Cornerstone Covenant Presbyterian Church | August 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 hope to update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at blog.covenant.org.
Aaron Arnold Contributing Writers Claudette Hulce, Nicole Phinney, Kristin Schell, Frank Sheppard Photography Aaron Arnold, Whitney Bell, Beth Bishop, Stacey Grooms, Nicole Phinney Special Thanks to Kay Austin, Paul Mowry, Jan Vanderpool
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We need you! 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 how we can make Cornerstone better, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.
stone 2 Dear Friends
16 Luyanó’s 90th Anniversary
Moving into the future together 4 The General Assembly
Frank Sheppard reflects on this special time 18 Feed My People
Pastor Paul reflects on the 220 General Assembly th
5 A New Look at Hot Issues
Covenant Forum videos delve into tough issues 6 Covenant 101
Make a difference in Austin 20 Partners In Hope
Allen and Julie Weeks push for change 21 Finance Report
Learn something new this fall at Covenant 8 All God Intended
For the month ended June 30, 2012 22 Clerk’s Corner
Sitting down with Associate Pastor Tom Mitchell 10 Lamplighters
See what’s going on with Session 25 Calendar of events
Lamplighters prepares to study Genesis
Check out what’s coming up
11 Perfect Summer
Reflect on Student Ministries’ summer fun 12 VBS Every day?
The far-reaching impact of VBS Sky 2012 14 WATER TO THRIVE
Unlikely partners bring water to Africa
Table of Contents 1
Dear Friends When I first began mountain climbing, Dan was my teacher. He wasn’t a professional outfitter or a paid guide. Dan was my dentist and a member of the church I pastored. He was a great climber and instinctively a great teacher, the best
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kind, who passed on what he knew. Here’s a little taste of what I learned from him. One day, as we were laboring up a steep climber’s path, he told me to turn around and look back and down. Grateful for the chance to catch my breath, I dutifully turned to
look at the path we had come up, amazed once again at how quickly we had covered this breathtaking elevation. Thinking that was all he had on his mind, I said, “Okay, now what?” Dan said, “Memorize it. Fix the picture in your mind. Look for the exact landmarks that will tell you where you
are.” I asked him why and I’ll never forget his answer: “When a storm hits and you can’t see but a few feet in front of you, you must know how to get back home. When you know what’s behind you, you and your whole team can make the journey to the summit. ” After doing this, we were ready for a new beginning, for the push to the summit. That’s what we’ve been doing for the past year. We’ve been looking back to find out how we got to where we are now. We’ve been, in a sense, memorizing the way that brought us here. We’ve learned that sometimes we lose our way in a storm. When we do, we must go back the way we came and remember where we started: the genius of the way Covenant began. You have been great learners. You have done your homework well. You have your bearings again. What this makes possible is a new beginning. A new start. A new look at the wonders that lie ahead. When we make peace with what is behind us, we are ready to make the journey into our future.
This late summer and fall is filled with a new beginning. On Sept. 2, on a day we are calling “Kickoff Sunday,” we begin all our fall ministries with a Party on the Patio. Come discover the places, programs and people through whom you and your families may encounter a new beginning with Jesus Christ this fall. In worship that Sunday, we begin a preaching study of the book of beginnings, Genesis. Later that month, we anticipate that as a congregation you will elect a Senior Pastor Nominating Committee; a new beginning in which God will lead them to your next Senior Pastor and the next great chapter of your life as a congregation. Perhaps most importantly of all, this coming year gives you a new beginning to dream about who God wants you to be.
Don’t Miss Paul’s Reflection on the General ASsembly Check it out on Page 4 behind us and where the route is up ahead. New beginnings are for all of us. That’s why our theme for this year’s All-Church Kickoff is, “We’re all in this together.” Our staff, our Session, our committees and teams, our congregation: We’re all in this together. That’s the heart of a new beginning. That’s where I’m going and I hope you’ll join me.
In all of this, notice that looking back and looking forward are always done together. It’s a community practice in mountain climbing and in church journeying. We never leave any of our team behind. We make these determinations together. We pool our expertise by comparing notes and collaborating on what we’ve seen
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The General Assembly Reflections from Pastor Paul
“Adventures are funny things. They offer dark, uncertain times, forks in the road and choices between comfort and peril. And in such times, heroes can be made or undone.” —Wayne Thomas Batson, The Rise of Wyrm Lord
General Assemblies in the PC(USA) are invitations to adventure. Seriously. The risks are real. In striving for goals for which one is passionate, you win some and lose some. Because of the dangers, the relational bonding is an unforgettable gift. With reflection, one can see the hand of God moving invisibly through the experience. The 220th General Assembly was no different. In this GA, the risks to churches like Covenant were real. The debate on divestment, regarding three U.S. corporations aiding Israel in dominating Palestinians, impacts every one of us who has personal relationships with Jews. The fracture lines that divided this GA regarding the definition of marriage are the same ones that divide Covenant. Numerous issues, the result of churches leaving the denomination, all impact those who remain, and that includes Covenant. In striving for passionately held goals, there are winners and losers. Those seeking divestment lost by the smallest of margins as the Assembly favored creative investment in the Israeli justice issues rather than divestment. The definition of marriage remained the same in a close vote. The GA strengthened our ordination standards and recommended that the Board of Pensions consider sharing its benefits program with the Evangelical Covenant Order (ECO), the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and other possible partners. 4
Along the way, the commissioners bonded. This GA had an atmosphere of civility and respect. Representatives suffered long into two nights; because of it, they grew in affection. They modeled how a divided body of believers can coexist while holding passionate disagreement. I see the invisible hand of God moving through this GA. Regardless of one’s stance on the critical issues, I believe that this Church needs time to rest. Time to stop fighting anyone and everything. Time to pray with an honest and humble surrender. Time to sort out what it means to be the Church in the early 21st century U.S. context. Time to return to God’s sanity and serenity, trusting Him with that which we cannot do for ourselves. We need that time at Covenant, as opposed to being thrown into yet another crisis with one another and the larger Church. For all of that, I am so grateful to God. If you agree, I urge you to stop right now and thank Him. And while you’re thanking Him, would you ask that He show us the way of faithfulness? You see, in the end, He’s the only Hero in this story, the only One that makes it an adventure rather than a vain pursuit. I’m going to follow His guidance, no matter where it takes us; because if He will only work His will in us, I will ask nothing more. That’s where I’m going, and I hope you’ll come with me.
A New Look at Hot Issues How to Respond to the Covenant Forum
I have a problem with burning things. Not the bonfire kind of burning; it’s the scorched toast, singed sweet potatoes, carbonized cake kind of burning. I melted the core of my pressure cooker when I left beans on the stovetop and smoke filled my apartment. I scrubbed my walls with ammonia, washed my linens with baking soda, and got a special machine to remove the tar-like smell from everything else. The thing is, I know how to cook. Really well, actually. I spent six months as an assistant to a Culinary Institutetrained chef and internet instruction fills the gaps. My problem isn’t knowledge, it’s pace and attention. I get impatient. I turn up the temperature to hurry the process. I get distracted and walk away from sizzling skillets. The soup that
was meant to nourish me is inedible. Worse, it’s a waste. And it’s dangerous. When it comes to complex issues in the church, our culture has trained us similarly. The voices on our radios, the talking heads on our televisions urge us to take the ingredients of our social soup, turn up the heat and walk away until the smoke alarm starts blaring. The Covenant Forum is an alternative to this potentially dangerous practice. This ongoing series of short videos provides deeper teaching behind complex subjects. It offers details on everything from key issues at General Assembly to the Senior Pastor search. The Covenant Forum videos invite us to reflect spiritually. They help us practice putting mere information in the context of God’s larger story. They
point us beyond the facts into the way, the truth and the life. Through this, we slow down enough to see God doing what we can’t do for ourselves. Look for the current Covenant videos on our homepage. New videos will be announced in the Friday e-newsletter. They may also occasionally be shown prior to the Sunday Contemporary Worship service. Copies are available from the church library. If you have a topic you’d like to see in a Covenant Forum video, send a note to adultministry@covenant.org. After destroying my pressure cooker in a billow of smoke, I figured I had two options: Live on cold cereal and milk or slow down and pay attention. I think the second option will be good for my stomach, and even better for my soul. Submitted by Nicole Phinney
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Cov 101 Learn Something New This Fall
This September, Covenant invites all to find a fresh way to go further with God in the company of other spiritual adventurers! Covenant members and visitors can find out all about these things and more at the “Party on the Patio” on Sept. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m.
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Presbyterian Women (PW) launches first with its kickoff brunch on Aug. 30. PW’s theme this year is the community of God’s household. Covenant circle groups will join thousands of women from around the globe studying 1 and 2 Peter, 1-3 John and the small book of Jude.
On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, Lamplighters and Men in the Word will also be talking about God’s family, starting at the beginning. They will dive deep into Genesis alongside the sermon series. Politically, it doesn’t get much messier than the hot button issue of immigration. Members
Take the Next Step in Discipleship. Try Something New this Fall! Sunday Adult Classes (9:30 a.m.)
Senior Adult Activities
• Agape: Bible-based encouragement for parents of teens in FE 107
• Senior Activities Day (1st Tuesday at 10 a.m. in FE 200)
• Becoming: Learning the practice of discipleship, CO 208
• VISIONS Luncheons (3rd Tuesday at 11:15 a.m. in FE 200)
• Caravan: Bible study and discussion in FE 105
• Armchair Travelers (1st Thursday at 7 p.m. in FE 200)
• Koinonia: Topics, book discussion where faith meets life in FE 106 • Oasis: Theological teachings in FE 100
Other Adult Studies
• Parlor Bible Study: Bible study and discussion in SA 114
• Monday Morning Bagel Bunch: Biblically-based discussion and prayer (Mondays at 7 a.m. in Eaton Hall) • Disciple Bible Study: Scripture-based DVD series (Mondays at
Men’s Bible Studies • Downtown Fellowship (2 and 4 Mondays at 11:30 a.m. at Shoal
9:30 a.m. in CO 208)
Creek Saloon)
• Human Beings Anonymous (Monday at 6:30 p.m. in FE 109)
• Sunday Afternoon Bible Study (Sundays at 5 p.m. in the Library)
• Wednesdays with Paul (Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in FE 200)
• Guthrie Bible Study (Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Library)
• Kairos Class: Spiritual discussion (Thursdays at 10 a.m. in FE 109)
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• Men in the Word (Thursdays at 6 a.m. in FE 200) Women’s Bible Studies • Presbyterian Women Circles (Contact Suzanne McIntosh at smcintosh1@austin.rr.com) • Lamplighters (visit lamplightersbiblestudy.com) • MoMs Group (1st and 3rd Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in SA 114)
of the Koinonia Sunday School class will roll up their sleeves in September to take a biblical look at some of these tough questions. Through reading material, expert speakers and frank discussions, they will be asking how God might invite us to see and respond to the “strangers and aliens” who are crossing over our borders.
In his own look across different kinds of borders, Paul Parsons will introduce “common grace” to those who stick around after dinner on Wednesday nights. He’ll explore the gifts that God gives generously to all human beings, including those outside the Christian faith. During these evenings, participants will reflect on many
things from politics to addiction recovery, from plumbers to artists, from the business world to world wars and plenty of territory in between. As all of Covenant prepares the territory ahead together, let’s follow Christ who makes ALL things new. Submitted by Nicole Phinney
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All God Intend Sitting down with Associate pastor for Discipleship Tom Mitchell
Some Sundays, the pastor seems like he’s talking to you, that the message was specifically written so you would take action. Such was the case for Associate Pastor for Discipleship Tom Mitchell in January 2005 when then-Senior Pastor Jim Singleton gave a sermon, “Rich Discipleship.” Tom said the sermon went like this: “If you raise a baby shark in an aquarium, he grows to be six inches long. Raise that same shark in the ocean, and he can grow to eight feet,” Tom recounted. “Then Singleton asked: ‘Are you living up to all God intended for you?’” Inspired, Tom filled out a seminary application that afternoon -- about four decades after God called him to be a pastor. “When I was 19, I was a counselor at a Methodist camp in Colorado, and God said, ‘I want you to be a pastor.’ I wanted to answer the call but my mother wanted me to follow a career
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path as a musician. It took me a long time to do what I was called to do,” Tom laughed.
Discipleship, Tom was offered his current job, Associate Pastor for Discipleship.
Tom began his seminary education in September 2005 and completed his Master of Divinity degree in May 2008. In March 2009, he was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor for Discipleship at Covenant. By that time, Tom had been here eight years, starting as part-time music staff in May 2001 after marrying Mary Helen. Over the years, tasks were added. When Kay Sockol left her job as Director of
Tom enjoys his job. “Working with people in various ways and on different things makes my job very rewarding,” he said. “I also like it that it’s not the same every day.” This fall, Tom will lead a learning experience that he says is one of the most exciting projects he has ever pursued. “There’s an emerging understanding among writers, educators and theologians that belief is best taught through practices of experience
Covenant Beginnings 2012
ded
Party on the Patio
– practices that over time are formative and lead to an understanding of who a person is and whose they are.” Tom is writing a book on the topic.
Sunday, sept. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Tom comes by his calling naturally. His grandmother was the first woman licensed to preach by the Oklahoma Conference of the Methodist Church. His grandfather was a pastor/missionary to the Native American peoples in Oklahoma. Tom is married to Mary Helen, who for 16 years has served as Executive Administrative Assistant to Covenant’s Senior Pastor. Tom and Mary Helen recently moved into their ‘forever’ home. “We are blessed to work at the same place and have great family,” Tom said. And, though it took 40 years, Tom is thrilled to be a pastor and enjoys swimming in the ocean, just as God intended. • • • • •
Meet, mingle and learn about Covenant’s offerings Tour the classes and groups that you are interested in Write your special prayer on the Rockin’ Prayer Wall Worship as a family at any of our services Participate in the Berry Best Bake-off 9
Lamplighters Every family has its stories: funny, sad, profound, outlandish. Stories about a crazy uncle, a black sheep brother or an awesome grandmom. Everyone knows some of the stories; others are deeply hidden, powerful in their mystery. Stories reveal us and speak truths in our lives. The Bible is God’s great love story for His creation—HIStory. Full of stories about crazy uncles, stubborn black sheep, eccentric leaders. The Bible doesn’t hide the weaknesses of God’s servants. These stories encourage us. Through them we learn God’s character. He is patient, forgiving and loving; the God of second chances! Through them, we learn who we are and how our stories fit into God’s story. We invite you to join Lamplighters Bible Study for the beginning of the story, Genesis. We will listen to His story starting on Sept. 5. In The Beginning The dream for Lamplighters began in 1961 when an ordinary woman began praying that something extraordinary would happen for the women of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Esther Eaton, wife of the church’s founding pastor Carl Eaton, prayed for a women’s Bible study. She prayed for more than 20 years with seemingly no result, but she never gave up. Meanwhile, God was working in the hearts of a small group of women who came together in 1985 to study the Book of Esther. They continued meeting, studying and praying that more women would be drawn to study God’s Word. The Lord 10
Genesis: Tell Me the Story
Lamplighters members discussing God in our daily lives at the first Kitchen Table Talk last Spring. blessed the obedience of those women, and he continues to bless us today as we study and discuss His Word together. 27 Years and Counting! Lamplighters reaches hundreds of women each year at Covenant, in meeting places around Austin and in cities far away. “What distinguishes Lamplighters is that we combine individual inductive Bible study with weekly teaching, small group discussion and prayerful fellowship,” Jan Skaggs, a Lamplighters leader, said. “We remain rooted in God’s Word and connected to one another as we seek to grow as followers of Jesus Christ.” Please register at lamplightersbiblestudy.com. If you have a child who is at least two years old by Sept. 1, register for our Little Lambs class offered on Wednesday mornings. Submitted by Kristin Schell
Perfect Summer In June, nine middle school students and three leaders traveled to Colorado to take part in the Great Escape. More important than the rafting, hiking and shopping expeditions, the kids had a chance to experience God. “For many of them, it was the first time to have real Christian community,” said Student Ministries Assistant Whitney Bell. The best part of the trip was the 10 minutes that the kids had to sit under the stars; to sit with the Lord in silence, Whitney said. “That was more powerful than any speaker; any worship. If you give God 10 minutes of silence, He can do incredible things.” Meanwhile, at Daytona Beach, Fla., 17 high school students and five leaders spent a week learning about “being audacious.” Daytona
worship leader Louie Giglio challenged the high schoolers to be fearless, daring, courageous and bold in their spirituality. “God invites us to the party, celebrating us in our walk. His arms are wide open,” said High School Associate Director April Kelly. One foursome of Covenant high school girls decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International. After hearing a young man’s testimony about how such a sponsorship changed his life, the girls decided to work together – and involve their D-Group – to sponsor a child in an AIDS-infected country. April said, “Their plan is to bring a piece of camp back to those who couldn’t be there.”
Wednesday Night Core begins Sept. 5 and D-Groups on Sept. 9. Before then, Student Ministries will wrap up the summer with Ultimate Frisbee on Aug. 6 and pool parties on Aug. 1 and 8.
VBS Every day?
Left to right: Audrey Guy, Joshua Florey, Ayden Lamont, Macy Morphew and Ian Potts posing for their group pho Covenant’s Children and Preteen Ministries team celebrated its 11th year of a daytime VBS in mid-June. VBS Sky had about 470 kids and about 100 parents participating.
“The week after VBS, a nervous eight-year old on his way to sports camp asked his mom, ‘What was the scripture we learned last week to think about when you’re scared?’”
“We estimated that we could raise enough money to purchase 200 nets,” Gayla said. “We were worried after two days when we’d only raised enough money for 80 nets.
“The first year we had moved to daytime, we had 140 kids and thought we’d set the world on fire!” said Director of Children and Preteen Ministries Gayla Stuart.
Gayla explained that it was Joshua 1:9 and said, “That’s what it’s all about; we hear stories like that every year.”
“That day I shared a story about an eight-year-old girl who gave $30 of her birthday money to the mission project. I was so moved I started crying. I’m sure all the kids thought ‘crazy lady’s crying.‘”
Whether VBS attracts 100 or 500, kids walk away with a new appreciation of the Bible, the church and God. “At the end of the week, many kids asked why we don’t offer VBS every day!” Gayla said. 12
Save Mali! Group Publishing encouraged all of the churches who used their VBS curriculum to “Save Mali” by providing mosquito barrier nets for every child in Mali, where a child dies every 30 seconds of malaria.
The next day, kids started bringing money for the project. One girl gave her tooth fairy money. One family held a lemonade stand and raised $110. By the end of the week,
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lunch for Thursdays. They also did missions during the Club 56 Mission Camp in late July. “The kids really like the handson activities. We will continue those activities at our Wednesday meetings this fall,” Gayla said, adding that they will be learning “Dark and Disturbing Stories from the Bible” during 2012–13.
oto at VBS Sky 2012. Covenant provided enough money to purchase 425 nets for the mission project, which will cover about 1,000 kids. Club 56 “I love to watch the kids step up and do such a great job as helpers,” Associate Director of Children and Preteen Ministries Stacey Grooms said. Stacey explained that many VBS youth helpers are part of Covenant’s Club 56. These kids spent Sunday mornings during the summer cooking for Street Youth Ministry, preparing breakfast for Mondays and
This Fall in Children’s Ministry Meanwhile, Covenant’s Zone K–4 kids will again experience Bible lessons through eight different stations that offer something for everyone: crafts, science, Bible stories, acting, computers, movies, cooking and games. Through Treasure Island at the 11 a.m. services, four-year olds through second graders sail away to FE 300 for an hour of interactive and engaging Bible-related activities. On Wednesday nights, K–4 kids will learn about friendships with each other and with God through a mountain lodge-themed curriculum. “It’s a great way to build fellowship between the kids,” said Stacey. “We encourage the kids to carry it through their week with a daily challenge. The next Wednesday, they put whatever they did on a paper chain,
“I love to watch the kids who have been with us as young participants do such a great job as VBS youth helpers.” which we roll out every week and watch it get longer. The kids get pretty excited when we hang it off the stairwell and see how far it goes.” No matter what group they end up in, Covenant kids will continue to have a positive, life-impacting experience through Sunday school, What a Wednesday, Club 56 and summer camps… even if they can’t go to VBS every day! If you would like to volunteer with our children’s or preteen ministries, contact Stacey at sgrooms@covenant.org. 13
WATER TO THRIVE Unusual partnership results in clean water for Ethiopians
This is a story of how two very different groups led by the Holy Spirit together achieved a wonderful and meaningful result for people halfway around the world. It began last fall with an invitation from Robbie Albracht, a Covenant Koinonia Sunday School class member, to Ed Scharlau to tell the class about efforts to bring clean water to Ethiopia via Water to Thrive. Water to Thrive is a non-profit that began in Austin, at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church. Ed told us how, in 2007, his Bible study group wanted to address the global water crisis. The group members decided to raise $5,000, enough money for one clean water well in Ethiopia. When they finished their fundraiser, they had collected enough money for 12 wells. Group member Dick Moeller, inspired by the campaign’s success and motivated by the desire to bring clean water to those who desperately need it, founded Water to Thrive. Water to Thrive (watertothrive.org) is a faithbased non-profit dedicated to spreading awareness of the global water crisis while raising the funds needed to construct water wells for those who need them in rural Africa.
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Covenant’s Koinonia class, impressed with the efforts and mission of this organization, decided to sponsor a well for a village in Ethiopia. As sponsors, we get to name our well projects. We named ours Koinonia Pumps. The $5,000 commitment was big, but we quickly raised over $1,500. We prayed about raising the rest of the money and hoped to reach our goal within the year. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit was working on a plan to make that well a reality very soon. Classes Come Together The third grade classes at Great Oaks Elementary in Round Rock were involved in a water-related service learning project. The students learned that many people around the world did not have access to clean, safe drinking water. They wanted to help. In January, they invited Mary Claire Rodriguez, project manager at Water to Thrive, to speak to their seven classes. She talked about the need for clean water in the developing world and challenged the classes to sponsor a well project in Ethiopia. The students and teachers accepted the challenge. They held a book sale to raise money. The kids worked on every aspect: gathering and sorting books, advertising the sale with posters
Covenant members Dianne Erlewine and Kathy Willis (back right) helped create a partnership between Round Rock third graders and Covenant’s Koinonia class to bring clean water to Ethiopia. and skits, and even staffing the event. The book sale raised over $3,300. It was a fantastic achievement, but not enough for a whole well.
if they wanted to partner with us. The students were fascinated that their teacher had a Sunday School class and loved the idea.
One of the third grade teachers at Great Oaks was Koinonia member Kathy Willis. When Kathy suggested we combine our efforts, Koinonia class members and the Great Oaks staff quickly agreed. Kathy asked the students
“Well” the rest is history, or soon will be. Water to Thrive has already begun building the Gerbe Chegebna well in Ethiopia with our names on it. The children learned compassion for others and organizational skills, and that the church is a vital part of our lives in Austin. Submitted by Claudette Hulce
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Luyanó’s 90 Anniversary
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In 2005, I participated in a mission trip to the Luyanó Presbyterian Church as part of the Covenant team. This April, I returned when Jack Kern, Tammy Linn and I were blessed to represent Covenant at the 90th Anniversary Celebration at Luyanó. There have been changes at Luyanó and in Cuba that I found exciting as the spirit works in the church, but there is one 16
constant—the deep love that has developed between members of Luyanó and Covenant. The first change I noticed was that, as a small delegation, we had no detailed itinerary full of planned activities. This was their celebration and we were merely participants in that celebration. Also Jack and I were accompanying Tammy, who has formed a
very special place in the heart of the Luyanó church. This meant that I carried a violin to Cuba as part of my carry-on. Certainly improved my cultural coefficient by 100 percent! As part of the anniversary event, older members shared memories and posted pictures from the past. It became obvious that the church had been a vibrant part of the community
prior to the revolution and that the main vehicle for that involvement had been the school at the church. After the revolution, church schools were banned. In 2005, I had the definite feeling that the church was an island in the midst of the community and that the people were very aware of this sense of isolation. The gates to the walled compound were kept closed; entry was by ringing a bell or by the watch person opening the gate for you. This trip I noticed a refreshing change. Covenant helped provide a mini-water treatment plant at the church that serves 200 neighborhood families. The gates are open during the day and a constant stream of people fill their water jugs at the compound. The plant is volunteer run and includes a community education program about basic water sanitation. My impression was that this has led the church to be a greater part of the community with an increased sense of mission to serve. The church is in the discussion stage of planning an AIDS testing and counseling center as the Luyanó barrio has one of the highest AIDS incidences in Cuba. Our brothers and sisters
are thinking outside the church rather than just providing programs for the members. God has also worked through changes in the Cuban government. One major change has been the official recognition of the church’s role in providing services to the “third age” (the elderly) in Cuba. A stream of elderly come to the church for the breakfast program and for daily exercise classes and tai chi instruction. I can only imagine the activity as the VBS program at our sister church, with assistance from Evangeline Herring, Paulette Kern, Joy Baskin and Amy Johnson, is in full swing the very week I write this. Our partner relationship with the Luyanó church is very special. Over these 15 years, I have come to recognize the names of families and people on their prayer lists printed in our bulletin. When we visit, they ask about our members. This close personal contact is the blessing that each of us who has made the trip to Cuba feels. We just celebrated our 50th Anniversary and so it was special to be there for the 90th of the Luyanó Church. Like Covenant, they have had ups
“This close personal contact is the blessing that each of us feels.” and downs. They have weathered difficulties that we have never had to face, yet they remain constant in their faith and service to God. The intended postlude to the 90th anniversary worship service was changed mid-service. My eyes overflowed with tears as we sang Tom Brown’s arrangement of “Tu Has Venido a la Orilla—You have Come Down to the Lakeshore” accompanied by Illiana García and Tammy. This is a beloved hymn of the Luyanó church and one that we have often sung here. It really seemed to be just right for the occasion.
Submitted by Frank Sheppard
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Feed My People A Volunteer Opportunity
Did you know that a little bit of orange juice will keep eggs from turning green if you need to crack and then store them overnight? This is one of many tips that O.B. and Gail Ross have picked up cooking breakfast for hundreds of people once a month for 25 years. What started as a women’s Bible study giving their leftover donuts to the day laborers now has turned into Feed My People—a full-fledged breakfast serving up to 500 people twice a week at First United Methodist Church. About 40 volunteers from all over Austin help run the program. “We decided that donuts were not very nutritional,” Gail explained. “We started cooking a full meal at West Lake Presbyterian and asked other churches for support. It was easy to volunteer since O.B. 18
and I live in West Lake. We didn’t know it would become a 25-year commitment.” Over the years, the program has grown, changed, prompted additional programs for the homeless and, of course, provided many healthy meals for Austin’s needy. At its inception, the breakfast eaters were bused to West Lake. Drivers were needed and there was the threat (and sometimes reality) of a bus breakdown. “Relying on buses limited the number of people we could reach,” O.B. said. “After about 15 years at West Lake Presbyterian, we moved downtown to First United Methodist. It’s much more convenient for our clients.” Until this summer, O.B. took care of the sausage and biscuits on Tuesday morning. Preparation starts on Monday
Gail Ross has worked with Feed My People for 25 years. though, when six (or so) volunteers meet at 4:30 p.m. to start the breakfast that includes eggs, biscuits, gravy, sausage, juice, coffee and milk. Gail does the grocery shopping and is on a first-name basis with the staff at the Far West HEB. They gather 72 cans of biscuits for her when she shops the week before. O.B. said that the crew serves mostly adults, with an occasional family unit. “Years ago, we picked up on the number of families going through and wanted to help them. Gail was instrumental in bringing IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network) to Covenant.” Gail added, “The breakfast prompted IHN and later the Foundation for the Homeless.”
The Rosses said that those they serve on Tuesdays are very appreciative, and that their involvement has made them thankful for all they have. “At the end of every Monday session, the volunteers gather and go out to eat,” O.B. said. That, according to Gail, is a real benefit of volunteering for Feed My People. “We are lucky to do this. It’s a great ministry and we’ve made great friends!” After 25 years, the Rosses are spending less time on the program, which means Feed My People needs a few good volunteers. Are you ready to make some great new friends? To help lead a thriving ministry that makes a difference in Austin? Or just get some great tips on cooking healthy breakfasts? For more information about the program and how to volunteer, contact Paul Mowry at paulmowry@att.net or 795-9371.
Bluegrass Night Sunday, Sept 16 at 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Covenant’s Bluegrass Night will feature the sweet sounds of Covenant vocalists and some of Austin’s finest bluegrass musicians. Join Tom Brown, Jerry Wise and this musicmaking group for a fun night of country, bluegrass and gospel music. Guest musicians Gene Elders (fiddle) and Paul Glasse (mandolin) have traveled the world playing for Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Joan Baez, Lucinda Williams and more. Come prepared to tap your toes and sing along with the upbeat tunes. An offering will be taken to defray the costs of the evening.
Partners In Hope It’s Thursday night and 20 parents are seated at the Webb Middle School library. Most speak only Spanish. Few own a computer. Many struggle to buy groceries and pay bills. All love their children. Julie Weeks has organized this workshop, The Right Question Project, to mobilize these parents to participate in their kids’ education and the decision-making process of their public school. “You are the experts,” she said. “My kids are just starting elementary school. I’m learning how to parent from you.” This is what it looks like to be a Covenant missionary in Austin. After being missionaries abroad, Julie and her husband Allen have simply lived and worked in the St. John neighborhood for nearly 10 years. Looking for the strengths in their neighborhood has been the hallmark of their ministry. “We work on the micro and the macro level,” says Allen. “The issues affecting St. John 20
Allen Weeks with daughter Ashley and Julie Weeks with Pastor Paul families are related to systems at the city and state level that don’t work well.”
legs on the gospel as they wrap their arms around those people who have no voice.
Allen and Julie work with families as neighbors and through the Webb Family Resource Center. They also have conversations with superintendents and state legislators, organizing Save Texas Schools marches for thousands of people. Fighting for schools and families in St. John has taught the Weekses how to help schools and families across the state. They put hands and feet to Jesus’ love for people who live on the margins. They put
It isn’t always easy. “The fact is that people grow and change slowly over time,” Julie says. “It takes patience and persistence to see real change.” Allen agrees. “It takes a lot of faith to believe that things can change, but they can.” So day by day, Allen and Julie take what they know and give it away. It’s what makes them Partners in Hope. Submitted by Nicole Phinney
Finance Report FOR THE month ENDed June 30, 2012
Stewardship Offerings $260K Behind Operating Budget The Finance Committee reports that we have fallen behind in giving to the operating budget. Through the period ended June 30, we are $260,207 short of our seasonally adjusted operating budget. This shortfall — about 10% percent of our total annual revenue — represents a meaningful variance in Covenant’s operating budget. Year-to-date contribution statements have been sent to all members at this time. Please review your statement to ensure its accuracy, and also to see where you are in your giving. We appeal to all members and friends of Covenant to help by bringing your giving up to date in the next few weeks so that we may enter the fall ministry program in a healthier financial condition. Budgeted Revenues
Annual Budget
Budget YTD
Actual YTD
YTD VariancE Budget vs Actual
$2,287,000
$1,211,225
$992,033
<$219,192>
600,000
235,421
219,366
<16,055>
90,000
54,885
29,924
<24,961>
Total Revenues
2,977,000
1,501,531
1,241,323
<260,208>
Budgeted Expenditures
2,977,000
1,494,987
1,518,629
<23,642>
0
6,544
<277,306>
<283,850>
Pledged Offerings Unpledged Offerings Miscellaneous
Rev Over <under> Exp
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Clerk’s Corner General Assembly The GA wrapped up its biennual meeting in July. The group addressed about 800 items of business that included some potentially contentious issues. Headlines included: • The GA decided not to change the PC(USA) Constitution’s definition of marriage. Marriage is a civil contract “between a man and a woman.” The GA, instead, approved a two-year study inviting the church to engage in serious, deliberate conversation on the issue. • The GA also chose not to divest from three companies participating in “non-peaceful pursuits” in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. The GA decided “to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian/Israeli conflict.” During the meeting, Covenant elders hosted daily prayer meetings on campus. We also posted several articles and videos, many by Paul Parsons, on the website and created a GA Response Task Force. Members include Paul Parsons, Jill Williams, Tom Mitchell, Fred 22
Clement, Mary Helen Mitchell, Stephanie Schultz, Don Davis and myself. Please visit with any of us if you have questions or concerns. Mission Presbytery Meeting Summary Nearly 300 commissioners and 69 non-voting guests attended the June meeting of Mission Presbytery. Covenant attendees included: Gaines Bagby, Jim Barnette, John Blitch, Jeff Horn, Dallas Maham, Helene Maham, Paul Parsons, Frank Sheppard, Linda Southwick, Melanie Williamson and me. During Friday’s Service of Worship, we collected a $4,519 offering for the John Knox Ranch Scholarship Fund. At the same service, we were blessed to hear a sermon from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Dr. Cynthia Rigby on the importance of declaring what we believe. Youth delegates led a poignant Saturday morning worship service. The future of the PC(USA) is in good hands and hearts! Due to registration requirements imposed on the Presbyterian Church by the Catholic Church, Cursillo, the three-day course that
shows Christian lay people how to become effective leaders, will be known as “Pilgrimage.” The meeting material and format will not change. To learn more about Pilgrimage, contact Ken Seiler, kseiler1@austin.rr.com. Our Executive Presbyter Hillary Shuford shared information about her visit to the Rio Grande Valley. In February, three churches withdrew from the PC(USA) without participating in the Gracious Separation procedure, which requires a listening team, a resolution team and that the terms of separation be agreed upon and voted on by the congregation as part of the separation process. On Pentecost Sunday, Hillary attended worship at two of those churches, where the remaining congregants are holding services. She was encouraged that both churches had received new members! As Hillary declared, “These churches are facing the future with hope surrounded and uplifted by a great community of Presbyterian churches in the area.” The Mission Presbytery Bylaws were passed as written, after much discussion of the Gracious Separation Policy. Mission Study A Mission Study is a study of a particular church and congregation at a particular time. Our presbytery requires a Mission Study be completed before calling a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). Ruling Elder Laura Tuma led our Mission Study Task Force, which included Doug Kilday, Frank Sheppard, Ryan Joy and me. Session approved the Mission Study in June. It has been submitted to the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. Pending its approval in August, a Congregational Meeting to elect a PNC should occur in September.
Independent Auditor’s Report Ronnie Armstrong, certified public accountant and partner with the firm of Atchley & Associates, reviewed with Session the church’s independently prepared audit reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and two prior fiscal years. The auditors gave Covenant an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, a CPA’s highest ranking. Charitable Annuity Gift The Texas Presbyterian Foundation notified Covenant that we have received a $60,000 charitable gift annuity. The annuity, made by a husband and wife, matures on the death of the second spouse. Session received the gift with humility and thanksgiving. Session Retreat Session held a retreat at Covenant on July 2728. This issue of Cornerstone went to print before the retreat. We plan to discuss polity, theology, practice and our church vision. Our prayer is that this too will be a rich time of sharing, listening, reflecting and understanding. We look forward to fall, and the new beginnings that the new season brings. I hope to see you all at the Party on the Patio on Sept. 2.
Joyfully praising God with you,
Joy Durrant Clerk of Session
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Calendar of ev Wednesday Morning Prayer
Wednesdays throughout the year at 7 a.m. in FE 100 A devotional service of fellowship and prayer
Explore Membership Are you considering membership at Covenant? Are you already a member here
Reel Ministry
and know visitors who might be interested
Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. in FE 200 Movie: Babette’s Feast
in attending a new member class? Explore Membership gives you the chance to: • Make new friends and grow relationships
Student Ministries Pool Party
• Learn about Covenant and Presbyterians
Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Rhodes House 6506 Mesa Drive
• Learn how to get involved at Covenant • Discuss tips for spiritual growth in classes • Learn how to care for others
Air Conditioned Playdates
The next Explore Membership class begins
Thursdays through Aug. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in FE 402 Bring riding toys, balls and other indoor stuff for your kids. Contact: Alicia Gostylo, azappgo@gmail.com
Wednesday, Sept. 12, through Oct. 17, at 6
Picnic Tables for Healing
Aug. 4 at 8 a.m. at 20800 FM 150 West, Driftwood, TX 78619 Volunteer with abused youth in a constructive environment as they build picnic tables. Contact: Jim Rumbo, jim.rumbo@gmail.com
p.m. in CO 208. Contact Maureen Crawley at mcrawley@covenant.org or 334-3057.
Al-Anon Meets Here Is your life affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon helps you find courage to change. “I find it very comforting to be part of a
Student Ministries Ultimate Frisbee
group of people who share some of my
Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park
problems and feelings. Through the interchange of experience, strength and hope, we
Senior Activities Day
learn specific ways in which fellow members
Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Games at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, movie: Hugo starts at 1 p.m.
have applied the Al-Anon program. Each of us benefits from this individual approach to our common purpose - recovery from the
Reel Ministry
effects of alcoholism.”
Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. in FE 200 Movie: Conscientious Objector
Al-Anon meets every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. in SA 103. For more information, contact Sandra Winkler at sjwinkler@austin.rr.com or 219-9166.
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vents Student Ministries Pool Party
Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Burnett House 5810 Lookout Mountain Drive
Senior Activities Day
Cuba Ministry PotLuck
Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at the home of Cherry and Bob Raley Contact: Cherry Raley, craley@austin.rr.com or 257-0604 Party on the Patio
Sept. 2 from 9 - 11 a.m. on the patio
Above: Bill and Helen Fletcher set up the puzzles at Senior Activities Day.
Senior Activities Day
Below: Donal and Joanne Myers lead bingo.
Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Games at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, movie: The Artist starts at 1 p.m.
They have been on the planning committee since the group was formed back in 2009.
Lamplighters New Study Genesis: Tell Me the Story
Class start dates: Wed., Sept. 5; Thurs., Sept. 6; Mon., Sept. 10 Explore Membership Class
Wednesdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. in CO 208 Senior Activities Day hasn’t missed a beat
Career Transitions
this summer. Don’t miss the next fun-filled
Thursdays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in FE 100
day on Aug. 7, when Hugo will be the film.
Walking the Mourner’s Path
Thursdays, Sept. 27 through Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. For location, contact Kay Austin at kaustin@covenant.org
Cuba Ministry PotLuck All are invited a Cuba ministry potluck on Saturday, Aug. 18 (gather at 5 p.m., eat at
Bluegrass Night
6), at the home of Cherry and Bob Raley.
Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in FE 200
Covenant volunteers have helped at our sister church’s VBS for five summers. Bring a
Visions Luncheon
dish and beverage to share. Contact Cherry
Sept. 18 at 11:15 a.m. in FE 200 Pastor Paul Parsons will discuss climbing in the Rockies.
at craley@austin.rr.com or 257-0604.
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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