Cornerstone August 2015

CORNERSTONE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | AUGUST 2015

God has the power to love you forever! Pictured here are mascots (our very own teens!) from VBS 2015, which was a wonderful week of learning about the Bible, making new friends, singing fun songs and praising God.

ABOUT CORNERS CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS SENIOR PASTOR THOMAS DANIEL

Cornerstone is the bimonthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Cornerstone provides in-depth articles on the events that take place on and off campus, and the people who make them happen.

CLERK OF SESSION CLARK WEATHERBY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DUANE DUBE EDITOR STEPHANIE SCHULTZ DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Content includes the pastor’s letter, Session news, member and staff spotlights, and a calendar of upcoming events. Find more information on the events online and in Covenant Matters.

Download the paper version of Cornerstone online at covenant.org/cornerstone. We will update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at covenant.org/blog.

HILARY PITTMAN

We need you!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL BANKS, JIM BAYLESS, KAREN MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY KAY AUSTIN, CHERYL BANKS, KATELYN ERICKSON, MEAGAN LITTLE, HILARY PITTMAN, STEPHANIE SCHULTZ, AMY SKAGGS COVER PHOTO MEAGAN LITTLE SPECIAL THANKS TO PAUL MOWRY, BRIAN SPARKS

ii

To make Cornerstone better, we need your help!

The content will be more interesting and more fun with more writers. If you have something you want to write about or want us to write, let us know. While we can’t promise that every submitted article will appear in the printed version of Cornerstone, we will publish all appropriate stories on the blog. We also need photos of events.

If you have suggestions for Cornerstone, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.

STONE 2

PASTOR LETTER

11

Sharing hard decisions in community 3

(G)ROW TOGETHER

Teaching God’s Word to kids in Zambia 12

The story of Jon’s call to Covenant 4

AMAZING RESPONSE!

13

A NEW ATTITUDE

15

PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION

TOP-NOTCH EXPERIENCE

CLERK’S CORNER

Recharged Session is ready for fall 16

Following God to use the church’s money 8

RETIREMENT PLANS

Covenant Foundation offers financial tips

Stewardship is doing the work of Christ 6

A VISION FOR SENIORS

Older adults enjoy diverse programs

June drives show extravagant generosity 5

EXPAND THE KINGDOM

FINANCE REPORT

For the period ended July 31, 2015 16

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Reaching out to visitors and new members 9

A BLESSED JOURNEY

Middle school students grow in their faith

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

PASTOR LETTER One of the joys of summer is the chance to travel and visit with friends and family. This summer, the Daniels welcomed some of our closest friends to Austin for a short visit. The Taylor family was part of our small group when we were living in Atlanta.

The five Taylors — Doug, Jean, Maggie (18), Fiona (15), and Logan (13) — came through Austin as they drove toward the Pacific Northwest and a new job with World Vision.

It was fun to spend time together, to hear about an exciting new season for them and to share our life in Austin. What made it extra special was the knowledge that we probably would not be at Covenant if not for the Taylors. When the conversation with the Covenant search committee was developing, Beth and I knew a critical part of our discernment was to be doing it in community. As such, we shared the news with our small group and asked for their insights and prayers. The Taylors, members of our church in Atlanta, were very clear that they hoped

we would not leave. Yet, they also faithfully prayed with us and asked for God’s will to be made clear.

To make a long story short, after several months of prayer and discussion, Beth and I felt very conflicted about what God wanted us to do. We loved our life in Atlanta, but also felt drawn to Covenant. Finally one night Doug and Jean sat us down, and with tears in their eyes, told us that they sensed God was calling us to move to Austin. They were clear this made them very sad personally, as well as for our congregation in Atlanta, but they believed moving was the faithful step for our family. We ended the conversation with prayer. That was a significant turning point in our journey to Covenant and Austin.

Covenant is journeying as well and as we welcome Jon Wasson to direct our discipleship programs, it is critical that we all ask ourselves: Who are the people we are sharing the journey with? Who are the people that can stand and pray with us in the small and large questions of life?

Hearing from God can’t often happen without the input of others. Finding true community is critical.

Throughout the coming year, there will be opportunities for you to step into the adventure of sharing the journey with others here at Covenant. I hope each of you will respond.

JOYFULLY,

THOMAS DANIEL SENIOR PASTOR

2

(G)ROW TOGETHER Jon Wasson started at Covenant in July as director of discipleship. His decision to come here was clear. “My wife, Abby, and I sensed this was a community that was desiring to follow Christ into new frontiers of ministry.

“Covenant is a broad and diverse community and a community of many stories,” Jon said, explaining “there’s always the tendency to think of people and communities as a single story. What I’ve loved about my first month is finding all the stories—not only of Covenant but also of the individuals that I’ve met.”

Jon said he was skeptical that such a diverse community could find unity during what he called a pretty polarizing time in society and the church. “It’s rare to find people who can talk about the things that divide them and still agree to be in community,” Jon said, pointing to the Service of Reconciliation that Covenant had two years ago as a great example.

“It is the peace of Christ that binds us together even when, especially when, we can name the things that might drive us apart.”

Jon said he’s been impressed by how the people who are not on

staff — the lay people — really seem to thrive at Covenant. He also felt taken care of by the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Jon their communities are helping felt passionate and well-trained with spiritual formation. Part of for the skills and experience removing the anxiety, he said, is required by Covenant’s disciplehelping people see how they are ship director/pastor position. “I’m already answering that question. really interested in formation and ethics, and it seemed like the role “I want to excite the congregation, would be perfect for me.” to find ways to talk about Christ’s beauty. If we can grasp that, it Jon, referring to Thomas Daniel’s would relieve a lot of burdens metaphor of Covenant as a big and anxiety. Christ is the one ship with many oars going in building the Kingdom, we are not. different directions, said he has We just get to point to it, pay been tasked with finding a way attention to it and name it when for us all to row together. we see it.”

Part of that, he said, will be the congregation’s ability to answer, without anxiety and hesitation, with whom are you going through life? Jon sees his job as removing some of the anxiety about what we mean when we talk about our Christian community. He’ll be asking people to consider questions about how

Fall Plans During the fall, the pastors’ Wednesday-night series will focus on authentic community.

“This will prime our community about what we mean when we talk about small groups, what counts as Christian discipleship.

3

It’s part of paying attention to the way we are being Christians in the world that we usually overlook. Listening, praying and forgiving are incredible moments of Christian transformation that we need to pay attention to.”

Jon added that Covenant won’t immediately start forming new

small groups. Along with the pastoral team and lay leaders, he is planning to launch some “form of a small group community network” during Lent.

Jon will be ordained later this fall and then his title will change, but his job description will remain the same.

He and his Abby, and their son, Thomas, are excited about living in Austin. “It’s an amazing city, full of life with lots of public space we can occupy together with the people of Austin. And all of our favorite musicians play here!”

AMAZING RESPONSE! In the spirit of June generosity, members were “I think we’ve got around 1,400 members so that asked to support two related supply drives that represents about one pound of food for every ran simultaneously from May 31 through June 28. member of Covenant. Wow!” said Thais Kilday, The drives benefited the Capital Area Food Bank of who was the Session liaison on the project.

Texas (CAFB) and Manos de Cristo’s Back-to-School (BTS) project. Covenant members gave generously, “We learn the value of extravagant generosity as we greatly exceeding goals for both projects. help those around us who are less fortunate,” Karen Maxwell, Mission Committee member said. “Our Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) perspective changes to realize the impact of how this applies to all areas of our lives and our gifts.”

Today, the percentage of Central Texans who are hungry, or at risk of hunger, is growing at nearly double the growth rate of the overall population.

CAFB serves more than 46,000 people each week.

Armed with this information and prompted by Mayor Steve Adler’s call to meet the urgent need of feeding the poor right here in Austin, Covenant’s Mission and Stewardship committees co-sponsored the food drive that ran throughout June.

Members responded with overwhelming compassion and generosity, donating 1,444 pounds of food and $550 in cash, checks and HEB gift cards. This amount was five times our initial goal!

4

Manos de Cristo Back-to-School Project Covenant collected $7,300 for Manos de Cristo’s Back-to-School project. That figure doesn’t include those who gave directly through Manos’ Hearts for Hope personal giving plan. Covenant’s Deborah Circle also gave to Manos’ BTS project, donating part of their mission pledge offering.

The donations helped to fund the BTS event, which ran July 20–24 at Allan Elementary School.

Volunteers welcomed more than 400 children per day.

were tired, hot and a little flush, they also left with content smiles on their faces as they shepherded their children out to the parking lot.”

Cheryl was joined by at least 10 other Covenant members who volunteered to help with registration, children’s music, children’s arts, crafts and activities, helping the kids to pick out clothes and backpacks, and also restocking supplies and cleaning up/tearing down boxes.

SUBMITTED BY KAREN MAXWELL AND CHERYL BANKS

Cheryl Banks said, “People were lining up to wait outside as early as 3 a.m.! We saw families from Hutto, Taylor, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Austin, Manor, Elgin, Del Valle and on into Hays County. The clients were very grateful and appreciative, wishing blessings back onto the volunteers.

The children were adorable walking out wearing huge smiles with backpacks that were sometimes almost as big as they were! Although the parents

A NEW ATTITUDE My name is Jim Bayless. I am a new member of the Stewardship Committee as well as a newcomer to Covenant. My wife, Liz, and I are both lifelong Presbyterians, and felt at home right away thanks to longtime Austin friends who wisely (and providentially) steered us here soon after we moved to Austin. We were also warmly welcomed by newfound friends of all generations at Covenant.

Our integration into the fold was seamless. We easily connected with everyone because we recognized the common bond: We are all striving to understand God’s will and to become better followers of Christ day by day. As for my serving on the Stewardship Committee, I was “apprehended” by the chairman, perhaps because he saw this unsuspecting rookie as a sitting duck.

I enjoy being on the committee and, as a former lawyer, I also enjoy research. As such, I’ve learned a lot about stewardship and giving. I am writing to bring you up to date on the focus of the Stewardship Committee, share some of my research and perhaps help you to think about stewardship in a fresh light.

5

deal about our You might be asking, isn’t it a values and little early to be talking about priorities. If we stewardship? The Stewardship look back on Committee, with the support of how we spent the pastoral staff, believes that our money over Covenant can more effectively the past year, understand and embrace God’s or five years, will for our mission and ministry we learn our if we hear, talk and think about true priorities. stewardship year-round.

We might be surprised.

After all, a financially healthy I suspect many of you are thinkchurch engages in mission ing that stewardship is polite Last month, a Stewardship through planned, year-round procode for money. But at some Committee member wrote about grams. And of course, ministries level, we are aware that stewsharing lessons on giving with our and other church expenses conardship is far more. First, it is an children. I found in my research tinue year-round whether or not attitude, not a church program. It that every generation responds Liz and I are at church on Sunday. is done in thankfulness because to different words. “Tithing” we recognize all we have been resonates with the Greatest Thank you for your willingness to given in our lives is God’s gift Generation, people born before think—perhaps in a fresh way — to us. The gifts we offer—our 1925. Boomers, born between about money and its fundamental time, our talent and our financial 1944 and 1964, like the word role in clarifying your priorities as resources—are holy gifts. “stewardship.” “Generosity” is a Christian. May we aspire to be popular with Busters (born 60sextravagantly generous, commit Second, stewardship is what we 80s) and Post-Moderns, most of to the mission and ministry of do after we say that we believe. It whom are under 30. Not surprisour church, and ultimately be is doing the work of Christ. How ingly, these groups also choose a part of transforming lives. we use our money says a great different vehicles for giving.

SUBMITTED BY JIM BAYLESS

PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION This summer, Covenant members and guests have been studying the word of James and have been challenged to put faith into action. The sermon series started with Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel asking for five volunteers from each worship service to give away $100. “How different would it look and 6

feel to give away $100 of Covenant’s money?” he asked the 20 volunteers.

The volunteers were excited about the assignment but did feel stress about how to spend the money.

Led by God, the 20 folks did some amazing things!

Rhonda Brink had read about the flooding at John Knox Ranch (JKR) and thought of all the Covenant kids who have experienced summer camp experiences there. “Over the years the camp had grown and improved,” she said, “and then it got hammered in the floods.”

Charlie found a pair of shoes for $85, and sent them to the organization. He then decided to send his new basketball shoes. “That part of the process is what amazed us the most,” his mother, Meredith, said. “Charlie just bought these shoes! We couldn’t believe he wanted to send them away.”

After the worship service, Rhonda and her husband, Bob, asked members of the congregation to contribute to a fund for JKR. The two quickly collected about $1,000 for the camp. “It was not stressful once we got going,” Rhonda said. “If even seemed easy. The gifts were generous and thoughtful.”

Meredith said Charlie didn’t seem to have any worries about the task. “At first I was frustrated that he wasn’t taking it seriously, but it taught me what it looks like to have faith like a child. Charlie’s example teaches me that when we follow God’s lead, we can trust that we are only to be faithful to take the steps in the journey; the results are up to Him. We send the shoes; the rest is up to God.”

Marsha LeGrand said, “It was hard not to take immediate action based on my individual frame of reference and instead listen for God’s voice in how to help.” Marsha felt moved by “boundless gratitude” for her parents, for the faith and values they demonstrated, and how that influences her as a parent. Marsha was just starting her journey as a mother-in-law and grandmother.

Led by these thoughts, Marsha purchased $100 worth of baby items for an expectant teen mom in foster care. “This process was a powerful reminder to me of my responsibility to be more mindful and prayerful about depending on His guidance on how I share all with which I have been greatly blessed.”

These are a few examples of the many stories shared. Another family sent a snow cone truck to a foster home; others donated seed money to Kiva. org to invest and reinvest; still others donated to Covenant-supported ministries and much more. See all the stories at covenant.org/100project.

A few days after the sermon, a member gave Covenant $2,000. He explained that he loved the project and its creativity, which led him to write Covenant a check to cover the cost.

Charlie Weatherby loves shoes! When he volunteered, he’d just spent his savings on basketball shoes. So it probably wasn’t a surprise when Charlie told his family he would use the $100 to buy a new pair of shoes to send to shoe4africa.org, an organization that holds races and other sporting events, promotes health and wellness, and gives out shoes that help prevent diseases like hookworm.

7

TOP-NOTCH EXPERIENCE Covenant has welcomed 68 new members to the church in the past six months. That’s a lot of new people and it falls on all the church members to help make them feel at home.

Visitors and new members have many opportunities to pick up information and directions. The welcome table is a first point of contact, where greeters say hello and offer nametags and quick directions. If visitors get lost when they hit the patio, members at the turquoise table provide more info. Finally, new signs help direct visitors. It can be confusing in the Fellowship and Education Building. Where do kids go? Do they all go to the same place?

What is Eaton Hall?

“We want to be warm and friendly, and make sure that visitors know where to go,” said Amy Skaggs, visitor and new member coordinator. “We don’t want our visitors to feel awkward on the patio because they aren’t surewhere to go. We’d also like them to feel welcome in worship.

“Some visitors do want to stay under the radar screen,” Amy said, “but we encourage them to sign welcome pads and if they 8

read the back of the bulletins, there is information about how to learn more. Stuff can be confusing if you are new to Covenant.”

Once a visitor has decided to investigate becoming a member, Covenant offers its Explore Membership class. The basic class format has been the same for many years. Class members have one-on-one time with the pastor to ask him their questions.

Covenant leaders introduce many topics, including what it means to be a Presbyterian and provide an in-depth look at Covenant’s classes, activities and mission opportunities.

“Our speed dating class may sound hokey,” Amy said, “but class members love to hop around and hear church leaders talk about our offerings. It’s an easy and fast way to learn about missions, Bible studies, children’s choirs and much more. We offer so many things that people are not aware of before the class.”

The deacons are meeting with new members to talk about their experiences joining Covenant, and are sharing that information to further enhance the new member experience.

Being a welcoming church is a goal that never ends. Amy continues to work on new ideas that will make Covenant even more inviting. She is backed by a committee that meets monthly to make suggestions and talk about what’s going on, as well as 1,400 friendly members.

Spring 2015 New Members

Don and Susie Coordt

Amy said people seem to enjoy the class. “The last two classes have been amazing! New members are joining committees and forming small groups.”

Melanie Dixon

Karen Ellis

Tom and Jessica Kimutis

Mindy and Chris Lado

Tim and Katie May

Julie Winn and Greg Neff

Tanner and Angie Shepard

Sherry Smith

Emily Vanderslice

A BLESSED JOURNEY Covenant’s 7th and 8th graders traveled to Oklahoma City for a mission trip in June that, according to eighth grader Trinity Black, “was absolutely amazing!”

Nathan Richards, Student Ministries director, also felt moved by the mealtime fellowship. “We went to breakfast at the City Rescue Mission, which provides services and meals to families living on the street, and I didn’t know what to expect. I sat at a table with Judy, who had been on the streets three months. She had owned a company that fell apart. Her health wasn’t good. She said it was ironic because she used to be the one helping.

“This was an experiential and relational trip,” said Assistant Director of Student Ministries Whitney Bell. “Twice we went to the City Rescue Mission, not to serve food but to eat with the people and hear their stories. Without hesitation, our middle school students would say, ‘I’m gonna go sit with that “But,” Nathan said, “here’s the funny thing about lady.’ We had people sharing their hearts with our Judy: The whole time we talked, she said over and students. I’d look over and see Covenant students over again how faithful God has been. ‘I used to live laying their hands on people they had just met.” in a house, but now that I’m on the streets I feel his faithfulness,’ she said. She, of all people, deserves to be negative, to talk about her struggles; instead, she 9

shared her hopefulness and faithfulness. She guided us and gave hope to all those around her.”

Incredibly, Whitney said that nine of the kids in the group of 13 gave their lives over to Jesus. “When you look all these dark things in the face—poverty and abuse and hunger—it’s like ‘oh my goodness, I need Jesus!’ I really think our kids saw the face of Christ in their experience.”

Nathan said learning about homelessness was a focus of the trip. The middle school students stayed at the Hope House Oklahoma City, a place for folks who are ready to get off the streets. Hope House provides temporary housing and basic support services in a safe and intentional environment of Christian community, assisting the homeless to become self-reliant, self-sustaining contributors to society.

Trinity said she was totally amazed at all the things the students did on the trip. “It surprised me how we really saw the situations of the people there and the number of Hope House homes that they had for

10

them. I could have never contemplated the size and manner of the situation if I hadn’t seen all the things I saw. After the trip, I could start to understand what actually happens to people to get them where they are today.”

The group initially planned to go to the Great Escape conference. When that date was changed, they went instead to Oklahoma City. Whitney explained the differences. “The conference is great and we love it, but it’s all about the students themselves. This trip was all about other people, which is so close to the heart of God.” Trinity said everything about the trip was her favorite part. “I loved spending time with the kids and learning the stories of the different people at their homes. I loved eating meals and chatting with women at the mission center. I really loved when we got to have family time at the end of the day, getting together in one of the recently renovated houses to sing our hearts out after we talked about everything that had happened that day.”

EXPAND THE KINGDOM I recently returned from Zambia where I represented Covenant Presbyterian Church as host for a teacher training conference for children’s ministry.

This three-year project—The Freeman Kids Ministry —is a partnership with Rev. Lovemore Nyirenda, a Central Church Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) minister who will launch children’s ministries in Zambia and hopefully throughout Africa.

The goal of year one was to train future trainers.

Liezl and Authur Pienaar are Zambian missionaries supported by Covenant. Liezl taught the 30-hour course on how to evangelize and disciple children.

Eighteen Zambians attended, including ministers and lay people from three denominations, three provinces and six different tribes.

Together, we wrestled with frequently asked questions: Is it possible or even wise to try to evangelize children? Developmentally, can they understand? Can they differentiate between real and make-believe? Is it possible to teach a child about sin? Repentance? Won’t children just grow up and change their minds about God? We asked many questions and had many discussions: How important is it to bathe our children in God’s love as they grow and develop? Is it easier to teach a child languages, or to read or write? If I told the most amazing and outlandish story, who would believe me first – a child or an adult? Christ pointed to a child as the role model WE should use for our faith and humble attitude as servants in the kingdom of heaven. He tells us in Proverbs 22: 6: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

We learned to teach God’s truths through Bible stories and how to apply them to our own lives, laughing as we acted out our favorites. We giggled as we chased balloons, clapped our hands, danced and sang our favorite songs.

I have been blessed to worship, study God’s Word and minister alongside my brothers and sisters in Zambia. Liezl and I chuckled, shed tears and sighed with quiet joy as we read the conference participants’ testimonies. We rejoiced at what they had learned and how they wanted to use their knowledge in children’s ministry. But what gripped both of us was the evidence that many of them deepened their own faith and understanding of God’s love. It was a very powerful week!

Here are some of the testimonies: “I learned I am the carrier of the gospel – the Word of God to other people, especially the children. I learned that I need to give my own life to God so He can save me.” ~ Wezi Nyirenda, CCAP, Lundazi “As Liezl was showing how God values a child from the Bible, I saw God reaching out to me. I became that little child. God used our teacher to help me know God’s love for me on another higher level.” ~ Marjorie Sikandila, Dynamic Ministries, Monze; works with vulnerable children “From this conference I am going back a changed and fully baked teacher.” ~ Joshua Mtonga, CCAP, Lundazi, former headmaster “What really touched me is that I realized some churches have grown-ups who are like Pharisees.

11

We go to work and church, but we are not saved. If I help the children and the Holy Spirit does His work, then we shall have a saved church in the future.” ~ Jane Ngala, CCAP elder, Livingstone I am proud of all the “students” and ask for prayers for each of them as they start children’s ministry in their own communities and as they disciple others in this ministry. We hope several Covenant members will attend next year’s conference in Lusaka. I look forward to seeing what God has planned for Covenant through this children’s ministry partnership with our brothers and sisters in Zambia.

SUBMITTED BY CHERYL BANKS

A VISION FOR SENIORS VISIONS, or Very Interested Seniors Investigating Our New Season of life, is Covenant’s group of adults age 55 and over.

The group meets at various times and places at the church, and away from the church, during the year. The events are offered with the goal to enrich the lives of Covenant’s older adults. Younger members and friends who want to join in are always welcome.

Beth Daniel is Covenant’s parish associate for Older Adult Ministries. She is excited about the new programming year. “Our committees work hard to get interesting speakers and programs in place. And our Activities Day is a lot of fun. I am so happy 12

to be part of this group’s growth and adventure.”

VISIONS events are planned by four separate volunteer committees. The following is a short description of each, as well as a contact if you would like to get involved or find out more.

VISIONS Senior Activities Day is held on the first Tuesday of the month year round. Our seniors gather at 10 a.m. for a day packed with activities: games and puzzles, a buffet lunch and a recent popular movie. Participants are invited to enjoy all the activities or come for part of the day. Activities Day is for our members and for

the older Austin community.

Contact Martha Bombaugh at mbombaugh@msn.com or (512) 345-5916.

VISIONS Armchair Travelers have adventures all over the world without leaving Austin.

This group is for members and guests who enjoy seeing new sights and fun places, and is open to all who wish to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Those who have taken trips personally narrate the presentations. The group meets the first Thursday of the month, September through May, at 7 p.m. in FE 200. For more information or to present at a meeting, contact Fred Hartmann at

fredhartmannpe@gmail.com or (512) 345-4181.

VISIONS Luncheons are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 11:45 a.m., September through May, for good food and great fellowship, and an interesting and informative program.

Spots for this event must be reserved by calling the church office at (512) 454-5231. The luncheon costs $6, paid at the door. Details regarding the programs are published in Covenant Matters. Visitors, guests and friends of all ages are always welcome. For more information, contact Sue Roberts at suebroberts@austin.rr.com or (512) 345-3141.

VISIONS Travel is an interesting outing each month from September through May. Sometimes, the group leaves Austin; other times they find things to do right here. Outings include local sites of interest— museums, nature cruises, theatrical and music venues, and churches of special architectural or religious art. The group has a full day of activities, leaving the

church in the morning, having lunch at a restaurant along the way, and returning to Covenant by late afternoon. VISIONS Travel can accommodate about 30 individuals. Spaces go fast.

Costs vary, as do the departure dates. For more information, contact Judy Gunnels at judy.gunnels@yahoo.com or (512) 458-1722.

RETIREMENT PLANS Megan Poore, a financial advisor, is a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Foundation Board.

The foundation recently launched an education campaign to help Covenant members and friends plan for their financial futures.

Once many of us get to a certain stage in life, we start thinking about retirement. Are you at that point? Perhaps you have read a few articles about it or have used

an online retirement calculator to tell you how much money you should put aside to provide a comfortable retirement income.

While it is vitally important to have this information, it has been my experience as a financial advisor for more than a decade that some very important steps in the process are often overlooked.

These questions will point you in the right direction.

13

How has “retirement” changed?

According to the U.S. Census, life expectancy increased by about eight years from the 1970s to 2010. This means someone who retired at age 65 in 1970 could statistically plan to live about another five years. Someone retiring now at age 65 is expected to live into their late 70s and possibly longer, which more than doubles the length of time they’ll be retired. Being retired for 15 years or more offers some incredibly exciting opportunities but requires careful planning.

What will you be doing? With whom will you be doing it? What will it cost?

When I ask clients who are in their 40s and 50s how they envision spending their retirement years, I am often met with blank stares. It is impossible to plan for the financial part of retirement if you have not taken time to think and discuss how you would like to spend your time.

can be. If you are married, talking to your spouse about this is vitally important. Many of us can relate to that old TV show “Green Acres.” The wife wanted to live in the city; the husband envisioned life in the country. Your circumstances may not mirror those, but it is common for spouses to have separate expectations. The sooner you start discussing them, the better.

As exciting as the idea of not setting an alarm clock Monday morning may be, retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions.

Even wonderful transitions can be unsettling—think back to the uncertainty you may have faced while moving out of your childhood home, getting married or having a baby. The more questions you can ask yourself ahead of time, the less anxiety you’ll experience when the day comes.

I can downsize, so I should be able to live on less, right?

Often, couples with children in school say their plan is to sell their house and buy a smaller home, freeing up assets to fund retirement. What these folks may not be able to picture is that their children will soon become adults with families of their own.

Once grandbabies are a possibility, moving into a smaller house that will not accommodate the entire family for the holidays may not be enticing. The old rule of thumb that you can live on 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income may not hold true.

For more information about Covenant Presbyterian Foundation, visit covenant.org/foundation, contact Duane Dube or any Trustee: Elizabeth Christian, Everard Davenport, Dianne Erlewine, Larry Faulkner, JoAnne McIntosh, Megan Poore and Tana Taylor.

Covenant Presbyterian Foundation supports Covenant Presbyterian Church by assisting donors to be Faithful to Generations, during and beyond their own lives, by receiving and growing their gifts, and using them to help fulfill the donors’ glorification of God.

The more specific your vision, the more realistic your plans

ONE GENERATION WILL COMMEND YOUR WORKS TO ANOTHER… PSALM 145:4 14

CLERK’S CORNER Happy summer! I hope you have all found a chance to get away from your usual routine and enjoy an extended Sabbath time. Around Covenant, things are operating at a relaxed summer pace, with our summer worship schedule in full swing, Session, too, slows down a bit in the summer, and we did not have a July meeting. We delayed our June meeting until the end of the month, so we were able to complete all our summer business at one mid-summer meeting. Our financial situation has improved since my last report, but we continue to be slightly behind on giving, One of our normal business items is to approve the reports of new members. We welcomed 16 new members and their families in June. Keep an eye out for the many new faces around Covenant. Be sure to welcome them when you see them.

Also in June, we were asked and agreed to host the June 2016 meeting of Mission Presbytery. This will give us the opportunity to welcome our brothers and sisters from throughout Central and South Texas to Covenant as we go about the business of the larger church.

On July 6, Jon Wasson, our new director of discipleship, joined the staff. Initially, Jon will be focused on getting to know Covenant and its existing ministries and groups, so you’ll likely see him in many places over the next few months. Be sure to keep an eye out for Jon, his wife, Abby, and their son, Thomas, and welcome them to Covenant and Austin!

As summer begins to wrap up (according to the calendar if not the temperature!), we look forward to the fall and return of our regular worship and Sunday school schedules. Remember to save the date of August 30 for our “Party on the Patio,” where you’ll find out about the huge variety of opportunities to learn, share and serve at Covenant.

GRACE AND PEACE,

CLARK WEATHERBY

15

PARTY

ON THE

PATIO

Aug 30, 2015

FINANCE REPORT Financial Update

For Period Ended July 31, 2015

GENERAL FUND Revenues Expenses

YTD Actual

YTD Budget

$1,821,039 1,701,496 119,543

1,846,613 1,907,036 (60,423)

BUILDING FUND Total Loan Balance Principal Reduction YTD

$ 6,368,902 142,916

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CUBA VBS POTLUCK

SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION

Sunday, Aug. 16 6:30 p.m. at the home of Cherry and Bob Raley

Friday, Aug. 28 (with Parent Night Out!) or Sunday, Aug. 30 6 p.m. (Friday), 9:30 a.m. (Sunday)

PRAYER VIGIL

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sanctuary

PRESCHOOL WORK DAY

SANCTUARY CHOIR REHEARSAL STARTS

PARTY ON THE PATIO

Wednesday, Aug. 26 7:30 p.m. in FE 100

Sunday, Aug. 30 9 to 11 a.m.

16

Saturday, Aug. 29

JOURNEY YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSALS

STUDENT MINISTRY

Sunday, August 30 4 p.m. in SA 112

Middle School D-groups /High School Youth Group Wednesday, Sept. 9 7-8:30 p.m. in FE 400

FOUR WORSHIP SERVICES RESUME

Sunday, Aug. 30

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERIES

SENIOR ACTIVITIES DAY

Wednesdays, starting Sept. 10 6:30 p.m. in FE 200

Tuesday, Sept. 1 10 a.m. in FE 200

VISIONS SENIOR LUNCHEON

ALL CHURCH KICK-OFF EVENT

Tuesday, Sept. 15 11:45 a.m. in FE 200

(Dinners start) Wednesday, Sept. 2 5 p.m. in FE 200

SESSION MEETING

Tuesday, Sept. 15 6:30 in CO 108

WOMEN’S FALL KICK-OFF BRUNCH

Thursday, Sept. 3 10 a.m. in FE 200

AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE

ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS

September 17-19 Camp Buckner, Marble Falls contact Kyle Danehy: kyledanehy@hotmail.com.

Thursday, Sept. 3 7 p.m. in FE 200

WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH

LAMPLIGHTERS KICK-OFF

Thursday, Sept. 24 – Nov. 12 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Wednesday, Sept. 9 10 a.m. in FE 200

CAREER TRANSITIONS

CHILDREN’S CHOIR REHEARSALS

Thursdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29 7 p.m. in FE 100

and Parent Meeting (FE 107) Wednesday, September 9 4:30 p.m. in FE 100

EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP

Sundays in October 9:30-11 a.m.

WEDNESDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Wednesday, Sept. 9 6 p.m. in FE 300 for age 4 through 4th grade 6:30 p.m. in Eaton Hall for Club 56

17

3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757

OFFICERS AND STAFF OF COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEACONS

ELDERS

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2018

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2018

Mike Austin Jennifer Carsner Jane Crowe Kay Davenport Dustin Johnson Michael Knisely Bill McCaleb Andrea Moen Julie Moore Ken Moore Jennifer Palm Ryan Palm Bob Peterson Cherry Raley Jack Skaggs Allison Small Bridgette Stahlman Emily Taylor Gwyn Theodore Donna Thomas Steve Thomas Kristen Tritle Kathy Willis Shannon Windham

Pat Beckham Charlene Cole Daphne Corder Al DiCristofaro Marv Hackert Tom Hutchison Barbara Knisely Dorothy Layne Patsy Martin A.V. Ootsey Kathleen Reish Mike Rhoades Ruth Rhoades Will Schmidt Florita Sheppard Carol Sheppard Brent Stover Lee Terrell Lorrie Terrell Adele Trigg Greg Wilson Sandy Youman Wesley Young

Rhonda Brink-Green Diane Davis Sue DiCristofaro Judy Gunnels Laura Hargrave Christy Heimsath Margaret Hobgood Marsha LeGrand Lori Magruder Laura Marra Dave Maxwell Karen Maxwell Elizabeth McBride Susie McCaleb Emily McGinnis Marta Meyer Jim Palmer Alice Sessi Bill Short Richard Swallow Doug Vreeland Deon Wright Larry Zatopek

Paul Askenasy Jennifer Maham Deb Rieber John Ruwwe Frank Sheppard

Joe Denton Susan Holman Thais Kilday James Marroquin Clark Weatherby

Matt Dow Kelly Dwyer Jack Kern Regina Schlotter Sharyn Westmoreland

FOUNDATION TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2018

Larry Faulkner Tana Taylor

Dianne Erlewine Joanne McIntosh

Elizabeth Christian Everard Davenport Megan Poore

PROGRAM STAFF Thomas R. Daniel, Senior Pastor Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Duane Dube, Director of Administration Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries Jon Wasson, Director of Discipleship Christy Milam, Director of Preschool Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Stacey Grooms, Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Nathan Richards, Director of Student Ministries Jerry Wise, Contemporary Music Leader Derek Nafe, Creative Arts Producer

Sunday Worship Times Starting Aug. 30: Traditional Services 8:15, 9:30, and 11 a.m.

Contemporary Service 11:05 a.m.