Cornerstone Covenant Presbyterian Church | June 2012
About Corners Cornerstone Contributors Interim Senior Pastor Paul Parsons
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 Joy Durrant Business Administrator Frederick L. Clement 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/publications. We hope to update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at blog.covenant.org.
Aaron Arnold Contributing Writers Whitney Bell, Martha Bombaugh, Tammy Linn Photography Aaron Arnold, Beth Bishop, Stacey Grooms, William Leonhardt, Stephanie Schultz
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We need you! 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 how we can make Cornerstone better, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.
stone 2 Dear Friends
14 What to Do in Cuba
Pastor Paul reminds us to take time for ourselves 4 The General Assembly
Tammy Linn reflects on our ministry in Cuba 16 Covenant Memorial Plaza
A note from the pastor about what to expect 6 Anything Is Possible with God
Kids are gearing up for VBS Sky 9 Faith, Fun and Food
A special place to remember your loved ones 17 Travel the World
Without leaving your chair… what? 18 Manos de Cristo
Take a look back at this year’s All-Church Picnic 10 It Takes Two
Covenant volunteers help the non-profit 21 Finance Report
Welcome Covenant’s newest staff members 12 Fun and Games
For the first quarter ended April 30, 2012 22 Clerk’s Corner
Happy birthday to Senior Activities Day 13 Get Excited
Meet our new Clerk of Session, Joy Durrant 24 Calendar
Student Ministries has a busy summer ahead
Find out what’s coming up in June and July
Table of Contents 1
Dear Friends One year, on the Tuesday of Holy Week, I was cruising through a normal day of appointments, marshaling my energies for what I knew would be a full and demanding week. One of the church staff wheeled around a corner to alert me that I needed to respond to an emergency as quickly as possible. And all of a sudden, I hit a wall. I felt the energy immediately drain out of me, like air escaping from a balloon. Emotionally, I was soon aware that I had been carrying more stress than I 2
was conscious of, and with this request I had reached a limit. I was out of gas. In fact, I was feeling one of the classic warning signs of “burnout.” Have you ever “hit the wall” in your life? Are you presently in danger of over-reaching? God’s intention for us is that we would live in His rhythms of grace, such that we would never hit the wall, run out of gas, burnout… or, if we have overdone it, that we would know how to return to sanity
and even flourish. He has not left us to our own devices, to find a way to a livable pace by our grit and savvy. Rather, the living God has given us the gift of Sabbath, which is more than a day of the week. It is a “Godspace” for centering our lives, invoking wonder and adoration, play and delight. When God created the world, rhythm was in view. When you and I talk about a day, we usually mean daytime, when it’s light outside. But the Word of God speaks of “evening
and morning, one day;” a whole day, which begins with the prior evening (Genesis 1:5,8,10,13,19,23,31). Evening is the onset of God’s work, at the very time when we are most unproductive. And when we awaken in the morning, we discover that God has been at work, totally as a grace to us and creation, and He invites us daily to enjoy it and join Him in it. His grace comes first, to which we respond. This is the rhythm of each day. When God created the Sabbath, rhythm was in view. God created on the first six days, and then on the seventh day, the Sabbath, He quit doing and simply was. We are to walk in His footsteps, which means to quit doing and to give ourselves to being. Exodus teaches us that a primary focus of our being on the Sabbath is to worship, to pray. Deuteronomy teaches us that a primary focus of our being on the Sabbath is to enjoy community, to play with one another. Sabbath is restorative to our weary lives because it means quitting our ordinary work, thanking God with all our being, celebrating the created world, and enjoying our family and friends. This is the rhythm of each week.
And when God created the year by inlaying order and pattern into the movement of planets and stars, rhythm was also in view. God’s Sabbath principle was for His people Israel to carefully follow the harvests, taking post-harvest time to come away from their work and gather in community for festivals. These great celebrations were meant to remind them they could control neither the past nor the future, neither the weather nor other people. They were invited to trust the One, true living God, from whom alone comes shalom, the peace of God that we experience as wholeness, joy, harmony and contentment. We have replaced the Jewish festivals with other celebrations, but the truth is the same: If we would know our identity and worth, if we would seek to be fully human in Christ, we must come away periodically for reflection, recreation and rest. This is the rhythm of each year.
you are tired. There are significant stressors in your lives that are costing you.
I hope each of us will heed God’s invitation, indeed, His command, that we be Sabbath people. Summer is upon us. Many of our church programs are moving into a well-deserved dormancy. So many of
Be sure to read Pastor Paul’s special note about the General Assembly on page 4!
By the way, that “hitting the wall” incident that I mentioned above? That was April 2012. This year. So, in the next three months, I am planning to climb two 14’ers, jump out of an airplane with my oldest daughter, reflect and write a lot, and have a reunion with all my family and some best friends. That’s where I’m going, and I hope you’ll follow my lead.
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The General Assembly A Note from Pastor Paul
In my years in the mountains, I learned to “read the weather.” Not perfectly, mind you; I nearly died when I misread the direction and power of storms on two different occasions. But I became fairly adept in gauging the risk involved in the confluence of barometric pressure, moisture, temperature and terrain. I could almost always tell when a storm was coming. I think a storm is coming in the 220th General Assembly of the PC(USA). I would love to be wrong. But all of the ingredients are present for another round of controversy, and I would be surprised if we do not face our own diversity as a congregation again in the weeks to come. There are many indicators. The church’s historic understanding of marriage will be challenged by a number of overtures from presbyteries around the country. “Redefining marriage is the next logical step in the normalization of sexual relationships outside the marriage of man and woman… At least nine overtures, with many concurrences, propose to change that definition to embrace same-sex couples… by amending the Book of Order to replace every reference to ‘a man and a woman’ marrying with new language speaking of ‘two people’ marrying” (Alan Wisdom, Two Views of Marriage, Theology Matters, volume 18, number 2, Mar/Apr 2012). Other potentially divisive overtures focus on Israel’s relationship to Palestinians, U.S. immigration reform and freedom of conscience within the denomination. 4
Every GA is different. Sometimes the unique blend of commissioners on a given year discerns that it is not time to invite the church into another controversy. But your Session knows that if a storm does hit this year, we must be better prepared than we were a year ago. At our May Session meeting, we talked openly about what will be debated at GA. We determined to do our part to prepare you, the congregation, with awareness of the issues before this GA; to invite you into acceptance that we as a congregation are made up of people who often disagree on these issues; and to challenge you to action. Let’s pray for this General Assembly, for God’s Kingdom to come, God’s will to be done, in the GA in Pittsburgh, as it is in heaven. Let’s study the overtures and background materials for this GA (covenant.org/session). Let’s follow the events day by day, June 30–July 7, on various websites (tinyurl.com/pcbiz). And above all, let’s stay together. We have something so valuable that our differences never can destroy. We’re a family. And that’s something so hard to find in an age as unpredictable as the one in which we’re living. Like I said, I could be wrong. I’m not a perfect forecaster. What I do know is that we, as a congregation, will be fine. There’s no group of people I would rather go through this with than you. So I’m heading into the storm, and I hope you’ll come with me.
Covenant will show eight films in FE 200 on Wednesday nights in July and August. Participants will then discuss themes like moral courage, forgiveness, love, faith, grace and redemption.
1776
7/4 Les Miserables
Based on the hit Broadway musical that premiered in 1969, this film is set in the days leading up to July 4, 1776, with dialog taken directly from letters and memoirs of actual participants. Rated G
Ushpizin (The Guests)
Bella
Victor Hugo’s novel of redemption and revolution is brought to life. Imprisoned Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) is paroled after two decades. He takes in a pregnant young woman (Uma Thurman) and helps raise her daughter. When a former prison guard (Geoffrey Rush) recognizes Valjean, his past catches up to him. Rated PG-13
7/11 Babette’s Feast
A cinematic fable set in the orthodox Jewish world, Ushpizin follows a poor childless devout couple during the Succoth (Festival of Booths) holiday. When two escaped convicts appear, they insinuate themselves into the couple’s hospitality and quickly abuse it, threatening the couple’s marriage and testing their faith. Rated PG
8/1
Martina and Philippa, the beautiful daughters of a devout clergyman, sacrifice youthful passion to faith and duty. Many years after their father’s death, they keep his austere teachings alive among the townspeople. But with the arrival of Babette, a mysterious refugee from France, life begins to change. Rated G
7/18 Conscientious Objector
An international soccer star’s career comes to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress discovers something she’s unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down, until a simple gesture of kindness brings them together, turning an ordinary day into a treasured experience. Rated PG-13
7/25
8/8
This film tells the true story of Desmond T. Doss, a World War II hero who never used a firearm. It’s an account of a man whose religious beliefs spurred him to renounce all weapons and allowed him to save many lives as a medic on the front lines. Note: Due to the film’s graphic nature, the movie may not be appropriate for all audiences.
Shows start at 7 p.m. For more information or to suggest future films, contact Don Zappone at dzappone@grandecom.net or Patrick Schmidt at ptricks@yahoo.com. 5
Anything Is Possible with God
Vacation Bible School (VBS), June 11–15, is one of Covenant’s most exciting weeks of the year for children, parents and the entire church. Though they make it look easy, the Children and Preteen Ministry team spends months planning to ensure the week flows smoothly. “It’s my favorite time of the year,” said Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Gayla Stuart. “Some people shudder at the thought of all the
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chaos; I thrive on it. I love the way the church comes together from generation to generation to help make the program successful.” Mia Thornton, Children’s Assistant said, “This year’s theme ‘Anything is possible with God’ is cool. We’re gonna make it big and fun, and get creative. I’m sure the kids will be excited with the characters, the stories and the snacks!”
Mia added that it’s a thrill for the leaders when the kids have an “aha” moment. “I love it when the lessons click with the kids. We know they understand it when we hear them retell the Bible verse to their parents.”
every day. World Vision and Group Publishing determined that if all the churches using their curriculum worked together to buy treated mosquito nets, they could save the entire country of Mali from contracting malaria.
Mission: Malaria Mali This year, Group Publishing, the company that writes the curriculum for VBS, is partnering with World Vision and churches like Covenant to protect children from malaria-carrying mosquitos. Malaria kills more than 2,000 children
Gayla said it’s the first year Covenant has participated in the Group Publishing mission. “This is a great mission because it’s concrete, it makes sense to the kids and it’s tied to the VBS curriculum. Kids can relate to mosquitos; kids can relate to helping other kids.” 7
Volunteers Make It Happen While members of the children and preteen staff agree that the best thing about VBS is seeing the joy of the kids and their families, Associate Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Stacey Grooms has another take: “I watch volunteers during the week and think, wow! You’re really good at leading the lessons and conveying the meaning.” Every parent and guardian with a child in VBS is required to volunteer for two days. It’s a key part of making the program successful. Stacey hesitated to name a stand-out volunteer because so many people work to make the week great. She did say that Kristen Tritle has been particularly helpful to her. “When Kristen asked for a job several years ago, I asked her to be a personal assistant, and she ably handled some of the emergencies that came up. “We also have many youth helpers. Marjon Ahmadia sings and dances every year. She’s got such a good positive spirit,” Stacey said. “Obie Jones is willing to dress in the mascot outfits. His younger sister Emily started helping, too. In fact, we get three for one with the Jones family. His mom, Kimberly, has for many years been a group leader for all five days.” One area of VBS that does not rely on volunteers is the toddler group. Jaclyn Black, Childcare Coordinator, said that because of the extra care-giving required for two and threeyear-olds, paid staff work with that group. “The little kids do a lot of the same things the older kids do at an age-appropriate level,” Jaclyn said. “They love going into Fellowship Hall to sing and dance with the entire group. 8
Children and Preteen Ministries Assistant Mia Thornton (right) working with Aiden Dadidakis (middle) and Ryan Curtis (right). I love my job because I get to interact with so many people—kids, caregivers, parents—and this is my favorite week.” VBS and Children’s Ministry Pride Katie Lawrence-Stewart, Children’s Ministry Assistant, summed it up. “I am proud of VBS,” she said. “Just five of us serve 500 kids for VBS. It’s awesome and it goes smoothly. “I’m proud of our whole children’s program,” Katie continued. “Gayla is incredible. She is such a leader and an incredible boss. She’s always pushing for us to be great. We put on huge events several times a year plus every Sunday. We have an enormous number of children and events for five people.” The dedication of the children’s staff and the amazing spirit that moves kids, parents, friends and neighbors during VBS is a testament to hard work, demonstrating, as the program suggests, that… Anything is possible with God.
Faith, Fun and Food
More than 150 Covenant members gathered at the Skaggs Ranch in early May for the annual All-Church Picnic. The river on the property (with flowing water this year) provided a spot for fun and faith. Covenant took advantage of the water as Pastor Paul baptized Abby Osgood, a high school sophomore (see front cover), and Noah Nugent, a 6-year-old. Abby, who recently completed the Stand confirmation class, publicly professed
her faith in Jesus. Paul gently baptized Noah, welcoming him into the Christian faith. The baptisms were followed by a great softball game. April Kelly, Associate Director of Student Ministry, said, “By organizing this game, we hoped to connect multiple generations in a fun and laid-back setting.” More than 40 people participated; the adults defeated the youth team 15–8.
Those not in the water or playing games enjoyed their time on the porch, eating and listening to the Motown music of the Matchmaker Band, led by Covenant’s Contemporary Music Leader Jerry Wise. “This is what the Church is supposed to look like,” said member Andrew Bell. “All generations standing around in flip flops and baseball caps applauding believers as they profess their faith in Jesus.” Submitted by Whitney Bell
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It Takes Two Martha Conroy and Nicole Phinney recently joined Covenant’s staff. Pastor Tom Mitchell, in his search to replace Assistant to Discipleship Mary Jo North, found the two women’s backgrounds provided a focused team able to put different strengths to good use for Covenant.
audiovisual equipment in the Fellowship and Education Building for Lamplighters’ studies and records and uploads the programs to the Lamplighters website. Recently, Martha also volunteered in the office during another staff member’s medical leave absence.
“With distinct gifts, Martha and Nicole as a team are more than the sum of their parts!” exclaimed Tom. “Martha hit the ground running with her insight for detail, exceptional organizational skills and experience with sound equipment. Her quick intelligence is only matched by her kindness. Nicole brings a knack for connecting ideas through writing and asking strategic questions. She moves toward clarifying ideas while listening for the big story.”
“My daughters are getting older and when Tom approached me about becoming his assistant, I felt like this was God’s plan, starting with Lamplighters, this job and just becoming more involved at the church,” said Martha.
Martha joined Covenant in 2001 and quickly became involved with Lamplighters. She has taught Sunday School and volunteered as the Lamplighters administrator. She works with the 10
“With distinct gifts, Martha and Nicole as a team are more than the sum of their parts”
Nicole’s background in writing has helped her develop a different but complementary set of talents. Nicole has lived in several different states, most recently Colorado, before moving to Austin. She has taught literature and writing in college classrooms as well as trained writers at Focus on the Family. She has also written and edited for First Presbyterian Colorado Springs as well as several Christian book publishers. “I came to Austin with the bright idea that I would finally write the great American novel in graduate school. God’s idea for me seems to be more about helping others see His story being told in their lives,” said Nicole. With two people, one major change involved deciding how to divide the duties. “I will be the support staff to the fellowship and adult committees,” Martha said. “I will also be the one to contact if you want copies of sermons, baptisms or memorial services.” Martha will keep
track of classes and Bible study groups. “I look forward to working with Nicole to make Tom’s life easier and being a part of the Covenant team,” said Martha. “I feel lucky to have this opportunity. It feels like part of God’s plan for me.” Nicole will focus on planning projects, events and curriculum. “I work with Tom to develop new spiritual growth opportunities while staying in touch with our current discipleship ministries,” said Nicole. She will create and occasionally present materials, and always look for where God is moving. “I know that for adult learners, one size does not fit all,” Nicole said. “In my life, everything from an intensive small group to solitary spiritual practices to challenging Bible teachings have drawn me closer to Jesus at crucial moments. I am thrilled to bring what I can to spiritual growth at Covenant.” Martha and Nicole started in early May. Stop by and meet them in CO 116! 11
Fun and Games Happy Birthday to Senior Activities Day
In 2009, Rev. Rick MacArthur, then Director of Older Adult Ministries, called a committee to come up with ways to use the new Fellowship and Education Building. His goal was to serve members as well as the surrounding community. “One early thought was to create a day for seniors,” said Martha Bombaugh, now the chair of the Senior Activities Day Committee. To determine the day’s activities, Martha placed sheets of paper on each table at a VISIONS’ luncheon, asking for game requests for such a day. “Bridge, bingo, dominoes and puzzles got good response,” Martha said. After asking numerous logistical questions of Fred Clement and requesting guidance from Session, Martha was given a simple answer: “Just do it!”
The first Senior Activities Day was June 23, 2009, and was attended by 112 people; 32 were guests from the community. Today, between 60 to 70 seniors meet in Fellowship Hall on the first Tuesday of the month for games and lunch prepared by Covenant chef Mark Toussaint. The committee also shows a movie. Several guests who have attended Senior Activities Day have now joined Covenant. June 2012 marks the third anniversary of Senior Activities Day. Martha said the day runs smoothly due to many volunteer efforts: Billie Fay Grayson procures the movie; Fred Hartmann runs the projector; Ray Russell takes photos, and he and Ophelia change the kiosk each month. Charles Meyer is the secretary, and Shirley Thomas and Don Finney help wherever they can.
Kay Vacha, Shirley Thomas and Martha Bombaugh at Senior Activities Day in March. “Our motto is come when you can and leave when you must,” said Martha, who encourages all who are interested to join in the activities this month on June 5: Games start at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon and the movie starts at 1 p.m. in FE 200.
Don’t miss these Great Summer Movies The Iron Lady
June 5
We Bought a Zoo
July 3
Hugo
Aug. 7
Submitted by Martha Bombaugh
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Get Excited Student Ministries Summer Camps
Core Student Ministries is preparing for summer 2012. Students are excited for camps, where they will get away, experience fun fellowship with friends and most importantly, encounter the Living God. The Great Escape Covenant’s seventh and eighth grade students will travel to Gunnison, Colo., June 23–29 to take part in The Great Escape with more than 300 students from all over the United States. Their days begin with morning worship followed by a dynamic speaker. Afternoon free time is filled with white water rafting on the Taylor River, exploring the mountain town of Crested Butte and participating in a giant shaving cream war. Covenant eighth grader Sarah Crawley recalled her best Great Escape memory. “One night, the worship leader asked everyone to spread out on campus and get alone. For like ten minutes, you are silent and just connecting with God. When
everyone comes back in, you are just so happy because you have just been with the Lord and you just start worshipping.” Daytona Beach Covenant’s high school group will join more than 2,000 students in Daytona Beach, Fla., for a StudentLife conference July 8–14. Chris Tomlin headlines as worship leader with guest speaker Louie Giglio. Students participate in worship and hear deep talks. In their free time, they play Frisbee, swim, relax, shop at the nearby shops or just enjoy time together. “My favorite part of Daytona last year was definitely the worship. There are 2,000 kids there and you can just feel God moving,” said high school student Obie Jones. “I also liked swimming with the wild dolphins.” For more information, contact Whitney Bell at wbell@covenant.org. Submitted by Whitney Bell
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What to Do in Cuba “What do you do in Cuba?” I attempted to answer that question at the Concierto Cubano, sharing music and stories with Covenant friends. Excerpts from that January celebration follow. A few months before my first trip in 2009, John Winkler asked if I was bringing my violin. I said ‘no.’ Clearly the Holy Spirit had placed it on his heart that I needed to make music there. He said, “I’ll email Iliana and see if she can arrange a loaner instrument.” Iliana is the Tom Brown of our sister church. When I mentioned this conversation to my mentor Brian Lewis, he thoughtfully replied, “Maybe I could just give you a violin to take.” Two months later, I arrived in Cuba with a beautifully restored violin, thanks to Brian and a number of friends who contributed toward its restoration. God presented me many opportunities to share violin music. 14
Tammy Linn (left) greets Sergio Arenas (right) after his presentation on the AIDS education program in Cuba. Before the trip each fall, a committee at our sister church plans our trip itinerary. Most activities are ministry-related, but our sister church always ensures that we have opportunities to enjoy the Cuban culture. In 2009, we were scheduled for an evening at the Cuban ballet. That morning, I was sitting on the bus waiting to depart for the day’s activities. Jack Kern joined, announcing that we wouldn’t attend the ballet that evening.
He said instead, Tammy and John Winkler would perform a concert and invited all the church members in the neighborhood to attend. Then, Jack turned to me and said, “Tammy, is that okay?” The first thought I had was that Jack had a lot to learn about high-strung classical violinists! Needless to say, I agreed. A highlight of the Cuba trip is the evening we do home visits. My first year, John Winkler
and I visited Iliana at her apartment. We arrived with a stack of music and the Cuba violin in hand. Iliana invited some conservatory students to join us. Our evening quickly turned into a jam session as we crowded around Iliana’s piano. Quarters were tight; there was no music stand. Iliana’s husband Manuel, a famous Cuban artist, stepped up to become my human music stand. I’ll never forget the curious look in his eyes peering at me over the top of the music. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Cuba ministry happens right here on American soil. Whenever I speak about the ministry, invariably people want to participate. The good will and generosity are overwhelming. Ani, a young lady, had a particularly moving story. She and her family have always supported the Cuba ministry and about a year ago, Ani decided she wanted to do more and decided to do a fundraiser. She began by saving her allowance and continued by selling her artwork. Then, she invited her friends to her eighth birthday party and asked that they contribute money for her Cuba fundraiser in lieu of gifts. Through these means,
One of many 90th anniversary musical ensembles with Music Director Iliana Garcia (right). she raised $500. Her hope was to purchase a violin for Cuba. This fall, I contacted the Blackerby Violin Shop and told the owner about Ani. Did he have anything in his inventory that he could part with for that amount? He replied that for that amount, Ani could purchase two violins; he would sell them at a discount! Last November, Ani sent our team to Cuba with one full-size and one half-size violin.
also find reflections from other Cuba trip travelers at covenant.org/cuba. Join Paul Parsons in Cuba this Fall Reason #6 God may be calling you to Cuba: Go. Fall deeper in love… with Covenant friends (new or old), with new Cuban friends, with the church, with Christ! Experience powerful gospel witness and obtain a deeper understanding of the miracle of multiplying fishes and loaves.
To hear more stories or to purchase a Concierto Cubano CD, contact me at tlinn99@yahoo.com You can
Six places remain for the fall trip from Oct. 22 to Nov. 1. For more information, contact Jack Kern at jackckern@sbcglobal.net or stop by the patio table on Sundays. Submitted by Tammy Linn
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Covenant Memorial Plaza Covenant Presbyterian Church is constructing the Covenant Memorial Plaza to provide a special place to inter the cremains/ashes of loved ones. The plaza will include a special wall to honor friends with memorial plaques. The Plaza, which will include a columbarium with 84 niches, will be located on the patio of the first level of the Fellowship and Education Building, between the two fountains. Rights to the niches, which can each hold two people, are available for $2,000 per niche. Niche locations are assigned based on date of purchase. All niches are the same price. “Several things prompted us to do this project,” said Director of Administration Fred Clement. “It has long been a desire of many of our senior adults to have a columbarium on our campus. Cremation is often viewed as a more green and affordable solution, and the plaza gives our members an opportunity to be interred in perpetuity in a loving place among friends.”
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At a later date, the site will have a memorial wall with 80 plaques to memorialize a person whose remains are at another location. Those eligible for inclusion in the Plaza are members or former members of Covenant; pastors and staff who have served Covenant; spouses, parents, children and their spouses, and grandchildren of members, former members, pastors and staff; and others formally approved by the pastoral staff or Session. The construction of the Covenant Memorial Plaza will be self-funded. The Session voted to begin the first phase of construction when monies from gifts and pre-sales of niches and memorial plaques reach at least $40,000. This initial amount will cover the design, construction and installation of the 84 niches. Additional funding will enable Covenant to proceed with the memorial plaque wall and to upgrade the aesthetics of the plaza area. For more information, contact Frederick L. Clement at fclement@covenant.org.
Travel the World
A group of Covenant members and friends have traveled the world together without ever leaving their chairs. The Armchair Travelers meets the first Thursday of each month, May through September, to share travel experiences. “It’s a chance to show off your vacation,” explained Dave Mead, group leader since 2001. Dave said the group started with Carl and Martha Bombaugh, who traveled often and were frequently asked about their trips. “We had taken a trip to Alaska,” Martha said. “We flew from Anchorage to Fairbanks and continued to the northernmost point of the U.S., Barrow Point. We toured the first oil pumping station on the pipeline, enjoyed a salmon bake, took a scenic train to Anchorage, toured Denali National Park and went white water rafting.
without Leaving Your Chair
Dave says he enjoys every program. “Every trip is different, even if you travel to the same spot. You see different things with different eyes. We’ve had programs about places in Texas that are just as interesting as programs covering Russia and China, It’s amazing what there is to see in your own backyard!” Fred Hartmann will lead the group when it starts again the first Thursday in September. Until then, record your memories and consider the program that you can share with friends.
“When we returned to Austin, Covenant friends asked to see our slides,” Martha said. “Carl was ready to show them at our house, and I said, ‘Let’s do it at the church.’ We had 19 people come to the first Armchair Travelers in the Parlor in October 1991.” Dr. Bob Prall presented his trip to Antarctica for the second Armchair Travelers meeting in November, and in December, Pat and Dawn Fine presented their African Safari trip. By January 1992, the Armchair Travelers had outgrown the Parlor. In May 2001 after nearly 10 years, the group had grown to 70 people. Dave Mead and Dale Rogers became the leaders.
Dave Mead (left), with wife Georgia (right), has led Armchair Travelers since 2001. 17
Manos de Cristo Covenant members recognize Manos de Christo for the tamales bought and consumed by the dozens around Christmas, but the popular tamale drive is a small part of the volunteer and fund-raising efforts of Manos de Cristo. The non-profit organization assists more than 15,000 lowincome families each year with dental help, food, clothing, and back-to-school supplies for thousands of local children. Covenant has been instrumental in volunteering at Manos. In fact, six church members
“It’s not a big commitment. It’s the little things that make a difference.” 18
have volunteered at the Manos de Cristo food pantry for more than two decades. Packing Food for 20 Years Dick and Marty Castleberry, George and Mary Jim McDonald, and Jeanne Pritchett have trekked to Manos once a month and given a couple hours of their time since the early 90s; Dick Pritchett joined his wife when he retired in 2003. The pantry offers emergency help to six households daily. George and Mary Jim, on a recent Friday morning, filled six orders that trickled in. “Sometimes, there is a line when we get here,” George said, as he bagged a package of meat for a family of six. Jeanne, who fills orders on the third Monday of the month, said, “It’s not a big commitment. It’s the little things that make a difference.”
The Castleberrys work the first Monday. Marty remembers when the pantry was downtown at El Buen Pastor Church. “It had a different feel.” Jeanne agreed. “I miss the flavor of that community. This location has its great things too. The people are so nice!” A Little Manos History In 1988, Rev. Frank Diaz began working at El Buen Pastor. The poor and homeless were constantly knocking, often asking for baby food. They had no teeth and no dental care. The situation prompted Rev. Diaz to start Manos de Cristo in 1988. By 1990, with the support of several churches including $20,000 from Covenant, Manos began providing dental services. Manos’ reach quickly expanded and today offers lowincome families aid through the food pantry, clothes closet and its Back-to-School (BTS)
Dick Pritchett, Marty Castleberry and Jeanne Pritchett fill a food order at a Manos de Christo. The nonprofit organization assists more than 15,000 low income families each year. program; computer, citizenship, and English classes; and Legal Aid. Soon, its dental clinic will move from downtown and be housed with the other Manos de Cristo services in central Austin. Cheryl Banks is Covenant’s Manos de Cristo lead. She’s worked with the program for eight years and has been on the Manos de Cristo Board since 2007. “Helping people improve their education, giving them tools to help with their
employment and attending to health care needs is right up my alley as a pediatrician. “We are currently remodeling the main campus to bring the dental clinic over and house everything under one roof,” she said. “The dental clinic will grow from four chairs to eight.” David Ferguson, DDS, and Dennis Brender, DDS, are Covenant members who see patients in the Manos de Cristo dental clinic, and both have served on the Manos de Cristo Board.
Back-to-School Supplies Gloria Moreno for years was the Covenant’s Manos lead. Gloria grew up in El Buen Pastor Church and is the cousin of Rev. Diaz. Gloria started volunteering at the Clothes Closet in 1993 and was part of the first Back-to-School project with Covenant’s Paulette Kern, Avis Davis and Betty Meyer. Manos’ current focus is the Back-to-School (BTS) program. Covenant’s goal is to fully sponsor 100 children at the cost of $42/child. Manos 19
Nominate a Special Woman Each year the Presbyterian Women of Covenant award an Honorary Life Membership to a special woman in recognition of faithful service to God and our church. Past recipients include: • 2003 Jane Mack and Mary Jim McDonald
The Dorcas Circle presents its annual mission pledge check to Manos. Pictured : Dorothy Elliott, Gloria Moreno, Julie Ballesteros, Manos Executive Director, Cheryl Banks and Helen Fletcher.
• 2004 June Johnson • 2005 Gloria Moreno • 2006 Betty Hall • 2007 Mary Margaret Willman • 2008 Sue Roberts • 2009 Susan Gibson and Helen Smith • 2010 Nola Ross and Jan Skaggs • 2011 June Briney Do you know a Covenant woman whose name belongs on this list for 2012? The deadline for nominations is June 15. Forms are in the church office, along with a box for submissions. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor an exceptional woman of faith. For
Executive Director Julie Ballesteros, a former teacher, remembers times when a student had only pencil for school supplies, which makes the project especially meaningful. Julie said the Manos board has decreased its funding for BTS. With a goal to outfit 2,200 children with supplies, Manos is doing extra fundraising. (At BTS’ start in 1992, it served 125 children.)
more information, contact Julie Stillwell at jms5703@aol.com or 794-0444.
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“I love the idea behind Back to School,” Cheryl said. “Every child deserves a great first day of school. Having a new outfit, backpack and school supplies really help with that!”
BTS donations will be collected on the Covenant patio through June 24. For more information, contact Amy Erben at amyerben@austin.rr.com. Additional Opportunities Manos also provides clothing and computer, citizenship and ESL classes. “More churches got involved when I was working with Manos de Cristo and the program blossomed,” Gloria recalled. Whatever your talent, Manos likely has a volunteer opportunity for you. For more information or to volunteer, contact Cheryl Banks at csebesta@austin.rr.com.
Finance Report FOR THE First Quarter ENDed April 30, 2012 Budgeted Revenues
Annual Budget
Budget YTD
Actual YTD
YTD VariancE Budget vs Actual
Pledged Offerings
$2,287,000
$899,637
$744,107
<$155,530>
Unpledged Offerings
600,000
145,786
157,290
11,504
Miscellaneous
90,000
34,083
21,632
<12,451>
Total Revenues 2,977,000
1,079,506
923,029
<156,477>
Budgeted Expenditures
2,977,000
1,007,888
972,243
<35,645>
Rev Over <under> Exp
0
71,618
<49,214>
<120,832>
Did you know? Your Contributions to Covenant can be facilitated electronically through Covenantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eStewardship program via electronic funds transfers; pre-authorized recurring or one-time ACH transactions; or credit card payment. For more information, visit covenant.org/donate or contact Covenantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff accountant at 334-3001.
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Clerk’s Corner Summer is on the way, and we’ve had a busy spring! Informational Meetings Continued On April 16, we welcomed Rev. Tammy Brown back to Covenant, where she served as an Associate Pastor more than 10 years ago. Tammy, currently the Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charleston, S.C., presented her perspective on the PC(USA). Tammy’s presentation offered a different perspective from that given by Jim Singleton in March.
Singleton and Tammy Brown. Session has addressed this issue in various formats, including a statement in the Annual Report, and continues to monitor the changing environment in the PC(USA). At this time, Session believes we can function within the local options of the new Form of Government (nFoG), and has no plans to leave the PC(USA). For more information on this topic, as well as others, read the FAQ at covenant.org/session or contact Director of Administration Frederick Clement at fclement@covenant.org.
Are We Going Or Staying? Elders continue to be asked when they will vote about staying in the PC(USA). Many people believed Session would be voting on this matter after the presentations of Jim
Ordination and Installation According to the nFoG, the Session is responsible for setting local ordination standards, and shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation and suitability for the
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responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation. In May, Session began a time of study and discussion on each of the Ordination Questions in the Book of Order at our monthly meeting. Please pray this is a blessed and graceful time of learning and sharing. Session: Hello—Goodbye At the April Session meeting, we honored the outgoing elders. We shared and celebrated memories and presented gifts. My prayer is that the Elder Class of 2012 will be richly blessed for having been such a blessing to
Covenant. Please thank these dutiful, grace-filled elders when you see them: Brynn Anderson, John Blitch, Marv Hackert (who also served as Clerk), Maggie Tate and Trey Thompson. In May, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new elders, the Class of 2015, which included: Don Davis, Evangeline Herring, Chuck Ruesink, Melanie Williamson and Cindy Young. Please pray for and encourage these elders and all of your elders!
New Members On May 1, the Session welcomed 20 new members to Covenant! This new member class met on April 30 and May 1 to learn about all things Covenant. Please look for these folks on the patio and welcome them warmly. General Assembly General Assembly will meet June 30-July 7 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Commissioners will vote on numerous overtures, some
of them likely to be controversial. Please hold all the commissioners in your prayers for wisdom and discernment. If you hear of something being discussed or voted on which you support or vehemently disagree, please talk to a pastor or elder who stand ready and able to hear your concerns. The proceedings will be streamed live at tinyurl.com/ga220.
Session: Committee Assignments The elders will be serving as liaisons to the following committees:
Committee
Elder Liaison
Administration
JoAnne McIntosh Evangeline Herring Don Davis Laura Tuma Cindy Young Clark Weatherby Chuck Ruesink Tom Sunstrom Joe Muck Jan Skaggs Tom Hutchison Jeff Horn Melanie Williamson Tom Sunstrom Christy Green Joy Durrant Melanie Williamson
Children and Preteen Denominational Affairs Fellowship Congregational Care Discipleship Finance Lay Ministries Missions Personnel Senior Adults Stewardship Worship (Traditional) Worship (Contemporary) Youth Clerk Clerk Elect
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Calendar Senior Activities Day
June 5 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: The Iron Lady (see right)
Senior Activities Day June is the third anniversary of the Senior
VBS Orientation
Activities Day program. Come help us
June 7 in FE 200 Youth volunteers meet at 5:30 p.m. Adult volunteers meet at 6:30 p.m.
celebrate on June 5. Our movie is The Iron Lady (2011), starring Meryl Streep, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance as an elderly Margaret Thatcher
Youth Summer Kick-Off
“talking to” her recently deceased husband.
June 10 at 9:30 a.m. in FE 400
Scenes ranging from her childhood to when she was British prime minister illustrate her
Vacation Bible School
fascinating life. Games, bingo and puzzles
June 11–15 at 9 a.m. in FE 200
start at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon, and the movie starts at 1 p.m.
Youth Trip to Round Rock Express Game
Come for all or part of the program in FE
June 14 at 7:05 p.m. in Round Rock Meet at 4:30 p.m. at Covenant
200. Guests are welcome. Donations are accepted for lunch and reservations are not required. For more information, call Martha
Youth Ultimate Frisbee
June 18 at 6 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park
Bombaugh at 345-5916.
Celebration of Discipline
Great Escape Summer Camp
June 23–29 in Gunnison, Colo. Entering 7th and 8th grade students Visit corestudentministries.org for registration information
Please join us as we work through Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster. We hope to grow closer to Christ as we discuss
Senior Activities Day
discipline in our worship lives.
July 3 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: We Bought A Zoo
Our group meets each Thursday until Aug. 16 (except for June 14 due to VBS) in CO 202, from noon until 1 p.m.
Reel Ministry: 1776
To register, contact Megan Poore at
July 4 at 7 p.m. in FE 200
megan.poore@yahoo.com or 293-4652.
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Preschool KinderCamp Covenant Presbyterian Preschool will offer
Daytona Beach
a one-week camp designed especially for
July 8–14 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Entering high school students Visit corestudentministries.org for registration information
children starting kindergarten this fall. The three-hour day will focus on kindergarten readiness skills. Early morning learning centers will include letter recognition, phonemic
Reel Ministry: Ushpizin (The Guests)
awareness, fine-motor skills and pre-
July 11 at 7 p.m. in FE 200
reading. Late morning centers will include math activities, hands-on science explora-
Middle School: Austin Park and Pizza
tion, graphing and patterns. Teachers will
July 18
also spend social time discussing what to expect on the first day of kindergarten at
Reel Ministry: Bella
a new school. Camp will be held Monday,
July 18 at 7 p.m. in FE 200
Aug. 6, through Friday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. For more informa-
Christmas in July
tion or to register, contact Christy Milam at
July 22 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Kids wear swimsuits, get wet on the slippery slide, hear Christmas carols and the Christmas story
cmilam@covenant.org or 454-8370. Please register before June 1 to guarantee a spot.
Cooking Summer Camp
Ultimate Frisbee
July 23 at 6 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park
Come join Adventure Cook the week of August 13–17 at Covenant, where the kids
Reel Ministry: Les Miserables
are the cooks. Adventure Cook is open to
July 25 at 7 p.m. in FE 200
children ages 4 through 10. Each day, under the supervision of two adult cooks, children
High School: Schlitterbahn
will make two recipes from scratch: one
July 26
savory and one sweet. Kids learn about ingredients, make a recipe, then cook and
Club 56 Mission Camp
eat it. Learning important life skills while en-
July 30–Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $125 including lunch Download registration forms at covenant.org/club56
joying the fun of cooking is what Adventure Cook is all about. Cost to attend is $180. To register, visit adventurecook.com or call Amy Valentine at 659-5939.
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3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757
Officers and Staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church Deacons CLASS OF 2013 Breece Adams Ursula Alley Mike Austin June Beck Nancy Bissell Deatra Boese Amanda Cowan Jane Crowe Peggy Cuevas Kay Davenport Bonnie Hartmann Fred Hartmann Abby Hemphill Susan Hutchison Tammy Linn Steve Martens Ken Moore Sarah Ott Ryan Palm LaTrelle Peterson Megan Poore Charles Ridings Jim Robinson Jim Rumbo Nancy Rumbo Lynn Smith Shannon Windham
Elders CLASS OF 2014 Marilyn Adams Matt Bair Donna Barksdale Lynn Bell Steve Bissell Julie Bou Allen Carmichael Lynda Chapman Jay Corder Cara Cotham Jim Foster Jacquez “Joc” Gaines Bretna Hackert Elizabeth Hilton Barbara Knisely Bill Mange Lacy Ruwwe Carol Sheppard Lisa Sledge Sharon Smith Tom Smith Brent Stover Diane Swanson Beth Voorhees
Class of 2015 Susan Ashton Jill Baumhover Wendell Bell Sylvia Betts Rusty Burnett Carolyn Carmichael Steve Caskey Allison Crutchfield Dianne Erlewine Pansy Flick Jane Gamel Keith Ging Garrett Hall Patti Hansen Elizabeth Harrell Bill Hawkins Shannon Knisely Jack Kriens Loretta Kriens Larry Loessin Tom Magruder James Marroquin Emily McGinnis Gwen Morton Patrick Schmidt Gary Vliet Becky Wells Sharyn Westmoreland Paul Wynkoop
CLASS OF 2013 Christy Green Tom Hutchison JoAnne McIntosh Joe Muck Tom Sunstrom
CLASS OF 2014 Joy Durrant Jeff Horn Jan Skaggs Laura Tuma Clark Weatherby
Class of 2015 Don Davis Evangeline Herring Chuck Ruesink Melanie Williamson Cindy Young
Foundation Trustees CLASS OF 2013 Doug Hartman Bruce Pollock Tana Taylor Noel Durrant
CLASS OF 2014 Dianne Erlewine
Class of 2015 Jack Kern Mary Teeple
Program Staff Paul Parsons, Interim Senior Pastor Beth Bishop, Director of Lay Ministries Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Frederick L. Clement, Director of Administration William Leonhardt, Director of Student Ministries Tom Mitchell, Associate Pastor for Discipleship John Schmidt, Organist Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries Gayla Zachry, Director of Children’s and Preteen Ministries
