Cornerstone

Cornerstone Covenant Presbyterian Church | February 2013 Upward participants learned basketball fundamentals while glorifying God. Players wrap up their season with awards night on February 26.

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 will update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at blog.covenant.org.

Aaron Arnold

We need you!

Contributing Writers Emily Taylor, Nancy Kocurek Photography Aaron Arnold, Nancy Kocurek, Stephanie Schultz, Emily Taylor Special Thanks to Kay Austin, Paul Mowry, Brian Sparks, Jan Vanderpool

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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 Dear Friends

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Pastor Paul reflects on Covenant’s caring nature 3

Called to Care

Maybe you could join them?

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Jill and Kay love working in Congregational Care 4

Caregivers Share Unique Outlook

Men in Transition helps men overcoming divorce 7

Clerk’s Corner

Joy Durrant reports on Session 12 Finance Report

Learn about Covenant’s Caregivers’ Support Group 5 Becoming Better Men

Austin Samaritans In Nicaragua

For the period ended December 31, 2012 13

Calendar of Events

See what’s coming up this spring

Putting Both Feet in Cuba

Emily Taylor learns about community in Cuba 8

Covenant’s New Coo

Meet Duane Dube, Administrator and COO 9

Circles of Faith

Become a part of PW Circles

Table of Contents 1

Dear Friends When my parents returned home from World War II, they settled in Bates Methodist Church in Daddy’s hometown. In my opinion, the church suffered from a theology diluted in passion and substance. Indeed, for years I looked down upon that church with a measure of superiority. But when Mother died in 2007 and we brought her body home for a funeral at Bates Church, my attitude changed. Midway through the service, I stood to share a remembrance of Mother, and saw before me a remarkable people. These were the people who took my mom in as one of their own when my grandmother kicked Mother out of her house in the 1940s. For 60 years, these folks unconditionally accepted Mother for who she was, even when depression left her lifeless. When Mother moved across the country to live near me and small strokes left her unable to talk on the phone or write letters, these were the people who wrote to Mother weekly.

Here they were, some 70 who were still alive, the same wonderful people who had been in the same sanctuary to help bury my father and my brother.

Here they were, faithful to the end of Mother’s life, embracing my family as if we belonged to them… which of course we did. I realized they had something priceless. They knew how to care.

You know how to care, too. As one of your pastors, I see and hear it every day. I see it when I carry our infants down the aisle just before baptism— the look on your faces, the reaching out to touch the child—such love as you promise to help raise these little ones in the faith. I see your care in the prayer shawls, knitted by our women and given to people in hard times. I marvel at the care a group of Covenant folks gives to every reception for funeral and memorial services, the attentiveness to detail, 2

and the goodness of what they’ve brought to say “we love you” to those who sorrow. I see the care of the Wrecking Crew, repairing and remodeling to make our facilities work and saving this congregation thousands of dollars. I’m welcomed into your homes for generous meals and parties, and even on Christmas day this year. I continually watch it in your love and care for Tom Mitchell as the disease afflicting him stole his mobility. I am undone by the powerful love of so many Covenant people who pour their lives into youth, children, Manos de Cristo, Movin’ and Groovin’, St. John’s, Grace Notes.

I am ceaselessly moved by Stuart and Cindy Young’s example, to teach me to make pies and give them away. You know how to care, as individuals and as a congregation. You mean it from the heart, and I love you for every bit of it. All I can say is thank you.

Thank you for teaching one another how to care.

Thank you for making your faith in Christ visible.

Thank you for showing me where you’re going and inviting me to follow. Thank you with all my heart.

Called to Care There are many ways to define congregational care, but Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Jill Williams appreciates best how the PC (USA) Book of Order spells it out: All Christians are called to care for one another in daily living, sharing joys and sorrows, supporting in times of stress and need, offering mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jill explained, “It’s a common misperception that only pastors care for the congregation. That’s laughable. Our only hope for true congregational care is that we all care for one another well, carrying each other’s burdens and loving one another sacrificially.”

Jill believes that Covenant has a good scriptural vision of how to do caring ministries. “The congregation cares for the congregation.

I do direct care; but more so, I invest in others who are doing the care. I spend a lot of time with teams, such as the Deacons, the hospital visitation team, the career transitions team and others.”

Kay Austin works with Jill on Congregational Care issues. The two receive hundreds of requests to reach out to members, to

celebrate joys and deal with sorrows. Jill said that their focus is more frequently on seasons of challenge and transition. “I often intersect with people who have lost a job, are having trouble with family, or are experiencing the death of a loved one–times when they are sensitive and aware of the need for Christ.”

Kay, who is a Stephen Minister, receives much information about members in need. “I hear about people in the hospital, about births and deaths; I even hear about family pets and sometimes people worried that they haven’t seen a member at church for two months. My job involves huge amounts of email correspondence with the Deacons.” Kay

added that “being able to connect members of the congregation and their Deacon in the time of need or in the midst of a wonderful event is rewarding.”

Walking the Walk Kay, herself, has participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Walking the Mourner’s Path.

“Wrapping someone in Christ’s love with the prayer shawls, the tangible reminder of Christ’s love, is huge,” she said. Kay also appreciates the group’s camaraderie.

“The women are so connected and giving; 100 percent of the program is their donation of time and money. It’s a funny group; there’s lots of laughing and sharing. It’s a fabulous experience.”

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Kay enrolled in Walking the Mourner’s Path shortly after starting her job five years ago, thinking it would make her more effective in her role. Though her father had died several years back, she was able to resolve some grief issues dealing with her father’s death. “Walking the Mourner’s Path meets people at such a tender time in their lives,” Kay said. “Group participants don’t know what to expect; they just start sharing. It’s safe and they can let go. Because of the shared experience, everybody knows what they’re talking about.

“Jill is a fabulous clergy for Walking the Mourner’s Path,” Kay continued. “It’s wonderful to see how she connects to people individually. Each person feels that she really knows their story.”

It’s that sharing of experiences and stories that brings people to Covenant groups and to the church. In fact, it was the aspect of community that attracted Jill to Covenant. “Yes, we worship, spend time reading God’s word, and serve and love our neighbors, but we do it as a community. If someone is hurting, we care for one another, we bandage each

other’s wounds and we share the joy of Christ.

Jill likes many things about her job, but being able to lend a hand in God’s work and feeling His presence in so many different settings with people in need make her feel fortunate. “I love watching God work,” Jill said. “I marvel and appreciate the invitation to participate in what God is doing in some small way.”

Caregivers Share Unique Outlook The number of informal caregivers in the United States is growing. The Family Caregiver Alliance, a nonprofit that addresses the needs of families and friends providing at-home long-term care, notes that estimates of the number of informal caregivers in the U.S. vary widely, but offers the following: • There are 65.7 million caregivers, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population, who provide care to someone ill, disabled or aged.

• More than 52 million caregivers provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness.

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• Unpaid family caregivers will likely continue to be the largest source of long-term care services in the United States. The aging population (65+) will more than double from 2000 to 2030, increasing to 71.5 million.

Covenant recognizes the unique needs of caregivers and through the Caregivers’ Support Group, the church offers a safe and confidential environment for caregivers to share their experiences, feelings and concerns. The support group gives caregivers the opportunity to share ideas and resources.

Covenant member Lou Ann Looney was instrumental in starting the group. After experiencing her own

caregiving situations, including a sick husband and daughter, she often met others in similar situations.

“My friends in caregiver situations were hungry for listening ears and support. I had taken care of my father in years past and was struck with the need to reach out to caregivers in the nursing home.”

Through weekly meetings, group members have a secure and loving place to share openly with other Christians who experience caregiving responsibilities such as caring for a parent, a spouse, a child or a loved one. The care may be given locally, over long distances or in residential facilities. Members of the Caregiver’s Support Group study caregiver literature, share scriptures and spiritual messages, and pray for one another. “We try to answer members’ questions by either sharing our own experiences, or sharing research and publications,” Lou Ann said.

Group participants can expect understanding ears and non-judgmental, unconditional love, and support for those experiencing the stresses involved

in caregiving. Lou Ann said seven people regularly attend the Saturday morning meetings, but that number can vary from four to ten.

Carole Johnson, another early member of the group, said, “We welcome new people, men and women alike. Anyone who is a caregiver is very welcome.”

As the group has gelled and become more comfortable with each other, members have adjusted their outlook, Lou Ann said. “We always end meetings with joys we have experienced each week. Many of us have shared that our attitudes have shifted, and we are feeling the loving arms of Christ around us as we journey through these challenging times and face them together.”

The group meets Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary Parlor. If you would like more information about the group, contact Lou Ann at lalooney@sbcglobal.net.

Becoming Better Men “The stereotype is that women are verbal and men not as much,” said Mark Trifiro, an original member of Men in Transition. “Those of us who have been involved with men’s ministry would probably point out that when men are given an honest, supportive environment, they are willing to keep coming back.”

Such is the environment at Men in Transition, a men’s group that meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group has attracted more than 30 men since its inception about seven years ago, and currently has between 10 and 15 active members who include married, divorced, separated and single men.

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Mark said that a crisis like divorce often motivates men to surrender to God. He explained however that Men in Transition is not just for men who have experienced separation or divorce. “That terrible time just helped us lose our self-focus long enough to seriously seek God,” he said.

Dave Maxwell, another inaugural member, agreed, “Men in Transition is for guys who are married and who’ve never been married. Dealing with divorce is the initial focus, but ultimately Men in Transition is about becoming better men.”

Support Network from Day One Mark explained Men in Transition’s start. “A young man who was Covenant member and going through divorce, felt alienated from the church during his time of crisis. Places where he had connected to Covenant as part of a couple no longer seemed appropriate in his new circumstances.”

Mark said that then-Associate Pastor Sam Riccobene, after hearing the man’s concerns, initiated the first meeting of Men in Transition. About six men attended; many have since continued to seek support and offer it to their brothers-in-need.

“It’s eye-opening, and scary to get past the anger and the uncertainty,” Dave shared. “I turned to my faith in a big hurry. I was looking for something to help me understand what I could learn from my situation. This group came along at the right time; it was much better than counseling for me.”

Dave explained that for him, the discussions at Men in Transition go deeper. “We don’t try to replace couselors, but the group gives us another opportunity to talk. It’s not about venting. The group aims to help men gain a sense-of-self and deal with loss.

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We learn to cope with the absence and the lifestyle change. Each of us wants to be introspective and self-searching. We want to figure out where we failed our spouses. We do it through a Christian perspective and Biblical teaching. We talk about the difference beetween forgiveness and reconciliation, and what is Biblically required of us.”

New Relationships Men participating in the group comment that they have incorporated the things they’ve learned into new relationships, and with their ex-wives and children. Dave said the men have gained a better understanding of how to effectively communicate; they have matured and improved their self-esteem.

Tom McGee, who’s been married for more than 60 years, is the group’s spiritual advisor. “Tom gives us the Biblical perspective. He’s very empathetic,” Dave said. “The whole group is encouraging.”

Dave doesn’t think there is a similar group for women at Covenant that deals directly with the emotional issues faced by those going through separation and divorce. “The stigma of divorce can be such a difficult subject to face within the Church community. The fact that the group is available and easy for men to attend is a blessing,” he said.

“Men often don’t want to ask for directions,” Dave said. “But when you get kicked in the teeth and are facing something traumatic, we need to ask what we can learn from this experience and seek God for answers and a sense of hope. Ultimately, we aim to save men from turning to addictive, depressing behavior and instead focus on improving how they relate to those who are close to them.”

Putting Both Feet in Cuba

What does the word community mean to you? The dictionary defines it as “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.” I have many communities. My neighborhood, the schools my children attend, Covenant, my co-workers, my friends and last but not least, my family. I even have a Facebook community. You would think with so much community my life always feels fulfilled, confident and loving. But if I am honest with myself, there are many times I am barely able to keep up with the demands of my communities. Sometimes I feel void of a purpose or gift because I am only somewhat connected to my community. One foot in, one foot out.

This past year with the love and support of family, my dream of traveling to Cuba fell into place.

I wanted to grow my Covenant

community and I also hoped to find my purpose, my gift, in life.

The Covenant group was fortunate to call our sister church home base. We had “round-theclock” insight into their workings.

Like Covenant, it is a busy place.

While many in the neighborhood surrounding the church are not members, they are connected because the church provides a service vital to the health of the people: clean water. Covenant and other church organizations partnered with our sister church to install, maintain and repair the system that purifies water for the community. Neighbors walk to the courtyard to fill bottles for their daily consumption. Cuban men, sometimes reluctant to participate in the church for fear they may be professionally discriminated against, which would leave them unable to care for their families, enter the church to carry

the heavy jugs of water. This may be the only exposure they have to church. It is a profound sight.

Breakfast is served to senior citizens across the courtyard. The seniors enter the church gate to eat at least one good meal a day and have fellowship. They gather next to the church garden filled with herbs used in homeopathic treatments since medicine can be scarce. Twice a week the seniors are offered exercise instruction, further exposing them to a healthy lifestyle.

I learned a lot watching and participating in the church’s Tai Chi lessons, attended primarily by the 60+ crowd. Intending only to watch, I was graciously offered one of the extra broomsticks used in the lesson by a woman with a welcoming smile. I was not able to replicate her incredible balance. I returned to the next class 7

with my own equipment, a curtain rod from our dorm room.

classmates who have not yet been led to a life with the church.

The church’s small sewing group knits blankets for a local children’s hospital and prosthetic covers for breast cancer sufferers. Youth run the audio visual equipment during services, teach Sunday school and set an example of cooperation and hopefulness for neighbors and

What I learned in Cuba is simple.

Life is not about me. Life is about reaching out and giving all you have to others; not always money, but the time, knowledge and resources you have that others need. Our sister church sets an excellent example of doing the most they can with very little.

Their commitment to the community runs so deep and is so powerful, it is impossible to experience it and not feel connected and transformed. I was fortunate to witness first-hand their many amazing works. I realized that doing what I can, when I can, is putting both of my feet in and that is all that God is asking.

Submitted by Emily Taylor

Covenant’s New Coo Covenant’s new Administrator and COO Duane Dube started Jan. 6, after working at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School for nearly eight years.

“Covenant seemed like a great place to serve because the people and staff were wonderful, welcoming and friendly,” Duane said. He added that his biggest challenge may be learning the structure of the Presbyterian Church.

Duane’s experience is vast. He has worked in his family’s office supply business, as an auditor and accountant, in insurance sales and in marketing at Dell. “I’ve had a lot of different jobs. They all have had a financial focus and lots of interaction with people,” Duane said. “I love business. I love people and I love to serve the Lord,” he said.

Duane is a graduate of the University of Texas and received his MBA from St. Edwards University. He and his wife Traci remain members at Redeemer, where he has worshiped since he was a child.

Duanne also attended school there, as does his nine-year-old son Matthew, who is a third grader.

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Circles of Faith

When Suzanne McIntosh was invited to a Circle, she went to check it out. She stayed because she received such a warm welcome. Now, eight years later, she’s a Circle coordinator, ordering study guides and coordinating various Circle mission projects.

She also teaches many lessons.

Suzanne said the name may be a misnomer. “Circle implies that we are a closed group, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Any woman who wants to come, can. You don’t have to be a Covenant member.”

“We are lively group of ladies,” agreed Circle Member Melissa Mathews, who said that about 25 women regularly attend the Sarah-Elizabeth Circle. “It seems small because we are so friendly and welcoming to all who join us.”

Unlike Lamplighters, Covenant’s popular weekly women’s Bible Study, Circles meet with the same group of women once a month, year after year.

“It’s nice because it’s a monthly small group Bible study,” Suzanne said. “We stay with the same groups every year, and those

friendships keep growing. I’ve connected with women I wouldn’t ordinarily have met. The relationships I’ve made in Circle are so important to my church life and my spiritual life.”

A Little Circle History Bible study groups have met since the beginning of Covenant 50 years ago. According to SarahElizabeth Circle member Julie Stillwell, “Covenant has always had women’s interests groups; Circles were a continuation of what was already going on.”

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Julie said Covenant history documents show that the group started in 1965, when several businesswomen met in the evenings. The first mention made of Women of Covenant as an organization was in 1974. “We began to be called Circles in the mid-70s when we joined the national Presbyterian Women organization,” Julie explained. “We wanted to be more in step with it and what it was doing.”

In the Circle handbook, Circles are defined as small groups that gather regularly to provide an inclusive, caring community of women. Circle member Ginny DeGinder said, “You can distill that to three purposes: fellowship, service and faith.” She explained: “Think deacon multiplied by the number of members. We look after each other.

“Circles support the church’s programs,” Ginny continued. “Before Covenant had a chef, the women of the church prepared meals for the VISIONS luncheons. Each Circle still has a month when it is responsible for setting tables, serving plates and clearing tables.

“Circles are also involved with service to the larger community, supporting different missions of the church,” Ginny said.

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Circle Projects for Missions Circles participate in numerous mission projects. PW Mission Chair Lori MacNeill said that every year, Covenant PW raises $1,000 each for the Thank Offering and the Birthday Offering. Additionally, the Covenant Circles typically raise more than $3,000 annually through a general mission pledge.

The funds are distributed to local charities and have included the Florence Comfort House, Manos de Christo, Street Youth Ministry, New Covenant Fellowship, El Buen Pastor and Presbyterian Children’s Home.

This year for the first time, Covenant Circles are participating in the Presbyterian Coffee Project, which was started more than 25 years ago. Circle members are selling fair trade products, such as coffee, tea and chocolate. These sales benefit small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and even the U.S. because the farmers now earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit and gain a trusted long-term trading partner. Sales also benefit the Presbyterian Hunger Project. Order online at interfaith.equalexchange.com.

In the spring, Covenant participates in the Austin CROP Hunger Walk. This year’s walk is Sunday, March 3, at Camp Mabry. “I’m hoping this new central location will increase participation from Covenant,” Lori said. “It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with family and friends raising funds for Church World Service, and providing food, medical care, disaster relief and self-help development for needy people locally and around the world.” Last year CROP Walk Austin raised more than $84,000; Covenant was a top five Austin church fundraiser.

Presbyterian Women sponsors a Girls Night Out every year. This year’s event was Oct. 30, and the women were entertained with a one-of-a-kind fashion show, bunco and a delicious dinner provided by Covenant Chef Mark Toussaint. PW has a brunch in the fall and a lunch in the spring.

All women are welcome to join one of the circles: Deborah, Dorcas, Esther, Lydia, and SarahElizabeth. Each circle meets monthly during the school year for Bible study, prayer, fellowship and mission opportunities. For more information, contact Suzanne McIntosh at smcintosh1@austin.rr.com.

Austin Samaritans Travel to Nicaragua Austin Samaritans is hosting two trips to Managua, Nicaragua, on April 20–27 and Oct. 19–26, and invites all to experience the joy of helping and serving needy men, women and children. The trips will provide opportunities to do construction, provide educational and fun activities for kids, visit and interact with missions and non-profit organizations meeting critical needs of the Nicaraguan people in the areas of medical care, education and care for the most vulnerable. Participants will be exposed to a different culture and to some of Nicaragua’s sites. They will get to know their mission teammates, working, playing and praying together.

The trip is open to adults and to minors 12 years and older accompanied by a parent. Spanish is helpful, but not required. All that is required is a heart for the poor and suffering, and a will to share Christ’s love in tangible ways. Cost is $600 per person plus airfare (anywhere from $600 to $900) and medical travel insurance (around $55).

Peggy Gentry, Chairman of the Board of Austin Samaritans and a longtime Covenant member, organizes the trips for Austin Samaritans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to glorifying God by connecting resources and needs to transform lives. Dr. John Doty, Austin Samaritans founder and Nicaraguan information source, will be on the trip.

Austin Samaritans invites sisters and brothers from Covenant to join either trip! To find out more, visit austinsamaritans.org or contact the office at info@austinsamaritans.org or 465-2073.

Clerk’s Corner In November, Session had its annual joint meeting with the Deacons. We enjoyed our time of fellowship, sharing and prayer with our Deacons. Session approved a Fellowship Committee recommendation for a running group at Covenant.

In December, Session spent time honoring Associate Pastor Tom Mitchell. Paul gave a devotional, using Matthew 6:34 as the text and dedicating it to Tom’s retirement. We celebrated Tom with dessert and remembrances. The

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elders laid hands on Tom and prayed for him.

Session agreed that Tom Mitchell will need to separate from Covenant for some time. The general practice of the PC(USA) is that a departing pastor needs to create space for himself to cease living as a pastor of that congregation. In six months, Session will review this decision.

We urge you all to stay in relationship with Tom. Session subsequently determined that we will seek an Interim Associate Pastor. The church will wait until we have a new senior pastor before we search for a permanent associate. Interim Associate Pastor Search Committee members are Tom Hutchison, JoAnn McIntosh, Joe Muck, Tom Sunstrom and Melanie Williamson.

Session approved the following items at the December meeting: • A motion to waive fees for the Power for Parkinson’s exercise program on a trial basis for the first five months of 2013. The program will hold two classes per week on days that don’t conflict with present programming. Classes will be suspended when Eaton Hall is needed for IHN or other events.

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• A seasonal, part-time position for Upward Basketball fully funded by revenue from the program; the position will have no adverse impact to the operating budget.

• The “Covenant Presbyterian Church Memorial Plaza Policies and Procedure Manual” and the contract forms in the appendices for the operation of the Columbarium.

Since Covenant is in a time of transition with our pastoral staff and incoming Chief Operating Officer, Session felt this was an ideal opportunity to optimize Covenant staff organization and responsibilities. Accordingly, Session approved a contract with consultants Batts, Morrison, Wales and Lee to conduct an

administrative/organizational review of our leadership/staff to ascertain strengths and weaknesses. The group will suggest possible changes to our structure and staffing that will increase efficiency and productivity, and help our church administration to be as effective as possible in our mission.

To accommodate training of officers-elect, the January Session meeting will be Jan. 29.

Joyfully praising God with you,

Joy Durrant Clerk of Session

Finance Report

Calendar of Events Senior Activities Day

Austin Presbyterian Pilgrimage

February 5 at 10 a.m.in FE 200 Movie: The Magic of Belle Isle

Feb. 28 – March 3 at Camp Tejas For more information, visit austinpresbyterianpilgrimage.org

Parent Education Night

Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. in CO 208 Bernadette Noll speaks about slow family living.

Senior Activities Day

March 5 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie to be announced in Covenant Matters

Armchair Travelers

Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary Parlor Gary and Donna Vliet discuss their trip to Turkey Hallelujah Hoedown

Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in FE 200 Bring an appetizer to share

Armchair Travelers

March 7 at 7 p.m. in FE 200 Topic to be announced in Covenant Matters

Holy Week Palm Sunday

Jazz Sunday

March 24

Feb. 10 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Traditional Services Jambalaya luncheon at noon on the patio

Guest Sermon Speakers

Ash Wednesday

Feb. 13 at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Special service of morning prayer at 7:30 a.m.

March 25–27 at noon in the Sanctuary Monday: Allan Weeks, Tuesday: Dustin Johnson, Wednesday: Don Davis Maundy Thursday Service

Special Class: Sent in Real Life, Part 2

Feb. 20 – March 20 at 6:30 p.m. in FE 200 Paul and others discuss being God’s people today

March 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Sermon by Chesney Szaniszlo Good Friday Service

Preschool Fundraiser

Feb. 23 at 5:30 at The Cedar Door Silent auction and more to raise preschool funds

March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Sermon by Pastor Jill Williams Easter Service

Upward Awards Night

Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in FE 200 Upward participants celebrate their season

Sunrise Service on the Patio at 6:30 a.m.

Traditional Services in the Sanctuary at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Contemporary Service in FE 200 at 11 a.m.

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3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757

Officers and Staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church Deacons

Elders

CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2014

Class of 2015

CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2014

Class of 2015

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

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

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

Christy Green Tom Hutchison JoAnne McIntosh Joe Muck Tom Sunstrom

Joy Durrant Jeff Horn Jan Skaggs Laura Tuma Clark Weatherby

Don Davis Evangeline Herring Chuck Ruesink Melanie Williamson Cindy Young

Foundation Trustees CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2014

Class of 2015

Noel Durrant Doug Hartman Tana Taylor

Dianne Erlewine

Dave Ferguson 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 Christy Milam, Director of Preschool Tom Mitchell, Associate Pastor for Discipleship John Schmidt, Organist Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Gayla Stuart, Director of Children’s and Preteen Ministries Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries