 to 1980) as curate
and the planting of new churches. The diocese
at Transfiguration.
supports the Safe Church program: clergy, staff,
and lay volunteers are required to take an online
At the November 2013 diocesan convention, the
course called Safeguarding Online, which
lay and clergy delegates voted to resume paying
teaches how to keep children safe from abuse
“a worthy share in the program of the National
and how to be protected from false allegations
Church.” For 2014, 1 percent of assessment in-
of abuse and misconduct.
come is to be set aside ($31,858). Parishes and
missions can designate their portion between
Outreach initiatives originally supported or
support for the budget of the General Convention
created by the diocese include Austin Street
of The Episcopal Church or a single designated
Center for the homeless; St. Simon’s After-School
outreach program outside the Diocese of Dallas,
Program for 24 elementary schools; Our Friends
selected by the bishop and approved by the
Place for troubled, abused, and neglected young
Executive Council. Leaders from across the
girls and teenagers; and St. Philip’s School and
diocese, including the Transfiguration treasurer
Community Center in South Dallas. The diocese
and lay delegate Bob Button, were involved in
no longer directly supports these agencies,
implementing this change in diocesan policy.
but several of these programs are supported
In 2005 the Diocese stopped its giving to The
by Transfiguration with financial assistance,
Episcopal Church, but Transfiguration continued
volunteers, and board leadership. The parish
to pay directly to The Episcopal Church its share
also supports the diocesan project “One Church,
of the assessment (See Vestry Resolution, 2005)
One School,” which encourages each parish
resolution-2005).
to befriend and support a local public school.
(http://www.transfiguration.net/about/vestry-
Visit edod.org for more information.
57
The Da ll a s Area
“For he looked forward
to the city that has
foundations, whose
architect and builder
is God.”
– Hebrews 11:10 NRSV
Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the United
States and the third-largest in Texas. Including
the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington
metropolitan areas, there is a population of
over 6.7 million people.
Dallas has been leading the national economic recovery after the
downturn of 2007 to 2009. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has fully
recovered the jobs lost during that time, mostly in the energy, finance,
and medical fields. Combined with no state income tax and an
affordable cost of living, Dallas is a great place to build a professional
career. Having Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and being in
the Central Time Zone make travel for business or pleasure convenient.
Within and around Dallas are many great
Many great institutions of higher learning call
suburban cities. The closest to Transfiguration
Dallas-Fort Worth home:
is the city of Richardson. While located in the
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical
city of Dallas, the church is in a North Dallas
Center
neighborhood served by the Richardson
• University of Texas at Dallas
Independent School District.
• Southern Methodist University
• University of Dallas
Other school districts known for educational
• University of North Texas
excellence include Plano ISD and Frisco ISD.
• Texas Woman’s University
There are also many excellent independent
• University of Texas at Arlington
private schools – Parish Episcopal School (whose
• Texas Christian University
lower school is located at Transfiguration),
Episcopal School of Dallas, Hockaday,
While Dallas is a great place to live and work,
St. Mark’s, Greenhill, and Lamplighter School.
it is not without problems. A new rector at
Transfiguration could help the parish be a
Housing is affordable compared with many
positive force within our city and community.
metropolitan areas.
• Texas has one of the highest rates of
citizens with no health insurance – almost
Dallas has excellent cultural and entertainment
25 percent.
options including:
• Almost one-third of Dallas citizens live
• A 60-acre arts district – the largest urban
below the poverty line.
arts district in the country – that includes
• There are many opportunities to minister to
the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculp-
the students in the Dallas ISD.
ture Center, Meyerson Symphony Center,
Winspear Opera House, and Wyly Theatre
From The Dallas Morning News, November 12,
• Dozens of professional music and arts
2013: “Despite an improving economy, children
organizations such as the Dallas Symphony
in Dallas County are still suffering, according to
Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Singers, and
a report released by Children’s Medical Center
Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist
Dallas.” Nearly 30 percent of those 18 and
University
younger were living below the poverty level last
• Recent attractions include the Perot
year. Some had no health insurance, and many
Museum of Nature and Science and the
were in homes without enough food.
George Bush Presidential Library
• The State Fair of Texas, which is the largest
Please view the Dallas Convention & Visitors
Bureau’s video Dallas: Bigger Than Ever for a
state fair in the country
snapshot of our city.
• Five major league sports teams – Dallas
Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas
Rangers, Dallas Stars, and FC Dallas
• More restaurants per capita than New York
City – notable cuisine options include
Asian, Tex-Mex (birthplace of the frozen
margarita), barbecue, and steakhouses in
abundance
59
How the
Pr ofile Wa s
C re ated
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in
the clergy and lay staff; attendees of the Saturday
Dallas, Texas, worked with Holy Cow! Consulting
service and the three Sunday services; and
to compile a 105-question survey for parishioners
parishioners involved in Outreach, Pastoral Care,
to complete during September 2013.
Education, Youth, Worship, Evangelism, and
Fellowship groups. Except for these first three
Our Average Sunday
Holy Conversations, all discussions were open to
Attendance is 651 people,
they wanted to. These responses were recorded
and 71 percent (463 people)
contributed to the study of our church.
parishioners, and they could attend as many as
and studied. Additional research and interviews
completed the survey,
Profile Committee
providing 95 percent accuracy
Susan Fisk, Chair
Deb Boopsingh
in the survey responses.
Bob Button
Robin Caldwell
In addition, two questions with narrative answers
Bill Edwards
were asked:
Molly Hall
• Tell about an experience you had in the
Chuck Huffman
church where you walked away feeling,
Clare Lattimore
“Now, that’s what it means to be the
Carolyn Lewis
church.”
Paula Mitchell
• What else would you like the search
Chris Rodgers
committee to know?
Mat Thekkil
Luann Tucker
Also, 14 Holy Conversations were held in
Michele Ward
September and October with the members of the
Vestry; the Board of Parish Episcopal School;
61
Rec eiv ing
Na mes —
Disc e rning
with Us
This Parish Profile reflects who we are, what we
There are a few simple steps for submitting
seek in a rector, the hope we want to share, and
names as required by the Search Committee in
the beginning of a vision we want to develop
concert with the Diocese of Dallas:
together with our next rector.
• Names will be received from February 1
If you believe you may be
• Please submit all information electronically.
until March 12, 2014.
• Please send:
called to prayerfully discern
1) your updated OTM Clergy Portfolio
with us through written
2) your resume, and
(with your responses to all 12 questions,
3) a cover letter addressing why you are
responses and interviews,
interested in this parish, and why you
we invite you to join us in this
believe you are a good fit for our
profile to both: Robin Caldwell,
holy process.
Search Committee Chair, at
[email protected]
If you know someone you believe might be a
AND The Right Reverend Paul Lambert
at [email protected]
good fit, according to the information in this
profile, please share this with the prospective
candidate so he/she might consider applying
Please contact Robin Caldwell, Search Committee
Chair, at [email protected] if you
for the position of rector.
have any questions about submitting names.
63
14115 Hillcrest Rd
Dallas, Texas 75254-8622
www.transfiguration.net
Office 972-233-1898
Fax 972-233-7095