CORNERSTONE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | DECEMBER 2015 Covenant celebrated Jon Wasson at his service of ordination for the ministry of the word and sacrament, and installation as Covenant’s associate pastor of discipleship in mid-November. “Jon is not being priested,” visiting preacher Darrell Guder said. “We are celebrating his vocation and what God is doing in his midst to make that gloriously awesome.”
ABOUT CORNERS CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS SENIOR PASTOR THOMAS DANIEL
Cornerstone is the bimonthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Cornerstone provides in-depth articles on the events that take place on and off campus, and the people who make them happen.
CLERK OF SESSION CLARK WEATHERBY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DUANE DUBE EDITOR STEPHANIE SCHULTZ DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Content includes the pastor’s letter, Session news, member and staff spotlights, and a calendar of upcoming events. Find more information on the events online and in Covenant Matters. Download the paper version of Cornerstone online at covenant.org/cornerstone. We will update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at covenant.org/blog.
HILARY PITTMAN
We need you! CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL BANKS, TERRY COLE, MICHAEL KNISELY, PAUL MOWRY, JON WASSON PHOTOGRAPHY CHERYL BANKS, PAUL MOWRY, HILARY PITTMAN, STEPHANIE SCHULTZ SPECIAL THANKS TO PAUL MOWRY, BRIAN SPARKS
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To make Cornerstone better, we need your help! The content will be more interesting and more fun with more writers. If you have something you want to write about or want us to write, let us know. While we can’t promise that every submitted article will appear in the printed version of Cornerstone, we will publish all appropriate stories on the blog. We also need photos of events. If you have suggestions for Cornerstone, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.
STONE 2 HOW WE CELEBRATE
11 SYM GOES TO THE BIG TENT
Rejoicing before the final results 4 RACE AND FAITH
First field trip proves fruitful 12 WELCOME TO COVENANT
Working together to influence change 6 EMBRACE SUFFERING
New members help grow the Kingdom 14 ESTATE PLAN ROADBLOCKS
Choosing truth and love and joy 7 POWER FOR PARKINSON’S
Thinking purposefully about your future 15 CLERK’S CORNER
Benefiting through exercise, community 9 THE GIVING TREE
cutline 16 FINANCE REPORT
Giving joyfully to Covenant missions 10 TAKING ACTION IN ZAMBIA
Action-packed 2015 in Zambia
For the period ended October 31, 2015 17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Ring in the Season
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
HOW WE CELEBRATE Over the years I’ve taken part in some amazing celebrations. As a native Atlantan, I remember the moment in 1990 when we heard the live radio announcement that the Summer Olympics were coming to our city. People began honking car horns and spontaneously hugging strangers in the streets. Five years later, in 1995, the Atlanta Braves won their first (and only) World Series title. My friends and I stayed up all night toasting our champions. Many years later, when my wife and I learned that we were pregnant— after years of hearing that this was not likely to happen—we embraced one another as tears ran down our faces. Each of these examples reminds me that celebrations almost always take place when there’s a final result. For example, nobody in Atlanta popped that champagne cork for the Braves until they’d recorded the final out against the Cleveland Indians. Similarly, my wife and I did not celebrate the end to years of infertility before we saw a pregnancy test result with our own eyes. The only celebration that seems different was when I, as a young 2
child, would wait at the top of our family’s staircase every Christmas morning. I would stand with my two younger brothers and fidget with anticipation while my father turned on the Christmas tree lights and checked to see if Santa left any presents. My brothers and I would stand at the top of the staircase and jump around excitedly, hugging one another and passing around high fives, celebration already in full swing. Every year we knew, without a doubt, that the promise of gifts on Christmas morning was real. This staircase celebration was unique because we were celebrating a promised future. I believe that Mary’s statement, which we call The Magnificat, is like our Christmas morning staircase celebration. All her life, Mary and the Jewish people had lived under the brute force of Rome as well as the twisted hand of Herod. Then, in a most unanticipated moment, Mary learns she is pregnant and will become the virgin mother of the Messiah, a king whose reign will last forever. After taking time to digest this news, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who also has become miraculously pregnant with a son
who will become John the Baptist. As John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the unborn Jesus, Mary seems to celebrate for the first time. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she begins, and then composes a spontaneous song about the work of God that her child will usher into creation. “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.” Surely this is a top-of-the-staircase celebratory declaration! Mary’s words describe the longing she shares with her people. She sings of God’s promised reign through her child. Mary
is celebrating a promise that is as real as the miraculous bump growing in her belly. Mary was entering the mysterious realm of the “already and not yet.” This is a realm in which we still find ourselves today. We live in an age when power still rests in the hands of many who do not fully embrace the reign of God. The poor and lowly continue to suffer, as do all of us in our places of unfulfilled dreams and unending loss. We all endure pain and betrayal that seems to rob us of any true experience of peace or
joy. Yet, in the midst of it all, we have Mary’s song, which is an Advent celebration because it exults in the present and future promise of God’s eternal reign. It is a reign where our broken places are transformed: He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
This is God’s promise to us. No matter what pain you have experienced, may you join with Mary in celebrating the reign of Jesus that both is coming and has come. May we all, like children on Christmas morning poised to descend the staircase, fully enter into an unbridled celebration with full knowledge and assurance that God’s victory in Jesus has already been won!
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy. JOYFULLY,
According to the promise He made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to His descendants forever. THOMAS DANIEL SENIOR PASTOR
Life Together Starts Now!
The word Christians use to talk about and grow in their relationships with God’s relationship with us is “covenant.” God and one another through sharing The covenant that God made with their lives. We are creating many ways Israel, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, to help you get connected. is grounded in God’s faithful promise to be in relationship with us despite COVENANT The first wave of Covenant Groups GROUPS will form during Lent and will discern our brokenness. We might say the covenant is the context in which we are invited to be together whether God is calling them to an ongoin authentic relationship to God and to others. ing relationship. We encourage everyone to sign up for a Covenant Group and begin prayerfully This is the hope we have for Covenant Groups, preparing to fully participate in the adventure our newly reimagined small group ministry. ahead. Covenant Groups will be small communities of 6-8 individuals who meet regularly to connect To learn more and sign up for a Covenant Group, go to covenant.org/covenantgroups.
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RACE AND FAITH With racial tensions surging throughout the country, Covenant Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel felt called to talk openly about what is happening right here in Austin. He invited New Covenant Fellowship Pastor James Lee to have a “Race and Faith Conversation” at Covenant in mid-November.
were looking for a safe place to have a conversation in the whole city of Austin,” James said. “When Covenant invited me to this forum, I said ‘Lord, you can’t be serious!’ This would have been the first place I’d have called. To see that Covenant was already going there; it was an automatic yes.”
Thomas referenced Austin Mayor Steve Adler’s visit to Covenant last spring. Adler commented that Austin is the most economically segregated city in the nation. Austin is also the only American city with a declining African-American population.
As an African American man in Austin, James said the “most shocking” thing that happened to him was getting pulled over by a police officer in Covenant’s neighborhood. “I was leaving the house of then-Senior Pastor Jim Singleton. I received a ticket on Koenig Lane in this neighborhood. My wife was in the car beside me. It was embarrassing.
“I believe it is fear that keeps many of us quiet,” Thomas said. “We need to be able to have conversations about race as followers of Jesus.” “A more subtle way I feel [racism] is when I provide pastoral care to an elderly woman. Because she James was associate pastor at Covenant from can’t afford to pay taxes on the house she has paid 2003-2009, when he was commissioned to start off, she will have to move,” James said, lamenting New Covenant Fellowship, an intentionally racially Austin’s increasingly burdensome property taxes. diverse church. He was already working with pastors from Christ Together to address grace in Austin As many lower income people are forced to when Thomas invited him to this forum. “Folks move from East Austin, it impacts their jobs, city resources and education, and James said, “education is always linked to poverty.” As we gain more understanding of Austin’s racial divide, Thomas asked James: “What are the continuous actions we can take to impact change?” James said first, we need to avoid getting caught in the guilt and shame game. “Jesus has already liberated us from that. If you recognize you participated in a system that did harm, as Christians, we
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just confess. In confessing, God says ‘yes, now let’s change that.’” Upon arriving at Covenant in 2003, James taught an eight-week class, and described the participants as “two icebergs coming together.” He explained, “We don’t see the stuff underneath – the stuff we learned growing up. We need to be aware of that and then, if we see it, we know to adjust.” That class prompted Covenant conversations about how to not just invite people to church, but to make them feel welcomed. Participants discussed how to hear each other’s pain, how to pray together about it and how to make changes. James said Covenant members used their influence to impact his life. “Charlie Betts took me to a Longhorn Lunch. He used his influence to invite me into a world that I hadn’t been a part of.” Skip Crowe was another member who offered advice. “There was a time when folks would say that every word that came out of my mouth was scripture. Skip helped me start to navigate the marketplace differently.”
used that guidance to figure out new ways to be productive. “These people helped guide me, helped me navigate the landmines. Mostly, they showed that the color of skin wasn’t the issue. They were giving pointers … because of our friendship.” Circling back to how best to integrate the city, James said, “Just go!” He suggested first helping where you have the most comfort and gave several options of places to help: Austin Voices in Education and Youth, Breakthrough Austin or volunteering at a local school. When James accepted the call to Covenant, he said fellow African-American Presbyterian pastors called him “a sellout.” They told him: “‘You are one of our great resources. Why not come here?’ They were fearful that their church wouldn’t exist.” Today James is the only ordained African-American pastor in our presbytery of about 150 churches “If I were to follow fear and racism, I’d be locked,” he said. “Even when we are uncomfortable, we must recognize we are instruments of God’s glory and shed light where there is darkness.”
Scott Moore helped James figure out the lay of the land, telling James “you need to know what it is you’re about to walk into.” James said that he
Austin Segration History
1928—The city plan moved all segregated facilities
(such as schools and public housing) to the east side, which was called the “Negro District.” By the 1930’s, almost every African American and Latino in Austin lived on the east side. 1934—The Housing and Loan Corporation “redlined” areas outside of East Austin, which prohibited people of color from accessing federal housing loans.
1956—Construction of I-35 created a “concrete divi-
sion” between east and west Austin. 1967—The Austin Human Rights Commission submitted the Austin Fair Housing Ordinance to the City Council, proposing to eliminate discrimination in housing. The public voted on the ordinance, which was defeated. Housing discrimination remained legal and binding throughout the city.
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EMBRACE SUFFERING “All life on planet earth is terminal. … I am choosing truth and joy and love whenever and however I can.”
Talking about death had always Sharol explained that “Joy in the been challenging for Sharol, who Journey” is about the Hayners’ feared funerals after her grandapproach to Steve’s illness. Like mother died when she was 13. they had practiced in every other That was one poignant quote During seminary, which Sharol season of their lives, Sharol and from Steve Hayner shared by his entered at age 48, she was Steve approached his terminal wife Sharol at Covenant on a late- forced to confront death and in cancer with hospitality. “We October night. Sharol was in town one paper wrote, “we should invited cancer in,” Sharol said. to talk about her book, “Joy in embrace suffering.” Little did she “We learned more about anticithe Journey.” After Steve’s death know how that would ring true for pating life beyond life.” last winter, Intervarsity Press Steve and her. approached Sharol, asking her to During that time, Sharol leaned publish the entries from Steve’s “If you’re afraid to talk about on the faith of friends. “I’m someCaringBridge page. death, you’re not alone,” Sharol times finding it hard to know how said, adding that most people are to pray. I’ve recognized that it’s “If you had told me two years ago afraid of how they’re going to get okay to crawl onto the stretcher that I’d be standing here talkthere. Steve was afraid, she said. with Steve and be carried myself.” ing about the book I wrote with my late husband Steve, I’d have But the couple’s conversations Steve, too, felt carried. “I woke told you, you were crazy!” Sharol about death were fruitful. “These up one day this week and realexplained that Steve was health are holy conversations where the ized I couldn’t locate anything conscious, “ever aware of what spirit of God is very present. This like genuine faith inside me that was going on in his body.” is a sacred journey where the would provide enough strength to distance between heaven and pray or to reflect or to meditate.” earth shrinks. It was that day Steve realized the The moments many people who have asked we share are how they could help were simply holy moments, “being faith” for him. brushes with eternity. A Three movements place of peace. Spiritual scholar Walter A shalom. A Brueggermann suggests the place of gratiPsalms show life as a movement tude. I am so between states of orientation, thankful.” disorientation and reorientation. First, there is orientation, when all is right with the world. Second, 6
disorientation, when nothing seems right and we are confused and angry. Finally, there is reorientation: We arrive in a new place.
two things. We needed God and we needed community.” The book includes many of Steve and Sharol’s CaringBridge entries, and some written by their daughter, Emilie. Readers can see the progression of Steve’s illness. Readers see Steve—at times— struggle to remain positive, and finally, see him embrace death.
Sharol looks at Steve’s last five years in these three movements. When Steve was named president of the Columbia Theological Seminary in 2009, the Hayners were in a place of orientation. “We knew we were where we Throughout the journey, Sharol were supposed to be,” Sharol said. discovered that the deepest grief can be experienced with the Easter weekend 2014, Steve felt deepest joy. “It’s a time for grief, terrible and the ensuing weeks but it’s also a time for gratitude. confirmed cancer, and then inop- As one friend said, grief and gratierable cancer and a season of tude mixed together create joy. disorder. “Change is disorienting,” How true that is,” Sharol wrote. Sharol said. “It was also a time of intense learning and discovering. And finally, after Steve’s death, Steve and I experienced countless Sharol wrote: “Steve’s life gifts, right in the middle of diswas swallowed up by Life this orientation. We knew we needed
afternoon. … He went home before dark without pain and surrounded by family and dear friends. We are grieving, but not as those who have no hope. Truly, it was beautiful to walk him home together and we trust that he is now experiencing the fullness of joy in Jesus’ presence.” Sharol said she still is coming around to the third phase—the reorientation phase, and is excited for what life has in store for her. After Steve’s memorial service, she wrote: “Steve would be close by, reminding us all to live one day at a time before an audience of one, trusting in God who loves us so much and for whom there are no dead ends.” Contact Kay Austin (kaustin@ covenant.org) to purchase a signed copy of Sharol’s book.
POWER FOR PARKINSON’S “I want you to introduce yourselves. Since it’s the beginning of opera season, I want you to sing it out!” That was the direction given by Power for Parkinson’s Move and Shout instructor Lauren Lewis. Lauren was leading a class of nearly 40 people at a noon meeting in Covenant’s Eaton Hall. Why opera? Those suffering from Parkinson’s have weakened muscles and the vocal chords, simply another muscle, start to diminish. Parkinson’s
symptoms include tremors and poor balance. Sufferers also may have cognitive issues, including dementia and depression. Because of these differences, those with Parkinson’s start to spend much time alone, isolated from others. Power for Parkinson’s, launched in January 2013, aims to get Parkinson’s sufferers out, providing free classes around Austin. Lauren was teaching one of
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11 classes offered free around Austin to those with this disease. “Covenant was our first location,” said cofounder Dr. Nina Mosier, a retired internist with a special interest in geriatric medicine. “We wanted to be able to reach a broad range of the community. Covenant is centrally located, we offer classes at ideal times of the day and it’s a beautiful space.” Nina teamed with long-time friend Susan Stahl, a child and family psychotherapist, to bring exercise classes to the Austin Parkinson’s community. Both women’s fathers had Parkinson’s and the two saw a need—really throughout the country—for such a group. (Nina’s dad is in Philadelphia, where there is no such group.) “We were not prepared for how well attended this class would be right from the start,” Susan said. “It shows that people really needed this.” Susan said the organization benefits greatly from community donations. “We wouldn’t be able to offer these classes for free without the generosity of places like Covenant. We really want to make it easy for people to get here. We couldn’t do that if we operated out of one location.” Multiple locations give more Parkinson’s sufferers the chance to attend classes. “The people attending class become part of a community. They form strong friendships; some have taken trips together and there’s a weekly lunch group of about 10 to 15 people.” Susan said. “We give people with Parkinson’s a place to belong, a sense of hope.”
Once a person comes to one class, they always come back. They feel a spark. They are not different here. They are like everyone else. “We’ve seen a lot of physical improvements,” Nina continued. “More than one participant has been able to get out of the wheelchair and move.” One client, Patty, was not able to get up or stand. Now, she can do those things by herself. She’s so committed to the classes that she comes from Lakeway, never missing. Another man had attended class for just three weeks when his wife thanked Nina and Susan. For the first time in years, the man could put his jacket on by himself. Why Exercise? Parkinson’s is a complex neurodegenerative disease that affects people differently. Sufferers are categorized based on presence and severity. Nina and Susan said physical symptoms are fluid among people with Parkinson’s and some days are better than others with regard to those symptoms.
Those participating in the Power for Parkinson’s fitness program are encouraged to take advantage of modifications offered in class, which can change daily based on the person’s physical abilities. The “They have so much more confidence,” Nina added. experienced instructors focus on the safety and “They really look forward to the class and rarely miss. health of the class participants. 8
What’s next? Since similar groups are not offered in other cities, Nina and Susan are eager to develop a model that can be imitated in other places. If you would like to get involved with Power for Parkinson’s, Nina and Susan are always looking for volunteers. To accomplish their larger goals of
spreading the program across the country, they are in need of a grant writer, fundraiser and event planner. If you would rather be more hands on, volunteers of needed to help spot participants at classes. Contact Nina at nina.mosier@gmail.com. Visit their website at powerforparkinsons.org.
THE GIVING TREE Covenant’s annual “Christmas Giving Tree” (CGT) made its first appearance on the patio on Sunday, Nov. 22, and this year Covenant members’ generosity will benefit an additional program. Akin to what is often called “Angel Tree” in other churches, the CGT was established as a tradition at Covenant years ago. Members pick ornaments off the tree and purchase inexpensive gifts for church-supported missions. Those missions are: Street Youth Ministry, Movin’ and Groovin’, Lifeworks’ Daily Bread, Texas Reach Out Ministries (TXROM), New Covenant Fellowship and Austin Voices for Education and Youth. This year, we added Friends of McCallum High School. This parental support group provides Capitol Metro bus passes and gift cards to HEB and Target. “Friends of McCallum Students provides
for students who are homeless or providing for themselves,” explained Lacy Ruwwe, who belongs to that organization and to Covenant. The Christmas Giving Tree has a special place in the world of Julie and Allen Weeks at Austin Voices. “We often refer to this gift card ministry as the Emmanuel Project—God with us,” Julie said. “The Webb Family Resource Center depends heavily on the generous donations of bus passes and gift cards to provide immediate relief for our families in crisis. Walmart gift cards on hand allow us to meet families’ needs for food and things such as baby diapers, medicines, laundry detergent and personal care items. The Capital Metro Bus
passes give adults transportation to and from work, school or agencies that help them manage their personal affairs.” “Give the gift of music!” is the encouragement written on the ornaments for Covenant missionary Terry Cole’s Street Youth Ministry. Members purchase
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MP3 players loaded with preselected tunes and distributed at the annual SYM party. “Being able to listen to music allows street youth to experience more calm, and enjoy healthy rest and relaxation,” Terry said. “A $20 to $30 MP3 player improves the quality of life for the street youth we encounter.” Texas Reach Out founder David Pena requests gifts of clothing—shirts, pants or shoes for his clients who are former inmates in Texas prisons. Each TXROM ornament gives the name and sizes of one individual. Led by David, these clients accepted the Gospel prior to their release. David maintains eight transitional houses for the men and women, who are homeless when they exit prison. James Lee’s New Covenant Fellowship in east Austin serves a
number of needy families whose children benefit from clothes and toys Covenant members buy each year. NCF has identified 25 children from 10 families, and ornaments list clothing sizes and wish lists for the children.
small stuff” as they pick up heavy sofas, dining tables, dressers and the like. At Christmas, however, Giving Tree ornaments list small household items like pots and pans, dishes, linens and cleaning supplies.
Covenant volunteers assist the program called Daily Bread, through which Lifeworks provides meals on a weekly basis for atrisk youth in downtown Austin. Two of these youths’ most important possessions are requested on the Daily Bread ornaments: sleeping bags and backpacks.
The Christmas Giving tree will be located on the patio on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. During the week, it’s in the Fellowship and Education Building lobby. Some gifts have specific deadlines, as noted on the ornaments.
Volunteers from Covenant, Bethany United Methodist Church and Austin Stone help Movin’ and Groovin’ proclaim the amazing generosity of Covenant members who donate their gently used furniture to families exiting homelessness. During most of the year, they “don’t sweat the
Especially appropriate during the Yuletide season, each ornament carries the scriptural message proclaimed both by the Christmas Giving Tree and Movin’ and Groovin’: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40. BY PAUL MOWRY
TAKING ACTION IN ZAMBIA Greetings from Covenant’s Zambia Action Committee (ZAC) members Suzanne McFarlane, John McFarlane, Deb Rieber, Larry Rieber, Jan Skaggs, Peggy Gentry, Emily Banks and Cheryl Banks. We have had a very productive 2015.
Mufulira, Copperbelt Province to check on the church plants and Good News Kids Clubs started in 2014. While there, he distributed 250 Bibles in English, Bemba and Tumbuka, 105 mosquito nets and two soccer balls.
In May, ZAC wired funds to help send our Zambian mission partner, Rev. Lovemore Nyirenda, to
In July, ZAC hosted our first Teachers Training Conference for Children’s Ministry in Zambia. Liezl
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Pienaar, Jaco Botes’ sister, led the training and Cheryl Banks attended the conference as liaison for Covenant, and 18 Zambians attended the conference. The ZAC team gifted the workbooks, 25 children’s Bibles, 20 Essential Bible Companions and other conference supplies. We are happy to report that there are now two Good News Kids Clubs in Lundazi, Eastern Province, (70 – 200 children attending), two in Lusaka, Lusaka Province (50 – 100 children attending), one in Monze, Southern Province, and one in Livingstone (100 children attending), as well as the Kantanshi Good News Kids Club in Mufulira, Copperbelt Province, started in 2014. Upon returning to Lundazi, Rev. Nyirenda distributed 200 Bibles in English and Tumbuka, six children’s Bibles and 100 mosquito nets. In August, the ZAC team purchased a motorcycle for Rev. Nyirenda. This gift of transportation has enabled him to visit villages up to 15 km from Lundazi, making future church planting and Kids Good News Clubs possible in surrounding villages. This fall, missionary Julie Engeman with Overland Missions distributed the mosquito nets (provided by Covenant) through a midwife clinic outside Livingstone, Southern Province.
In October and November, the Zambia Team is partnering with Covenant’s Children’s Ministry by leading a mission class in Zone K-4 and talking to the children’s choirs. We show a short video about Zambia and our mission work there. The children are learning what it might be like to live in a thirdworld country, what Covenant has done for the past 10 years, and how they can be the light of Christ in their own home, school and community. Covenant kids are participating in the Zambia Children’s Ministry mission by collecting items such as crayons, balloons and jump ropes to send to the newly formed Good News Kids Clubs in Zambia. To see the video: covenant.org/zambia-video. BY CHERYL BANKS
SYM GOES TO THE BIG TENT When Cirque du Soleil offered free circus tickets to Street Youth Ministry (SYM), group leaders were a little intimidated and concerned about how to make their
first big field trip a success for everyone. With prayer and discussion, SYM allocated the 25 tickets into four
groups: chaperones including social workers and volunteers who work with SYM clients; former clients who are in housing, jobs or college; clients between 11
18 and 24 who live on the streets but who have been doing good things; and a few clients 24 to 28 who still live on the streets but are doing some good things. After sharing a meal at Covenant, the group boarded a bus to ride to the venue, 45 minutes away. During the ride, recovering clients shared their stories. One client stated that recovery had come after she finally admitted to herself that some people in her life really do care about her. Trust came very hard for her. Another client stated it was only when he decided to make something of himself and go to college that he finally saw all the resources already out there. It was fun to
see our current and former clients connect. We also celebrated our many volunteers on the bus ride. Clients were excited to arrive and settle into our close-in, up-front seats! The show absolutely mesmerized our clients. I sat in the back so I could watch their reactions. It was so joyful and delightful for me to see them react in such a childlike way to the circus thrills, laughs and amazing styles. Some SYM attendees were acrobats or hoop twirlers so they really appreciated the performers. On the way back, they chattered about all they had seen and felt from the show. They were all so encouraged.
Of the clients, one said she will never go back to living without a purpose again. Two are in college now who were not that night, and one made the decision to go based on seeing the circus! And another has moved from a risky profession to attending massage therapy school. All our tireless workers felt uplifted and it was awesome to create a combined community of volunteers, recovering clients and clients still living on the street. The Cirque de Soleil experience was indeed a magical night—the performance, the impact, and the invigoration. We look forward to our next field trip! BY TERRY COLE
WELCOME TO COVENANT Covenant has welcomed 31 new people into the church family. Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel said many members of this group are professing their faith for the first time. “We are growing the Kingdom and that is a really neat thing.” The group was introduced to the congregation during worship in late November.
activities, classes and mission opportunities—and Jon came to our last class to talk about discipleship.
“We had a great new member class,” said Covenant Visitor and New Member Coordinator Amy Skaggs. “We have a really good flow of topics and speakers. Thomas attends our first class; Jill comes to our second class. The third week, we have the speed dating—where participants learn about many of our
Covenant’s next new member class will take place every Sunday in February. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Amy at askaggs@covenant.org or (512) 334-3081. Great to have you, new members!
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“The participants in this class asked so many thoughful questions,” Amy continued. “They were really putting effort into getting to every class and did not take their decision to join lightly.”
Deborah Adams
Tanya and Jeff Andrien
Bo Beacham and Abby Stone
Mary Carruth
Julie and Kyle Danehy
Winnie and Les Gage
Leslie and Marshall Harrell
Melissa and Gordon Kennedy
Ashley Maiberger
Scott Maiberger
Kazzye and Kurt Martens
Nicole and Tim Murphy
Kristin Peterson
Hilary and Marc Pittman
JoAnna Rollings
John Scurlock and Anna Serratt
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Laura Sinacori
Jordan and Will Ware
Abby Wasson
Catherine Williams
ESTATE PLAN ROADBLOCKS Many people offer reasons why they haven’t gone through a thoughtful process of estate planning. »» “I don’t have an ‘estate’—there’s not enough money for me to need a will or a trust.” »» “I’m too busy.” »» “I’m perfectly healthy; there’s time to plan.” »» ”Everything will automatically pass to my spouse anyway.” »» “My spouse and I can’t agree on who we trust to manage our assets or take care of our kids.” »» “There are too many difficult decisions; I’ll do it later.” If any of these rationalizations sound familiar, you are not alone. Studies suggest that around 50 percent of Americans have no estate plan. This article addresses common roadblocks to estate planning, and why and how those roadblocks should and can be overcome. By identifying the nature of problems, we have a better sense of how they can be avoided. Roadblock Number One: The emotional aspects of estate planning/facing mortality—Planning for what is going to happen when you die or when you are no longer able to make your own decisions 14
requires purposeful thinking about concepts most of us are uncomfortable with. The emotional aspects of the estate planning process are real, but dispelling some misconceptions helps clarify that the true nature of the issues involved is not as morbid as we might think. Sound estate plans do much more than just help us prepare for death: They address current issues such as lifetime gifts, charitable giving, educational funding and minimizing the cost of the care for a disabled family member. Estate planning also provides a sense of peace and security for you and your loved ones—a benefit many people fail to consider. Without an estate plan, all aspects of the administration of a person’s estate, from guardianship of
children to distribution of assets, will be decided by default rules created by the Texas Legislature. That might be enough of an incentive to plan: Why allow inefficient and unnecessarily complex procedures to compound an emotional loss with a financial one? One approach to dealing with anxiety-ridden and emotional aspects of estate planning is to take it one step at a time. Begin by finding basic literature about estate planning. Ask friends and colleagues how they have approached estate planning. Talking and learning about estate planning casually, without the pressure of a deadline, can help relieve anxiety. When you feel more at ease about estate planning as a concept, schedule a meeting with a reputable estate planning attorney. Most estate planning attorneys are well-equipped to help you deal with the emotional aspects of getting a plan in place. Roadblock Number Two: Procrastination—A common reason for putting off making arrangements is the fear of making the wrong decision. People often delay completing their estate planning because they cannot agree on how to answer big questions, such as who should serve as guardian for children or be responsible for financial decisions in
the event of incapacity. What some people may not understand is that, once executed, wills, powers of attorney and other estate planning documents are easily changed without incurring substantially more legal fees. The goal in estate planning is not perfection, rather it is planning well for you and your loved ones’ futures. If fear of making a wrong decision is interfering with your planning, try doing an informal cost-benefit analysis. You will probably find the risk of being without a plan far outweighs the risk of having a less-than-perfect plan. Instead of putting off the whole process because of disagreement over one or two components, think about the benefits of completing most of your planning, knowing it can later be “tweaked.” In a very real sense, an estate plan that is not done at all is one hundred percent wrong. Michael Knisely, the author, is a partner of Osborne, Helman, Knebel & Scott, LLP in Austin, Texas. His law practice primarily involves representing individuals and institutions in litigation, controversies and appeals arising from and involving trusts, estates, wills, probate matters and guardianships. Get more information at covenant.org/foundation.
CLERK’S CORNER As I write this, we are heading into Thanksgiving week. This time last year I received a letter, completely unexpected, from a dear friend’s younger brother. It was a letter of gratitude, for having been like a big brother to him. He was being deliberate about thanking people at this
time of year. It so moved me that I have committed to do the same this year, and thank at least three people with a letter. Will you join me? We have much to be thankful for at Covenant, and the last few months have given the Session
plenty of opportunities to recognize, reflect and even brag about those things. At our October Session meeting, we welcomed guests from Mission Presbytery for a triennial visit: Rita Livingston from the Committee on Ministry and 15
Kathy Trevino, a Teaching Elder. This visit enables the presbytery to see where Covenant has been and where we are going, and provides a chance for Covenant’s Elders to connect with the larger Presbyterian church outside of Presbytery meetings. We had good discussion and plenty of fun talking about our last three years. Another item we are tremendously thankful for: We joyfully welcomed a class of more than 30 new members to Covenant in October. I encourage you to keep an eye out for new faces and extend the peace of Christ. Every November, the Session and the Diaconate have a combined meeting with members of
staff. We share a meal with the Deacons, and hear an update from Thomas on our 2015 progress and our goals for 2016. We meet with the Deacons in small groups to discuss our dreams and potential stumbling blocks. Elders also had a November business meeting where we started to look in depth at the 2016 budget. Our goal is to pass a balanced budget at our December meeting. As we did last year, the various committees have submitted their dream budgets. So far, the stewardship campaign is very promising. The average pledge is up significantly over last year, but fewer families have pledged. If you have not returned your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible
so we have the most accurate information possible as we head in to our December meeting. As we welcome Advent, I pray that Christ will come near to each of you and your families’ hearts. MERRY CHRISTMAS,
CLARK WEATHERBY
FINANCE/PLEDGE UPDATE Financial Update
For Period Ended October 31, 2015
GENERAL FUND Revenues* Expenses
YTD Actual
YTD Budget
$2,490,325 2,464,607 25,718
2,622,797 2,773,758 (150,961)
BUILDING FUND Total Loan Balance Principal Reduction YTD
$ 6,122,252 389,567
*The pledged income portion of our total revenue listed above is $190,592 below budget at this time in our ministry year. Please consider catching up on your pledge. Thank you!
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This fall at Covenant, we have been investigating how we make decisions, and whether we feel anxious or adventurous as we ponder our options. Many Covenant members chose to be adventurous as they made their 2016 pledges. Four weeks after pledge Sunday, 389 families have made pledges toward our 2016 ministry budget. Covenant has been promised nearly $2.5 million. Thank you Covenant, for your extravagant generosity. It’s not too late to pledge: Pick up a pledge card in the narthex during worship, bring your card into the church office or pledge online at covenant.org/pledge.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS UPWARD PRACTICES START
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Monday, Nov. 30, in FE 400
Wednesday, Dec. 24, Sanctuary unless noted 2 p.m. Traditional Service with candles 4 p.m. Service for young kids 5 p.m. Contemporary Service, FE 200 8:30 p.m. Traditional Service, candles–communion 10:30 p.m. Traditional Service with candles
SENIOR VISIONS ACTIVITIES DAY
Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. ADVENT EVENT
Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. in Eaton Hall AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT VISIONS ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS
Sunday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Thursday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. in FE 200 SENIOR VISIONS ACTIVITIES DAY VISIONS TRAVEL: DINNER AND CONCERT
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. in FE 200
Friday, Dec. 4, meet at the church at 4:40 p.m. DINNERS AND MIDWEEK CONNECT RESUME SPECIAL SERVICE OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra Sunday, Dec. 6, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Traditional Services
MARRIAGE COURSE
Fridays, January 8–March 11, FE 200 at 6 p.m. COVENANT KIDS CARE
Sunday, Dec. 6, at noon in FE 300
UPWARD BASKETBALL GAMES
Saturdays, Jan. 9 – Feb. 20, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., FE 400 CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 in FE 200
COVENANT GROUPS SIGN-UP DEADLINE
Monday, Jan. 11, covenant.org/covenantgroups CHURCH-WIDE CAROL SING
Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 6:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary
DNOW IN-TOWN YOUTH RETREAT
Jan. 15 – 17 GRACENOTES CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary
GUEST PREACHER JOE FARRELL, ALL SERVICES
Sunday, Jan. 17 VISIONS LUNCH
Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 11:45 p.m. in FE 200
VISIONS LUNCHEON, 11:45 A.M. IN FE 200
Tuesday, Jan. 20 PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHAPEL
Thursday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary
WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH
Saturdays, Jan. 23 – Mar. 5, in the Parlor 17
3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757
OFFICERS AND STAFF OF COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEACONS
ELDERS
CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2017
CLASS OF 2018
CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2017
CLASS OF 2018
Mike Austin Jennifer Carsner Jane Crowe Kay Davenport Dustin Johnson Michael Knisely Bill McCaleb Andrea Moen Julie Moore Ken Moore Jennifer Palm Ryan Palm Bob Peterson Cherry Raley Jack Skaggs Allison Small Bridgette Stahlman Emily Taylor Gwyn Theodore Donna Thomas Steve Thomas Kristen Tritle Kathy Willis Shannon Windham
Pat Beckham Charlene Cole Daphne Corder Al DiCristofaro Marv Hackert Tom Hutchison Barbara Knisely Dorothy Layne Patsy Martin A.V. Ootsey Kathleen Reish Mike Rhoades Ruth Rhoades Will Schmidt Florita Sheppard Carol Sheppard Brent Stover Lee Terrell Lorrie Terrell Adele Trigg Greg Wilson Sandy Youman Wesley Young
Rhonda Brink-Green Diane Davis Sue DiCristofaro Judy Gunnels Laura Hargrave Christy Heimsath Margaret Hobgood Marsha LeGrand Lori Magruder Laura Marra Dave Maxwell Karen Maxwell Elizabeth McBride Susie McCaleb Emily McGinnis Marta Meyer Jim Palmer Alice Sessi Bill Short Richard Swallow Doug Vreeland Deon Wright Larry Zatopek
Paul Askenasy Jennifer Maham Deb Rieber John Ruwwe Frank Sheppard
Joe Denton Susan Holman Thais Kilday James Marroquin Clark Weatherby
Matt Dow Kelly Dwyer Jack Kern Regina Schlotter Sharyn Westmoreland
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2017
CLASS OF 2018
Larry Faulkner Tana Taylor
Dianne Erlewine Joanne McIntosh
Elizabeth Christian Everard Davenport Megan Poore
PROGRAM STAFF Thomas R. Daniel, Senior Pastor Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Duane Dube, Director of Administration Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries Jon Wasson, Associate Pastor of Discipleship Christy Milam, Director of Preschool Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Stacey Grooms, Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Nathan Richards, Director of Student Ministries Jerry Wise, Contemporary Music Leader Derek Nafe, Creative Arts Producer
Sunday Worship Times: Traditional Services 8:15, 9:30, and 11 a.m. Contemporary Service 11:05 a.m.
