August 2014

CORNERSTONE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | AUGUST 2014

Thomas Daniel was installed as Covenant’s senior pastor in early June. Regina Schlotter, Nola Ross and Paulette Kern, members of the Pastor Nominating Committee, enjoy the celebration. Read about Thomas’ installation at covenant.org/installation.

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

HILARY PITTMAN

We need you!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JULIE BOU, MATT DOW, DOUG KILDAY, PAUL MOWRY AND SUE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BETH BISHOP, PAUL MOWRY, STEPHANIE SCHULTZ SPECIAL THANKS TO PAUL MOWRY, BRIAN SPARKS

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To make Cornerstone better, we need your help!

The content will be more interesting and more fun with more writers. If you have something you want to write about or want us to write, let us know. While we can’t promise that every submitted article will appear in the printed version of Cornerstone, we will publish all appropriate stories on the blog. We also need photos of events.

If you have suggestions for Cornerstone, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.

STONE 2

PASTOR LETTER

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Get outta the boat and boldly join Jesus 3

SET SAIL AT COVENANT

Our stories remind us of God’s faithfulness 10

Lots of opportunities to learn and serve 4

INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP

FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP

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MAKING MUSIC

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HABLAS ESPAÑOL?

WOMEN STUDY LUKE

Popular women’s Bible study gears up for fall

Cuban pianist gets break through Covenant ties 8

INTERNATIONAL AID

Navigators mentor students far from home

Senior luncheons are much more than food 7

JJ’S FIGHT CLUB: COMMUNITY

Pulling together with optimism and hope

Covenant’s young adult group is thriving 5

EMPTY NEST

CLERK’S CORNER

Session stays busy during summer months 16

Covenant members have fun teaching ESL

FINANCE REPORT

For the period ended July 31, 2014 17

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Find your activity for the new season

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

PASTOR LETTER This is an exciting time in the life of Covenant Presbyterian Church! During the summer, we’ve seen increased worship attendance, an incredible week of VBS for kids, meaningful youth camps and active participation in Bible studies for people of all ages. In addition, the congregation exceeded all expectations in your generous response to the debt reduction plan that was initiated by the Covenant Presbyterian Foundation. God is on the move in our midst and we are seeing great fruit all around!

This fall, we will have more opportunities for you to grow in your relationship with God, with others in the Covenant family and in your service to the wider world. In September, we will introduce a new church-wide theme titled “Think Outside the Boat.”

This theme is loosely based on the book If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by noted author John Ortberg. This book focuses on Matthew 14 when Simon Peter is invited to leave the other 11 disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and join Jesus who is standing on the water’s surface. Peter finds the courage and faith to swing his legs over the side of the boat, stand up and experience the sensation of walking on the sea! Similarly, our fall theme will invite each of us to discern where we can take bold steps in our lives to join the miraculous work of Jesus.

In the coming weeks, there will be several ways for you to explore what it means to think outside the boat. First, on Sunday mornings in worship we will be inviting you to consider how God is calling you, and our entire church, to take exciting new steps of faith. Plan to make it a priority to be with us on Sunday mornings. Second, on Wednesday nights from 6:15-7:25, you are invited to join the pastoral 2

teaching team and people of all ages from the Covenant family to discuss chapters from Ortberg’s book. The first meeting, an introduction and overview, will be Sept. 3. Please purchase a copy beforehand so you will be ready to learn about the first assignment. Finally, each of you is invited to consider how you can explore getting more connected with the Covenant community as many of our regular programs resume. On Sunday, Sept. 7, we will have our annual Party on the Patio between worship services.

You’ll find all kinds of information on adult Sunday school classes, connection points for Children and Youth Ministries, small groups, and several opportunities to serve our city and our world.

I want to invite each of you to consider how you can structure your time to get plugged into one of these opportunities, to experience God’s bold calling on your life, and to know the joy of joining Jesus on a walk that is life-changing. Come, join us as we learn to Think Outside the Boat!

JOYFULLY,

THOMAS DANIEL SENIOR PASTOR

SET SAIL AT COVENANT “Think Outside the Boat” is the fall theme at Covenant. From the Party on the Patio (Sunday, Sept.

7 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and again from 10:30 to 11 a.m.) to the Wednesday night book study, to stewardship and more, we’ll be talking about the often illogical, upsidedown ways of the Kingdom and how we have to get out of our comfort zones to join Jesus.

For people new to Covenant (and those who are not so new), the Wednesday night book series will be an easy entry point, according to Thomas Daniel. Covenant will be reading If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. There will be a short lecture, followed by small group table discussions. “We’ll emphasize the book

and talk within our small groups about the ways we’ve been able to apply the book to our lives,” Thomas said. “This message to join Jesus by getting out of our comfort zones will resonate with members and guests. I think the Lord will bring us together.”

NEW FALL PROGRAMMING Think Outside the Boat Wednesday Nights, 6:15 to 7:25 p.m. Book Discussion: If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Order your book now from Amazon. Contact Maureen Crawley at mcrawley@covenant.org

Financial Peace University Monday nights, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Financial Peace University (FPU) teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through videos, discussions and small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps and a plan for wise money management. To register, visit daveramsey.com/fpu/locations and click on Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin. Contact Nikki McNabb at nmcnabb@covenant.org

Explore Membership Sundays in October from 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Meet other newcomers and learn about membership and how to get connected at Covenant. At the end of the class you will have the option to become a member. Contact Maureen Crawley at (512)334-3057 or mcrawley@covenant.org

Emotions 101 Thursday nights, 7 to 9 p.m. Learn about your emotions and how to manage them with a six-week course based on Mary Lamia’s book “Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings.” Donald Zappone will lead the course. Contact Don at dzappone@grandecom.net.

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INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP Covenant’s 20s/30s group started in July 2013 and quickly attracted numerous young adults to participate in fellowship and Bible studies. Led by Nick and Laura Marra, group members worked together to answer the following questions: Cornerstone: How did this group start?

Nick: Several couples met at a contemporary service last July. I approached Paul Parsons, mentioned the lack of a young adult group at Covenant and asked what I needed to do to start one. He answered, “Just do it,” and said if we needed help to talk to him, Maureen Crawley or Beth Bishop.

We worked with the three of them and Munn Hinds to set up a room for a Bible study class and to meet other young adults in the church. During this time, group members took turns hosting potlucks at their houses and we started a weekly Tuesday night fellowship tradition. The following month we started a

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Sunday morning Bible study class. We’ve kept both consistently going ever since.

We now have more than 30 active members, Sunday morning Bible studies, men’s and women’s small groups, Tuesday night dinners and we had a weekend group retreat. What started as a few adults going out for lunch after church has grown into a beautiful group that supports and loves one another while growing in faith.

Cornerstone: Why did this group start?

20s/30s: We started in response to a deep desire by many of our members to share what we were experiencing. We feel it was a God-ordained experience that led us all together one Sunday morning.

We soon realized we were connected in many ways through our belief in God. We decided the fellowship we had experienced was something to be treasured. The committed group members have helped

it to grow and flourish. Our group is not defined by any set program; it has organically evolved to meet the needs of the individuals involved.

Through our weekly potluck meals and group gettogethers, we began opening our homes and sharing our struggles. We started to develop a sense of family and our group became a place where we felt we could be authentic with each other. I believe this authenticity is rooted in our shared faith and is why the group functions so well and continues to grow.

Cornerstone: Do you see relationships coming out of this group that are an example of intimate fellowship?

20s/30s: Thomas (Daniel) and a few of our members discussed the topic of intimate fellowship, as it has been part of what has defined our group. Our friendships are not casual; we desire to experience relationships that go deeper and deal with tough issues. Our group has shared one another’s burdens and celebrations. We have been intentional about praying as a group and praying over our struggles.

We are committed to studying the Bible together, and in our smaller men’s and women’s studies. In this way, we have developed our faith, strengthened our bonds and felt known by one another.

CS: What is the most meaningful thing the group has done? The most fun?

20s/30s: Many of us agree that the men’s and women’s small groups have become one of our most meaningful experiences. We meet twice a month to discuss more personal issues, share stories and read the Bible. We’ve formed some close connections by diving deeper into topics that can be difficult to discuss in larger groups.

Our first weekend retreat at the Skaggs Ranch in April was one of our most fun activities. The fellowship, the discussions, the food and the weather were all a wonderful blessing. We discussed how to live and follow Acts 2: 42-47, and shared stories with one another and the Skaggses. We grilled, played games and enjoyed s’mores.

Covenant’s 20s/30s group has many things planned for the upcoming year, including increasing its mission work. The group continues to meet Sunday mornings and at different times throughout the week. If you would like more information about the group, contact Nick Marra at nickmarra@gmail.com.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Covenant will celebrate the beginning of the 34th year of VISIONS (Very Interesting Seniors In Our New Season) luncheons on Sept. 16, 2014.

Covenant’s seniors and retirees have been meeting continuously on a monthly basis from

September to May since Sept.

22, 1981, when the Presbydears (yes, that was their name) met in Eaton Hall to enjoy good food, fellowship and an interesting program. Although the name of the group has gone through some changes, from Presbydears to

Crown Club and now to VISIONS, and we no longer have to do our own cooking, the purpose of this activity has remained the same.

We meet to have fun, enjoy good fellowship and good food, and be enlightened by an interesting and entertaining program.

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We always meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in FE 200. Come join us. You will be served a wonderful meal on beautifully decorated small tables, perfect for greeting and

meeting new friends, followed by an interesting program. We do ask that you make a reservation so our chef will know how many to prepare for. The cost of the luncheon is collected at the door,

$6 or whatever you choose to pay. Mark your 2014 calendar for the dates shown below.

SUBMITTED BY SUE ROBERTS

2014 VISIONS CALENDAR Tuesday, Sept. 16: The Revs. Thomas and Beth Daniel will join us. We already know that Thomas is a remarkable preacher and that Beth has a wonderful sense of humor, but did you know they copastored a church together? This will be a great chance to visit with them up close and personal.

Let’s welcome them to the luncheon and learn those little tidbits that you may not hear from the pulpit.

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Dr. William Young will inform us of the dangers we all face in this cyber world. If you use a cell phone, iPad, computer or any other electronic device you need to come to hear Dr. Young talk about the dangers in the cyber environment in which we live.

Tuesday, Nov. 18: Covenant’s own Marv Hackert will tell us what table salt, penicillin, streptomycin, superconductors and DNA all have in common. We will learn how a small area of chemical research known as X-ray Crystallography has been crucial to many discoveries that have changed our lives in the past 100 years.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Charles Welty, a retired executive from CIT Financial whose hobby is collecting music and the stories behind the music from the 1900s through the 1940s, will present a program on Rodgers and Hart. Rodgers and Hart created hundreds of songs we sing and hear today.

DON’T FORGET—MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW.

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MAKING MUSIC It’s 2007 and Willa Darius, a 13-year-old Cuban girl, plays the piano like a professional. Teachers, friends, acquaintances who know about music and the girl’s father think she has a future as a pianist but are not sure how to help her achieve such a goal.

When a group of Covenant folks were visiting our sister church in Luyano, Cuba, the girl’s father gave a DVD of his daughter performing to Covenant member Jack Kern. He asked Jack to deliver it to Solomon Mikowsky, a maestro of music from Cuba.

“Mr. Darius knew nothing about Mikowsky except that he had emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. 35 years earlier,” Jack said. Jack soon located Mikowsky on a French website where he was conducting an annual summer music school. From that he learned that Mikowsky was a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music.

“When I was finally able to contact Professor Mikowsky, he was very polite, but not encouraging,” Jack recalled. “He said there would be many barriers to this ever happening and left me with the impression that I was wasting my time.”

Mikowsky warned that it would be difficult and costly to bring Willa to America and to the Manhattan School of Music. But the following year, Mikowsky was judging an international piano competition in Havana. That was the first time that he and Willa met face-to-face.

Mikowsky orchestrated three international competitions after meeting Willa. She participated in all; the pinnacle was a first-place showing at a Carnegie Hall competition in 2009.

At that point, funding fell into place for Willa and in 2010, she began a four-year program for a bachelor’s in music at the Manhattan School of Music with a full scholarship plus living expenses.

Jack and his wife, Paulette, attended Willa’s graduation this past May, when Willa was quoted in a music blog, “Four years ago I never had heard any of this music. All the great symphonies and operas, I am hearing them for the first time and I am just so amazed. I embrace whatever excites and inspires

But because Mikowsky had come from Cuba 35 years earlier, he gave Jack his address. Jack immediately sent the DVDs. When he heard nothing for weeks, he figured he’d done all he could.After about six weeks, however, Jack did hear from Mikowsky who said he’d finally had time to watch the DVD and asked how he could contact Willa. Mikowsky, by the way, is often cited as one of the world’s most sought-after piano teachers for “a magical ability to develop his piano students into artists.”

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me. I don’t hide my enthusiasm for music. I am just in love – you know – with the classical music world!”

earn both her master’s and doctoral degrees, with the goal to perform around the world.

The classical music world is fond of Willa as well. Music reviewer Jacqueline Vanasee wrote: “[Willa’s] got this precious natural sense for rhythm and rubato. She gave a dimension to the music that isolated you and brought you into a scented and warm world, full of color and relief.”

Upon returning from his trip to New York, Jack said, “The partnership between the two churches used in this way makes an incredible difference not only to Willa’s work, but to the classical music world.”

See Willa’s graduation concert on YouTube: http://bit.ly/willaD

After a summer of performing – including a trip to Cuba with Mikowsky – Willa returns to the Manhattan School of Music this fall. She plans to

HABLAS ESPAÑOL? At one end of a small table in a classroom in the Fellowship and Education Building, four ESL (English as a Second Language) students listen intently to the challenges delivered by the three Covenant members seated opposite them. Around the room, charts hand-written on easel paper remind them of the many complexities of the English language: plurals of words ending in ‘y’ and contractions and gerunds and verb endings and on and on.

Tonight they are reviewing how to properly write tenses of irregular English verbs in sentences. The verb at hand is “meet” (met, have met), used in present tense. After a few seconds of silence Sue Roberts, a twinkle in her eye, offers up “The meat in my burger is beef.” Everyone chuckles. The students have progressed beyond that kind of trick.

Sue and fellow long-time Covenant members Frank Sheppard and Linda Rutherford have successfully guided 12 students through a semester of ESL offered at Covenant through Manos de Cristo 8

last fall and spring. Also helping were Billie Faye Grayson and Bob Peterson. This summer, on their own, Frank, Sue and Frank’s wife, Carol, met with five students two evenings a week to keep their skills sharp until they return to classes in the fall.

By that time, Frank said they hope to have as many as two more teams of three Covenant members recruited and trained so they can increase the number of classes to three. It’s a fun, rewarding opportunity, Frank, Carol and Sue agreed.

Knowledge of other languages is helpful but definitely not required. Students in the Covenant classes have enjoyed somewhat better success than those at Manos, he said, and he thinks he knows why: “We don’t speak any Spanish in our classrooms.” It helps that the students at Covenant are at level three. There are 12 levels, and entering the third level means the students know enough English to succeed in class with teachers who know only English. Progression from level to level is determined by tests of spoken proficiency.

Prospective teachers receive two days of training, then manuals guide them step-by-step through the lessons. Class sessions are well structured, but relaxed and friendly. Instructors do a lot of correcting, especially early on, but it’s delivered with a soft, often humorous touch. “We have a whole lot of fun,” Frank said.

The inspiration for ESL at Covenant was Frank’s.

While training to become a lay pastor at the Lay Leadership Institute, he was required to complete a project. Driving through Plano north of Dallas one day, he noticed a large United Methodist Church

building with “ESL and Citizenship Classes” plastered in huge letters on its side.

“I went ‘Aha! This is something we need at Covenant,’” he recalled. He approached Manos, which has offered ESL and other classes for years, and was able to establish Covenant as an alternate training site. (This school year, for the first time, Covenant will be shown on the Manos class schedule.) He also secured an expression of support from the Mission Committee that was endorsed

by Session. Next, he needed to recruit more teachers. He found Sue and Linda by attending VISIONS events and spreading his message.

You, too, can teach ESL and help open doors for immigrants.

Knowing English helps them get GEDs, land better jobs, and better support their children as they progress through school.

And if you are bilingual, you can enable Covenant to give first- and second-level classes, in which instructors need to know the students’ native language. For more information about becoming an ESL teacher, contact Frank at (512) 452-4033 or email frank-sheppard@att.net.

SUBMITTED BY PAUL MOWRY

EMPTY NEST My wife, Lisa, and I are empty nesters. Our oldest daughter, Clara, finished college and works in Dallas.

Our youngest daughter, Emily, worked at camp this

summer and will return to college in August. Both are smart, mature and thoughtful young women.

Also, both were baptized and raised at Covenant: 9

preschool, choir, Sunday school, youth activities and church services.

It’s easy to connect the dots between who Clara and Emily are today and the influence Covenant— their church family—had on their lives. I can’t tell the story of who they are today without remembering how God touched their lives at Covenant.

But wait! I can’t tell the story of who I am today without remembering how God has molded and shaped me through Covenant. (Actually, as some of you know, I’m a work in progress.) George Cladis sermons. Tammy Brown explaining that a 40-yearold guy who just went to church and never picked

up the Bible was in “the pig line.” Being mentored by Jim Singleton. (That will get you out of the pig line.)

Traveling to Cuba with Jack Kern and being blessed by the kindness of our Cuban brothers and sisters.

Learning from Paul Parsons that God forgives and that our job is to accept that forgiveness.

Of course, I can’t tell any of this without remembering how I got to Covenant in the first place. That would be a brief visit with Larry Langley in the men’s bathroom at our law firm in 1987. “Hey Boy, why don’t you all come to Covenant?!” Talk about succinct evangelism.

This year you will hear more about remembering our story and God’s faithfulness through thick and thin. Individually and collectively. But in remembering our stories, we look forward to the future, and our response to God’s faithfulness with our time, talent and treasure. What stories will we tell in ten years? Twenty years? Hopefully I can pass on the blessing that Larry Langley passed on to me. Or have an impact on someone’s child in the same way Clara and Emily were impacted by people at Covenant. Or even mentor someone as Jim Singleton did for me. Heck, I’m an empty nester so I’ve got nothing but time to give.

SUBMITTED BY MATT DOW

JJ’S FIGHT CLUB: COMMUNITY This summer at Covenant, we have heard many sermons on what it means to be a genuine community—a place where we are willing to be vulnerable, share what is truly on our hearts, and 10

know, love, serve and pray for each other as the body of Christ.

During the same period, you may have noticed a strange sight on the church patio, at the annual

all-church picnic and at other Covenant events. Many people have been wearing t-shirts with a “JJ’s Fight Club” logo. What’s that all about? Why are people promoting a “fight club” at church?

If you look closely at the face on that logo, you may recognize our very own JJ Baskin. JJ, Joy and their sons, Ben and Judge, have been active members and leaders at Covenant for more than a decade. We are among many who have been lucky enough to call the Baskins our good friends.

In late April, JJ announced to his friends—at Covenant and beyond—that he had received some surprising and unwelcome news: a cancer diagnosis. Cancer that had spread. This was big and ugly and scary. It’s the kind of news that could easily send even a strong person into isolation or depression. But not the Baskins.

JJ announced that he was going into battle, attacking cancer with all the ammunition medical science has to offer. More importantly, he would attack it with faith, hope, optimism, and the love and support of his friends and family.

JJ asked for words of optimism and hope, and for support and encouragement. In typical Baskin fashion, there was a unique, creative twist—a logo with an attitude. JJ’s Fight Club. An army of people standing and fighting alongside JJ, Joy, Ben and Judge.

A way of showing that they are

not alone. That we are with them.

That they are loved and cared for.

That they are constantly being prayed for. That we have their back. JJ’s Fight Club. A genuine community.

Very quickly, something remarkable happened. With the help of social media, JJ’s Fight Club spread like wildfire. Within days, there were members in all 50 states and in more than 20 countries around the world. The t-shirts, hats and coffee mugs were flying off the shelves to destinations all over the globe.

People started sending pictures proudly wearing or holding their Fight Club gear. People contributed songs, writings, illustrations and photography in addition to cards and notes of support. All this has lifted the spirits of our

friends and helped encourage them in their fight.

On several occasions, groups gathered at Covenant with the Baskins to pray with them. Our youth got involved, delivering reams of handwritten prayers and notes of support, CDs with inspirational music, and many hugs and words of support. We have faced this battle together as a community of faith.

With God’s help, and with the love and support of friends and family, the Baskins have let their extraordinary lights shine. They have approached each day as the gift that it is. They have faced their battles with unbelievable courage and hope. They have constantly updated and uplifted their friends around the world

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They have held onto hope. They have lived out their faith and have shared it freely.

with the latest news, a word of encouragement, and a reassuring picture showing that their spirits are still strong and smiling.

The Holy Spirit has been on the move throughout this story.

People within Covenant and beyond have been inspired by the glow of that incredible, God-given Baskin light. Baskin friends who are not part of a church community have asked questions. (What is the source of this unexpected hope and joy in the midst of such challenges?) Some who have not talked to God in many years have reopened the lines

of communication. Many others have been in prayer much more frequently. God is good. And God can use any situation to bring us closer—to God and to each other.

Whether you know the Baskins or not, you are invited to join JJ’s Fight Club. You can get your gear at this website: www.zazzle.com/ jjsfightclub. JJ, Joy, Ben and Judge will love seeing your picture when you join the club. (And yes, you really can wear a t-shirt to church!)

BY DOUG KILDAY

INTERNATIONAL AID The end of the school year marks a special time for many. For the last nine years, it has meant a big party at the Beseda Ranch for a group of families from all over the world. The women of these families have been part of Navigators, an international interdenominational Christian ministry established to help people come to know Christ and grow in Him as they navigate through life. Longtime Navigators volunteer Doris Beseda works with a group of six women, mostly the wives of international students, who meet weekly during the school year to 12

learn about Christianity and along the way, improve their English.

The end-of-the-year party is a reunion of groups Doris has taught and mentored. About 45 people comprised of former class members and their families celebrated this May. The annual celebration has earned Doris the name “Cow Grandma,” affectionately given by the son of one of her first students. The boy is now nine and although the family has moved to Houston, they come back every year for the event.

Doris was introduced to the Navigators in 2002 when Julie Williams invited her and June Briney to a meeting of the Navigators. At that time, the group met at University Presbyterian Church. That first year, Doris and her co-teacher, Barbara Harrell, had students traveling from far north Austin.

To make it more convenient, the group decided to meet in homes.

Summarizing her years as a Navigators volunteer, Doris said, “The growth of these ladies in the Christian faith is what I

appreciate most about this work.

People don’t look at what you’re wearing. Your smile and how you relate is what matters. It’s rewarding to see how enthusiastic the students are. We help clarify our customs and study the Bible. I know we get more out of it than they do,” Doris said.

Doris recalls the effort that some students have made to get to class. “We had one woman who had very poor English and lived on the third floor of a South Austin apartment. She had a baby. How she would get the stroller down the stairs and to class is beyond me!” Doris said.

The group meets in various homes. The meeting, which runs from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., starts with social time and moves

onto Bible study. “The students read the Bible in English and if things come up that they don’t understand, we translate and then delve into the lesson,” Doris explained.

Navigators’ newest local offering is an accent reduction class. “One of our staff members has a minor in accent reduction. She always prayed to God, ‘Is there a way to use this gift for Your glory?’”

In addition to the Bible study, Covenant helps support Navigators missionaries Karen and Daniel Evans. “Navigators started by reaching out to the military, grew to a campus ministry, and then to international students and overseas ministries,” Daniel said. “Karen and I are part of the international student ministry division. Our focus is making contact with international students at the University of Texas.

We do that through different programs—all include a biblical component.”

Mostly graduate students attend the accent reduction class. They work on sounds for one hour and then have a one-hour Bible discussion to practice new sounds.

“We don’t want students to lose the accents,” Daniel said. “We want them to be understood.”

Navigators has a Friday lunch bunch and a Friday evening gettogether. Interested Covenant members are invited to attend the gatherings and/or help with the classes. Navigators also seeks “friendship partners” for international students. To learn more, contact Daniel at danielevans4@sbcglobal.net.

Daniel joked that Navigators is the perfect ministry for him. “My wife and I are not spring chickens. A campus ministry playing basketball at midnight and eating cold pizza wasn’t something that we could do. But when we got involved with Navigators, first as volunteers in the mid-90s, we fell in love with it.”

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WOMEN STUDY LUKE Lamplighters ladies Bible study will be digging into the gospel of Luke this year, starting in September.

“Luke: Prescription for Life” promises to be one of the richest and most powerful studies yet. Dr. Luke, a gentile and physician, became the best friend of the Apostle Paul. Of the four gospels, his is considered the most historically complete. He featured women prominently throughout his portrayal of Jesus’ life.

Lamplighters combines: • I ndividual inductive Bible study—all you need is you, your Bible, paper, and the Holy Spirit.

• Teaching with weekly lectures—live or on-line.

• Small group discussion and prayer.

This is a great way to study the Word of God for both new and experienced Christians. We learn from the Holy Spirit though each other. New

believers ask the most challenging questions.

Mature believers bring knowledge and wisdom from their ongoing walk with the Lord.

We offer many times, and one might be right for you: • Wednesday mornings 10 a.m.–noon (new time) starting Sept. 10 • Thursdays noon–1 p.m. starting Sept. 11 • Monday evenings 6:30–8 p.m. starting Sept. 14 • Wednesday nights 6–7:15 p.m. starting Sept.17 Our study is schedule-friendly, running early September until mid-November, then January to early April, with a week off for Spring Break. Free childcare and a Lamb’s program for preschoolers are available on Wednesday mornings. For details or to sign up visit lamplightersbiblestudy.com.

BY JULIE BOU

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Save Date the

2014-2015

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PW Austin Cluster Fall Gathering Saturday, August 23, 2014 - 9:00am-1:00pm St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Lane

CROP Walk Sunday, March 1, 2015 Camp Mabry

Fall Kick-Off Brunch “A Reason to Rejoice” Thursday, September 4, 2014 - 10:00am-1:00pm Covenant Presbyterian Church - FEB 200

PW Spring Gathering Girls Getaway Weekend March 20-22, 2015 Mo-Ranch - Hunt, Texas

Girls Night Out Thursday, October 23, 2014 - 6:30-9:00pm Covenant Presbyterian Church - FEB 200

PW Spring Luncheon Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 10:00am-1:00pm Covenant Presbyterian Church - FEB 200

CLERK’S CORNER Although life seems to move at a slower pace during the summer, your Session continued to meet.

We also participated in two events in the life of the larger church. Frank Sheppard, Don Davis and I represented Covenant at the Mission Presbytery meeting in San Antonio on June 6-7. We were a smaller group than Covenant normally sends and based on the size of our membership, Covenant will be allotted 10 ruling elder commissioners for future Presbytery meetings. At the June Presbytery meeting, Don Davis was commissioned to represent Mission Presbytery as one of our delegates to General Assembly. Don traveled to Detroit, studied and voted his conscience on the issues presented there. He gave a report to interested Covenant members on July 9. We appreciate his service to Covenant and to the PC(USA).

At our June meeting, we heard reports from the Congregational Nominating Committee and the Children’s Ministry Search Committee. Both are working to fill Covenant’s interim positions with permanent staff. The congregation elected an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee on Aug. 3.

Also in June, Thomas Daniel’s family joined him in Austin and he was installed as our senior pastor.

The installation was a joyful worship service with Presbytery participation and guest preacher Laura Mendenhall. Thomas invited his wife, Beth, to give him his charge, which she did with the assistance of their daughters, Miriam and Hannah. Be especially welcoming to the Daniels as they get settled.

At our July meeting, we learned the Covenant Foundation extended its dollar-fordollar match of capital gifts to $350,000 in response to the congregation’s gifts that have already exceeded the foundation’s initial $250,000 challenge. The Finance Committee and COO Duane Dube will work with our lender to reduce the debt by at least the amount of the funds raised during the campaign and potentially more.

Session approved Covenant’s wedding policy and took action on the food service ministry. We voted to restore the chef position to full time and to bring back events that had been reduced. We also authorized the creation of an oversight subcommittee and a budget cap to help Covenant be good stewards of this ministry.

We’ve experienced more robust congregations in worship this summer when so many people are traveling due to our three-service worship model.

We’ll begin a team-teaching model on Aug. 31 when we return to four services of worship. In the meantime, enjoy what’s left of your summer.

BLESSINGS,

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

MEN IN THE WORD Hey Men! What are you doing Thursdays at 6 a.m.?

This fall, Men in the Word will be studying the book of Luke. A group of four—Mike Austin, Skip Crowe, Dustin Johnson and Harold Skaggs—will lead the group that meets in FE 200 and wraps up in time for those who need to get to work.

Find out more about Men in the Word – how and when they started and what keeps them going – in the October issue of Cornerstone.

FINANCE REPORT Financial Update

For Period Ended July 31, 2014

GENERAL FUND Revenues Expenses Net Surplus

YTD Actual $ 1,591,812 1,544,886 46,926

BUILDING FUND Total Loan Balance Scheduled Principal Payments YTD Gifts Received (Jan 2014 to present)

YTD Budget $1,531,053 1,651,659 ( 120,606 ) $ 7,329,483 64,066 419,025

Covenant Presbyterian Foundation Matching Program* Member Gifts Received, since inception (October 2013) Foundation Matching Funds Total Matching Program

$ 411,759 350,000 $ 761,759

*Covenant Presbyterian Foundation matched gifts received on a $1 for $1 basis, up to $350,000. The program ended on July 31st, and proceeds will be applied against our loan with Frost Bank. Praise to the Lord for provision through His people! *Loan interest costs are included in General Fund Expenses.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CUBA VBS POTLUCK

Saturday, Aug. 16 5 p.m. at the home of John and Lacy Ruwwe

FIRST WEDNESDAY DINNER, CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AND BOOK STUDY

Wednesday, Sept. 3 FE 200 and FE 300

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Saturdays, all year round 10 a.m. in FE Library CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PARENT MEETING AND NIGHT OUT

WOMEN’S FALL KICK-OFF BRUNCH

Thursday, Sept. 4 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in FE 200 PARTY ON THE PATIO

Friday, Aug. 22 6 – 9 p.m. in FE 300 or Sunday, Aug. 24 9:30 a.m. in FE 300

Sunday, Sept. 7 9 to 11 a.m.

JOURNEY YOUTH CHOIR

Wednesday, starting Sept. 10 6:15 – 7:25 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 24 4:30 – 6 p.m. in SA 112 (Parent meeting -- 5:15 p.m. in Sanctuary)

STUDENT MINISTRY MIDDLE SCHOOL D-GROUPS AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP

AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE

Sunday, Aug. 31

September 18 – 20 Camp Buckner, Marble Falls, Texas contact Jesse White: jwhite16@austin.rr.com

ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS

WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH

Thursday, Sept. 2 7 p.m. in FE 200

Thursday, Sept. 25 – Nov. 13 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

SENIOR ACTIVITIES DAY

VISIONS SENIOR LUNCHEON

Tuesday, Sept. 2 10 a.m. in FE 200

Tuesday, Sept. 26 11:45 a.m. in FE 200 (see story page 5.)

FOUR WORSHIP SERVICES RESUME

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. in FE 100

AUSTIN SAMARITANS GOLF SCRAMBLE

Monday, Sept. 29 Forest Creek Golf Club, Round Rock info@austinsamaritans.org 17

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 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 2014

CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2016

Dianne Erlewine

Dave Ferguson Jack Kern Mary Teeple

Larry Faulkner JoAnne McIntosh Tana Taylor

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