March – June | Lent/Eastertide
March – June | Lent/Eastertide
Table of
SENIOR PASTOR Thomas Daniel
Contents
CLERK OF SESSION Clark Weatherby
{ FROM THE LEAD }
CONTRIBUTORS
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Duane Dube
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Pastor's Letter: Prioritize God
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Session Update
EDITOR Stephanie Schultz
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Financial Update
{ FEATURES }
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Noel Kalmus CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Daniel, Paul Mowry, Alyson Wagner, Jon Wasson, Megan Poore PHOTOGRAPHY Mateo Alejandre, Noel Kalmus, Stephanie Schultz SPECIAL THANKS TO Paul Mowry, Brian Sparks
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Bonus Blessings
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Prayer Path
{ LIFE } 10 Lent/Eastertide 14
I See Color
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Confidence with Finances
{ COMMUNITY } 19
Coach Rob
22 VISIONS 23
SYM Finds a Home
{ EVENTS } 25 Calendar
pg. 4
pg. 8
pg. 19
{ FROM THE LEAD}
Prioritize God
As we move into the season of Lent, we will engage in a teaching series titled "Disordered Love.” This is St. Augustine's description of "sin.” Augustine writes that sin is when we either love the wrong things or we love the right things too much. During Lent, Christians seek to repent—to turn our lives from sin and embark in a new direction. Thus according to Augustine’s framework, this means we will reprioritize our love lives and place God first. Two valid questions are:(1) Why would we do this? and (2) If we want to do this, how is it possible? The answer to these questions has the same origin: I John 4:19 says, "We love because He first loved us." God is love and is the origin of all love. Thus, the reason we seek to love God above all else is because God is the only source of pure love. This has very practical implications. For example, as a husband and father, I am clear that God wants me to shower love on my family. However, in 18 years of marriage I have learned that there are limitations to my ability to consistently do this. When I prioritize experiencing God's love for me, I am closer to the only source of love in the world, and I actually love those around me better. In other words, I am a better husband and father if I seek to love God above even my own family.
This leads us to "how" we sort out our disordered loves. We should not simply train ourselves to act differently or feel guilty for the things we have done wrong in the past. The fact of the matter is that when we discover ways to consistently reflect on God's love, we become more loving ourselves. This Lenten season, our goal is to help you take tangible steps to draw closer to God. One suggestion is to read Tish Warren's wonderful new book, Liturgy of the Ordinary. Our hope is that this book will help you connect with God each day, right in the middle of your daily routine. We are encouraging Covenant Groups to study and discuss this book as a communal Lenten exercise and process it together. Of course, we invite all Covenant members and friends to buy the book and work through it with the congregation.
During Lent, I hope that each of us will be able to prioritize our disordered loves, experience the pure love of God, and be swept forward as a love letter from God to your family, friends, Austin and the I believe the same is true for you and your life as well. entire world. I am grateful to be on the journey with each and every one of you! Joyfully,
Thomas Daniel Senior Pastor
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{ FROM THE LEAD}
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SESSION UPDATE
The end of the year is a busy time for Session. In addition to the Advent and Christmas activities, we close the books on one year and plan a budget for the next. In November, Associate Pastor Jon Wasson presented our new confirmation class format. The class has three phases: classroom, mentorship and a retreat. It started in February and will run through October. Session also began in earnest to look at the 2017 budget, reviewing committee narratives and dream budgets, and working up a rough budget based on pledge estimates. It is always a joy to see what the committees are planning for the next year! Early in December, the congregation electedLaura Tuma to fill an open elder seat for the class of 2019. She joined us at our next Session meeting, when we adopted a balanced budget for 2017. Elders were once again amazed by the generous gifts of our members. Even in the midst of economic uncertainty and our successful capital campaign, we adopted a budget that equals our largest in history.
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In January, we began taking a closer look at how our committees function and how we might improve them. At the request of the Stewardship Committee, we formed a task force to examine its charge and advise on its roles and duties, scope and mission. Session appreciated the desire of the Stewardship Committee to be constantly improving. The Elders are taking that message back to the committees for which they are liaisons. We are encouraging all committees to think about how they can work best.
We closed our January meeting sending out one of our own. Elder Thais Kilday has served the last two and a half years on Session. In midJanuary, she left Austin for Cambodia, where she and her family are serving as fellows with International Justice Mission fighting slavery. Session gathered around Thais, laying hands on her and praying for her, Doug and their children Naeda, Lincoln and David. Please join us in praying for them over the next year as they serve the body in a new and challenging way! By Clark Weatherby Clerk of Session
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Actual Expenses: $258,707 Budgeted Expenses: $250,702 Difference: $8,005
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Building Fund Total Loan Balance: $3,055,974 Principal reduction YTD: $9,753
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General Fund (YTD) Offering Receipts: $429,431 Budgeted Offering: $402,783 Difference: $26,648
BONUS BLESSINGS { FEATURES}
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{ FEATURES}
How do we really become a love letter to Austin? That question had been sitting with Joe Skraba. As Covenant pastors preached and discussed spreading God’s love to our city, Joe pondered: How can we utilize our campus as an outreach to the neighborhood and the entire community? His wife, Holly, felt the same. “We have this great location, and it was bugging us to figure out what we could do.” Joe's inspiration manifested as a fusion between this desire to serve Austin and two events he observed while traveling for business. “I was in Houston at the Texas Medical Center for work. As you leave, there’s a big Episcopal church. It was Ash Wednesday and a team was out offering drive-through ashes.” A few months later, Joe was at the University of Texas at Arlington and saw a prayer tent. People were coming and filling out forms, and students and others were offered intercessory prayers on the spot. “Those ideas fomented in me and I came up with the idea to offer drive-through prayer," Joe said.
Joe explained that the emails sent and prayer cards completed by Drive-Thru Prayer recipients were telling. “There’s a surprising number of people who have really hard issues that they’re dealing with. These people are coming in and just getting a little bit of hope from us.” Covenant member and volunteer Jim Rumbo had just finished his Tuesday shift and showed off an orange. “A city employee gave me this today,” he said, explaining that the man’s job was changing and he felt like he was getting the short end of the deal. “That situation didn’t change his attitude,” Jim said. “His gift to people is his smile. It’s like the clouds part when he smiles. We prayed for his encouragement. He gave me an orange and said, ‘If no one else comes through here... know that what you did for me today made my day!’”
After talking with Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions, and the other pastors, Joe got the green light for a trial program. “Our intention was not to recruit Covenant members to come through. We wanted to serve the community, but didn’t know if it would resonate with those outside our church,” Joe said. “We were hopeful. There was the nerve of ‘what if no one comes?’” “But they did!” Holly interjected. “That first day, we had six or seven people. Our second day, a Friday, we had 15 or 16. We immediately got a good response, and averaged about 12 a day. “We were pleased with the total number of people who came through and their level of satisfaction,” Holly said. “The other exciting thing was people were waving or honking as they drove by. We felt like we were giving them something positive to focus on on their way to or from where they were going.” 5
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“I didn’t do it,” Jim told the man, “the Lord did!” When asked why he came out, volunteer Les Gage said, “The people we pray for. Their stories are amazing. What people ask for in these prayers is incredible. Today, one person asked us to pray for his church. Another asked, ‘Could my church do this?’”
{ FEATURES}
Les Gage, Joe and Holly Skraba, Jill Williams and Jay Williams (Jill's dad) smile after a morning of offering prayers.
Joe recalled the statistic that only 14 percent of Aus- “And they are all driving by,” Holly finished. “I believe most don’t have a church. I think they believe, but tinites go to church, but 70 percent call themselves Christian. “There’s a big gap between who comes to just have an issue with organized church. They bechurch and those who say they are believers,” he said. lieve in prayer; they believe in Jesus Christ, but don’t want to join a church.” “Drive-Thru Prayer is low pressure,” Joe continued. "We’re not recruiting. The thing that got reinforced Joe agreed. “There are all sorts of barriers in a church community. It’s hard to climb those four pretty quickly was that almost nobody coming through was from Covenant. Some were on campus stairs to get up to the worship service. This is easier. for something else and we were really satisfied that There are no crowds and it’s a little more personal.” we were reaching out to the community with no strings attached.”
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{ FEATURES} During DTP’s first trial run, the group offered prayers on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 7 to 9. The second two runs were for a week at a time–once during the week of the national election and again just before Christmas. “I’m shocked every time at how fast the time goes. I look at my watch and it’s over,” Holly said. “We choose to be out on the street at 7 in the morning to stand with a sign. If we didn’t have other volunteers, I would be there hands down. I think holding that sign matters.” Jim Rumbo has truly enjoyed being a part of DTP. “This is the most precious ministry I’ve ever participated in … because it’s pure. We just show up and are present for the people who come through. It’s our opportunity to be with them in whatever circumstance they bring.”
IN THE NEWS Austin American-Statesman columnist Ken Herman wrote about the ministry. “I see no downside here and lots of potential upside,” he wrote, and after describing the ministry through Joe’s words, Herman continued. “It’s that simple. You got a problem. They’ve got a prayer. No problems? They’ve got a prayer to help you celebrate that.” In a recent article in Windows, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s magazine, seminary president Theodore Wardlaw (who preached at Covenant last spring) wrote about Covenant’s Drive-Thru Prayer. He explained the concept and how Covenant prays for what is most on the hearts of those driving by. And then he asked, “Is this foolish?” He answered his own question: “No. Heavens, no. It’s the work of an apostolate. Fools for Christ; people who embody an expanding church–a church searching for new ways to point toward the promises of a God who is still very much alive in the world.”
Drive-Thru Prayer volunteers Holly Skraba and Gillian McLean
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! “We don’t want this be our thing, we want it to be the church,” Holly said. “Volunteering can be a one-day commitment. We want people to get involved and know that they are not signing up to all six weeks or to every day of the week, just for an hour or two for one day,” Holly said. “If you want to check your faith,” Jim urged, “Come and participate. It will test your faith. If your faith is weak and you’re able to pray for someone, it’s the Holy Spirit praying with you.” To learn more and to get involved, contact Joe Skraba at jsskraba@gmail.com.
By Stephanie Schultz Director of Communications 7
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{ FEATURES}
LABYRINTH OFFERS ANOTHER WAY TO JOURNEY WITH GOD When the Fellowship and Education Building was under construction, the south end of the parking lot was transformed into a playground for our preschool. But since the building was finished several years ago, the space had been virtually unused. “I’ve been looking at that underutilized space for a long time,” Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Jill Williams said. “That’s a sweet space and we’ve been curious: How can we better use it? Others were curious, too, and right away, the idea of a prayer labyrinth was talked about."
Jill has been a prayer labyrinth walker for several years, and last year as members of the Congregational Care Committee were considering the idea, they had fun exploring labyrinths. “Every member went to a different labyrinth in town. It was a great journey as a team,” Jill said. As defined, a prayer labyrinth is a labyrinth used to facilitate prayer, meditation, spiritual transformation and/or global unity. A labyrinth is a path that leads to the center of an intricate design and back out again. It provides a metaphor of our Christian life journey as we face many turns we did not expect in our search for a quiet center. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is designed for ease of navigation, and it is impossible to get lost within one.
MAKING THE LABYRINTH Mateo Alejandro joined the Congregational Care Committee in August when the labyrinth idea was well underway. “People were already thinking and praying about it my first meeting,” he said.
Volunteers completed the Covenant Prayer Labyrinth in one day.
The group quickly progressed with the idea and starting looking at the layout and how it might fit in the old playground area. Steve Bissell, also a member of the Congregational Care Committee, said architect and Covenant member Cornerstone | March - June | Lent/Eastertide
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{ FEATURES} Jay Corder helped with the models and finding ways to work the maze around trees. "We reached the point when we needed to build it, and coincidentally Cameron McCrae, who was working on becoming an Eagle Scout, was looking for a project. This project was shovel-ready," Steve said. “A quintessential Eagle project benefits the community and gives him the opportunity to display leadership skills,” Cameron explained. “I've been in Covenant since I was born so it was a nice way to put something back into the church where my parents were married and I was baptized. "I teamed with my dad (Ron McCrae) and two members of the church, Mr. Bissell and Mr. Alejandre. I could not have done it without their help,” Cameron said. "When the time came for the actual work day, I took on more leadership by directing our volunteers and telling them what jobs I would like them to do,” Cameron said. “We worked very efficiently and knocked out the whole project in only a day."
“It was surreal to see it go from plans to reality. I said prayers of thanks while walking it since everything went so incredibly smoothly.” NOW OPEN: LABYRINTH! “The labyrinth is a good fit for our conversations about being devoted to prayer,” Jill said. “It’s another way to pray. Prayer walking is such an underutilized activity.” Jill said that she prefers to walk a labyrinth alone or with one or two other people, but whatever is happening becomes part of our walk. She explained: “You can look at the roots of a tree and start thinking about your roots; or you can think about how to navigate around other people on the trail and that can make you start thinking about how you navigate people in your life.” There is no right or wrong way to walk the prayer labyrinth. Walkers should simply bring open hearts and quiet minds. Try it out! The Covenant Prayer Labyrinth is open! Come and walk and pray today.
To say Cameron is excited about the finished product is a bit of an understatement. “The amount of time we spent planning and then to see everything perfectly come to fruition was such a relief. At the end of the day, all I could feel was grateful—grateful for all the volunteers who came, grateful for Mr. Bissell and Mr. Alejandre, and grateful for my dad.” Mateo agreed. “Completing the project in one day was amazing. We had planned on another afternoon... but we had a beautiful, cool day and the right number of volunteers,” Mateo said. “I don’t know how it could have worked out better.” Cameron has walked the labyrinth multiple times. “It was surreal to see it go from plans to reality. I said prayers of thanks while walking it since everything went so incredibly smoothly.”
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Key members of the prayer labyrinth team include Jill Williams, Cameron McCrae, Ron McCrae, Steve Bissell, Dave Ashton and Mateo Alejandre.
By Stephanie Schultz Director of Communications
{ LIFE { LIFE GUIDE} GUIDE}
LENT/ EASTERTIDE
Anticipating the coming reign of God and waiting for what is beyond us Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday. These 40 days, an imitation of Christ’s time spent in the wilderness, issue a call for those who follow Jesus to renew our commitment to Him. Like the strangers in the courtyard who asked Peter if he was "with Jesus” (Matthew 26.69), Lent asks us if we are with Jesus too. During this season, we pause to reflect on that question and prepare for how we might respond. If we’re being honest, we should probably begin with repentance, confessing to Christ the many ways we deny Him and His call on our lives to love God and our neighbor. We should also follow Christ’s example in the wilderness and consider fasting to reveal our disordered desires and invite God’s presence to transform us. Just as Christ relied upon scripture and the community of the Holy Spirit to sustain Him while He was in the wilderness, we invite you to rely upon scripture and community during this season. We’ve created a guide to praying the psalms every day during Lent. (See page 16.) We invite you to use this guide for prayer and reflection.
We also hope you are sharing your life with others in the context of authentic Christian community. Throughout Lent, our Covenant Groups will use Tish Warren’s book Liturgy of the Ordinary to reflect upon how we seek the presence of God in the context of an ordinary day. Even if you are not in a small group, we still recommend using this book as a spiritual practice during this season. The arrival of Easter morning brings good news to sinners searching for grace. Even though we may deny Christ, He is ready and willing to offer forgiveness and new life. Like Peter on the lakeshore in the final scene of John’s gospel, Jesus asks us one question: “Do you love me?” The joy of living the Christian life is waking up to answer this question each new day. As you answer this question, we invite you into four practices during this season.
By Jon Wasson Associate Pastor for Discipleship
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{ LIFE GUIDE}
PRAY
COMMUNING WITH GOD “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). It is our privilege as Christians to commune with God through prayer. We invite you to participate in one or more of these opportunities this season: Opportunities: DRIVE-THRU PRAYER: Our neighbors have the opportunity to bring prayer requests to our prayer team in the Covenant parking lot on weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. New dates TBA. WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER SERVICE: This brief, lay-led service is held weekly at 7 a.m. in FE 100. Rich in liturgical, silent and spontaneous prayer, the service follows the format for morning prayer from our Book of Common Worship. PRAYER LABYRINTH: Located in the southeast corner of the church parking lot, the labyrinth is a sacred space available to anyone, anytime for meditation and prayer. PRAYING THE PSALMS: We invite you to encounter God deeply during Lent through Covenant’s Praying the Psalms Lenten devotional. Be sure and pick up your copy! Read it online at covenant.org/praying-the-psalms.com INTERCESSORY PRAYER: Every Sunday at each service, a member of the intercessory prayer team prays for all involved: those attending and leading, and the pastor. You can sign up to pray at a maximum of four services per year. Contact Dave Ferguson at (512) 418-8691.
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STUDY RENEWING OUR MINDS
“Be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12:2). The word disciple comes from the Greek word meaning “learner.” We learn in many ways; one of the most important is the regular study of scripture in pursuit of the truth. We invite you to join others to continue your journey as a learner: Opportunities: MEN IN THE WORD: Men’s Bible study meets on Thursdays at 6 a.m. in FE 200. Contact hskaggsmd@gmail.com for more information. DOWNTOWN MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: This Bible study meets Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., at Max’s Wine Dive, 207 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 200. Contact mcrawley@covenant.org for more information or to make a reservation. LAMPLIGHTERS: Women’s Bible study meets on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in FE 200 (and in various locations and times) September through April. More information: lamplightersbiblestudy.com. SUNDAY MORNING LEARNING COMMUNITIES: A variety of learning opportunities are available to adults on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., including Bible study, book discussions and conversations at the intersection of faith and culture. See covenant.org/sundaymorning. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW): PW is part of a national group that offers learning, serving and fellowship opportunities through Bible studies, mission projects, special events and trips. Visit covenant.org/women.
{ LIFE GUIDE}
SHARE SHARING IN CHRIST
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). As followers of Christ, we can count on His promise to be present with us when we are gathered together. We invite you to pursue an authentic relationship with God and others in the context of Christian community here at Covenant. Opportunities: COVENANT GROUPS: Small, intentional groups designed to support and encourage spiritual friendship. Groups decide on meeting time and place. Curriculum and support provided. Groups kick off annually during Lent, but you can join anytime by contacting ksedberry@covenant.org. EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP: Explore Membership classes offer the chance to meet new people, learn more about Covenant and explore the possibility of becoming a member. The next class will be offered Wednesdays, April 19 and 26, from 6-8 p.m. Contact askaggs@covenant.org. MOMS (MOTHERS OF MOPPETS) GROUP: New, expecting and experienced moms gather for informative presentations to share parenting ideas and provide general support to each other. First and third Monday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in SA 114. Contact Katie McFarlane, kates46@msn.com. MOM’S LUNCH BUNCH: Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in FE 107, about four times a year. Group meets over lunch to give moms (especially those who work outside the home) the opportunity for fellowship, sharing and learning. Contact Amy Johnson, aanort@yahoo.com.
GIVE
RESPONDING TO GOD “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Find a complete list of opportunities at covenant.org/volunteer. MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’: Deliver furniture and household goods to families exiting homelessness. Contact Paul Mowry, paulmowry@att.net. STREET YOUTH MINISTRY: Donate clothing, hold a sock or blanket drive, prepare breakfast or sandwiches, join a Bible study or prayer walk. Contact Terry Cole, terry.cole@gmail.com. AUSTIN VOICES FOR EDUCATION AND YOUTH: Webb Early College Prep Academy Family Resource Center accepts donations of gift cards, bus passes, food and clothing. Help with St. John community and school events, office work, food pantry, mentor and tutor youth. Contact Julie Weeks, jweeks@ austinvoices.org. TEXAS REACH OUT MINISTRIES: Provides support and transitional housing for those who are homeless after extended prison stays. Mentor, lead Bible studies and sponsor clients. Contact Nelson Mann, nmann@austin.rr.com. REDEEMED MINISTRIES: Help women who are victims of sex trafficking. Assist with prayer and outreach teams, jail ministry and more. Contact Karen Maxwell, karen.maxwell12@gmail.com. MANOS DE CRISTO: Provides services to the working poor, immigrants and homeless. Volunteer at the food pantry, clothes closet, ESL, computer classes and more. Contact Cheryl Banks at csebesta@austin.rr.com. REFUGEE WELCOME MINISTRY: Help families from around the world function in their new environment: provide transportation, job skills mentoring and other tasks. Contact Ann Brown, abrown210@icloud.com.
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{ LIFE GUIDE}
Praying the Psalms: A Lenten Devotional Why do we pray? Do we pray to rehearse our anxieties out loud to God? Do we pray to change God or to change ourselves? Consider this: Through prayer we put on the mind of Christ. In other words, prayer is meant to draw us out of ourselves and our narrow vision of the world to see ourselves, our community and our world as God does. The people of God have always used the psalms to pray. Even Jesus prayed using the psalms, drawing on them more than any other book from the Old Testament. In the psalms, we hear a collective human voice stretched over a long period of time that speaks of life as we experience it still today; a gift that brings forth immense joy and gratitude that is sometimes under threat or in periods of difficult transition.
Praying the psalms gives us the language to express grief, anxiety, frustration and pain. The psalms also give us hope because they witness to a God who is at work pouring out mercy, patiently redeeming sinners and making all things new. When we pray the psalms, we add our voice to the voices of those throughout history who have sought out communion with God in times of joy, despair and threat, and have had their hearts and minds transformed by doing so. Covenant’s Lenten devotional, Praying the Psalms, is available in print and online. We invite all to pick one up in the narthex or at covenant.org/lentdevo.
Praying the Psalms The publication includes the guide below, providing suggestions on how to pray the psalms. While this can certainly be applied to the psalms within the devotional, it is a useful tool that can be used read the psalms anytime, anywhere. A guide for reading the psalms: 1. Spend a moment in silence, preparing to listen for God’s Word to you through the psalm. 2. Read the psalm through for basic comprehension. Consider if the psalmist is expressing grief, anxiety, gratitude or hope. 3. Read the psalm out loud, paying attention to words or phrases that stand out to you. What is there for you in this psalm that can help you pray for others and yourself? 4. Paraphrase the psalm. Write down the meaning or theme of the psalm in your own words. 5. Attach your prayer to the psalm. What is there in the psalm that you can pray? Write a brief prayer that you can pray throughout the day.
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{ LIFE}
a biracial Christian reponds to racism At the introductory session of Jon Wasson’s Covenant Lab, Creating the Beloved Community: A Christian Response to Racism, Jon asked each of us to think about our first experience with race. Long after class was dismissed, I pondered the question. In a way, race has been part of my entire life. Yet until recently, the uncomfortable word occupied my perceptions of self and others like the negative space in a drawing; it was always in the background, but for a long time I didn’t address it.
WHAT AM I? My mother is a first-generation Japanese who moved from Japan to the United States after marrying my father, a white American of German/ Czech descent. Although I spent most of my childhood in Austin, my family also lived in Tokyo for a couple of years when I was in elementary school. White and Asian peers alike singled me out for being different from them, and so I experienced feelings of alienation from both sides of my ancestry. For me, the ubiquitous “What is your race/ethnicity?” question on Scantron exams and questionnaires in school felt like a test I could never pass. My answers vacillated between “Caucasian” and “Asian/Pacific Islander,” and often I worried that I’d chosen the wrong answer. I felt like I wasn’t white enough or Asian enough. What was I? This
is one reason the word “race” made me uncomfortable: if people were supposed to belong to different races, did that mean I had to divide myself up, as if I were a parcel of land with ill-defined borders? It was easier not to think about it. I also didn’t like to think of different races because in my mind, all people were part of one human race. This idealistic view was largely shaped by my experience living in Tokyo, where my family mingled with people from around the world at school, at church, and in our neighborhood. In this highly concentrated environment of international expatriates, I saw an example of what humanity could be like—many nationalities living, studying and worshiping together in peace.
I SEE COLOR Finally, a couple of years ago, I experienced a rude awakening. I was listening to a podcast in which an Asian-American woman commented in response to the “I don’t see color” argument that for her, it’s not a choice: She sees color every day when she looks in the mirror. All of a sudden, I felt angry and wasn’t sure why. After some pondering, I realized I was angry about this dismissive platitude that is painless for whites to say. I was angry and ashamed that I had passively accepted this message without questioning it. Most of all, I
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{ LIFE} was angry that I’d never had the self-awareness to identify as a person of color. In failing to embrace the full complexity of my own racial heritage, I had failed to seek understanding of other racial identities and experiences, particularly those who have suffered the far-reaching effects of institutional racism. Attempting to correct this gap in my understanding of race, I began to intentionally explore perspectives by people of color. I read books, I followed influencers on social media and I listened to podcasts. With newfound awareness, I wondered: How can I even begin to make a difference in the fight against racism?
WHAT RACISM IS… AND IS NOT In the Covenant Lab, I learned that the first step is to understand what race and racism are and—just as important—what they are not. The literature Jon shared with us clarified that race is a social construct based on the concept of whiteness and white supremacy. It is not a genetic trait; it has no biological basis. Racism is a man-made system that institutionalizes privilege for people who are labeled “white” and institutionalizes disadvantage for people who are labeled “non-white.” It is not individual prejudice or bigotry, although those mindsets are certainly contributing factors. Racism began with the Western colonialism of indigenous peoples throughout the world and persists in the United States, which was founded on the idea that “all men are created equal” and yet has dealt an egregiously unequal hand to people of color, who helped build a prosperous nation largely for the benefit of whites.
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DOMINATION AND LOVE CANNOT COEXIST IN GOD’S CREATION Once those of us who identify as white come to understand the full impact of racism, the next step in fighting it is to acknowledge that if we have experienced the benefits of white privilege—and that is nearly all of us to some degree—then we are part of the problem. This systemic racism should be particularly disturbing to Christians, because it runs absolutely in opposition to God’s vision of humanity:
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27 NLT). Furthermore, Jesus demonstrated what love for our neighbors ought to look like by telling a parable in which a Jew, attacked by bandits and left for dead, receives help not from Jewish clergy, who pass by without stopping, but from a Samaritan. Jews despised Samaritans for their “impure” mixed heritage, resulting from the intermarrying of Assyrians with Jews. Jesus couldn’t have made his point any more effectively: Love for one’s neighbors includes people of all ethnicities. The dissonance between racism and the gospel of Christ is clear. If we are to love others as God first loved us, domination of any kind must be eradicated.
{ LIFE} African-American feminist and cultural critic bell hooks expresses in no uncertain terms that “Domination cannot exist in any social situation where a love ethic prevails.”
BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE So where do I go from here? I know God’s work in this world is not finished until every race, nation, and people group has the opportunity to know freedom in Christ. The task seems even more daunting now that I have greater awareness of how much racism has defaced the humanity God created in His own image. Jon advised that we begin where we are. First, we must confess our silent participation in institutional racism, and then intentionally seek reconciliation in our community with the vulnerability that accompanies an often uncomfortable subject.
Sources cited: bell hooks, All About Love: New Visions. New York: Harper Perennial, 2001. Suggested Further Reading James Baldwin, “A Letter to My Nephew,” The Progressive. December 1962. http://www.progressive. org/print/5047/letter-my-nephew. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me. New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2015. James H. Cone, “Theology’s Great Sin: Silence in the Face of White Supremacy,” Soul Work: AntiRacist Theologies in Dialogue, eds. Marjorie Bowers-Wheatley and Nancy Palmer Jones, 1–15. Boston: Skinner House Books, 2003.
Now I understand that I don’t have to strive to become white enough or Asian enough; I am white and I am Asian, exactly as God intended to create me, and I bear His image just like the rest of humankind. However, I do need to confess I have spent too much of my life being ignorant of the race issues that affect other people of color to a far greater extent than myself. I have never experienced the color of my skin as a threat to my personal safety or as a barrier to my social, educational, and economic advancement. It’s humiliating to realize the breadth and depth of my ignorance. But you have to start somewhere, and humility is a good place to begin. By Alyson Wagner Church Member
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{ LIFE}
Confidence with Finances Money can be viewed as a source of joy and security or discord and scarcity, with a range of emotions in between. When best utilized, money is a good tool for us to provide for ourselves and others. However, most of us don’t have a comfortable relationship with money. To help people feel more confident with their money, I’ve pulled together some quotes to help shape a thoughtful view of money in our lives.
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” – Warren Buffett What the Oracle of Omaha is saying is in direct opposition to what we hear most often from the financial media. The messages we hear relate to frenetic movements and a very short-term time horizon. Mr. Buffett, however, uses the analogy of a tree, an organism that takes decades or generations to mature. My husband and I planted a sapling in the front yard of our old house just before our oldest daughter was born. Twelve years later, we’re amazed when we drive by and see how large that tree has become. Financial planning has a lot of parallels. Small changes that you make in how you use your money now can have large impacts down the road. Investing a small amount of money monthly or increasing your 401(k) contribution each year makes a bigger impact than you might envision. Plant that tree now so you can enjoy the shade later! 17
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“For the love of money is the root of all evil…” – 1 Timothy 6:10 You have undoubtedly heard this piece of scripture misquoted as “Money is the root of all evil.” Misunderstanding this message has led many to feel guilt and shame. The fact is that money is a necessary and important part of our lives, and we must have a healthy relationship with it. As Francis Bacon (an English philosopher who was alive over 400 years ago, but still likely has seven-degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon) said, “Money is a good servant, but a bad master.” Being clear that you are thoughtfully exercising stewardship over your financial resources and you are not, in fact, a slave to greed, is a great start.
{ LIFE}
“The four most expensive words in the English language are, ‘This time it’s different.'” – Sir John Templeton Don’t you find it interesting that all of the past sharp declines in the financial markets are now viewed as having been great buying opportunities, but future market declines inspire fear and loathing? Each market downturn tends to be surprising and we think new forces are at work. “This time it’s different…” The fact is, though, the S&P 500 experiences declines of 20 percent or more on a very regular basis. In fact, markets have averaged a decline about every four years since 1926! Most investors lose sight of the adage “buy low, sell high” and instead sell during a market downturn and re-invest “once things have settled down,” which often translates to investing at the top of the next market cycle. Be a savvy investor who adds money to diversified investments when everyone else is running for the door, and then you will reap the rewards as markets rebound.
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. “ – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. One of the most satisfying ways to remind ourselves that money is our tool and not our master is to share with others. Seeing suffering or injustice and being able to help in some small way is empowering and humbling. Mother Teresa said, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” Even if what we give does not cost a penny, sharing kindness with others can broaden our sense of what is important and add to our level of gratitude. Finally, Socrates is credited with saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Examine your life. If that examination leaves you concerned that your feelings about money and finances are not as confident as they could be, seek trustworthy advice. Investing in your own well being is always a smart investment.
Megan Poore, a financial advisor, is a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Foundation Board. She wrote this article as part of the Foundation's education campaign to help Covenant members and friends plan for their financial futures. For more information about Covenant Presbyterian Foundation, please visit covenant.org/foundation or contact Duane Dube (ddube@covenant. org) or any Trustee: Elizabeth Christian, Everard Davenport, Dianne Erlewine, Larry Faulkner, Helene Maham, JoAnne McIntosh and Megan Poore.
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{ COMMUNITY}
Community Spotlight: Coach Rob “I just hope, at the very least, the kids will one day remember some dude way back when they went to church at Covenant who encouraged them and that they feel compelled to give a little back to the kids in their own community.”
That “dude” is Rob Bishop. Rob, who strongly believes kids are the future of Covenant and the church worldwide, said that when former Director of Student Ministry Nathan Richards asked him to lead a DGroup, he needed to put his money where his mouth was. “With Nathan’s request, I found myself in a situation where I was being called to uphold my lofty opinion about the future of Covenant and the church. I needed to stop talking and get in the game!” Rob ended up getting into several games. Perhaps most out-of-the-box of his Covenant activities is coaching wrestling. “One of my DGroup guys,
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Sterling Rowan, said he planned to join the wrestling team at school and asked if I could train him. Wrestling was my sport growing up in Japan, and I was relentlessly motivated to be the best wrestler I could be. I see the exact same fire burning in that kid.” Rob’s passion for the sport is palpable. “Wrestling really motivates you toward a daunting goal—to defeat another motivated person in hand-to-hand combat, fair and square. You are going to get beat a lot at first. Your mental and physical limits are brutally tested. I think the kids get a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of confidence that you can’t get any other way. As for the kids who join us for fun and don't make wrestling their passion, I just hope they had some fun and learned a little bit about what they are capable of.”
{ COMMUNITY} Rob and Sterling started meeting on Sunday afternoons. “I was probably pretty bad,” Sterling said of his skills. “But meeting with Rob gave me a lot of hope.”
“When we built the Fellowship and Education Building, we dedicated it to reaching out to the community,” Rob said. “Many of the kids who work out with us do not attend Covenant or any other church. As a kid who grew up with no church involvement, I can tell you that not many things will get a kid to walk into a church building on their own. And here’s the good part: I’m not the one bringing the kids in. Sterling and Trinity are. When our own kids are doing ministry out in our community, something must be going right.”
“Every week, Sterling would text me and ask if we were going to work out, so every week we drilled and I taught him new things. It became clear he was serious,” Rob said. “After a while, Trinity (Black) wanted to get in on the fun so she started working out with us.” The kids progressed, learning throws by piling every available cushion on the floor as a landing area. When Sterling was ready to spar, Rob bought a 10-foot-by-10foot mat on eBay. (“It was luxurious compared to the bare carpet,” Rob said.) Before long, Sterling was inviting others to the practices, eager for his teammates to learn from Rob.
"When our own kids are doing ministry out in our community, something must be going right.”
Now, some 18 months in, the number of wrestlers who join the workouts varies from 10 kids to sometimes just Rob and Sterling. Former wrestlers and church members Nick Marra and Joe Muck also work out with the group.
“Next thing I knew, we had a bunch of kids working out with us,” Rob said. “Sterling was doing precisely what we intended to do with that building. He was inviting people into our church. Kids from outside our church were coming to Covenant to work out. And I was getting to know them.
The workouts are serious! "Some kids got quite a shock when they realized just how hardcore the workouts are, but when they get done, they have a sense of accomplishment and maybe the
beginning of a new understanding of what they are capable of,” Rob said. Sterling’s hard work paid off. During his freshman season, Sterling didn’t win many matches, but steadily progressed and placed third in his weight class in the district meet. “I was prepared to be a varsity wrestler. Rob taught me what to expect. He taught me the mentality of wrestling.” This year, just before this publication went to print, Sterling won his weight class at the District meet.“I’ve learned so much from Rob. Technique totally dominates. I can throw people in a way that they ask, ‘What just happened?’” Rob enjoys the kids and the workouts on many levels, and especially the opportunity to give back to God. “Growing up on a military base in Japan, I participated in various organized sports. The coaches were young NCOs (non-commissioned officers) who could have been using their free time to party. Instead they organized practices every weeknight and coached our games on Saturdays. It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized what a gift these men gave me. They were tough and cool, and they influence me to this day. It is a blessing and a privilege to emulate them.” The wrestlers meet after the Contemporary Worship Service on Sundays. On Saturdays during January and February, there’s a pretty good chance that Rob will be on the fourth floor of the Fellowship and Education Building
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{ COMMUNITY} or something else that keeps us coming back. He makes learning about God really fun. If you’re not there, you feel bad.” Whether it’s wrestling or basketball, or leading a group of 10th-grade boys in their study of the Bible, Rob seems to be able to make it fun. “I get a lot more out of DGroups than the kids do. I have been fortunate to have a good, lively bunch of young men in my group and we’ve developed meaningful fellowship over the years.” While all agree that Rob is amazing, his goal for his investment into the lives of so many kids is modest: “When these kids are middle aged and remember fondly ‘that guy at church who taught me a head-and-arm throw,’ I will consider that a resounding victory!” Rob said.
refereeing Upward Basketball games. Basketball? “My wife, Beth Bishop, brought Upward Basketball to Covenant when she was the director of lay ministry. She asked me if I could referee some games. I thought she lost her mind. But I studied Upward’s referee handbook. After I learned to shake off the occasional mistake, and relax and interact with the parents and kids, I found that it was really fun! I’ve been reffing every season since we began,” Rob said. “Every new season, I walk into that gym, and I instantly get a boost from the positive energy in that room.” “Rob is a delight to watch referee,” said Upward volunteer Andy Smith. “He takes the time to gently teach the kids the rules of the game, and makes it fun for them. He also engages with the parents. It’s impressive.” “Rob is awesome!” Sterling said. “I definitely feel blessed to have him as our D-Group leader. He’s so different from everyone else. Rob channels our energy into friendly competitions. We might go up to the Lamar Middle School field and kick footballs 21
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By Stephanie Schultz Director of Communications
{ COMMUNITY}
Very Interesting Seniors Investigating Our New Season They have rocked our babies and raised our children. They have cooked our meals on Wednesday nights. They have helped coordinate countless weddings. They have served refreshments and supported our grieving families at memorial services. They have led us in worship, discipleship, giving and mission. They have governed our church with vision. They have initiated and implemented many ministries. They have taught us stories of faith. They have prayed for us. They have built and maintained our campus. They have made us shawls and blankets and casseroles and tea. They have welcomed us into this faith community. They have encouraged our friendships across generations. They have loved us and our church well.
positions they have held for 25 years! There is much work to do; the older adults have shown us there is much joy in doing it. I invite you to get involved with VISIONS—as a volunteer, a leader and/or as a participant. Our ministry is one of fellowship, friendship and fun. Join us for one of our gatherings. You’ll be glad you did. And I, along with our older adults, will be grateful. Contact Beth for at bdaniel@covenant.org.
“They” are our older adults. And it is our honor and privilege to minister with and to them. When I became the Parish Associate for Older Adult Ministries, I had no idea how much I would love and appreciate it. We have a wonderful community of seniors who are active, faithful, busy and fun! It has been a joy getting to know them. They minister to me far more than I minister to them. When my girls are asked about my work, depending on the week, they have answered “She plays bingo and does puzzles!” or “She teaches!” or “She eats lunches and listens to speakers!” or “She watches movies!” or “She visits and prays with people.” All their answers are somewhat true. Our older adult ministry is called VISIONS: Very Interesting Seniors Investigating Our New Season. While VISIONS seeks to serve older adults (however you define that term), people of ALL ages and stages are invited and welcome to join us. Five ministries fall under the VISIONS umbrella: Luncheon, Activities Day, Armchair Travelers, Travel and Kairos. Every VISIONS ministry has a committee—a group of dedicated members who work to ensure our events continue to meet our community's needs. Many committee chairs and members have been serving for decades. Some need to “retire” from
VISIONS Events Schedule Activities Day: 1st Tuesday of the month
at 10 a.m.
Luncheon: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:45 a.m.
Kairos Class: 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 10 a.m. Armchair Travelers: 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Trips: Monthly (on average) See Covenant Matters for details.
By Beth Daniel Parish Associate for Older Adults
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{ COMMUNITY}
SYM finds a Home From the day Terry Cole founded Street Youth Ministry (SYM) in 2008, it has been a mission to the homeless that was, in fact, homeless. As 2017 dawns, that is changing. Most of Terry’s missionary work has always taken place on the streets, face-to-face with his clients right where they live around the Guadalupe Street “drag” west of the UT campus. For indoor events, he’s had help. Several churches in the area let SYM use their space, and St. Austin’s Catholic Parish has long given him a place to have a desk and a closet full of shoes, clothing, etc. Until recently, that’s been enough. “I've enjoyed being low to the ground so being homeless didn't bother me,” Terry said, “but the setup burden grew larger and larger as we had more and more events and had more and more to offer our clients.” He’s been looking—and praying—for a permanent location. In mid-December, the prayer was answered. LifeWorks, a secular mission to the home23
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less, has for the past 10 years operated its Street Youth Drop-in Center in the basement of the Congregational Church near 23rd and San Antonio streets, serving about 25 youths with transportation services, washer and dryer availability, hot meals twice weekly, hygiene supplies, access to medical and mental health care, veterinary services and pet supplies. Citing a loss of funding this year, the organization announced it was pulling out. SYM quickly filled the void, forging a lease agreement with the church, repainting and refreshing the nine rooms assigned to the program, and opening the doors to a renamed Street Youth Ministry Drop-in Cooperative Center on Jan. 6. “With this move, SYM becomes the primary provider of services to street youth in the campus area,” said Terry. “This transition is vital to these very vulnerable people who need to continue accessing critically needed services.”
{ COMMUNITY} Covenant members have always given stalwart support. Last year, volunteers worked 980 hours and members donated $17,000 worth of goods.
with set-up, clean-up, organization and other tasks. Not all will be able to act as cooperative partners initially, but the message will be that we believe they all need to start moving toward that goal.”
SYM and LifeWorks have cooperated for years. In 2015, for example, they began to co-sponsor a “Second Chance Prom” event: an opportunity for clients to dress up, dance to music played by a professional band, get a professional photo taken, and live out an experience many of them missed the first time around.
For example, a relationship event—with a beginning, a middle and an end—will be held every morning. Clients who desire to form relationships and build community (as well as have lunch) will have the opportunity to do so. Then for four hours each afternoon, clients will be able to drop in and leave as they please, and a meal will be provided.
Following LifeWorks at the Dropin involves a merging of cultures: the come-and-go “drop-in” approach of LifeWorks with SYM’s array of relationship-based events that emphasize giving back to the community through some kind of service. Hence the modified name.
Some unique services of SYM, like access to the Fig Leaf Clothing Closet and the University Presbyterian Church shower facilities, will continue until it can offer equivalent access at the Co-op. Other SYM programs like legal support groups and employment support will be folded into the Drop-In schedule. SYM plans include for LifeWorks’ mobile case management staff and group counseling services to continue using the location to visit clients
“A critical piece of the transition was adding the name Co-op to the Drop-in,” Terry said. “This helps the clients understand that they are expected to give back to our community as they receive services. They can give back by helping
The transition will open opportunities for additional services and to serve new groups of clients. In January, the number of free meals each week will increase from four to eight. A pantry will be added so clients can take food with them as needed. Beginning in March, Terry hopes to offer services to domestic minor sex trafficking victims in partnership with Allies Against Slavery. “Having everything set up in one spot is a great relief," Terry said. “We're not a ministry of stuff, we're a ministry of hope-building, of rising expectations, of helping our clients discover who they were made to be. So having a ‘homey’ place to greet them, relax with them, talk with them will be a great blessing and joy.” This transition doesn’t come cheap. It will add approximately $110,000 per year to the SYM budget to cover rent, utilities, insurance and the like. “SYM will need to raise $220,000 to fund this transition,” Terry said. “The SYM board of directors is completely supportive of this project and believes by the end of the two years of transition, sufficient donor support will have increased to cover the additional costs.” By Paul Mowry Mission Committee Member
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{ EVENTS}
MARCH
FEBRUARY 26
Sun
Jazz Sunday 9:30 and 11 a.m., in the Sanctuary Jambalaya and more Jazz, Patio
01
WED
Ash Wednesday Services, noon and 6:30, in the Sanctuary 7 a.m. in FE 200
26
SUN
Crop Walk, 2 p.m. at Camp Mabry
02
THU
Armchair Travelers 7 p.m. in FE 200
02
THU
Officer Training
04
SAT
Walking the Mourner's Path
05
SUN
Preschool Fundraiser at Chez Zee
07
TUE
VISIONS Activities Day 10 a.m. in FE 200
08
WED
Prayer Vespers 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
09
THU
Officer Training
1119
SATSUN
Belize Mission Trip for Youth and Families
12
SUN
Daylight Saving Time Starts, 2 a.m.
21
TUE
VISIONS Luncheon 11:45 a.m. in FE 200
2426
FRISUN
Presbyterian Women's Spring Retreat: Mo Ranch
29
WED
Prayer Vespers 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
30
THU
Walking the Mourner’s Path starts 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Covenant students enjoy fellowship on the patio.
Covenant families take advantage of Eaton Hall.
Students love Austin during the DNow/Love Austin 2017 weekend. Read a story about it at covenant.org/loveaustin2017.
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The McFarlane girls enjoy the commute to church.
{ EVENTS}
APRIL
MAY
02
SUN
Annual Meeting 12:10 p.m. in FE 200
02
TUE
VISIONS Activities Day 10 a.m. in FE 200
02
SUN
Journey Spring Musical 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
03
WED
Last What-a-Wednesday
04
TUE
VISIONS Activities Day 10 a.m. in FE 200
06
SAT
Children’s Choir Musical 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
06
THU
Armchair Travelers 7 p.m. in FE 200
10
WED
PW Spring Lunch 10:30 a.m. in FE 200
09
SUN
Palm Sunday, all worship services
10
WED
Final Midweek Connect Dinner FE 200 at 5 p.m.
10
WED
Children’s Choir Musical 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
1214
FRISUN
Family Retreat at Mo Ranch
16
TUE
VISIONS Luncheon 11:45 a.m. in FE 200
24
WED
Preschool Graduation
10- MON- Holy Week Services, 12 p.m. in the 12 WED Sanctuary, followed by light lunch 13
THU
Preschool Easter Chapel 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
13
THU
Maundy Thursday Worship Service, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
14
FRI
Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
16
SUN
Easter Services Sunrise Service, 6:30 a.m. on the Patio Traditional Services, 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary Contemporary Services, 9:30 and 11:05 a.m. in FE 200
18
TUE
VISIONS Luncheon 11:45 a.m. in FE 200
2328
SUNPreschool Bookfair, FE 300 FRI
2729
THU– Q Conference, Nashville SAT
30
SUN
John Ruwwe, Todd Church, Lacy Ruwwe
All-Church Picnic 4 p.m. at the Skaggs Ranch
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3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757
Easter Worship Services April 16, 2017
6:30 Sunrise on the Patio
9:30 Contemporary
8:00 Traditional
11:00 Traditional
9:30 Traditional
11:05 Contemporary