MARIETTA--Father Pat Bishop, pastor of Transfiguration Church, presented annual parish awards for Christian service at a Blue and Silver Ball Sept. 26 celebrating the 21st parish anniversary.

The Pastor’s Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to strengthening the parish community, was given to Rod Voss, director of liturgy and finance at Transfiguration. Voss recently completed a second CD recording with the parish choir entitled “transfiguration!” featuring contemporary and traditional Christian music and last year made “Christmas at Transfiguration,” which sold over 4,000 CDs and cassettes locally and on the Internet.

“Rod’s talented leadership and unlimited, selfless dedication has helped build this parish through song and music worthy of our most perfect prayer, the Eucharist,” Father Bishop said.

The Christian Living Award, recognizing those in the parish who exemplify Christ’s selfless gift of love to all, was given to parishioners Bill and Regina Cook for their work with the poor and devotion to the parish. In an unsung way, the Cooks do much needed work, such as helping to stuff 2,000 weekly parish bulletins with inserts, sending out bulk mailings and welcoming newcomers. This year they spoke to the parish on “time and talent” for the archdiocesan stewardship program. Bill Cook is also active with the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Father Bishop also presented the “Lumen Gentium” (“Light of Christ”) Award, honoring a parishioner who carries Christ’s spirit of love and gentleness into the world, to Darragh Browning for coordinating the successful parish Giving Tree Program.

Browning has worked for 11 years with the Christmas program, making ornaments for a giving tree in the early years and now having typists create the over 2,500 ornament labels needed. She and her family cut down the bare tree and organize the distribution of gifts to the elderly, the sick, children and others in need who would otherwise be overlooked at this season.

Parishioners at the semiformal event danced to the swing band “Sentimental Journey” and shared memories of Transfiguration’s 21-year history.