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Adult Programs

We are fortunate to have within our community many individuals who are highly skilled in literature, theology, the sciences, and the practical application of faith to daily living.  We honor and utilize those skills in our various programs and ministries.

We invite you to come take advantage of the blessings we enjoy in our community. We feel certain you will find Transfiguration a great place to grow in faith, spiritual depth, and the practice of the Way of Jesus.

You will find listed here educational and service opportunities within our parish that we would love to share with you.

Formation Classes

You may have known these as Sunday School, religious instruction, or Church School.  We tend to refer to these educational opportunities as "formation" classes because it is through study and investigation that our spiritual life is shaped and formed.  Here are the formation classes that will be or are now being offered. Click each image for more details.

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Sunday Adult Classes
 Beginning September 13

  • The Prophets Still Speak
    Dr. Roy Heller, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Old Testament at Perkins School of Theology, leads an eight-session survey of the Hebrew prophets. Learn why they these ancient messengers are still profoundly relevant and captivating.
  • Magnifica Humanitas
    Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas addresses one of the most pressing questions of our times: what does it mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? Fr. Casey, Fr. Michael Merriman, Dr. Mark Stamm, and Joseph Palacios lead a seminar exploring the ideas within this seminal Catholic teaching.
  • Special Classes for Families with Children (Figs With Kids)
    Sep 13 – Oct 4 – Raising Kids While Keeping Your Cool: Therapist, pastor, and fellow Figs with Kids parent Jared Williams leads a four-session exploration of our nervous systems, how to regulate in stressful situations, and how to lean on our community to help us stay grounded.
  • Oct 18 – Nov 15 – Peace Be with You: Escaping the Grip of Anxiety: Special guest Jodie Elder, professional counselor and clergy spouse, leads a five-part series on the ways anxiety shows up in our families, including our children. Using neuroscience and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Jodie will introduce effective strategies for cultivating more peace within ourselves and our families.
  • Nov 29 – Dec 20 – Liturgy of the Ordinary: Based on the book by Tish Warren-Harrison, this class will explore how to grow our awareness of God's presence in overlooked moments and routines of our day. This is theology at its most practical – making the bed, brushing our teeth, losing our keys – to help us look for God in the ordinary stuff of life.

Wednesday Evening Classes
Beginning September 9 at 6:30pm

  • The Way 
    An 18 session class for those new to the Episcopal Church and Transfiguration with Al Blackwell and Fr. Casey. Following the 6:00pm Holy Eucharist there is a shared meal, prayer, and bible study. Noted guest presenters explore topics such as Anglican Worship, Salvation, Faith & Doubt, Sacraments, and personal spiritual discipline. A perfect preparation for adults discerning Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception. There's small sign-up fee to cover books and materials. Sign-up coming soon!
New Participant Sign-Up

August 16 @ 4:00 pm

The Way

September 9 @ 6:30 pm

Raising Kids While Keeping Your Cool

September 13 @ 10:15 am

Magnifica Humanitas

September 13 @ 10:15 am

The Prophets Still Speak

September 13 @ 10:15 am

Peace Be with You: Escaping the Grip of Anxiety

October 18 @ 10:15 am

Liturgy of the Ordinary

November 29 @ 10:15 am

Recording of our most recent Adult Formation class is here to view:

View our previous classes

Fellowship Ministries

Jesus promised that where two are three are gathered in his name he will be with them.  Transfiguration is well known for it warm community where we feel certain you can find a place to flourish, make new friends, and become part of the beloved community of Christ.

Tuesday Afternoon Book Study – Spiritually focused book study that meets weekly ONLINE. Open to anyone who enjoys lively and meaningful conversations.

Women's Thursday Evening Book Group – We strive to create and maintain a fellowship of participants with a wide range of life's experiences and perspectives to learn and grow through literature. We seek to be faithful stewards of God's wonders as we explore ideas and themes through fiction and non-fiction.

Nurturing Faith Through Fiction – Our group gathers on the fourth Thursday of each month. We come together in the Parlor to chat about an interesting piece of fiction, be it a novel or a film. Our aim is to deepen our knowledge of the Christian faith and grow in our devotion to the Lord. We would love for you to join us!

The Episcopal Men's Fellowship (EMF) unites all men of the parish, age 18 and older, in service, fellowship, and faith. Guided by the Fig's mission to "Seek and serve Christ in all persons," EMF supports parish ministries and community organizations through grants funded by its annual Fish Fry and Silent Auction. Governed by a board of directors, EMF fosters connection through program dinners with fine food and engaging speakers, as well as shared experiences such as baseball games, fishing trips, and golf tournaments. Together, we grow in friendship, deepen our faith, and serve others in Christ's name.

Come and be a part of our fellowship group for parents and guardians of infants to big kids. You can enjoy group lunches, family outings, pool parties, movie nights, and various other activities. This is an excellent chance to meet other parents, build new friendships, and learn important parenting skills with care and empathy.

The Foyer Dinner Group Ministry provides a setting where Transfiguration members and returning guests get to know one another better through having meals together. This helps participants develop a sense of belonging and make friends in a small more intimate setting. Every February and August a large number of participants gather to be sorted into groups of 6 to 10 to host dinners to share in food, fun, and fellowship. Groups are assigned randomly and Foyer is one of the most popular ministries at The Fig!

The mission of Open Door is to seek and serve Christ in all persons by embracing the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and their friends through opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service.

A fellowship community of those who find themselves in the Second Half of life. We gather monthly to share lunch and foster connections with one another.

St. Elizabeth's Guild organizes monthly potluck dinners to help build relationships within the parish. At each dinner, we showcase a church ministry to share the wide range of service opportunities available at Transfiguration.

SINGLE Women Living Alone Network is a group of women who seek to minister to each other as Christ ministers to all. We meet for conversation, spiritual development and support on the third Saturday of every month at 4 pm from September through May.

Our aim is to engage meaningfully and spiritually with fellow young adults (and young at heart!) through various activities such as shared meals, coffee gatherings, outings, guest speakers, and discussions on relevant topics. We will on occasion plan outings with other Young Adult groups from neighboring churches. The primary objectives are to deepen our faith, foster new friendships, and engage in personal growth through self-discovery.

Liturgical Ministries

Liturgy is defined as the "work of the people" in worship. We offer many opportunities for you to participate in worship beyond sitting in the pews. We invite you to explore and see if any of these ministries beckon to you.

Acolytes assist Clergy in celebrating the Eucharist and occasional special services such as Evensong, Funerals, Holy Week, and Christmas. Acolyte duties include carrying the crucifix and torches for processions, receiving the offerings, ringing the sanctus bell, opening and closing the sanctuary gate, and other duties as may be requested by Clergy. Serving as an acolytes is a great first step in advancing to other opportunities of service at the altar.

The dedicated community of disciples who form the Altar Guild, under the guidance of the Rector, prepare the altar and church for every worship service, including special feast days, weddings, baptisms, funerals, Taizé services, and more. These devoted men and women care for and honor all sacred items: Eucharistic vessels, candles, linens, and vestments among others. In these devoted acts of worship, we prepare the altar before each service and clean up after; we set and clear Our Lord's Table where Jesus welcomes all. Altar Guild is made up of four teams of 6-8 people each. Each team serves once a month: Saturday 9:00am-10:30am – housekeeping day (dusting, polishing silver, vacuuming and general cleaning of Altar space). Additionally you would help set up/serve at one of the following services: Saturday 5:30pm or Sunday: 9:00am or Sunday: 11:15 am or Wednesday: 6:00pm or Thursday : Noon

Transfiguration is extremely fortunate to have a team of skilled sound and video technicians who share their love of God's worship by ensuring that all can hear and participate in our services.  Sound technicians help those leading services with their microphones and insure sound levels are appropriate both in the church as well as for those who join us online.

Our livestream technicians, bring their creative skills to producing our live-streamed services by managing camera controls, choosing shot compositions, and directing the text overlays on screen.

We are happy to train volunteers for both roles and invite you to join us.

It was St. Augustine who once said, "The person who sings prays twice." At Transfiguration, all of our music, from singing voices to the sound of the Opus 17 organ to Transfigured Nights concerts, helps draw our hearts and minds closer to God. Our choir of adults of all ages provides music for the two principal Sunday services, as well as for Holy Day liturgies. It is a regular participant of our Transfigured Nights Series, singing Choral Evensong services as well as special services and concerts in the course of the year. The choir normally divides into two to sing at either the 9:00 or 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday. Because of the challenging repertoire we undertake, it is very important, in addition to having a good voice for choral singing, to be able to read music and have previous musical experience. An informal audition is required in order to place choristers in sections and to give advice for work on individual vocal issues.

In addition to vocal roles, we also have a handbell choir that also enhances our worship.

Please contact the Director of Music to participate using the Contant our Adult Ministries button.

The Emcee's role is to guide non-clergy members of the altar party, coordinating their actions with the clergy to create a reverent and beautiful worship experience. This allows all members of the altar party and assisting volunteers to carry out their responsibilities confidently and unitedly, without distractions that could detract from the congregation's experience. The Emcee collaborates with various individuals such as the altar guild, acolytes, lectors, sound technicians, Eucharistic Ministers, and clergy to ensure all positions are filled and volunteers understand their duties, including any special aspects of the service. They also anticipate and provide logistical support for any developments during the service, assisting the Celebrant as needed. The Emcee possesses extensive experience in different roles within altar ministries, including Eucharistic Ministers and acolytes. Participation in this ministry is by invitation from the Rector.

Eucharistic Ministers actively participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by administering the Chalice to those receiving communion.  Eucharistic Ministers  are scheduled to assist at our regular services on Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They also assist during special services throughout the liturgical year.

Our talented volunteers lovingly craft beautiful floral displays for the Altar and gathering spaces every week. The Flower Guild is also dedicated to creating stunning arrangements for special occasions like Funerals, Weddings, and Holy Feast days. Additionally, we are happy to accommodate other floral requests, such as for funerals, which may arise occasionally during the week. To ensure everyone can participate, we divide our group into teams so that each person can create their own arrangements each week. Throughout the year, we delight in creating fresh designs for Sunday services, funerals, weddings, and our special Transfigured Nights events.

The Greeters Ministry exists to extend a warm welcome and create a positive first impression for all who enter our parish. As the first point of contact, greeters embody the spirit of hospitality by offering a friendly presence, opening doors, guiding guests, answering questions, and helping newcomers feel seen and connected. By doing so, greeters play a vital role in fostering parish engagement and enhancing each person's experience. Greeters serve 30 minutes before and 20 minutes after each service to ensure every guest feels valued and informed.

Lectors, or readers, prayerfully and faithfully proclaim the sacred scriptures and lead the prayers of the people during worship, enabling the congregation to hear the Word of God clearly and thoughtfully so they may deepen their understanding of God's presence and activity in the world.

The thurifer is responsible for preparing the incense thurible, which includes lighting the charcoal and adding incense. During the service, they may process with the thurible, swinging it to release the fragrant smoke, and present it to the priest or deacon for censing specific elements.

The purpose of the usher ministry is to provide a welcoming presence and assisting at worship services of the parish. Typical usher tasks include opening doors, distributing programs, helping mobility impaired parishioners, helping to guide visitors to seats, collecting the offering, guiding worshipers during communion, reuniting children with parents, etc. Ushers also help maintain order and safety in the church, such as keeping walkways clear and accessible. Ushers should be prepared to help manage emergency or security situations as they may arise, including medical, weather, fire, or intruder situations.

Music Ministries

We have a variety of widely recognized music ministries including choirs for various ages, a handbell choir, and instrumentalist opportunities.

Outreach Ministries

We seek to identify and respond to the needs of our community in response to our Lord's directive that we love our neighbors. We encourage parish members and organizations to build compassionate connections that serve our partner non-profit organizations through food assistance programs, volunteer services, collection drives, and other charitable opportunities. We fund-raise and give grants yearly to non-profit organizations who align with the church's mission to seek and serve others, including those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and poverty.  Through these ministries we carry Christ's love out into the wider world and are featured in their own section of this site.

Pastoral Ministries

The church teaches us that, though our baptism, we all become ministers of the Gospel and exercise a royal priesthood. Our Pastoral Ministries provide ways for member of our congregation to exercise their priesthood in providing care, prayer, and support to others.

Eucharistic Visitors are charged with bringing the Holy Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood to those in the parish who cannot attend church regularly.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry's mission is to create shawls, either crocheted or knitted, for gifting to parishioners, family, friends and loved ones in Dallas or around this nation and the world to anyone who needs a little extra love and prayers. All shawls are blessed and lovingly distributed to parishioners in hospitals or at home, through prayer shawl members, clergy, parishioners, and Eucharistic members. Ministry members meet monthly, on the first Monday, either in person at the Fig or on zoom. The ministry welcomes both men and women. Ministry members help and teach new members, whether beginning or experienced, and enjoy fellowship through the creation of shawls, lap robes, baby blankets, booties and sweaters, hats, and all things made from yarn!"

Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV). Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide confidential high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties. Read more about Stephen Ministry at stephenministries.org.

Prayer Ministries

Prayer is central to our live at Transfiguration. There are many ways individuals can cultivate and share in the prayer life of the church.

Our Centering Prayer ministry offers it members training and practice in meditative prayer traditions both ancient and contemporary. The group meets in person for group prayer.

Lead and facilitate the congregation in the daily practice of morning prayer and compline, fostering a communal rhythm of prayer, scripture reading, and a deeper connection with God and each other. Morning Prayer is offered Monday–Friday at 8 a.m., and Compline is offered Monday–Thursday at 9 p.m.

The Labyrinth Ministry supports and encourages the use of the esteemed Transfiguration Labyrinth (located outside the entrance to the nave) as a meditative and contemplative tool. Members of the ministry: *Arrange reverent gatherings and informative programs centered on this interactive work of art, such as the annual World Labyrinth Day Walk for Peace in May. *Give groups and individuals an introductory presentation on the history and use of the labyrinth *Facilitate labyrinth walks for new or experienced labyrinth walkers *Help groups plan an event using the labyrinth *Help publicize church events using the labyrinth (e.g., Lent and Advent Taize) via the labyrinth community mailing list

The purpose of the Prayer Chain is to be a community of prayerful support for our members and their family and friends, by offering confidential intercessory prayer and fostering spiritual growth of our prayer chain members.

Individuals both within our congregation and outside of our worshiping community submit prayer requests through a variety of ways which the members of this ministry hold in prayer daily.

Service Ministries

We offer many opportunities for you to build strong relationship with members of our church through providing needed help and service to others within our community.

The Daughters of the King is an order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal church. Our tradition has members who undertake a Rule of Life incorporating a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service. DOK regularly take part in worship and work of their church, as well as a personal program of evangelism. We are the Mary and Martha Chapter and meet monthly. DOK is part of a national chapter.

FigTech teaches parishoners to optimally utilize the church's technological resources to improve the communcation and organization among ministry groups. We seek to align online and on premise tools with the goals of church ministries.

Volunteers prepare a simple reception for the bereaved family and friends. (20-200 people) Time is 1 hour prior to the service and 1 hour after. Typical time commitment is 3.5 hours for the event. Clergy will contact leader when details are finalized.

The Gardening Ministry's mission is to create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces across our Fig campus. We strive to be faithful stewards of God's creation through thoughtful plant selection and ongoing care that enhances the landscape, supports native wildlife with food and shelter, and provides a space for community connection and spiritual growth.

Our Hospitality team is here to show Christian love in action and bring our community together. We want everyone, whether longtime members or first-time visitors, to feel truly welcomed and cherished. By serving refreshments and meals at various church events throughout the year, we aim to share God's love through our acts of kindness. Join us in spreading warmth and joy to all who walk through our doors!

The MacMaster library, situated adjacent to the gathering space, functions as a lending library aimed at facilitating the spiritual development and educational needs of church members. It acts as a central point for academic pursuits and contemplation concerning Christian beliefs and rituals, furnishing materials for personal use, small group activities, and the wider congregation. Within the libraries, a diverse array of resources are available, ranging from Bibles, commentaries, theological literature, Christian lifestyle guides, biographies, to materials catering to children and adolescents.

The purpose of St Hilda's is to provide the community with a place to donate gently worn clothing and to offer budget-minded customers a source of reasonably priced, good quality apparel; offer parishioners and the community a place to buy religious books, cards, and other items; to give members an opportunity for service and fellowship; and to provide financial assistance through written grant requests…with preference going to women, children, youth, and family ministries.

The Kay Andrews Bookstore and Gift Shop, located in the hallway near the Memorial Garden and the Children's wing offer a selection of gifts and books for purchase. Hours are 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm.

The Clothes Horse provides gently worn clothing to those seeking clothing at a budget price.  The Clothes Horse is one of the longest term ministries of our Church. The Clothes Horse is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am t0 2:00pm and is located at the front of the Youth Center.

The Wedding Guild is a group of volunteers within the church who assist couples planning and executing their wedding ceremony. They provide support with logistical details, liturgical aspects, and overall coordination to ensure a smooth and meaningful wedding day.