CORNERSTONE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | FEBRUARY 2014 D*Now participants—more than 70 students, 16 leaders, 30 volunteers and one great God—saw the Body of Christ at work during our in-town weekend retreat. We pray that the experience will point our students toward Christ as they start 2014. One student Tweeted, “D*Now? More like D*Wow!”
ABOUT CORNERS CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS CLERK OF SESSION MELANIE WILLIAMSON
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.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DUANE DUBE EDITOR STEPHANIE SCHULTZ DESIGN AND LAYOUT HILARY PITTMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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.
CHERYL BANKS, JACK KERN, MELANIE WILLIAMSON, LEE POLSON, SAMANTHA SIPOWICZ
We need you!
PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
KAY AUSTIN, CHERYL BANKS, JACK KERN, HILARY PITTMAN, NATHAN RICHARDS, STEPHANIE SCHULTZ, SAMANTHA SIPOWICZ SPECIAL THANKS TO KAY AUSTIN, PAUL MOWRY, BRIAN SPARKS, JAN VANDERPOOL
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STONE 2
FROM THE PULPIT
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Risk all and be bold in obedience 3
A DECADE OF AA
Expect the unexpected at spiritual retreat 13
Up to 700 people meet weekly at Covenant 4
SWEET HOME COVENANT
COVENANT’S GOT TALENT
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VBS NEEDS YOU
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A REUNION OF MOMS
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COMMUNION BAKERS
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FINANCE REPORT
For the period ended November 30, 2013 17
Members make gluten-free wafers
POSITIVE STEWARDSHIP
Look for chances to live faith in service
Covenant moms reunite as kids grow up 9
CLERK’S CORNER
2014 starts with solid financial news
Seeking lay leaders to manage VBS 8
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Covenant’s popular Jazz Sunday is Feb. 23
Talent show to help fund Journey tour 7
MY FIRST TIME
Cuban traveler pens poem about trip
Couple’s generosity enhances fundraiser 6
AUSTIN PILGRIMAGE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Don’t miss your favorite activites at Covenant!
BLESS OR BE BLESSED?
God’s hand all over Cheryl’s trip to Zambia
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
FROM THE PULPIT This is an exciting and challenging time in the life of our church; a time of change and transition, and also of anticipation as we look to what God has for us in the future. I thought of our church while reading a devotional from an anonymous author: Risk “To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure.” The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Those who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing. We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love … live. There are foolish risks and wise risks. We are foolish if we take risks we know are contrary to God’s will. We are foolish if we risk doing something that we think might please God without first praying and seeking His wisdom and guidance. We are foolish if we are always seeking to please people and not God. We are wise if we risk giving everything to do God’s will. I thought about Abraham who, while living a very comfortable life in the city of Ur, is called by God: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I 2
will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Abraham was obedient to God’s call and risked everything to do God’s will. Never again were he and his immediate family able to live a settled life. They were wanderers and nomads who saw the promised land, but never possessed it. Abraham saw in the birth of Isaac the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to become a great nation, but it was not until hundreds of years later that that promise was realized. Because Abraham was willing to risk it all, we have seen and live in the light of the last promise of God – “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Individually and together as a church we might be fearful of the change that obedience to God can bring, but as Christians we are called to risk all and to be bold in our obedience, knowing that whatever the risks, God is with us here and now and forever.
IN HIS NAME,
MUNN HINDS INTERIM ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR AGE AND STAGE MINISTRIES
A DECADE OF AA When you have a drinking problem, you have three choices, according to an informed source representing Allandale Alcoholics Anonymous, a group that meets at Covenant 16 times during the week. “You can get sober, be confined by the state or in a mental institution, or you can die an alcoholic.” For 10 years, members of this AA group have strived to help each other accomplish the former. Covenant organizers estimate that between 500 and 700 people come to the church to attend AA meetings each week. This number has grown from just one meeting with about four participants when the group started. This month, Allandale AA is marking its 10th anniversary with a dinner and program at the church on Feb 8. Organizers have room for 240 people but suspect that may not be enough. Step 1: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” Step one of AA is admitting you have a problem; it is the only one of the 12 steps that mentions alcohol. The only requirement for participants is a desire to stop
drinking. The source explained: “You don’t have to walk in and say I’m an alcoholic, but very few are mistaken about their problem if they come.” The first step for Covenant in opening its doors to AA came when former Senior Pastor Jim Singleton heard about a Florida mega-church’s support of recovery groups. Four people met in January 2004 and decided to start a group. The first meeting was Friday, Feb. 6. Anyone is welcome to attend AA meetings at Covenant; only alcoholics may chair the meetings. Ministerial staff members and nursing students often visit. Step 2: “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.” According to AA-provided materials, the program is focused on spirituality and God having an impact on changing a person’s life. The informed source clarified, “AA is not a religious program. It is a spiritually based solution. The difference is that there is no theology. It’s up to each individual to work out his or her own conception of God.”
At a recent Covenant-hosted meeting, AA members shared stories and struggles they’d experienced during the week as they worked to become and/or stay sober. God was central to the discussions. As one member said, “If you don’t put God first, you don’t stand a chance.” Step 3: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” AA started when a New York stockbroker and an Ohio surgeon, self-described hopeless drunks, met in 1935 and worked together to stop drinking. Their goal was to help others who suffered from alcoholism and to stay sober themselves. This remains the purpose today. AA has no membership dues or fees; it is self-supported through its own contributions. In the beginning, Allandale AA at Covenant had many meetings attended by just four people. The group expanded, adding days and changing locations. Over the years, the group has been in the Sanctuary building, Covenant Hall, Eaton Hall and finally in the Chapel of the Fellowship and 3
Education Building. The group started meeting three times a week at noon, then every day at noon. Night and weekend meetings started, as did targeted meetings for men, women, firstyear members and more. Steps 4-11 All AA steps are powerful, and the group that meets at Covenant is full of amazing people who have made the bold step to admit they have a problem. According to AA’s website, Allandale AA is one of about 114,000 groups supporting more than 2,000,000 members in 170 countries. In addition to the 12 steps, there are also 12 chapters in “The Big Book,” which was written by the founders and the first 100 people
to become and stay sober. Chapter 5, which explains how the program works, is the most important chapter, according to the source. The group reads from it in almost every meeting. It reminds members of the steps taken to reach sobriety. Step 12: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” The source commented, “For every person in one of our AA meetings, there are at least 20
people who need a meeting.” But he said, “AA is not for those who need it, but for those who want it. “We hear what a great group this is, how welcoming it is. Our meetings are focused on the solution,” said the source. “It’s important to know that help is just a phone call away.” Those in need can call the church at (512) 454-5231 or (512) 452-3673. AA is completely confidential; all participants remain anonymous.
SWEET HOME COVENANT The Sweet Home Covenant Preschool Fundraiser is Saturday, Feb. 22, and like the past four years, this year’s event will be at the Cedar Door. Steve and Heather Potts are Covenant members, preschool parents and the owners of the Cedar Door, a downtown bar and restaurant. “For several years, Steve and Heather have volunteered to host the annual fundraiser at their restaurant,” Preschool Director Christy Milam said. “They 4
provide the venue free of charge, and food and drinks at cost. Through the Pottses’ generosity, this event has been at such a low cost to the school, we are able to reach record-setting fundraising goals year after year,” Christy said. Steve said the couple offers the venue simply because it’s the ‘right thing’ to do. “Our deal with the preschool has always been for us to donate the
space, drinks and food to allow the preschool to maximize its fundraising potential.” Christy said that when she first attended the Parent Advisory Team (PAT) meetings as a parent in 2003, the fundraising goal was $2,500. By the time her kids graduated in 2008, the goal had increased to $7,000. The party was then held in a private home. Since moving to the Cedar Door, the PAT has set the goal at $10,000, but Christy said that the venue, the generosity of the Potts family and the hard work of the committee has resulted in funds of $12,000 to $15,000. “It is super fun,” said Christy. “Between 90 and 120 people attend, taking advantage of free childcare at the church. We have a private room at the Cedar Door. Our silent auction consists of everything from pieces of original art to landscape design to restaurant gift certificates. And the class baskets and lunch with the teacher are always popular.” Funds garnered at the event have benefited both the preschool and the church. Some items acquired include Spanish and music lessons for preschool children, and new toys, books and playground
equipment used daily by children attending preschool, and also benefiting Covenant kids using the facilities throughout the week. What’s more, the preschool has donated excess funds to the general church operating budget for the past three years. Long-time preschool parent Thais Kilday recognizes some intangible benefits. “This shift in venue has revolutionized the fundraiser. It is no longer an obligation that parents begrudgingly attend, but a fun night out in a hip new place with friends. “The event has done wonders for building and enhancing community within the preschool and congregation,” Thais said. “I’ve heard partygoers chatting about Covenant activities such as Upward basketball, What-a-Wednesday and Vacation Bible School. Parents meet and thank teachers and staff in a different setting, and share needed ‘couple’ time. Nights such as these bring adults and families closer together and closer to Covenant.” Heather’s giving attitude doesn’t stop at the Cedar Door. She is a longtime staff member at Westminster Manor – a retirement community where many Covenant seniors live. Heather encourages connections between Westminster, Covenant and the preschool. Last Christmas, Heather and the preschool Parent Advisory Team set up a service project in which preschool children made and sent Christmas cards to Westminster residents. “It is our privilege to be a part of Covenant’s ministry, where our children have flourished by such an outstanding and loving environment offered through the church and preschool,” Heather said. Every Covenant member is invited to the fundraiser. For more information, contact Christy at cmilam@covenant.org. 5
COVENANT’S GOT TALENT Members of Covenant’s Journey Youth Choir are warming up their vocal chords and hope that church members will, too. The choir is sponsoring a talent show and silent auction (with delicious desserts) on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. in FE 200. The choir invites kids and adults ages 10 and up to show Covenant members and friends their best talent. Jaco Botes will emcee the show and Journey will sing a few concert numbers to start the evening. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children and free for performers. It includes dessert and a drink. Tickets may be purchased at the door, from a Journey member or by contacting Stacy Curtis at scurtis@covenant.org. Childcare will be available. The idea for the talent show was the brainchild of Asia Gaines.
Three years ago, the then-second grader suggested a choir talent show. “We did it and it was so much fun!” said Journey Director Stacy Curtis. “Since then, I have thought it would be fun to have a church-wide talent show. When the subject of raising funds for Journey’s tour came up this year, it was the first thing that came to my mind. I attribute the idea to God working through Asia.” Silent auction items include two lake house rental properties, a $50 gift card to Outback Steakhouse, gift cards from Kerbey Lane, Opal Divine’s and Main Event, and bowling at Highland Lanes. The funds raised will help send the choir to New Orleans and Galveston. Journey’s officers met this summer to discuss a possible
tour. Tom Brown suggested that the choir travel to New Orleans. “There are so many fun things to do there and ways to serve the community that it was a perfect choice,” Stacy said. The choir will work with Trinity Loaves and Fishes, a ministry operated by Trinity Episcopal Church. They take meals to homeless and nonprofits who work with the poor, as well as people helping with the rebuilding that is still going on in the area. The choir will stop and perform both on the way there and on the way back. Enroute, the choir will stop in Jennings, La. Journey will give a concert and sing in worship at the church where choir member Emily Banks was baptized. Heading back, the choir will stop in Galveston and perform at League City United Methodist, Stacy’s grandmother’s church. Students expect to pay two-thirds of the trip cost and are trying to raise the money for the remainder. They performed a fundraising concert at Barnes & Noble in early January. Read the next issue of Cornerstone when Journey members contribute an article about the trip.
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VBS NEEDS YOU Do you love Vacation Bible School at Covenant? Do you appreciate weird animals? Do you get a kick out of teaching kids about God’s unconditional love? You may be the perfect person to lead Covenant’s 2014 VBS team! Covenant’s children and preteen ministry team is looking for a few individuals to step up and provide the leadership for this year’s VBS. While the need is prompted by Covenant’s smaller children’s staff, the shift to lay leadership running bigger events is a positive move. “This is an opportunity for people who have these gifts to use them and put their mark on VBS,” said Children and Preteen Interim Director Stacey Grooms. “They can bring their perspectives and their talents to the job.” Specifically, the VBS lay leadership team should consist of a director (or co-directors), an assistant director and a registration/admin person. “The director should be someone who loves VBS, “Stacey said. “The person needs to be able to juggle multiple responsibilities and tasks, and be very positive and excited about the week.”
advice, and show the team how it all works. She and the rest of the staff are also willing to be at any station where the leader needs help. VBS is the first recent, major children’s event that will be run by lay leadership. “We are going to start using lay leadership teams for all of our events. We’ll also recruit help for Advent Event, and Trunk or Treat.” Stacey pointed to Upward Basketball as a good example of a program that went from staff-run to volunteer-driven. The program, in its second year of lay leadership, is stronger than ever.
Stacey added that Covenant already has all the information in place. “We have a system, we have volunteers who have been leading key stations every year, and we have the materials. This lay leader will be responsible to recruit the right people and then manage them.”
“Lay leadership makes programs better. It encourages people who might not otherwise to step up and take a leadership role in areas where they are super qualified. It will be fun to see the positive changes this shift produces.”
Covenant staff will support the person in charge. Stacey said she will provide all the resources and
To volunteer or to learn more, contact Stacey at sgrooms@covenant.org or (512) 334-3005.
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A REUNION OF MOMS When a baby is baptized at Covenant, everyone “oohs” and “aahs” as the baby is introduced, and agrees to help raise the child in the church. New parents realize the gravity of this responsibility but struggle to know some basics of infant care. My decision to set aside my career to care for my baby left this capable professional a wrung-out mess. How this sweet baby turned our orderly house upside down was bewildering. I managed a successful career, but this 8-pound bundle of joy made me sleepdeprived and clueless about how to “manage” this project. That’s when I joined Covenant’s MoMs Group. With this group,
I went from carrying a purse to a diaper bag; from networking at meetings to play dates on the playground with other moms in my situation. Together we helped shepherd each other through the infant and toddler years to the grade school stage. Since many of us didn’t have family in town, those weekly meetings navigated us through child rearing as we supported one another logistically and emotionally. Our group’s game night served as free therapy to help us in our marriages as well. We stayed connected at Covenant as our children grew and participated in children’s ministries, VBS, choirs and youth group.
As years passed our lives scattered to our neighborhood schools, sports and activities. It’s only recently that the stage of our lives in the ever-present hoverMom mode has let up as our munchkins matriculated through school. We don’t even carpool now, since they are driving themselves. As our babies head off to college, we’re experiencing the empty nest syndrome. With more time to ourselves and a whole lot of nostalgia, we look up and realize we’ve missed those other dear moms who are also navigating through this stage. In January, we had a MoMs group reunion. The conversation has turned from pre-school to college; from fridge art to body tattoos; from couples who rarely had time alone to wondering what to talk about. The topics and life situations have changed, but what hasn’t changed is the sense of community, sisterly bond and supportive care that each of us found in this special congregation of women. For new mothers, the original MoMs group still meets. Check Covenant Matters for the schedule. BY SAMANTHA SIPOWICZ
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COMMUNION BAKERS Nineteen cups of rice flour, eight cups of sorghum and two cups of potato starch are the dry ingredients that two Covenant members chase down every three to four months as they prepare to make the church’s gluten-free communion wafers. Paulette Kern and Brynn Anderson work for three to four hours in the Covenant kitchen to ensure that the church has enough wafers to serve communion to congregants on the first Sunday of each month. They bake more often during holiday seasons. Paulette said that she was in the kitchen one day when Chef Mark Toussaint was preparing the wafers. He told her the church was supposed to have a volunteer do the baking. “I knew that was something I could do,” Paulette said. “We can give a little of our time to help the church. A lot of little bills add up to big bills.”
“Then the fun starts,” Paulette joked. “We do the rolling, the cutting, the baking and the re-cutting. We store them in baggies in the freezer and track how many we have after the communion services.” “It’s kinda like a game,” Brynn said as she popped a large tray into the oven. “We work well together. We have a good time catching up and talking while we bake. And we’ve had a big learning curve.” Covenant moved to all gluten-free wafers a couple of years ago. “I think serving all gluten-free wafers just simplifies things,” Brynn said. “Anyone receiving communion can take it from any of the servers.” And thanks to Paulette and Brynn, Covenant has gluten-free wafer servings for all!
The first time Paulette made the wafers, she did it alone and spent close to seven hours on the project. Paulette quickly realized she needed help and recruited Brynn, making the project more efficient and more fun. While the bakers get quicker each time they bake, the infrequency of the baking means it takes them a while to remember all the tricks they learned the time before. Paulette outlined the steps: “The first thing we have to do is find all the gluten-free flours. Often the stores only have small bags of the specialty flours so I have to go to multiple stores.” Once all the ingredients are purchased, they measure all the flours and add butter and ice water until they get a consistency they can work with. 9
BLESS OR BE BLESSED? This past July while our Zambia mission team was in Kaoma, Rev. Lovemore Nyirenda invited me to come back to Zambia to attend and speak at the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), Synod of Zambia, Christian Women’s Guild Conference on the Role of Women in Church and Society. I was both honored and terrified at the prospect of speaking at a national conference for more than 400 women. My comfort zone involves hands-on service and one-on-one or small gathering speaking. I spent several anxietyfilled weeks struggling to find just the right words to share with my sisters in Zambia. I’m pretty sure that God was chuckling as He watched and prodded me along. I soon realized that God called me back to Zambia for what He wanted to offer to me. The unexpected blessings came one after the other. On the 18-hour flight from Washington, D.C., to Johannesburg, South Africa, I sat next to a young woman on her way to Cape Town for her very first mission trip. She was from Austin, worked for an educational company and by the end of the trip volunteered to meet with me to discuss how her 10
company could help Manos de Cristo with the Back-to-School event this summer. God’s hand was in the seat assignments! The first Sunday I worshiped with the CCAP pastors and wives who had gathered from all over Zambia for the Synod meeting. The first hour of worship was filled with singing and dancing. I was even pulled up to sing a song with Rev. Nyirenda. I met Rev. Gift Nyirenda, who is in charge of the translations at the Bible Society in Lusaka. He offered to help our team acquire Bibles in the correct translations for our Zambia missions. I met the pastor of the church, who is also the moderator of the Synod of Zambia, visited the CCAP offices and had lunch
at the home of the CCAP general secretary. The Synod of Zambia, made up of 12 presbyteries, hosted the conference. The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian is composed of five synods, three in Malawi, the Synod of Zambia and the Synod of Harare (Zimbabwe). Every presbytery in Zambia sent women representatives and one pastor. Zambia has 72 CCAP pastors; five are women, three attended the conference. Malawi sent 14 women; two were ministers. Two women from the Synod of Harare attended. At the conference, we sang, danced, prayed, studied and worshiped. The Holy Spirit wasn’t just present but as palpable as an electric buzz. God
lavished me with a weeklong spiritual spa! Ministers from all over Zambia spoke about the important role of women in marriage, the home, being a witness in the community, and being leaders and teachers in the church. The general secretary of the Council of Churches Zambia, a female Methodist minister, spoke about education for women. Two PC(USA) missionaries also spoke. Rev. Kari Nicewander is in Zambia to write a children’s curriculum for Sunday school and help with the translations. Nancy Collins is the liaison between PC(USA) and the Presbyterian churches in Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda.
Nancy spoke about available programs and grants. She also explained about the Grain Bank and Village Savings & Loan programs that can be started locally in Zambia. As the week progressed, several CCAP ministers from Zambia and one from Malawi came forward to find out how to become involved in the mission work our team does. I invited all to join us this summer in Mufulira and learn more about church planting, raising up and discipling new church leaders, and training leaders in children’s ministry. God had gone before me, bringing us all together for some master networking!
While in Lusaka, I was able to begin planning the mission for July 2014 with Rev. Lovemore Nyirenda, and Abel and Meyer Zulu. Rev. Nyirenda invited us to work with him and three other pastors in Mufulira. We plan to plant four new churches, provide medical clinics in surrounding communities, and provide a teacher training program for children’s ministry for the mother churches. Our mission trip is planned for July 2– 16. Anyone interested in participating may contact Larry Rieber at rieberco@hotmail.com or Cheryl Banks at csebesta@austin.rr.com BY CHERYL BANKS
AUSTIN PILGRIMAGE (Adapted by Jack Kern from testimony by Mike Douglas, APP #35 Moderator)
things take place at Pilgrimage. You truly can’t predict what’s going to happen.
When was the last time you saw an Austin Presbyterian minister relive some past rock concert memory by taking off his shirt, twirling it around over his head, then throwing it to the congregation? That’s what I thought…never. Is that even possible at a retreat, especially one as spiritual and mature as Pilgrimage? I’m not saying that actually happened. (There are confidentiality pledges at Pilgrimage.) Theoretically it’s the kind of thing that someone you might recognize could do in some parallel Pilgrimage universe. Many unexpected
When Paulette and I came to Austin Presbyterian Pilgrimage #34, we were just doing another church thing. We’d been to many church weekends, seminars, etc. and had resisted Pilgrimage for many years. I went reluctantly, dragging my feet. I didn’t think I would be talking about Pilgrimage even a month later, much less later serving on staff at Austin Presbyterian Pilgrimage #35. The next Pilgrimage, #37, is Feb. 27 – March 2 at Camp Buckner in Marble Falls. There are as many ways to come to Pilgrimage, to experience it and then to 11
Pilgrimage #37: Feb. 27 – March 2, at Camp Buckner in Marble Falls. respond to it as there are people. It’s a very personal experience because we each bring our unique story to it. Pilgrimage seeks persons who are seeking, persons who are Christian, but who seek a more vital expression of faith in life. Pilgrimage believes that such persons, when immersed in a community experience of true Christian living and touched in heart and mind by the power and grace of God, will experience a renewal to a more vital life in Christ. Pilgrimage seeks to achieve its purpose by
immersing participants in an experience that leads to this renewal. Pilgrimage seeks to be a moment of specific re-awakening in the lives of participants. More than a thousand people have attended Pilgrimage in the Austin area. Ask some of them what happens, and if they’d recommend you go. Visit the Pilgrimage website (austinpresbyterianpilgrimage.org). Better yet, go see for yourself. Register online or contact Jesse White at jwhite16@austin.rr.com. And bring a shirt that you wouldn’t mind leaving behind in a moment of unexpected exuberance. BY JACK KERN
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MY FIRST TIME Since seeds were planted in 1994, 170 different members and staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church have participated in a total of 267 person trips to our sister church, The Presbyterian Reformed Church in Luyanó, a poor barrio of Havana. During October and November 2013, new member Barbara Worley went to Cuba for her first time. Upon the conclusion of her trip she wrote the following poem, My First Time: Anxious and unsure Curious and eager Miami, Red Roof Inn. Charter Flight, Havana Airport Classic Cars, Taxis. Church bus, bumpy ride Open windows, hot breezes. Elegant buildings, disrepair. Cars and carts People walking everywhere. Luyanó barrio Presbiteriano. Smiling greeters Hugs and kisses. Friendships renewed. Cuban food
Rice and beans, Beans and rice. Filtered water, Living water Sewing circle, taiche. Old Havana, artist studio. Bible study, prayers Devotionals, discussions. Home visits, seminary visit Matanzas, Varadero. Casa de Cariño, Loving Care Home. Sandy beaches, warm waves. Music, concerts violins, chimes. Worship service, Sunday School. Art and architecture
Musicians and dancers. Games and laughter Young and old. Finally ending… Hugs and kisses Tearful good-byes. THANKFUL For competent leaders Experienced old timers Excited new timers. Anxious and unsure then Now, safe and assured: God’s in Cuba God’s in Luyanó God’s in the people.
Covenant’s 30th trip to Cuba will occur from late October to mid-November. Perhaps you could write the next poem about your trip to Cuba this year. For information, contact Jack Kern at jackckern@sbcglobal.net. 13
THE TRADITION CONTINUES Covenant will celebrate its 19th annual Jazz Sunday on Feb. 23 during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Services in the Sanctuary. Contemporary worshipers will join the 11 a.m. Sanctuary service on this day. More jazz music and a jambalaya lunch on the church patio will follow at noon. Covenant Director of Music Tom Brown invites some of Austin’s finest musicians to play in the fivepiece jazz band. Tom believes jazz music has a place in worship. “The joy that is inherent in jazz music aligns wonderfully with the joy expressed as part of Christian faith,” Tom explained. “The blues influence makes
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much of the music appropriate for lament. It’s exuberant; it’s also reflective and soulful.” For members who don’t know Tom’s history, he’s a Southern Louisiana native who worked in colleges and other churches before coming to Covenant. He introduced the idea of jazz in worship in 1996. Though initially met with some skepticism, jazz Sunday quickly became one of Covenant’s most successful—and fun—days. Tom has since lent some of his arrangements to other Austin churches who have started the same tradition. “Jazz Sunday is always a very festive day,” Tom said. “It’s fun, a little bit rowdy, and sort of untraditionally Presbyterian.”
CLERK’S CORNER At its December meeting, Session was very pleased to hear from Administrator and COO Duane Dube that he had received a check representing the majority of the proceeds from the Freeman Estate in the amount of $1.8 million. The Freeman family, faithful charter members of Covenant, had remembered Covenant with a loving and generous bequest of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of property in Round Rock. We held an extended discussion on the best way to steward that gift, considering two options proposed by our Finance Committee. Session voted to hold cash on our balance sheet in an effort to add financial stability to church operations, improve our financial position in the eyes of lending institutions, and provide a strengthened foundation for potential senior pastor candidates. Our adopted plan enables a senior pastor to join our community, become acclimated and establish solid relationships before being required to shepherd a capital campaign addressing our building debt. Over the next three years, the adopted plan also funds $350,000 in additional mission activities beyond those included in the operating budget, provides for a $510,000 reduction in debt, and sets aside $350,000 in funds for contingencies for operating losses if needed. At the end of 2016, we will have $590,000 in available reserve funds for debt relief, more if we don’t have operating losses. As part of the adoption of our plan of stewardship for this gift, Session committed to passing balanced budgets for the next three years. The 2014 operating budget was adopted at our meeting and conforms to this commitment.
In other financial news, the Covenant Foundation has offered to match gifts to the capital campaign building fund dollar for dollar through July 2014, up to a maximum of $250,000. You will hear more about this opportunity during the spring, and we encourage the congregation to make the most of this program. Finally, we are pleased to report that Covenant’s faithful family, in response to our always faithful God, finished 2013 with strong giving that allowed us to end the year ahead of projections in both pledged and unpledged revenue. This column has been focused on finances, but life at Covenant Presbyterian Church is about much more than money. In addition to being grateful for the positive turn that Covenant has taken financially, we are very thankful for the time and talents offered by Covenant members in our many ministries and programs. The congregation elected new classes of elders, deacons and trustees at a meeting on January 12, and we are excited for the new leaders who will be trained this month, examined by Session, and ordained and installed in March. Together with our talented and committed staff, we will joyfully share Christ’s abundant and transforming love with all people. That’s our vision for Covenant in 2014, and we hope you’ll come along. BLESSINGS,
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POSITIVE STEWARDSHIP As of January 12, 2014, total pledges for 2014 giving totaled $2.12 million, which is enough to fund our 2014 budget with pledged income. This marks a good beginning to 2014, as it has enabled the Session to adopt a balanced budget based on realistic revenue assumptions. Like most churches, our budget expenditures go mostly to personnel costs (about 64 percent), the administrative costs of maintaining our building and grounds, keeping the lights on, etc. (16 percent), and interest expense on our mortgage debt (11 percent). The programs most noticeable in our daily lives, such as worship and music ministry, comprise a
small minority of ongoing church costs. Currently the planned mission budget is set at 5 percent of pledged and unpledged offerings. It is also true that our personnel, administrative and interest expenses are relatively inflexible. Once we meet the basic church operation needs, we can increase spending on the programs of more active ministry. The church’s income and expenditures are “only money.” The best parts of Covenant are human in nature. The fellowship we enjoy on the patio and in classes, choir rehearsals, committees and other meetings present the best opportunities for each of us to grow in our faith. Our programs depend
on volunteers from the congregation for execution, and our collective efforts in ministry represent our best efforts to glorify God. So, let’s be thankful, and joyful, that we are starting 2014 on a positive financial note. But let each of us look for new opportunities in 2014 to live our faith in volunteer service at Covenant and in the community. Do you enjoy participating in a program or activity at Covenant that demonstrates your response to God’s gifts? Maybe now is the time to double your pleasure and participation by taking up a new ministry, or joining a new program.
FINANCE REPORT Financial Update
For Period Ended December 31, 2013 **Preliminary & Subject To Audit Adjustment** YTD YTD Actual Budget 2,923,874 2,875,000 2,733,298 2,944,928 190,576 (69,928)
GENERAL FUND Revenues Expenses* Net Surplus BUILDING FUND Total Loan Balance $7,393,550 Gifts Received YTD 206,630 Scheduled Principal Payments YTD 104,910 *Loan interest costs are included in General Fund Expenses. If our $1,700,000 loan were to be extinguished, Covenant could save $50,000 per year in interest costs. Please remember to support the building fund.
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BY LEE POLSON
CALENDAR OF EVENTS THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS SPRING AT COVENANT!
COVENANT TALENT SHOW
JAZZ SUNDAY
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. FE 200 (See details on page 6)
Sunday, Feb. 23, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary UPWARD AWARDS NIGHT
UPWARD BASKETBALL GAMES
Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 in FE 200
Saturdays, Feb.1 – Feb. 22, in FE 400 AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE VISIONS ACTIVITIES DAY
Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. in FE 200 PARENTING THE LOVE AND LOGIC WAY™
Feb. 27 – March 2 in Marble Falls (See details page 11) Contact Jesse White (jwhite16@austin.rr.com) for more information
Feb. 4 – March 18, at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Contact Ashley Ellison (ahellison@yahoo.com) for more information
VISIONS ACTIVITIES DAY
ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in FE 200
Wednesday, March 5, at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m. in FE 200
DRIVE A SENIOR, A FAITH IN ACTION PROGRAM, BENEFIT CONCERT
ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. Hillcrest Baptist Church
Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in FE 200
VISIONS LUNCHEON
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS DAY
Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 11:45 a.m. in FE 200 Downtown Austin Alliance Presentation
Sunday, March 9 Turn clocks back at 2 a.m.
SWEET HOME COVENANT PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER
VISIONS LUNCHEON
Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Cedar Door
Tuesday, March 18, at 11:45 a.m. in FE 200 Establishing Civil Order in Afghanistan
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3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757
OFFICERS AND STAFF OF COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEACONS
ELDERS
CLASS OF 2014
CLASS OF 2015
CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2014
CLASS OF 2015
CLASS OF 2016
Breece Adams Marilyn Adams Matt Bair Donna Barksdale Lynn Bell Steve Bissell Julie Bou Allan Carmichael Lynda Chapman Jay Corder Cara Cotham Jim Foster Jacquez “Joc” Gaines Bretna Hackert Bonnie Hartmann 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 James Marroquin Emily McGinnis Gwen Morton Patrick Schmidt Gary Vliet Becky Wells Sharyn Westmoreland Paul Wynkoop
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
Joy Durrant Jeff Horn Jan Skaggs Laura Tuma Clark Weatherby
Don Davis Evangeline Herring Chuck Ruesink Melanie Williamson Cindy Young
Paul Askenasy Jennifer Maham Deb Rieber John Ruwwe Frank Sheppard
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2014
CLASS OF 2015
CLASS OF 2016
Dianne Erlewine
Dave Ferguson Jack Kern Mary Teeple
Larry Faulkner JoAnne McIntosh Tana Taylor
PROGRAM STAFF Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Duane Dube, Director of Administration Munn Hines, Interim Associate Pastor for Age and Stage Ministries William Leonhardt, Director of Student Ministries Christy Milam, Director of Preschool John Schmidt, Organist Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Stacey Grooms, Interim Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries
