Forty Years at Transfiguration
We Payseurs discovered and joined Transfiguration when we moved to Dallas in the spring of 1977. For 40 years, we have been active members, establishing a loving and deeply cherished history with this parish.
Our story unfolds under the ministries of three clergymen: Fathers Terrance Roper, J. D. Godwin, and Michael Merriman. Each has played a significant role in our lives. Father Roper baptized our children. Father Godwin married our son and daughter-in-law. Father Merriman baptized our grandchildren.
What a constant source of comfort, love and spiritual direction they have provided us, and how fortunate we are now to have Father Casey Shobe and Mother Erin Jean Warde leading us in the next cycle of our church life.
During our 40 years at Transfiguration, we have actively participated in the many ministries, activities, and programs offered here. Stephon was an early board member of the Parish Episcopal Day School. He served for many years as an emcee. I am a former member of the altar guild. (I consider membership in altar guild as one of the most rewarding and discipline-inspiring experiences ever). I have served as a Stephen Minister, learning and practicing quiet and compassion listening skills. As a current member of the Flower Guild, I delight in helping to create the magnificent floral arrangements that are abundant throughout the church. I also serve on the Outreach Committee. My special task on that committee is heading up the Turkey Drive for Voice of Hope, a Christian-based, West Dallas non-profit organization, with which our church has a long relationship. During the holidays, you can find me in the lobby soliciting frozen turkeys for the clients of Voice of Hope. Stephon and I are so grateful that we decided to stick around and here we are…40 years later. Transfiguration has been the perfect fit for us. We have a church home that we love dearly. We embrace its missions of inclusivity, diversity, and outreach. We love the music. The sermons are uplifting and comforting, yet filled with the constant theme that we must share our blessings with others.
We have benefited from the many Christian educational opportunities, Sunday School, workshops, and lectures. We have enjoyed the social events like the Merrimans Night-at-the Movies, foyer groups, and the annual EMF Fish Fry. We regularly attend Nurturing Faith Through Fiction, a ministry dedicated to exploring and discussing the grace of God in film and literature.
We Payseurs have experienced God’s love at Transfiguration in so many ways. God preaches that we love others as he has loved us. One way of “loving” others and helping our church to flourish is to contribute financially to its operations and missions. For 40 years, we Payseurs have pledged and will continue to do so. We hope our story will encourage others to also give.