Once upon a time…

My story at Transfiguration started over 40 years ago when I first visited Transfiguration after moving to Dallas. The minister, The Rev. Terrance Roper, was also new and celebrating his first Sunday at the church. He still attends and so do I!

That Sunday the people showed me that God was very alive in their congregation and I knew that this was for me. That feeling is still here. My connection with God is Transfiguration.

My biggest connection with the church over the years has been my affiliation with our resale shop – The Clothes Horse – in operation for over 50 years. If you have never visited, you must stop by! It is truly a “bustle” of women who work daily, weekly, and yearly. They show God’s glory by joyfully giving their time and making it possible to share this congregation’s abundance with others who are not as fortunate. This all-volunteer staff is comprised of parishioner who serve with their time, talent and love for others. Recently, the Clothes Horse joined forces with our monthly Food Distribution Ministry. On food pick-up night, we open the shop and allow each member of the families receiving food to also shop and pick out three clothing items per person at no cost. When there is a need for help feeding your family, there is also like a need for help to clothe them.

Truly, God is at work in this ministry, which is evident in the smiles and hugs given by the recipients. Monies to continue such programs as these are important to the life of Transfiguration. This ministry is constantly in need of more volunteers and requires only four hours, once a month – such little time.

The last part of my story must be to tell of the strength I’ve received from a church like ours. My personal story over the years contain two funerals held here – one of my son and the second of my husband. The support, love and comfort this parish gave to me when death took my loved ones and I needed it most cannot be adequately described. God’s love truly lives here and is given freely to all. When you are part of God’s family, that type of love is what faith is really about.

The “lives happily ever after” ending to my story happened here, too. Through being a part of this church, I was given new life with another longtime member of this parish, Paul Welch. We both know for certain that God had hand in our story. We were again blessed by his love in the sacrament of marriage about four years ago. In 2015 when we went to the altar for the monthly anniversary blessing to celebrate one year together, the congregation stood up and applauded. Now that is showing love!

I was asked to tell how Transfiguration connects me with God. I think my answer is very obvious. We all share in our obligation to help support this church family. Young families or new members don’t have the same experiences that I have had over the last 40 years, but I strongly believe that each person needs to give what they can. I can tell you that when you give your blessings will be multiplied beyond your understanding. I think that is called faith in God.

-Luann Welch