Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Dallas

Lent 3 - Humility, Manure, and the Fruits of Repentance

In this sermon, Father Ted explores the parable of the barren fig tree through the lens of St. Augustine’s interpretation. He emphasizes God’s mercy, the importance of bearing spiritual fruits, and the necessity of humility—symbolized by manure—in personal and communal growth. Using humor, personal anecdotes, and theological insights, Father Ted calls for self-reflection, urging listeners to embrace humility as the key to repentance and transformation.
Sermon preached by The Rev. Ted Clarkson on The Third Sunday in Lent.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Lent 2 - Doing the Next Right Thing

Paul’s letter to the Philippians illustrates how joy and courage can coexist with hardship. Father Casey reflects on Paul’s courage, James Harrison’s selfless blood donations despite fear, and Jesus’s unwavering commitment to his mission. He emphasizes that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act despite it. Whether facing imprisonment, physical fear, societal panic, or mortal threats, true strength lies in choosing to do the next right thing.
Sermon preached by The Rev. Casey Shobe on The Second Sunday in Lent.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Lent 1 - Forty Whole Days?!

As we begin Lent, Mtr. Rebecca reflects on how difficult it can be to observe a Holy Lent, because we are accustomed to our creature comforts. Each of us has an empty place inside our souls that belongs to God alone. Lent is a season in which we stop trying to fill this emptiness with material things long enough to allow God to move in and take up residence.
Sermon preached by The Rev. Rebecca Tankersley on The First Sunday in Lent.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Last Epiphany Evensong - The Sacred Beauty of People in Holy Spaces

Bishop Smith reflects on praying in historic holy sites and explores the significance of sacred spaces, particularly the newly renovated church we just dedicated to God’s Glory. He draws a parallel between a computer without an operating system and a church without its people, concluding that the true beauty of a sacred place is found in its worshippers, who, through their devotion and prayers, sanctify it..
Sermon preached by The Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith on The Last Sunday after the Epiphany at the office of Solemn Evensong.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Dedication of the Church - Transfigured People

Father Casey's sermon marks the Dedication and Consecration of Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, celebrating the culmination of nine months of renovation. He reflects on the history, gratitude, and transformation of the church, both physically and spiritually. He emphasizes that Christianity is not merely about salvation but about an ongoing process of transformation into Christ’s likeness. He says that in a world filled with Christians, we should seek to become more Christlike by embracing love, mercy, and selflessness in order to radiate the glory of God in our lives. 
Sermon preached by The Rev. Casey Shobe on The Last Sunday after the Epiphany and Dedication and Consecration of the Church following renovation.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Epiphany 7 - From the Plains to the Kingdom of Heaven

The Rev. JoNell Lindh reflects on the Sermon on the Plain, exploring its historical context, cultural implications, and spiritual teachings. She connects the message of love, generosity, and forgiveness with contemporary challenges, urging listeners to embody Christ's compassion. The speaker emphasizes choosing God's way of life, loving others as oneself, and manifesting the kingdom of heaven through generous, heartfelt actions. 
Sermon preached by The Rev. JoNell Lindh on The Seventh Sunday After Epiphany.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Epiphany 6 - The Radical Relevance of Jesus' Beatitudes

In this sermon, Father Casey explores the radical context of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the Beatitudes as a revolutionary declaration rather than abstract wisdom. He highlights Jesus’ power as a force for healing, contrasting it with modern misuses of Christian influence. The message calls for a return to Jesus' true vision—compassion over control, service over dominance pointing out that “The only true Christian power is power used to help and heal, never to control and command.”
Sermon preached by The Rev. Casey Shobe on The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Epiphany 5 - Doom Scrolling and the Kingdom of God

Mother Rebecca explores the emotional toll of consuming "the news", drawing parallels between modern struggles and biblical figures who felt overwhelmed and unworthy. Despite feelings of frustration and insignificance, the message emphasizes that God can use these struggles for good. Through engagement and service to others, individuals can channel their concerns into meaningful action within their communities. 
Sermon preached by The Rev. Rebecca Tankersley on The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

The Presentation - Anna’s Faith: Choosing Redemption Over Revenge

On this the commemoration of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, Father Casey explores Luke’s careful historical writing, focusing on Anna’s story. Despite immense loss, she kept her heart open, recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah. Her example teaches us the importance of seeking redemption over revenge, especially in a world filled with bitterness and anger. Reminding us that "if we want more heaven and far less of this hell, if we wanna see the Savior in our midst, we have a prophet to follow."
Sermon preached by The Rev. Casey Shobe on The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.

Epiphany 3 - Mercy, Pardon, and Christian Leadership

Father Ted’s sermon reflects on historical pardons, the role of mercy in the Gospel, and how Christian leadership must embody truth and justice. It critiques modern political pardons, reflects on a Bishop's role in Episcopal leadership, and emphasizes every Christian's responsibility to advocate for mercy and peace, following Jesus' example of liberation.
Sermon preached by The Rev. Ted Clarkson on The Third Sunday after Epiphany.  We invite you to view the full service HERE.  Learn more about our community by visiting www.transfiguration.net.