October 2014

CORNERSTONE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | OCTOBER 2014

ABOUT CORNERS CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS SENIOR PASTOR THOMAS DANIEL

Cornerstone is the bimonthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Cornerstone provides in-depth articles on the events that take place on and off campus and the people who make them happen.

CLERK OF SESSION MELANIE WILLIAMSON BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DUANE DUBE EDITOR STEPHANIE SCHULTZ DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Content includes the pastor’s letter, Session news, member and staff spotlights, and a calendar of upcoming events. Find more information on the events online and in Covenant Matters.

Download the paper version of Cornerstone online at covenant.org/cornerstone. We will update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at covenant.org/blog.

HILARY PITTMAN

We need you!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS NICK BRADLEY, MARY ALICE CARNES, MICHAEL KNISELY, EMILY MCGINNIS, PAUL SMITH, TANA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY CYNTHIA KIMBLE (COVER), EMILY MCGINNIS, HILARY PITTMAN, STEPHANIE SCHULTZ SPECIAL THANKS TO PAUL MOWRY, BRIAN SPARKS, JAN VANDERPOOL

ii

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

PASTOR LETTER

13

We are called on a marvelous journey 3

GOD’S STORIES

14

Let us retell the stories of our faith 4

NEW FACES AT COVENANT

MEN IN SCRIPTURE

16

17

A REASON TO REJOICE

WELCOME TO COVENANT

18

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

19

IMMEDIATE RESULTS

20

FINANCE REPORT

For the period ended August 31, 2014 21

Career Transitions offers strategy and support

CLERK’S CORNER

A crisp energy is evident all over Covenant

March 2015 trip promises reciprocal blessing 12

FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND

Basketball with a Christian twist

Meet our newest members 10

TRUNK OR TREAT

Be part of Covenant’s visual Bible

PW Honors Helene and Melissa 9

FAITHFUL TO GENERATIONS

Covenant Foundation match is successful

Guys learn to ‘do life together’ 8

BACK TO SCHOOL

Manos de Cristo supplies kids with confidence

Church employees are excited about new roles 6

KNOW, LOVE AND SERVE

Young couple challenges members: help SYM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A look at October and November

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

PASTOR LETTER Think Outside the Boat. This is a phrase you have heard with great frequency over the past month. I hope that it has started to take root in your minds and hearts. Many in the Covenant family are experiencing God’s miraculous calling to be like Peter and join Jesus as he strolls along the surface of the sea.

For example, new people are getting involved with small groups and Bible studies where they are sharing their lives, experiences and questions about God’s call. These are forums where men and women of all ages can find support and gain courage to take risks to move them closer to Jesus. A Covenant youth recently told me that the series is causing her to really sense God’s desire for her to boldly share her faith with classmates who are not believers. Several individuals have begun finding ways to follow God’s call to serve the poor in our city by leaving their comfort zones and spending time with the homeless. The stories are many and varied, but united by a common desire to respond to God’s call to explore what a water-walking life really looks like. I am so excited at how many of us are already beginning to Think Outside The Boat.

Keep telling us your stories!

Looking ahead, there will be more opportunities to leave the boat behind. To begin, in October we will have Pledge Sunday and the chance to consider what a water-walking life looks like when it comes to our money, our time and our talents. On Saturday, Nov. 15, we will spread out around Austin to intentionally shower our city with extravagant love and grace. As described by the prophet Amos, this will be a way to follow God’s call to work for a world “where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness

like a mighty stream.” Please be on the lookout for details on these and other important opportunities as we continue to Think Outside the Boat.

Finally, remember that as we see with Peter, Jesus is always faithful when we seek to leave the boat behind. Even when the journey gets hard, our Lord will not let the storm overpower us or the waves close in above our heads. He is calling you on a marvelous journey and will not leave your side as you follow Him. Know that I am praying for the entire Covenant family as together we Think Outside the Boat!

JOYFULLY,

THOMAS DANIEL SENIOR PASTOR

2

GOD’S STORIES Deuteronomy 26 occurs as the Israelites’ time in the wilderness is drawing to an end. After four decades of wandering, they are on the verge of settling in the Promised Land. They can taste and smell it, but before they enter, Moses takes time for a teaching moment to remind the community about God’s covenants, his faithfulness and the stories of God’s people.

The Israelites are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings to the Temple, and to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to give thanks for the new life God has provided in the harvest. But as the people come to the Temple carrying fruits, vegetables and crops for giving sacrificially, they also come carrying their stories and their memories. As first fruits are laid at the altar, every Israelite is called to remember the events that have shaped who they are as a people.

It is a collective memory shared by the community, one the Israelites tell so often that it has become an integral part of who they are: a memory declaring the saving works that God has done on behalf of Israel. From their “wandering Aramean” ancestor,

“…and now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.”

DEUTERONOMY 26 Jacob, to God’s freeing acts in Egypt to the Promised Land journey, these memories stay with these people wherever they go—a reminder of who they are and what God has done for them.

Each time these memories are brought to bear and are retold, the people become a part of the story anew. The history of Israel’s journey becomes his story and her story; it becomes your story and my story; it becomes our story.

The memory of the people in Deuteronomy is one that speaks of a God who continues to rewrite tragic endings; a God who brings new hope where hope seems lost, joy where sorrow dwells and peace where chaos has reigned.

Isn’t this the story of the Gospel?

We, who were once wandering and strangers to the covenant of salvation, have been brought near to God through Jesus Christ.

We have been given a new story, not just of a salvation for the future, but a story of hope for today. What then should we draw to mind when bringing our offerings and tithes to God? When God calls us to come out of the boat and then out onto the water, what story are we listening to?

It’s easy to think about the potential pitfalls to stepping out of the boat, just as it was probably easy for the Israelites to be fearful as they looked out across the river Jordan. It would not have been difficult to view that new land as one filled with formidable obstacles and problems too big to solve, but with the collective memory of their people to remind them, they instead saw a land where anything was possible.

3

They knew this was true because they knew what God was capable of.

The wonderful confession of thanks in Deuteronomy 26 remembers the history of Israel, and it was important to have this story because, as they strain their

eyes across the River Jordan to peer into the Promised Land, they know that God is with them as God has always been with them in this journey.

Let us, as a congregation and as a community, tell and retell the stories of our faith. Let us remember

and relive our “God moment” narratives together so that your story can become my story; my story can become your story; and our story of faith can continue to write chapters of hope for believers now and in the future.

SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL KNISELY

NEW FACES AT COVENANT There are lots of new faces on Covenant’s patio this fall, and there are also some new folks in the Covenant office. Covenant created the position of visitor coordinator, and several vacancies have also been filled.

These additions to the staff are already making huge contributions.

Covenant member Amy Skaggs is our new visitor/new member coordinator. She is responsible for making visitors and new members feel comfortable and helping them get connected with the people, classes and missions that will enhance their lives at Covenant.

“I’m excited about this position because it combines my love for God with my desire to make people feel welcome in a community,” Amy said.

Amy hopes that her enthusiasm about our church community will help visitors feel welcome. “I am always excited about all our fun and exciting offerings, and I find joy in connecting with people of 4

all ages and different stages of life. I think this should help plug visitors in to the right community resources for their needs.”

Thomas Daniel is thrilled to have Amy on board.

“This is a really important role and she’ll be great,” he said. “Her job is to focus on the onramps in our church and be a resource to help people.”

Amy added, “Covenant is a special place for me and my family. We have been so grateful to be a part of this community. I am eager to pass this feeling on by welcoming visitors and helping new members integrate into our church family.”

Nikki McNabb is Covenant’s assistant to the discipleship pastor. She focuses on making sure Covenant adult classes and teachers have the things they need to be successful. She will also work with our older adults, helping to ensure that senior activities day and luncheons are running smoothly.

Nikki is no stranger to church work.

She worked as the academic assistant at Veritas Academy for three years.

She left to take a job at the Texas Restaurant Association and found that she missed the Christian world. “I couldn’t share my faith or talk about God,” she said. “It felt strange to not open meetings with prayer.”

Since she started, Nikki has found everybody to be warm and welcoming. “I love the energy of the church and I’ve been impressed with how helpful everyone is. I love being able to pray again at work!”

In her spare time, Nikki loves to garden and do yard work. “I am happiest with dirt on my hands,” she said. She also enjoys being with her three daughters, Kristen, Avery and Aidan.

Our new Student Ministry Worship Leader, Trey Warren, is no stranger to Covenant.

He started attending Covenant in high school when his family moved to Austin. He has been coming on and off since then, and has often been involved with students. He went to college with Associate Student Ministry Leader Whitney Bell.

Last year, Trey returned from three years in Miami, where he went to culinary school and once again started working with Covenant students. “My role has expanded,” he said, explaining that in addition to being a D-group leader, he now leads youth worship, playing the electric and acoustic guitars. He enjoys making music with Covenant’s many students who are musicians.

“I’m very happy to be plugged in with this group.

Whitney and Nathan are great leaders and all the volunteers are great, too. Everyone is so committed to the students.”

When he’s not working at Covenant, Trey might be in the kitchen. But you won’t find him cooking in a restaurant because he found that work too solitary.

Jan Keezel, a fairly recent Houston transplant, is Covenant’s Choristers Choir director. In this role, Jan will take advantage of her 30-plus years of experience teaching music to kids in Houston where she worked in the Spring Branch Independent School District and at her church.

Jan and her husband, Roy, moved to Austin two years ago to be closer to family. She has a daughter here with one grandson and another grandchild on the way. She also has kids and grandkids in Dallas and Michigan. But, Jan said, in moving she went from being totally immersed in directing choirs to an early retirement she wasn’t ready for.

5

“This is a place I can serve. I’m very excited to get to know the children and to work with Stacy Curtis.”

places, but I truly know that I will be the Choristers director because God wants me there.”

Jan added that the most important thing about her new job is that she felt called. “I can do choir a lot of

Jan, a former classmate of Tom Brown, has sung in the Covenant choir for about a year and half.

MEN IN SCRIPTURE About 13 years ago, Jan Skaggs mentioned to her husband, Harold, that she’d been contacted by then-member Cliff Zachry, who was working to start a men’s Bible study. During their conversation, Cliff mentioned to Jan that the planned men’s group was looking for a teaching leader.

Jan relayed this information to Harold, who was near retirement.

He started thinking about it … a lot! “I gradually felt the call to tell Cliff I’d be glad to do it until they found someone competent,”

Harold joked. “I was the primary leader of Men in the Word from 2001 until 2013.”

Fast-forward to 2014: Men in the Word continues to meet during the school year on Thursdays at 6 a.m. This fall, the group is studying the book of Luke. Harold is now part of a teaching team that also includes Mike Austin, Skip Crowe and Dustin Johnson. The four will lead the group, which meets in FE 200 and wraps up in time for those who need to get to work.

“God smiled on us this morning at our first event of the year,” Skip said after the group’s kickoff meeting. “I was overwhelmed and encouraged about some of the new guys who showed up.

It’s hard to get growth at 6 in the morning, particularly with you’re trying to get younger members.”

The meetings include a bit of conversation at the front end, and then about 30-40 minutes of teaching followed by the same amount of time for small group discussion. “Some of the guys found discussing things of substance in a small group was intimidating and didn’t want to do that,” Harold said. “That’s okay.

They just stay for the teaching part and then leave.”

Harold said the group was launched as a result of several men who felt the need for a men’s Bible study. “Jim Singleton was pastor at the time, and was mentoring small groups of eight to ten men. That environment prompted

6

the thought to create a men’s Bible study for a larger audience.”

In its inaugural year, MitW had more than 100 members show up to study the Books of Luke and Acts. “We had a lot of younger men that year. Those were good books that have lots of practical application,” Harold said.

The number of participants has fluctuated over the years. Kelly Dwyer is a long-time member who has helped to recruit younger men, which he says can be a challenge. “Guys in that 20-40 range are pulled in a lot of directions. For guys with schoolage kids, and that’s most of us, it requires some sacrifice from the guys and their spouses. If Dad is at Bible study, he’s not helping with the pre-school routine or making the carpool run.

Everybody has to buy in. But the payoff is there. Allison would be the first to tell you that my time with the crew at MITW made me a better dad and husband.”

Kelly added that the group provides men with an opportunity to know Christ better and build authentic relationships with guys doing the same thing. “‘There were plenty of Thursday mornings I drove to Covenant knowing I should be attending to some

“I never regretted carving out that time for study and growth with my friends…” other task or responsibility, but I never regretted carving out that time for study and growth with my friends, and learning from the ‘old guys’—those great mentors I met there.”

Many have taken the word further. Harold said that there have been a number of people who have attended MitW and then started Bible studies at Covenant or throughout the community.

“I’ve seen men become comfortable and confident in scripture,” Skip said. “We’ve also seen guys more willing to accept some spiritual responsibility in other men’s lives. Once they experience it, they are more willing and even eager to share their joys and fears and failures and success with

each other. Men learn to ‘do life together, ‘ and they find out it’s easier that way.”

Skip commented that for him, the group has been wonderful for consistent discipline in “being in scripture on my own and in preparation for the class.” He quickly added that the class is not intended to require preparation.

The bottom line, according to Skip, is that “men need more role models. We need to be more humble and look to our buddies to see what is working. We need friends.”

Kelly added that for those interested in joining, the group will make it easy. “We’ll make sure you get settled with a small group for the break-out discussions.

If you feel called to give it a try, and want to do it with some of your buddies, you can put your own study group together and sign up. That’s another great way to get started and also to have some built-in support and accountability.”

Group leaders encourage all men to come to a class.

Visit Men in the Word on Thursdays at 6 a.m. or contact Harold at hskaggsmd@gmail.net or Don Jones at donjones@austin.rr.com.

7

A REASON TO REJOICE The Presbyterian Women at Covenant celebrated with hymns, food, speakers, and a look at upcoming classes and events at their annual fall kick-off brunch on Sept. 4. The highlight of the morning was the presentation of the PW Honorary Life Membership, given to Helene Maham and Melissa Mathews.

Helene and Melissa have both devoted thousands of hours to Covenant. Gentle, faithful and loving servants were adjectives used to describe both women.

Helene and her husband, Dallas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. They raised three sons at Covenant; their youngest, Michael, and his wife, Jennifer, are now raising their four children at Covenant.

For decades, Helene has labored in the kitchen taking care of food service, food preparation, kitchen clean-up and everything in between. For many years, she has been the “money person” for the Wednesday night dinners. She also consistently helps with funeral receptions, VISIONS luncheons, children’s ministry, Vacation Bible School and the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Pictured (Left to Right) Jill Williams, Helene Maham and Melissa Mathews She has been a member of Lamplighters and Lydia Circle for years, and a PW board member.

When her husband does visitation of the ill, Helene frequently accompanies him. Helene is always there raising her hand in service and love to others.

Melissa and her husband, Jim, also have three boys. “Unsung hero” describes Melissa. She generously shares her gifts, working many places at Covenant, mostly behind the scenes. Melissa has been active in Lamplighters and Sarah-Elizabeth Circle, where she has been a leader for years.

Melissa has had her heart and

hands all over the children’s programs at Covenant serving as a member of the Children’s Ministry Committee, Little Lambs and Sunday school teacher, and VBS volunteer. Melissa partnered with Paulette Kern to be cook/ mom/nurse to the youth when they traveled to Mexico on mission trips. Melissa is the backbone of the landscaping care at Covenant. Mulching, trimming, planting, weeding and fountain repair are examples of her talents in the garden. Loyal, loving and humble, and a strong woman of faith are all words Melissa’s friends use to describe her.

CONTRIBUTED BY EMILY MCGINNIS

8

WELCOME TO COVENANT Covenant welcomed nine new and rejoining members into the church family this summer. The group was introduced to the congregation during worship services in August. Many of these new members participated in Covenant’s new member class that wrapped up at the end of April. If you see these folks on campus, say hello and make them feel at home. Not pictured are Vikki Loving and Barry Coston. Vikki passed away on Sept. 17. Please include their family in your prayers.

Covenant’s next new member class will take place every Sunday in October, and will be led by Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Maureen Crawley at mcrawley@covenant.org or (512) 334-3057. Great to have you, new members!

Bruce Todd and Elizabeth Christian

Abbey Gray

Laura Marra

Victor Mikeska

Haden Spencer

Susan Telge 9

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL When Student Ministry leaders Whitney Bell and Nathan Richards set out for Belize in late August, they went seeking a mission trip not only for youth, but for youth families and other church members as well. In their perfect world, they would find a partner church or village that Covenant members could visit and share a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Covenant duo was led by Word at Work, an organization that focuses on bringing God’s word to Belize through short-term mission trips. “What makes Word at Work different from similar organizations is that they believe in building partnerships for churches from the U.S. and areas in Belize that have mutual benefit for the kingdom,” Whitney said.

“They are not looking for people from Austin to come in and save a Belize church.”

For five days, Whitney and Nathan visited villages throughout Belize. They saw small schools, small churches, a prison and more; they met with people from areas called “The Jungle,” “San Ignacio,” “Melmo Pan” and “Valley of Peace.” While they felt that Covenant could make a difference at many areas they visited, they didn’t feel called to a specific place. Packing to return to Austin, Nathan and Whitney were pondering another trip, perhaps with additional Covenant members to help with the decision. A few hours before their plane departed, they made one last stop at the Burial Grounds, a neighborhood next to Belize City’s largest cemetery.

The Burial Grounds, according to Whitney, is where the poorest of Belize’s poor live. The neighborhood was built on a swamp. Houses are built on stilts.

The roads, made in the last decade, are held above the swamp with trash, dirt and rocks.

10

While the neighborhood conditions are bleak, the church is one of the healthiest churches that Word at Work works with. “We learned that the pastor is a great shepherd to the people. Kids and parents are doing small groups; they are serving within the poor community and organizing classes in sewing, English and computer skills. There is always something incredible happening,” Whitney explained.

The church, however, is weakly constructed. “The church building is sinking,” Nathan said. “The rains will come and the floor will get wet and their solution is to put down another layer of plywood. They

need someone to come in and help build a firm foundation.”

As they had when they got excited about other potential Belize projects, Whitney and Nathan asked, “Who’s their partner?”

This time the answer was the Burial Grounds neighborhood and church had no partner. “It was the call that we’d been waiting to hear,” Whitney excitedly relayed. “Here is a church that needs help with construction, but that offers amazing community to the neighborhood.”

What’s more, the church sounded similar to Covenant. It is growing and there is excitement

about its direction. “We have no room to go in and speak about how to do church better; it will really be a mutually beneficial relationship. We may have a building that they don’t, but they have thriving small groups. We can learn a lot and support each other,” Nathan said.

There are many reasons why Belize is an ideal location for Covenant mission trips. “It’s a two-hour flight from Houston so it’s accessible for us. It’s safe: there are no travel warnings or vaccinations needed.

They speak English. It provides a cross-cultural experience without the things we usually balk up against,” Whitney said.

Covenant plans to send its first team to Belize during spring break 2015. Initially, Covenant will work to relocate the pastor so work on the sinking church building can commence. Whitney and Nathan are inviting 15 high school students and their families. They are hoping to have a 1:1 student to adult ratio. “We plan to take kids ready to do ministry,” Nathan said. “We are praying that God will give us a group that can go see all the opportunities there and report back to their various Covenant communities.”

Applications for the trip were given at an informational meeting on Sept. 21 and prayers are needed as Covenant assembles and prepares the team, which will meet monthly to prepare for the March trip.

Whitney stressed, “Though initiated by the student ministry team, we want this to be a whole-church, intergenerational effort. This is a place where everyone can find a place to plug in regardless of their skills and abilities. There will always be something unique to do.”

11

IMMEDIATE RESULTS Covenant’s Career Transitions will kick off its fall session on Oct. 16. The class meets six times on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in FE 100. Since the class was launched about six years ago, hundreds of unemployed and underemployed have come through Covenant’s doors to get strategies, tips and moral support for finding a job. Last spring, Covenant visitor Paul Smith attended the class.

A couple months later, he had a job and gave credit to the insights he learned and the confidence he gained while attending Career Transitions. This is what he had to say: I felt like I was in a loop with my job search and was starting to get a little depressed about not working.

I’d heard great things about Career Transitions, but had decided not to go because it was on Thursday nights, a bad night for kid activities at our house.

But my wife said I needed to do something for myself. I’m so glad she gave me the push.

From the first class, I started to gain confidence and I felt a renewed spirit in my job search. It was like a new start to my job-seeking journey. I wasn’t the only one out there in my situation. I felt comfortable and really liked the compassion of the people working at the sessions. They are all volunteers doing this on their own time. I also started to better understand the hiring process. This wasn’t a tellme-your-story event. It was here-are-clear-conciseways-of-looking-at-your-job-search or your career.

The first session was on LinkedIn. I consider myself pretty technical and it really hit home with me that I wasn’t doing some simple things to get noticed by recruiters. I learned the latest LinkedIn strategies, which is how 90 percent of all recruiters find new talent. For me, that session was powerful. I went 12

home, updated my page and saw increased traffic right away.

I got immediate positive results. I implemented the suggestions made in class and started to feel like I was doing things that worked instead of sending blind emails, and that’s what drove me. I quickly got out of a routine that wasn’t working.

All of the sessions were helpful. After the resume session with Angela Loeb, I went home and redid my entire resume. She said your resume shouldn’t look like 2008; it should have LinkedIn and Twitter information on it. Certain jobs could be deleted and others could be enhanced.

The environment was a huge draw. I like how the church is catching people at a transition time. The scriptures are uplifting. The sessions are inclusive, free, easy and welcoming. The people are

volunteers. You’re at their church and they are opening their doors to the community. Career Transitions helped me feel more grounded. Lots of people identify themselves by their work. I started to look at jobs differently. I don’t want my job to define me. I walked away with a new confidence.

The church is really offering a lot.

If you want to experience the things that Paul talked about here, join the class this fall. Come to one session or all. Get more information about Covenant’s next Career Transitions session from Kay Austin, kaustin@covenant.org or (512) 344-3030.

SUBMITTED BY PAUL SMITH

KNOW, LOVE AND SERVE My wife, Rachel, and I have been attending Covenant for just over a year. In our short time at the church, we’ve found amazing community in the 20s/30s group, felt warmly welcomed by members of all ages, and have been challenged by insightful teaching. An experience that I want to highlight is our time serving with Street Youth Ministry (SYM), coordinated and founded by longtime member Terry Cole.

These holy tasks are not easy for anyone to shoulder alone.

Understanding who is in need and what the best ways are to help has been a challenge for us, and we prayed for this understanding—though perhaps not

expecting that God would answer our prayer in the way He did.

We were introduced to SYM through a friend in the 20s/30s group, and we were excited to find it is a ministry that seeks

Rachel and I believe that active service and involvement is a vital part to practicing our faith. We try to seek out ministries that reach people and places close to God’s heart. One of the most piercing chapters in the Bible for me is Isaiah 58, where God speaks through the words of the prophet about true fasting - we are called to share food, break the chains of injustice, clothe the naked and “spend ourselves” on behalf of the hungry.

13

“to know, love and serve streetdependent youth” in Austin. This mission far exceeds just a meal or temporary help—it is based on building relationships rather than simply providing services. Joining in a God-sized mission like this cannot just involve one person or a few people. It involves a community; it involves churches; it involves all of us and the varying gifts and passions that God has given us.

For just a few Saturdays this summer, Rachel and I were blessed with the opportunity to pick up boxes of donated food and prepare meals for the ministry with Terry for the upcoming week. In a serviceable kitchen in the basement of a church off the Drag by the University of Texas campus, we gathered on Saturday morning to chop zucchini, blend

salsa, improvise fruit salad and make creative use of whatever sort of food we had. We played just a small role in this mission, but having fun in the kitchen, serving alongside Terry and learning about SYM’s mission certainly left an impression on us.

We are moving to a new city and a new job this fall, but before we depart, we want to challenge YOU to play a part in this vital ministry. It took us almost a year at Covenant before we came across SYM. Whether you have been at Covenant just a few weeks or you are a life-long member, I want to encourage you to consider serving alongside Terry in knowing, loving and serving our friends in need.

You may be adept at dicing onions for salsa or you may have

a passion for leading Bible studies. Perhaps you can share a skill with the clients at the weekly self-care gathering or maybe you can offer a financial blessing to the ministry. In any capacity you can serve, SYM gratefully receives and faithfully uses the time, talents and resources with which it has been blessed. The heart of our Father is zealously passionate for justice, mercy, clothing, food and shelter for the needy. Terry and SYM faithfully serve a small corner of the world in need, but the ministry is larger than just a few people: It involves all of us. Will you consider playing a part in serving those in need through SYM? Find out more about SYM’s mission and opportunities at volunteer.streetyouthministry.org.

SUBMITTED BY NICK BRADLEY

BACK TO SCHOOL It’s official! Manos de Cristo’s Back-to-School (BTS) Program 2014 served 2,094 children from 930 families in Central Texas, providing the kids with backpacks, clothing, school supplies, books and a great start for a new school year. The annual twoweek program held in August at the North Austin Event Center was a huge success once again, thanks to our donors and a dedicated army of volunteers.

14

Preparation for this year’s program would not have been possible without the hard work of our dedicated BTS Committee members who shopped for clothing, coordinated church school supply drives and worked with volunteers prepping boxes of backpacks, sorting clothing and labeling boxes for the big transfer to the North Austin Event Center. Did we mention volunteers were on deck at 6 a.m. on

fun, and have good activities, and I’m gonna get really smart.”

To see the full interview and others, visit: http://www.manosdecristo.org/news.html.

Many Central Texas families find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to providing all the things needed for school. Not having these things can be stressful for a child. The BTS program offers a way for impoverished families to acquire supplies and clothing for their kids, who leave the program feeling more confident and excited for school. the first day to set up registration and distribution areas? BTS is a great example of “it takes a village.”

This year, BTS drew the attention of a number of media outlets including KXAN, KVUE, KEYE, Time Warner Cable News, KUT Radio, Telemundo Austin, Univision and the Austin American-Statesman.

Reporters captured many heartwarming stories like that of Ophelia Thomas, a home healthcare worker and grandmother.

“This helps a lot. I don’t make much as a home healthcare worker so when the paycheck comes, there’s really nothing left for school supplies or school clothes. I brought my granddaughter, Lucille.

She’s starting first grade this year, so she’s excited.”

With a smile as wide as the event center where BTS was being held, Lucille looked directly at the camera. “I’m gonna get a new backpack and clothes and some school supplies.” When asked by the Statesman reporter what she thought the first grade would be like, she said “I think it’s gonna be really

Volunteers are the cornerstone of Manos de Cristo.

In 2013, Manos volunteers (in all programs) worked 6,802 hours, which equates to a value of $159,177 based on information from the Independent Sector (independentsector.org). Covenant Presbyterian member Chris Hughen has been a Manos volunteer since he was an eighth grader. This summer as he prepared to leave for his first year at the University of North Texas, Chris again volunteered his time with Manos and Back-to-School, preparing clothing and supplies as well as working onsite to help kids find just the right book. Chris has been a true gift to Manos and epitomizes our mission of providing service with dignity to those in need.

Planning for Back-to-School 2015 has already begun. For more information on how to get involved as a volunteer, contact Lily Lombardi at llombardi@manosdecristo.org. To make a BTS gift, visit https://secure3.4agoodcause.com/ manos-de-cristo/gift.aspx and select Back-toSchool in the drop down menu. It’s never too early to help.

SUBMITTED BY MARY ALICE CARNES MANOS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

15

FAITHFUL TO GENERATIONS It is with gratitude and thanks to God that the Covenant Presbyterian Foundation (CPF) announces a total of $350,000 will be matched, dollar for dollar, to help reduce our building fund debt. The CPF will contribute $700,000 for debt reduction, which will result in substantial savings on yearly interest paid on our remaining debt for the Fellowship and Education Building. A big THANKS to all who took the opportunity to double their dollars!

The foundation was established in 1998 with a generous bequest from Peg and John Lloyd, longtime, faithful members of Covenant. The foundation serves a unique role for the church as a private recipient of gifts primarily through memorials, wills and estates, working hand in hand with Session to identify needs. In recent years, several large gifts have been made to Covenant. In 2006, a $500,000 gift was made to retire the Covenant Hall mortgage and enable financing for the new Fellowship and Education Building. In 2011, $100,000 was

“One generation will commend Your works to another…”

PSALM 145:4 16

given to building fund debt reduction through another generous gift from a member’s estate. This year, in addition to the building fund debt reduction match of $350,000, a gift of $200,000 was given to establish a permanent Pastoral Housing Fund.

Since its inception, the foundation has given more than $1.3 million to Covenant and has a current invested balance of approximately $700,000. The foundation invests its funds with Texas Presbyterian Foundation to increase the value of gifts and to provide funds that will enable future generations to receive continuing benefits and blessings through Covenant Presbyterian Church. By focusing on our love and gratitude for Covenant, and what it has meant to us all through the years, we can maintain the lasting and continuing glory of God from generation to generation. As you make decisions about your memorial gifts, will, estate planning, life insurance and retirement, please consider Covenant Presbyterian Foundation to help you commend God’s greatness to the next generation. Large and small, every gift is welcome. Through your

gifts, you express your faithfulness to future generations. If you would like to include Covenant Presbyterian Foundation in your

will or wish to make a gift to the foundation, please contact Duane Dube, Covenant’s administrator, or JoAnne McIntosh, Foundation

Trustee and certified Estate Planner.

SUBMITTED BY TANA TAYLOR

TRUNK OR TREAT Trunk or Treat is Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m.

At this fun-filled adventure that takes place in the Covenant parking lot, volunteers decorate the trunks of their cars, dress up in character and tell stories from the Bible. Instead of going house-tohouse for candy, children go car-to-car for inspirational favors, temporary tattoos, candy and more.

like a visual Bible. They learn visually and experientially. Trunk or Treat also offers great fellowship, and it’s very visitor-friendly.”

Stacey Grooms, interim director of Children and Preteen Ministries, said, “I love this event because kids get an item at each trunk that fits the Bible story. The trunks are set up chronologically so it’s

Covenant youth will help with the extra activities, like the bounce house and the treat walk. Dinner will be offered at the event and in FE 200. Come, get another chance to show off that costume!

This year, Allison Dwyer is leading the effort and is looking for volunteers to decorate their trunks. Sign up at covenant.org/trunkortreat.

17

FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND Have you visited Covenant on Saturdays in January and February and wondered, “What is going on? Why are there so many cars in the parking lot?”

For six years, Covenant has run an Upward Basketball league.

Games are played on Saturdays.

Recently, Senior Pastor Thomas Daniel asked, “What is Upward?”

Upward teaches kids the fundamentals of basketball while establishing a Christian foundation. At each practice, kids in the league hear a devotional and share their stories. At each game, Covenant members, staff and/or Upward volunteers give a halftime devotional, which is heard by the parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of the nearly 200 players who run up and

down our court on Saturdays and throughout the week. The majority are not Covenant members.

I have volunteered for the league since Covenant kicked it off in 2008. The first year I coached and gradually picked up more duties until I became a key part of the leadership team.

My folks were in town last year for a game. My mother questioned my sanity as I hustled my 13-year-old up to the gym to referee a game, hurried back to get my 10-year-old ready to play, and pushed my husband out the door to coach, all while fretting about the slideshow for the endof-the-year party. (At our house, it’s a family affair.) We hobbled to the gym on the fourth floor of the Fellowship and Education

Building for my son Drew’s game.

I was immediately pulled aside by a parent who had a question, and my folks found two empty seats.

My dad sat down and introduced himself to his neighbors asking, “Who did you come to watch?’

“Drew Smith,” said George McDonald, a family friend whose name my parents had heard many times. “Us too,” laughed my dad, Drew’s proud grandfather.

After the game, my mother grabbed me and said, “I had no idea! This is so great. That referee who spoke at halftime was amazing. There’s just a feeling here that I can’t explain. It’s wonderful! I want to help at the party.”

(Note: The wonderful ref was Rob Bishop who has probably refereed more Upward games than anyone in Austin and might be the best Upward referee ever, anywhere!)

To keep this program strong, we need volunteers -- referees, coaches, greeters, prayer warriors and more. Get more information at upward@covenant. org. Register your child to play at covenant.org/upward.

SUBMITTED BY STEPHANIE SCHULTZ

18

CLERK’S CORNER Fall programming is back in full swing, and it is a delight to see the campus filled with children, youth and adults participating in all that Covenant has to offer in worship, discipleship, fellowship and mission. The sultry lethargy of the summer is past and a crisp energy is evident all over.

The Session met in August and September to pray, listen and make decisions about a variety of issues.

We celebrated the successful conclusion of the debt reduction matching program with great gratitude to God for the Covenant Presbyterian Foundation’s leadership and the faithful generosity of Covenant’s congregation. We were able to raise more than $786,000, which was applied to our Frost Bank loan. It was also a consensus of the Session that we need to continue to prioritize debt elimination as we dream about future capital improvements to the campus.

In August, we accepted the resignation of Interim Associate Pastor Munn Hinds, effective Nov. 1.

Munn is retiring after 41 years of service to the Kingdom as an ordained pastor. The Covenant family is invited to a reception following worship on Oct. 26 to celebrate not only his service to Covenant but to the greater church. Watch for more details in Covenant Matters and the weekly e-blast.

In other personnel news, the position of chef was restored to full-time and the schedule of food service events planned for the fall and spring was presented. We also approved a request from Congregational Care for a pastoral care service at Westminster. Don Davis will serve the residents of that retirement facility as an outreach from

Covenant. We heard reports on a Spring Break mission trip planned by Student Ministries as well as an update from the Children and Preteen Ministries Search Committee. Please keep that committee, as well as the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, in your prayers as they seek God’s guidance in bringing the right leadership to Covenant.

The Congregational Nominating Committee is working prayerfully to identify leaders to fill slates for deacons and elders. If you have names you would like to suggest, please be in touch with Cindy Young, chair, or any member of that committee.

BLESSINGS,

19

Mark your calendars for Nov. 15 for Covenant’s fourth annual church-wide day of service. During Shaped to Serve, members form teams to do projects in the community that benefit our mission partners and neighbors. As they work, they also learn more about the great services that the organizations provide. Lasting friendships and volunteer

relationships have been formed during Shaped to Serve. Painting, landscaping, food preparation and minor carpentry are just a few of the types of projects. Watch the patio for sign-ups during October!

To learn more, contact Kay Austin kaustin@covenant.org at (512) 334-3030.

FINANCE REPORT Financial Update

For Period Ended August 31, 2014

GENERAL FUND Revenues Expenses Net Surplus

YTD Actual $ 1,816,170 1,774,661 41,509

YTD Budget $1,691,395 1,889,511 ( 198,116 )

BUILDING FUND Total Loan Balance $ 7,320,710 Scheduled Principal Payments YTD 72,840 Gifts Received (Jan 2014 to present)* 786,620 *Includes Covenant Presbyterian Foundation matching grant of $350,000.

Loan interest costs are included in General Fund Expenses.

20

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS

COMMITMENT SUNDAY

Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

Oct. 26

EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP

CELEBRATE MUNN

Sunday, Oct. 5-26 at 9:30-11 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26 at 12 p.m. in FE 200

SENIOR ACTIVITIES DAY

TRUNK OR TREAT

Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. in FE 200

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot

VISIONS TRAVEL

SENIOR ACTIVITIES DAY

Friday, Oct. 17 Leave for San Antonio at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS

UPWARD EVALUATIONS

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

Thursday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 18 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 11 a.m. in FE Gym

YOUTH RETREAT

HOPEFEST

Friday, Nov. 7- Sunday, Nov. 9 Camp Champions

Saturday, Oct. 18 Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman Dr.

SHAPED TO SERVE

Saturday, Nov. 15 all over Austin VISIONS SENIOR LUNCHEON

Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 11:45 a.m. in FE 200

VISIONS SENIOR LUNCHEON

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11:45 a.m. in FE 200 SESSION MEETING

Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 in CO 208

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary CAREER TRANSITIONS

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. in FE 100

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP AND LIGHT LUNCH

Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 12 p.m. in the Sanctuary GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 – 9 p.m. in FE 200

THANKSGIVING

Office closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28

21

3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757

OFFICERS AND STAFF OF COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEACONS

ELDERS

CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

Susan Ashton Jill Baumhover Wendell Bell Sylvia Betts Rusty Burnett Carolyn Carmichael Steve Caskey Lynda Chapman 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

Pat Beckham Charlene Cole Daphne Corder Al DiCristofaro Allison Dwyer Marv Hackert Tom Hutchison Barbara Knisely Dorothy Layne Patsy Martin A.V. Ootsey Kathleen Reish Mike Rhoades Ruth Rhoades Will Schmidt Carol Sheppard Florita Sheppard Brent Stover Lee Terrell Lorrie Terrell Adele Trigg Greg Wilson Sandy Youman Wesley Young

Don Davis Evangeline Herring Chuck Ruesink Melanie Williamson Cindy Young

Paul Askenasy Jennifer Maham Deb Rieber John Ruwwe Frank Sheppard

Joe Denton Susan Holman Thais Kilday James Marroquin Clark Weatherby

FOUNDATION TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2017

Dave Ferguson Jack Kern Mary Teeple

Larry Faulkner JoAnne McIntosh Tana Taylor

Dianne Erlewine

PROGRAM STAFF Thomas R. Daniel, Senior Pastor Thomas W. Brown, Director of Music Ministry Duane Dube, Director of Administration Munn Hinds, Interim Associate Pastor for Age and Stage Ministries Jill Williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Ministries Christy Milam, Director of Preschool John Schmidt, Organist Stephanie Schultz, Director of Communications Stacey Grooms, Interim Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Nathan Richards, Director of Student Ministries Jerry Wise, Contemporary Music Leader Derek Nafe, Creative Arts Producer