Cornerstone Covenant Presbyterian Church | October 2012
About Corners Cornerstone Contributors Interim Senior Pastor Paul Parsons
Cornerstone is the bimonthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Cornerstone provides in-depth articles on the events that take place on and off campus and the people who make them happen.
Clerk of Session Joy Durrant Business Administrator Frederick L. Clement Editor Stephanie Schultz Design and Layout
Content includes the Pastor’s letter, Session news, member and staff spotlights, and a calendar of upcoming events. Find more information on the events online and in Covenant Matters. Download the paper version of Cornerstone online at covenant.org/publications. We will update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at blog.covenant.org.
Aaron Arnold
We need you! Contributing Writers Robin cobb, Beth Feger, Amy Johnson, Juli Powell, Larry Rieber Photography Aaron Arnold, Beth Bishop, Stacey Grooms, Nicole Phinney, Larry Rieber, Tori Schrock 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
21 Finance Report
Pastor Paul lets God take control 4 Trust God
For the month ended August 31, 2012 22
Juli Powell and family feel blessed in Zambia 8 Give It AWay
Joy Durrant reports on Session 24
Stuart Young uses pies to teach about giving
Clerk’s Corner
Calendar of events
Check out what’s coming up
10 Blessings Flow
Conway and Dorothy Taylor on why they give 12 Trunk or Treat Returns
Join Covenant for this fun family event 14 Few Words Needed
Upward Basketball preaches without words 16
A Farewell to Fred
Covenant Administrator Fred Clement resigns 18
A Light to the Community
Amy Johnson talks about VBS in Cuba 20
A New Face
Covenant welcomes Nathan Richards
Table of Contents 1
Dear Friends The fear never emerged until I stood in the doorway of the plane, knees bent and holding tight to my harness, just as I’d been told. The wind was blasting at the plane’s speed: 100 miles per hour? 500 miles per hour? The ground was two-and-a-half miles below. Everyone was out of the plane but Ian and me; I was attached to Ian. I was, suddenly, afraid. My mind raced, asking, “How did I get here?” I remembered asking my daughter Annie, in the fall of 2011: “What do you want for Christmas?” Her answer: “I want to skydive on my 30th birthday. Will you go with me?” Loving an adventure, especially one initiated by a daughter (I have the suspicion that maybe my daughters consider me, well, boring), I immediately said “yes,” an answer I’d never regretted until that moment. 2
One fear was of the unknown. “I’ve never done this before.” “I don’t know how to land.” “How do I not land on a barbed wire fence?” “What if the chute doesn’t deploy?” But the bigger fear, the monster fear that wanted to fill every available space in that split second at the plane door, was the fear of being powerless. They told me simply to fall on my face out the door. Face downward, hurtling straight toward the ground at 125 feet per second. The ground was only 100 seconds away. It was the fear of letting go of control. It was the fear of trusting this company, my partner Ian and skydiving as a discipline. Above all, it was the fear of trusting Someone invisible, who says He is the sovereign Lord over all things.
I suspect that this is a factor, albeit much less dramatic, in stewardship. Isn’t there always the risk that “those people” in Covenant’s leadership will not do what we want them to do with the money, the time, the energy or the work we give? The risk that the PC(USA) will collapse, that a church split will happen, that anything we give might be squandered in the resulting chaos? The risk that the economy will tank, and that we will need that money for ourselves? The risk that tithing is a fool’s game run by people pretending that God really does want us to give that much? But the heart of that risk is that God can’t be trusted, especially in His working through His Church. That fear of giving up control by trusting God is exactly why God says so much about money in Scripture. He knows that money is a primary means by which we seek to control life. It easily becomes a key to our spiritual condition, either locking us into a fear-driven bondage or setting us free from the illusion of control by our giving it away. But that means standing in the doorway of the plane, looking down, risking being a fool and destroying our lives. Or, perhaps, entering into an adventure that is utterly dependent on God. One thing is for sure: this is not a one-time decision, but one that we will necessarily make daily. It is the key to our entire lives. It is the step of surrender.
much to start, why not begin by giving 3 percent or 5 percent, and then “graduating” each year by 1 percent until you reach a tithe? I also believe in making a confidential promise to help the church plan. There is something so freeing about giving what we cannot hoard, in order to gain what we cannot lose—in this case, the astonishing peace that comes from a more full trust in God’s control over all. I stood in the doorway for that instant, afraid to tip forward. And then, I just did it. Instantly kicking my legs up behind me, followed by lifting my arms and bending my body like a banana, I was airborne, hurtling toward earth, thrilled out of my mind: happy, joyous and free, holding the hand of God once again, so glad to be alive, so blessed to trust Him, so at peace with the universe. Honest. That’s where I’m going today, once again with God, and I hope you’ll come with me.
A life of stewardship can be manifested in our lives in many ways. I highly recommend tithing—giving at least 10 percent of your income to God’s work. Much if not all of that should be directed through our local community of faith, for that is the primary means God has given us to bless and change the world. If you are not tithing, I encourage you to begin. If it’s too 3
Trust God A Medical Mission to Zambia
I had the privilege of traveling with the Zambia medical team as one of the two dentists. I shared this opportunity with my family: my husband Chuck, our 14-year-old daughter Lily and our 12-year-old son Matthew. I also traveled with 4
my best friend and business partner Ada and her family. This trip was a leap of faith. I am a planner and a worrier. I make plans for how to handle every possible situation. Zambia would be different. It made almost no sense to go.
Why I shouldn't go as a dentist: One thing I love about being a general dentist is that I develop relationships with patients. I can refer difficult cases to specialists; most often extractions. In Zambia, I would see patients only once.
I would have a language barrier and I would perform only extractions, without x-rays, suction, electricity, good light or a chair to properly position patients or myself. We’d have poor working conditions. Injury was a very real possibility.
Why I shouldn't go as a business owner: The trip would be expensive. There’s the cost of travel and medical supplies, and Ada and I would, for the first time in 18 years, close our practice for two weeks. It will
likely take two years to recover financially, and we would worry about our patients in Texas. Why I shouldn't go for myself: I’m not a camper. I'm a clean freak and Zambia is a dirty place. Even water to shower 5
and wash hands has parasites. Plus, this would be my only "vacation" for the year. Likely I’d return more tired. Why I shouldn't take my children: Zambia is disease-ridden. We needed extra vaccines and malaria pills. We would experience poor air quality, hard work and strange food. Women and girls are considered property, rather than equals. Would my daughter be safe? Could my son keep his constantly filthy hands away from his mouth and eyes to limit his risk of infection? Why I shouldn't take my husband: Chuck was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 21 years ago. For the first 15 years, we considered his MS an inconvenience. In the last six years, he has progressively become more disabled. He suffers from severe fatigue, needing several naps a day. He has difficulty with mobility, balance and memory. He has increased sensitivity, especially to multiple sounds and visual stimuli. Hearing singing or lots of people talking is painful. Travel is taxing. If Chuck attends Lily's band concerts, Matthew's plays or we go out to celebrate, he is so exhausted he sleeps most of the next day. 6
I was amazed at the strength of the children. When I had to do an HIV test on a 12-year-old, she never complained. I know I hurt her when I had to draw blood, but it was probably nothing compared to what Zambian girls are subjected to by her age (hence the reason for the test). Other children to whom I had to administer yucky medications never complained. They live hard lives and are raised with virtually nothing, but seem very happy. Robin Cobb
Chuck takes medication to suppress his immune system and in Zambia, diseases are more prevalent and dangerous than here. How could he handle this environment? So why did I want to go? At times I felt the decision to go was anywhere from daring to irresponsible. Then, something would happen to remind me to trust God. When Ada and I first discussed the trip, we were hesitant that we could do it without our equipment in a strange place. We decided to pray and talk again. That weekend, my sister-in-law Chesney Szaniszlo gave a sermon from Luke 9 to trust God; He will provide what we need. We worried more as the trip neared. The e3 Partners team leader sent daily emails. Ada and I would get home and read the email, which would remarkably address our concern. Have you ever had an idea that keeps coming back, even though it doesn't make sense? Ultimately, I decided to listen to God, to trust that God had a plan because I certainly didn’t.
Julius lives alone on the edge of his village, Bembwe. He has no family. The lower half of one leg was amputated because of a Puff Adder snake bite. He uses handmade crutches but is unable to herd cattle, raise corn or support himself. He has a very small garden where he grows some food. He cooks for himself over an open fire next to his small earthen hut. I could easily discern he was often cold and lonely. I was moved by Julius’ desperate poverty. I could do little to encourage him, other than pray with him and for him. Then God gave me an idea: I could take him a prayer shawl for warmth and comfort. I took one with colorful stripes the next day, and told him the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. I told him God loved him and I prayed this shawl would bring him warmth and comfort. On Sunday, he joined us for worship. As we ‘danced for the Lord,’ Julius said he was dancing in his heart! Larry Rieber
"How can we afford this?" We answered, "We don't know, we'll trust God." My answer to all the questions of why we shouldn't go was, "I don't know, I'm trusting God." So my “God moment” was six months of not panicking and not backing out, but trusting God, and two weeks of God reminding me, He is trustworthy.
In Zambia, God covered the things I worried about. Chuck did amazingly well. He was fine with airports, crowded rooms and long days with Friends asked, "How will no naps. I performed denChuck handle the travel?" I tistry way outside my comfort responded, "I don't know, I'm zone; Ada and I had no injutrusting God." Ada and I asked, ries. The Zambians had lived
with dental pain for so long that simply administering the anesthetic would enable them to relax and start thanking us before we had done anything! My children amazed me and, I think, themselves with their cheery attitudes in the face of true Third World challenges. While we are so glad to serve God in Zambia by serving his people, we were the ones truly blessed by the experience. Submitted by Juli Powell
To see more God moments from Zambia travelers Suzanne McFarlane, Laura Hopkins and Deb Rieber, visit blog.covenant.org. 7
Give It AWay Pie Class Teaches Baking, Encourages Giving
“It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” Stuart Young quoted the Bible as he chatted about the pie baking class he taught this summer at Covenant. “The class was a giving class,” he said. “It’s cool to learn how to make pies. But what’s cooler than that is giving them away.” Stuart brainstormed the class with Student Ministries Director William Leonhardt with the intent to teach students the lost art of baking pie—and so much more. “Pie is great,” William said, “but there are so many more parts to this class: service, outreach, loving your neighbor; the art of giving yourself away.”
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William explained, “For most of us, our neighbors are fairly wealthy. What they need are neighbors who care about them. “Second,” he said, “we live in a fast-paced world where we text, instant message and hurry from place to place. In this class, we take an hourand-a-half to make pie. The simplicity of it does something for your soul. “Third,” William continued, “Stuart is an example of discipleship. The students didn’t just show up and listen. Stuart provided instruction, modeled how to make pie and gave us the tools, then coached us in making our own pies.”
Comfort Food What started about five years ago as a way to deal with grief evolved into a way for Stuart to connect with people. After his father died, Stuart started making pies, his comfort food. “It was almost a psychological connection—to my dad and mom, and to my youth. “I grew up in the Midwest in a time when people made good things in the kitchen,” Stuart said. “My mom baked; there were always pies in the house. I learned through osmosis. When I moved away, I started making my own pies.” In recruiting teens for the class, Stuart explained that information about the kitchen is getting left behind in the current culture. One of the class goals was to get students interested in and appreciative of baking. One teen was 14-year-old Logan Grooms, already a cookie and cupcake baker. “Things like pies and tarts intimidated me ever since I failed an apple strudel attempt. I was excited to learn how to make pie, which had been a mystery.” Baking great pies wasn’t Logan’s only takeaway. “My friend Lilly recently had heart surgery, and I wanted to brighten her stay at the hospital. The day I brought her a pie was the day she was released! It was great to be there to see that, and also to bring a gift.” Logan wasn’t the only student putting her new skills to good use. When William was bit by a brown recluse spider, class participant Victoria Benningfield brought him a peach and blueberry pie with a lattice crust. “It was neat to be on the receiving end!” William said.
“There are so many parts to this class: service, outreach, loving your neighbor; the art of giving yourself away.” Joyful Giving Stuart isn’t all talk. He wakes at 6 a.m. every day and starts preparing fruit. Amongst the early day chaos of dog walking and work preparation, he rolls out dough and pops two pies into the oven. By 11 a.m., the pies are in somebody’s office. Stuart explained these pie giveaways: “One day I was making a pie. As I pulled it out of the oven, I thought I’d take it to an office that refers a lot of business to me. I walked in with a fresh, hot-from-the-oven pie. The staff was so excited that somebody would bake them a pie!” William, a pie novice, agrees. “The look on people’s faces is really something. Just think if we started giving pies to people we don’t like. Jesus wants us to be disciples. It gets deep and profound. Plus, cherry pie is delicious!” For the past five years, Stuart has baked pies nearly every day and given them away. “There’s a lot of joy around making pies and giving them away,” Stuart said. “This class was so much fun. It gave me the chance to give away not just pies, but the knowledge of making pie.” 9
Blessings Flow Conway and Dorothy Taylor Discuss how Giving Makes a Difference
Intercessory prayer. Meals on Wheels. Contributing in many ways to Florence’s Comfort House. Teaching English at Manos de Cristo. Sponsoring children through World Vision. Participating in Deacons. These are some of the ways that Conway and Dorothy Taylor have helped others over the years as Covenant members and in their daily lives.
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Conway, however, is clear that the single-most important thing the couple has done for the church is to designate Covenant as the benefactor of their charitable gift annuity invested with the Texas Presbyterian Foundation (TPF). “Our gift to the Texas Presbyterian Foundation is separate and apart from anything else we do for the church,” Conway said.
“We want to be certain that God’s share of our wealth will be used thoughtfully in ways that we believe in, and TPF does that,” Dorothy agreed. Charitable Gift Annuity A charitable gift annuity is a contract through which a donor and/or his or her designated beneficiary are provided with a stream of payments for life in exchange for a gift. The
donor receives a tax deduction at the time of making the gift. The income stream amount is determined by many factors including the donor’s age and the policy of the charity. Conway and Dorothy made their gift to Covenant 12 years ago through the TPF, which supports the long-term funding and investment needs of congregations and church-related institutions and agencies, and have been very satisfied. When both of them die, the gift will go to Covenant. “For Covenant members who desire to leave a gift to the church upon their death, the TPF charitable gift annuity is the most efficient way I have found to do that,” Conway said. “Interest rates in saving accounts have bottomed out. This plan gives a much better option. Where else can you put your money and draw up over 7 percent interest? That kind of return is unheard of anyplace else!” Joining Covenant Both Dorothy and Conway joined Covenant in the 70s. Dorothy, an Air Force wife, came to Austin to take care of her mother while her first husband was overseas. She had
“We hope that Covenant will be here for young families and people to attend worship, make friends and learn about our Savior.” few friends, and after visiting Covenant, she was convinced that it was the church for her. “Senior Pastor Carl Eaton asked me what he could do for me. I simply said, ‘Be here!’” Dorothy said, he was. “He did the funeral service for my husband, and he performed the marriage ceremony for Conway and me 35 years ago.” At that time, Conway and Dorothy were real estate agents, but soon realized they wanted to travel and spend more time with the grandkids. Dorothy said retirement also gave them time to help others. Dorothy’s helpful spirit came from her years as a military wife, when helping other families was just what you did. Conway, a former Navy officer, also participated in many efforts, still donating money and skills to Florence’s Comfort House. “The house is
in the toughest part of town. Florence takes in latch-key kids, feeds them, clothes them and acts as a mother figure. I often check in with her to see what she needs.” Conway is a member of the men’s group and together, the couple participates in intercessory prayer. Hope for Covenant The Taylors hope their gift will serve Covenant well. “We hope Covenant will be here for young families and people to attend worship, make friends and learn about our Savior,” Dorothy said. “We hope it will be here for the elderly and continue the wonderful activities specially designed for their needs. We hope it’s a place for people of all backgrounds to come together to study God’s word, make friends and help wherever possible.”
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Trunk or Treat Returns It’s back! Trunk or Treat returns this year on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. The new day and time promises to make Trunk or Treat a bigger, better event.
dress up in character and tell stories from the Bible. Instead of going house-to-house for candy, children go car-to-car for inspirational favors, tattoos, candy and other fun takeaways.
Trunk or Treat Your Way Through the Bible is a fun-filled adventure hosted at Covenant. Volunteers decorate the trunks of their cars,
Director of Children’s Ministries Gayla Stuart is very excited. “Trunk or Treat will be better than ever this year. We will have it on a Wednesday
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evening instead of the typical Sunday afternoon,” said Gayla. She is hopeful that the new time will enable more volunteers to help and more families to join in the fun. In addition to the decorated trunks, Gayla and her team will provide hot dogs for the family and host fun events like the Holy Ghost Cupcake Walk and Ten Commandments Golf. The show can’t go on without volunteer support. The community-building and enjoyment that stems from volunteering is a true blessing, and it results in an amazing family experience. Each trunk is decorated and staffed by a group of volunteers. Journey, Covenant’s youth choir, has provided a trunk for three years. Children’s Choir Coordinator Stacy Curtis called Trunk or Treat a social highlight for Journey.
Covenant’s church-wide day of service is Nov. 3. Join the congregation and volunteer
“Our favorite ideas came when we did the story of Jonah and the Whale,” said Stacy. The youth turned Stacy’s minivan into a whale, with the trunk open and decorated to look like a mouth. The rear seats were removed, so children could actually climb into the belly of the whale to hear the story of Jonah.
your time through activities
“It was truly uplifting to see how creative the youth were in coming up with this innovative way to tell a story,” said Stacy. “We had a great time; it was a wonderful bonding experience.”
in Covenant Matters.
If you would like to donate your time (and your car’s time) to this fun event, contact Gayla Stuart at gstuart@covenant.org or 334-3042. Otherwise, bring the whole family by for an evening of food and fun!
designed for people of all ages and abilities. Look for details throughout October Register to serve online at covenant.org/shapedtoserve.
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Few Words Needed Upward Basketball Quietly Shares the Gospel While Kids Have Fun
“Preach the gospel always; if necessary, use words.” I haven’t always liked this quote. I like using words. I like talking about my faith. I think people should be bold in sharing words of faith, shouting them from the rooftops. I’m not like most Presbyterians, who aren’t big on using words to share 14
faith. Lately, I have come to realize that the Presbyterian desire to embrace this quote, most often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, might not be such a bad idea. I have come to see the wisdom in preaching the gospel and using words only when necessary. It is humbling to me that basketball
helped me understand how to share the gospel using words only when necessary. I should begin with this: I never played sports growing up. I am not a sports fan. I don’t sign my kid up for sports programs. I don’t have a favorite sports team. But when our son
saw the cool shorts that the Upward kids were wearing, he wanted to join. Both of his cousins played and my brother and sister-in-law were both coaches, so we signed him up. What an amazing experience it was for our entire family! Each week the kids would play basketball, be encouraged, try hard and hear messages about God’s love for them. As a parent, I witnessed teamwork, sacrifice, laughter, authentic community and most of all an amazing show of faith in action. Each Saturday morning, coaches, referees, announcers and a host of people behind the scenes volunteered their time and talents to share God’s love (and basketball) with a bunch of kids. After last year’s season, we found out that Upward might not happen this year. It takes many, many hours of work (planning, recruiting players, coaches and referees, assigning teams and coaches, setting up the gym, cleaning up the gym - you get the idea). After many conversations about what to do, a group of folks decided to find out how to save Upward at Covenant.
At the first meeting, we ran out of jobs before we ran out of people. Folks volunteered to be director for a day, to plan the awards night, to make sure devotionals were done, to recruit (and be) referees and coaches, to put kids onto teams, and talk to parents who are disappointed about what team their kid is on. It was a remarkable show of the Gospel and not a single word was necessary. It is miraculous how loudly the Gospel is shared on Saturday morning during Upward, and how few words need to be spoken. This year, when someone asks if you want to be a coach, a referee or a behindthe-scenes worker, say YES. It may be the best opportunity you have to share the Gospel without using any words.
Did you know that many of Cornerstone’s stories come from Covenant members? Covenant’s communications department is always seeking submissions from groups and individuals about their experiences at Covenant. If you would like to have an article in the next Cornerstone, visit covenant.org/submit.
For more information, to volunteer or to register your child for Upward, contact upward@covenant.org or visit covenant.org/upward.
Submitted by Beth Feger
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A Farewell to Fred Covenant Administrator Fred Clement Resigns
After 15 years as Covenant Administrator, Fred Clement will take on a new challenge as Executive Vice President and COO of an affiliate institution of the U.S. Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Texas. During his time at Covenant, Fred has worked with six senior pastors, as well as program directors, administrative support staff and many members. 16
“I am amazed at their sense of call and mission and their sacrificial commitment to the work of Christ in our community and beyond,” Fred said of his collegaues and church members. Fred announced his departure with a carefully thought-out transition plan that Session adopted on Sept. 2. “It’s hard to leave,” he said. “I’ve had a fantastic, fun time here.”
Director of Lay Ministries Beth Bishop said three things come to mind when trying to describe Fred. “Fred is diligent, kind and has such an aptitude for his work.” Pastor Paul Parsons agreed. “Fred provides such stability for the church. He is absolutely unique. Covenant has been given a gift from God.” Covenant Growth Covenant has accomplished a lot during Fred’s tenure. “We built Covenant Hall, made substantial capital improvements in the Sanctuary and Eaton Hall, and developed the Fellowship and Education Building. We created strategic partnerships with the City of Austin, neighborhood associations and area businesses to address difficult issues and to achieve positive outcomes for our community. Additionally, independent external auditors delivered unqualified opinions of Covenant’s financial condition. “I have been fortunate to work on lots of big and interesting projects,” Fred continued, noting that the construction of the Fellowship and Education Building was the most challenging. Fred worked with a talented team of professionals from the congregation, each bringing a special skill to the table. “We worked together to make the building a win-win for all involved, both for those on campus and off. We were constantly challenged to find solutions that met the needs of all interested parties. “The campus redevelopment plan was in the works since 2000. We finally finished the Fellowship and Education Building in 2010,” Fred said, explaining, “It was a major undertaking for this congregation. The idea of raising
millions was ambitious, and we did that during a time when we were in between pastors. Proceeding with the project demonstrates a sense of confidence our congregation has in its mission and ministry.” An Extraordinary Congregation Fred has enjoyed his work because of Covenant’s incredible people. “Our staff and lay members come from all walks of life and are all dedicated to this community. The dedication of our members is amazing; they roll up their sleeves and get things done. I could not be more proud of Covenant.” Over the years, Fred has established many strong relationships, which at times results in an unavoidable sense of loss within his job. “I grow to love the people I work with; when they pass away, it leaves a big void. A more challenging aspect of my work has been dealing with the loss of friends and colleagues.” Now, Covenant members will feel the loss of Fred as Church Administrator, thankful for his 15 years of service and his ability to bring a level head into any situation. “I urge your continuing active involvement in the life of Covenant Presbyterian Church,” Fred said, “and hope that in the same way you have supported me, you will likewise affirm my successor.” Fred and his wife Donna remain members of Covenant. He is looking forward to being a “regular Joe Blow member.”
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A Light to the Community I was fortunate to travel to Cuba in July as part of a team of four wonderful women from Covenant—Joy Baskin, Evangeline Herring and Paulette Kern—to help with Vacation Bible School at our sister church in Luyanó. What a blessed journey we had together. It’s a gift that we had time to get to know each other while serving in Cuba. If you had asked me last year if I planned to go to Cuba this summer I would have said, 18
“Not at this point in my life, but maybe in a few years.” I wasn’t ready for a mission trip, but I don’t think God expects us to be ready; I think God expects us to be open. Having two young boys at home made me reluctant to leave for 10 days. Also I had long since forgotten most of the Spanish I learned in college. But after talking to Evangeline and hearing about her experience in Cuba, and visiting with the Kerns and
praying, I became excited about the idea. Everything else seemed to fall into place. This trip really opened my eyes to the needs in Cuba. Despite living in Kyrgyzstan during my first year of marriage, I was surprised at the tremendous needs of the Cubans. I realize now how important it is for us as a church family to support the church in Cuba as much as we can with prayer, basic
necessities, medical supplies or traveling to Cuba with teams of volunteers. The most significant thing I learned and experienced in Cuba is how God’s love transcends anything that normally divides us, whether that is language, age, ethnicity or circumstance. I went to Cuba expecting to show God’s love to the sweet children of Luyanó, but was overwhelmed by the love I felt from every single person I met. The children who
attended VBS were so open and generous with their love even though they barely knew me. And I have never experienced such generous hospitality in a place where everyone has so little. If I were to describe Cuba in one word, it would be “beautiful.” The people, the countryside, the beaches, the children and the hospitality are all so beautiful. When I look at my pictures, I am surprised that “beautiful” is the word I always
use to describe Cuba, because the whole country is literally crumbling and the poverty is overwhelming. Despite all of these challenges, our sister church in Luyanó is truly a “light” to its community and works especially hard to spread God’s love.
Submitted by Amy Johnson
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A New Face Covenant Welcomes Nathan Richards to the Student Ministries Team
Nathan Richards is Covenant’s Core Student Ministries Associate Director of Middle School Ministries. Nathan, from Shawnee, Kansas, attended Kansas State University where he graduated with a degree in human development and family services.
Leaving Manhattan was hard, Nathan said, but the timing was right. “I loved the kids and their families, but I knew I didn’t want to stay in Manhattan. A number of things happened— that can only be described as God’s work—to show me I was making the right decision.”
Nathan was busy while in Manhattan, attending college full-time and working full-time as Director of Student Ministries at the First United Methodist Church. For two years, he was challenged to juggle the schedules, especially difficult in the summer when students take trips to bond with each other and God. “I had one day when I would do all my schoolwork so I could take off with the kids for the rest of the week.”
Coming from a youth group comprised of sixth through twelfth graders, Nathan is excited to work with middle school kids. “It’s so important to know that age and to be able to focus on them,” he said. “They are open. They are happy. Most of all they just want to know that they are liked and accepted.”
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In the future, Nathan hopes to move into family ministry. For now, he’s eager to be part of a team. “I didn’t get trained in youth ministry. I’m excited to learn from everyone here.”
Finance Report FOR THE month ENDed August 31, 2012
Summary of YTD Financial Operating Results for Period Ended August 31, 2012 Revenues are below our seasonally adjusted budget by $110,977. Expenses are below our seasonally adjusted budget by $10,012 On a year-to-date basis, the church has spent from unrestricted cash reserves $221,007 more than it has received in contributions. The Session and Finance Committee are closely monitoring these activities. Members are encouraged to catch up on their pledged and unpledged contributions.
Budgeted Revenues
Annual Budget
Budget YTD
Actual YTD
YTD VariancE Budget vs Actual
$2,287,000
$1,504,375
$1,393,398
<$110,977>
600,000
299,132
325,722
26,590
90,000
60,450
35,323
<25,127>
Total Revenues
2,977,000
1,863,957
1,754,443
<109,514>
Budgeted Expenditures
2,977,000
1,985,462
1,975,450
<10,012>
0
121,505
<221,007>
<99,502>
Pledged Offerings Unpledged Offerings Miscellaneous
Rev Over <under> Exp
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Clerk’s Corner I hope you had a good summer! I certainly enjoyed the increased rain and cooler temps compared to last year. Instead of a regular meeting in July, Session had an in-house retreat. We used this opportunity to hear each other’s stories and reach consensus on the essential polity, tenets and practices that Covenant will use for the next officer examinations. A subcommittee
is currently working on the which will be located outside questions to be be asked of the the first floor of the Fellowship next class of officers. and Education Building. At our August Session meeting, we approved Frank Sheppard’s application to participate in the Lay Leadership Institute. Frank touchingly shared his faith journey and what brought him to this particular time in his life. We also approved the architectural designs for the columbarium,
“I’d like to thank all of you for the generosity and stewardship, not only financially, but also of your time, talent and prayers.” 22
Session members were called into a special meeting on Sept. 2. With regret, we accepted the resignation of Covenant Administrator Fred Clement. Covenant’s loss is tempered by the love and service Fred has showered upon Covenant, and the knowledge he will continue to do wonderful things for the Church Universal and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in particular. Because he consistently approached his job as his ministry, Fred has been an exceptional administrator. Fifteen Sessions have had the sincere pleasure of serving with Fred. Session formed a search committee to find his replacement. True to form, Fred developed
I love to hear from you; it’s particularly delightful when we have something to celebrate! The following folks let me know how Covenant is making a difference: Burton Eubanks, as an Ambassador to the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS), reported that Covenant has been designated as a “Caring Church” by PCHAS. Covenant member Paul Askenasy regularly goes to the PCHAS Girl’s Home to help with schoolwork; I’m sure there are others. Thanks, everyone! a transition plan to assist Covenant during this time. To aid in this process, Fred will continue to be at Covenant until the end of November. We wish Fred and his family God’s richest blessings as he ramps up in his new position. Godspeed, Fred! A Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing a Senior Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) was held Sept. 9. The following members will serve on the PNC: Joy Baskin, Diane Davis, Joe Denton, Allison Dwyer, Paulette Kern, Steve Martens, Nola Ross, Regina Schlotter, Joe Skraba, Julie Stillwell and Don Zappone. Please
Cheryl Banks, in her capacity as Board Member for Manos de Cristo, thanked Covenant for all of its support this year and in previous years.
encourage these wonderful folks and pray for them as they begin their work. Finally, you may recall receiving a letter from Paul in early July informing the congregation that as of the end of June, Covenant was $260,000 behind in year-to-date income versus the budgeted projection. Covenant’s income for July and August was ahead of projection – and with your help we are closing that gap. At August’s end, we were about $110,000 behind in year-today income versus the budgeted projection. We still have a way to go, but I’d like to thank all of you for the generosity
Thais Kilday attended the annual “Taco Shack Bowl,” the high school football game between Anderson and McCallum. She was thrilled to notice SIX members of Covenant’s Core Student Ministries Team in attendance! Our student ministries team is terrific and finds so many ways to love on our wonderful youth. and stewardship, not only financially, but also of your time, talent and prayers.
Joyfully praising God with you,
Joy Durrant Clerk of Session
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Calendar of ev MoMs Group Fall Swap Meet
Oct. 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Eaton Hall Bring your gently used child-related items to swap. Love and Logic Morning Sessions
Tuesdays, Oct. 2–30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the preschool For more information, contact Ashley Ellison at ahellison@yahoo.com.
Love and Logic: Early Childhood Love and Logic for early childhood will be of-
Prayer Shawl Ministry
fered at Covenant in two sessions. A morn-
1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor Come knit/crochet shawls for those in need. All skill levels welcome.
ing session will run Tuesdays, Oct. 2 through Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. An evening session will be offered Sundays from Oct. 7 until Nov.
Senior Activities Day
11 (no session Oct. 14) at 6 p.m. Ashley
Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: The Way
Ellison, LCSW, will lead the five-session program titled Creating Happy Families and Responsible Kids. Ideal for parents and
Armchair Travelers
caregivers of kids up to age 6, the multime-
Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in FE 200 Visit Cuba without leaving your seat
dia curriculum teaches parents to: • Show whining and arguing don’t pay • End misbehavior in public
Love and Logic Evening SEssions
• Smooth mornings and bedtimes
Sundays, Oct. 7 – Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the preschool No meeting on Oct. 14 For more information, contact Ashley Ellison at ahellison@yahoo.com.
• Calm sibling and peer bickering • Take the battle out of meal times, tooth brushing and bathing • Make potty training fun
Preschool Parent Education Night
• Teach respect and self-discipline.
Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in FE 300 Tools of the Mind: Scaffolding Children’s Learning Effectively
For more information, contact Ashley Ellison
VISIONS Overnight Trip to Dallas
Oct. 11–12 For more information, contact Billie Fay Grayson at 258-7301.
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at ahellison@yahoo.com.
vents Trunk or Treat
Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Covenant parking lot To volunteer, contact Gayla Stuart at gstuart@covenant.org
Meet Your Deacon October is “Meet Your Deacon” month at Covenant. Each Sunday in October,
Shaped To Serve
Covenant Deacons will be on the patio.
Nov. 3 To volunteer, contact Kay Austin at kaustin@covenant.org
Members of the congregation will hear from their Deacons via email or phone as to which Sunday they will be out to greet.
Senior Activities Day
Covenant Deacons reach out to the mem-
Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: Bernie
bers assigned to their care groups, offer help during challenging situations, and simply let members know they are available as a
VISIONS Trip to San Antonio
resource. The Deacons try to match up with
Nov. 9 Tour the Toyota manufacturing plant. See Covenant Matters for details.
members who live nearby so that if something comes up, the Deacons are close. Sharyn Westmoreland has been a Deacon
Student Ministries Flag Football Challenge Bowl
for four years. “I love being a deacon,” she
Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park
said. “I like getting to know new people, and I like being available when people I do know
Thanksgiving Worship Service
need assistance. It’s nice to be a caring
Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Service led by Lindsay Conrad
presence from the church when the pastors aren’t able to get to them.” Look for the Deacons on the Patio.
Thanksgiving Noon Worship Service
Nov. 21 at noon Service led by JoAnne Ramsey
Sue Roberts Thanks VISIONS for honor At the VISIONS luncheon in September, Burton Eubanks presented a card from VISIONS members to Sue Roberts thanking her for her long-time service and announcing a gift to the Presbyterian Children’s Home in her honor. Sue expresses her thanks to VISIONS for the donation.
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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
Doug Hartman Bruce Pollock Tana Taylor Noel Durrant
Dianne Erlewine
Jack Kern Mary Teeple
Program Staff Paul Parsons, Interim Senior Pastor Beth Bishop, Director of Lay Ministries Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Frederick L. Clement, Director of Administration William Leonhardt, Director of Student Ministries Tom Mitchell, Associate Pastor for Discipleship John Schmidt, Organist Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries Gayla Stuart, Director of Children’s and Preteen Ministries