Cornerstone June 2018

June - August 2018 | Ordinary Time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS SENIOR PASTOR Thomas Daniel

{ FROM THE LEAD }

CLERK OF SESSION Melanie Williamson BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Duane Dube

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Pastor's Letter

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Session and Financial Update

{ LIFE }

EDITOR Stephanie Schultz DESIGN AND LAYOUT Noël Kalmus CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elizabeth Christian, Tim Hurst, Kathryn Sedberry, Laura Tuma

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Life Guide

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Institute for Missional Formation

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A Love Letter

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Climate Change: Facts, Fiction and Our Faith

{ COMMUNITY }

PHOTOGRAPHY Noël Kalmus, Jill Noel, Stephanie Schultz, Laura Tuma SPECIAL THANKS TO Paul Mowry, Brian Sparks

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Big Faith

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Joy in Serving

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From Strangers to Friends

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Joy in the Journey

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Circle of Friends

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New Members

{ EVENTS } 25 Calendar

pg. 17

pg. 23

{ FROM THE LEAD}

Don't Stop Looking for God In Romans 4, Paul looks back to the Old Testament and talks about the father of our faith, Abraham, in the following terms: No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what He promised.

–Romans 4:20-21 As we are making our way through the book of Romans this summer, these words of Paul’s are on my mind. Paul is describing a faith that maintains hope and expectation even in the midst of disappointment and setback. This is not a weak or naïve faith. Rather it is one that has seen God at work in the past and trusts that the God who was faithful before will be faithful again. And as our congregation moves through the sweltering summer months, I believe that these verses have something to say to us as well.

Summer is a time when many of us are able to slow down and recover from a busy winter and spring. It may be a season when you will be able to take some time to yourself and get away for a few days. This is important. But remember, even in your time of rest, God does not go on vacation.

God will still be showing up on a daily basis, actively pursuing you, and all those whom you love, just as He has in the past.

My hope is that this summer you will take the posture of Abraham: You will look for God with hope and expectation; you will grow strong in your faith and give glory to God; and God will lead you in new and exciting ways during this season.

Please keep up with our When In Romans sermon series both in worship and online (soundcloud.com/covenant-presbyterian), and in your own study of this magnificent book of the Bible. We look forward to seeing what God has in store!

It is a joy to be on the journey with each and every one of you!

Joyfully,

Thomas Daniel Senior Pastor

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{ FROM THE LEAD}

t the March Session meeting, Covenant’s auditor reported that Covenant received an clean audit report. Our accounting office spent a lot of time making sure the year-end audit went smoothly. Thanks to that group for their hard work.

Session approved Covenant Administrator Duane Dube’s request for $15,000 to pay for a new church software program. The new software will provide enhanced capabilities for managing small groups, discipleship and other ministry areas.

In April, Covenant Presbyterian Foundation (CPF) Chair Megan Poore presented, noting that the Foundation’s board has flexible bylaws about how it stewards the money under its care. Megan said the Foundation would like to work more closely with the Session. Session appointed elders Dustin Johnson and Doug Hartman to work with the Foundation to help figure out the best longand short-term plans. They were tasked to think as far out as 20 years.

DeDe Church, of the Communication and Technology Committee, presented an amended recommendation for screens in the Sanctuary.

Under the new plan, the screens would have eight-inch casings stained to match the wood in the Sanctuary. These casings will be in permanent view but will not block the stained glass cross.

The cost of the proposal was significantly lower than the original plan. Session approved the proposal. Installation of the screens will take place this summer.

In May, Session members spent the majority of the meeting discussing plans for Eaton Hall. Ethan Burris, a member of the task force created to figure out how Covenant members can leverage Eaton Hall to serve and love the city of Austin, gave the group an update on its progress.

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The group has been considering the logistical and financial implications of developing the space into offices that would house people receiving micro-grants from the church to run non-profit businesses. Those receiving loans would be mentored by a church member. Ethan provided lots of information. Session will consider the viability of the plan over the summer and discuss further in late summer or early fall.

Also, during the last few months, the faces on Session have changed. Thanks to Matt Dow, Kelly Dwyer, Jack Kern, Regina Schlotter and Sharyn Westmoreland for their three years of service. We look forward to working with our new Elders: Daniel Campbell, Sara Crawford, Steve Caskey, Bretna Hackert and Michael Knisely.

Financial Update April 30, 2018 General Fund (YTD) Offering Receipts: $511,861 Budgeted Offering: $410,616 Difference: -$101,245 Actual Expenses: $236,264 Budgeted Expenses: $285,793 Difference: -$49,529 Building Fund Total Loan Balance: $1,193,617 Principal Reduction YTD: $10,833

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Session Update

{ {LIFE LIFEGUIDE} GUIDE}

COMMUNITY LIFE GUIDE G

od’s work of redemption in Jesus Christ offers the church a central pattern for ordering worship throughout the year. Grounding our liturgical year around the significant occurrences in the life of Jesus and the people of God, we are provided with a rhythm of seasons around which the church’s worship is influenced.

We are currently in the season of Ordinary Time—the last and longest season in the liturgical year. Falling between Pentecost and Advent, Ordinary Time should not be considered “common” or ”mundane,” but rather a season to celebrate our role as the church in the ongoing work of Christ in the world.

Heavenly Father Your call never comes to us in a vacuum; It comes to us in the circumstances of our ordinary lives.

Therefore our response cannot be given only in the privacy of our own minds; it must overflow into our daily lives.

You call us through our family, through our community of Church, and through the world.

The season of Ordinary Time provides us with an opportunity to focus on the mission of the church in the world and specifically on how God calls each of us to be part of that mission.

It is a time to reflect on our sense of vocation and calling, and to think about the ways we are uniquely called to mission and to follow Jesus wherever we live, work and play.

Help me to see that when I say no

Our vocation is not a goal we pursue, but a calling that we hear. In her podcast “Ordinary Time,” Jenn Giles Kemper says that vocation is accepting the treasure of true self that you already possess. “Think of vocation as a voice that you naturally have, a part of your true self, the way God has uniquely gifted you to serve the church. That takes on many different expressions.”

of self

Kemper says that throughout our lives, we see the same threads for our vocation. They just show up differently.

to the legitimate requests of my family, my community, or my world, I say no to You. You have ordained that whatever advances the true progress of the Church and of the world, is my way of saying yes to your call.

May I take advantage of the daily opportunities that You place at my disposal to answer your call affirmatively.

- New Saint Joseph People’s Prayer Book

May this season of Ordinary Time provide a rich reflection of the unique ways in which God equips each of us to be part of His kingdom work.

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{ LIFE GUIDE}

SOLITUDE Daily Devotion

Solitude is not so much about being by oneself as it is about paying attention to oneself. The demands of our busy lives make it increasingly difficult to carve out time to pay attention to our lives in the company of the Holy Spirit.

Spend time in scripture this summer with Covenant’s Daily Devotion email, which arrives in your inbox each morning. Subscribe at

covenant.org/dailydevo.

COMMUNITY

Check out our summer book recommendations and podcasts, which feature special guests. Find these resources at

covenant.org/readyourbible.

No one has ever been invited to follow Jesus alone. Following Jesus involves learning to be in relationship with everyone else whom Jesus invites. In community with one another, we discover opportunities to grow in our practices of faith, hope and love.

Mom’s Group

Middle School Pool Parties

Summer Sunday School

Mothers meet during the summer for informative presentations, to share parenting ideas and provide general support for each other.

First and third Mondays at 9:30 a.m. beginning June 4 in SA 114.

Dinner and fellowship at Covenant members’ homes; June 6, 13, 27; and July 11 and 18, 6:30-8 p.m. Contact Whitney Bell at

Caravan, FE 104 (Parlor), 9:30 a.m. Multi-generational, discussion-based Bible study.

Contact Daniel Campbell at

Summer air-conditioned playdates in the Gym Wednesday or Thursday, 9:3011:30 a.m.; June 6, 20 and 28; July 5, 11, 19 and 25; and Aug. 2, 8 and 16. Contact Katie McFarlane,

kates46@msn.com.

Reel Ministry Join us at Alamo Drafthouse Village for three Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, at 6 p.m. in our own reserved theater. We’ll watch films on topics such as moral courage, forgiveness, love, faith, grace and redemption. R.S.V.P. to

ksedberry@covenant.org.

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Summer Educational Resources

wbell@covenant.org.

dcampbell@endeavor-re.com.

High School Summer Nights

Developing Healthy Relationships, FE 107, 9:30 a.m. Multigenerational group that reads and discusses material on positive living. Contact Don Zappone at dzappone@grandecom.net

Meet at Covenant then head out on the town for fun and fellowship; June 3, 10, 24; and July 1 and 15, 6:30-8 p.m.

Youth Movie Night 6-12th graders enjoy a night at Alamo Drafthouse Village; July 22, 6:30 p.m.

“Shipwrecked” Vacation Bible School, June 11-15 Children learn about the Bible by participating in fun activities.

Adults and older kids volunteer.

For more information, visit covenant.org/childrens-ministry.

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Young Adults, FE 103, 9:30 a.m. Study and discuss the Bible. Contact Joe Muck at

thaimuck@gmail.com.

{ LIFE { LIFE GUIDE} GUIDE}

Following Jesus always involves being sent with a mission to the world. The form of Christ’s mission in the world is one of service.

SERVICE Austin Voices for Education and Youth

Drive-Thru Prayer

Street Youth Ministry

Mentor a Webb Middle School student this fall. Commitment is to have lunch with your student once a week during the school year. Contact Julie Weeks, (512) 797-4847 or jweeks@austinvoices.org.

Aug. 20-24, 7-9 a.m. Be part of this powerful ministry that offers prayer to commuters. Volunteers are needed to hold signs or pray with commuters in our parking lot. Visit deidox.org/austin/offering to see DTP in action. Contact Joe Skraba at jsskraba@gmail.com.

Summer needs include: adult shorts, boxers, belts, canned food, bug spray, sunscreen, flip-flops, household cleaning supplies, reusable water bottles and backpacks. Drop off at Covenant Hall.

Drive-A-Senior West Austin

Refugee Ministry Gift cards to Target, Walmart, HEB or Ross provide much-needed essentials to our refugee families.

For financial donations, make checks payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church with the designation “Covenant Refugee Ministry.” Contact Jennifer Wood at

Volunteers serve the needs of older adults by driving them to the doctor, store or other errands so they can continue to live in their own homes. Drivers are needed. Choose your own hours. Contact Kit Chenault at

cchenault@austin.rr.com.

jenniferhwood@gmail.com.

streetyouthministry.org.

Contact terry.cole@gmail.com.

Movin’ & Groovin’ Summer is a great time to declutter and reorganize. Donate furniture and household items to this ministry that serves families exiting homelessness.

Volunteers needed for Saturday deliveries. Contact Jim Troiano at

movinmission@gmail.com.

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{ LIFE GUIDE}

“I

t’s very simple,” Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Jill Williams said when describing the Institute for Missional Formation (IMF) cohort journey that Covenant started two years ago.

“We’ve been meeting in small groups to figure out how to do the work of following Jesus in our very ordinary lives with some other men and women in ways that will cause us to grow.”

Jill was one of six Covenant representatives in the first cohort launched with two other churches in September 2016. The program added another 17 Covenant members in September 2017. Covenant is expanding the program even more. This coming fall, as many as more Covenant members will join cohorts.

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The Idea is Born

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rian Wallace, Executive Director, Fuller Formation Groups, developed the idea as part of his Doctor of Ministry project at Fuller Seminary. Wallace did much research on Christian leaders, trying to answer questions about people’s growth: What has shaped you? What has enabled you to continue to be a disciple of Jesus, and have health and vitality in your own spiritual formation?

How do people grow?

Brian kept returning to the belief that these people had three regular practices and though they were not exactly alike for everybody, they all included time for solitude, regular meetings with a group that included at least an annual retreat, and going out to serve.

Getting behind Wallace’s idea, Fuller invited three churches to participate in a pilot program.

Covenant was one of the churches involved. Jill, along with pastors Thomas Daniel and Jon Wasson, Associate Director of Discipleship Kathryn Sedberry, and Harold and Jan Skaggs spent a year meeting periodically with leaders from Lakeway Church and Grace Covenant of Houston.

Cornerstone | June - August | Ordinary Time

“We were one of three churches to get involved in this Fuller initiative and the results have been incredibly exciting,” Thomas Daniel said. “The first step in this program was for six staff and lay leaders to go through a year-long formation process that has included several retreats, a monthly small group meeting and engaging a basic curriculum. The six of us were unified that what we experienced needed to be encouraged throughout our congregation.”

Fuller’s Wallace explained: “We believe the regeneration of the church relies on the formation of all God’s people to take their place in the kingdom work of God—and that this happens at the intersection of worship, community, mission and vocation. Our Church Formation Groups accomplish this by providing spiritual formation and mentorship for a church’s key leaders, with contextualized coaching to help them extend that formation throughout their entire congregation.”

The Practice

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ach retreat focused on a different spiritual formation practice,” Kathryn said. “One was listening to God and to each other. One was finding our calling. We do the practices and have assignments between retreats that reinforced the practice.”

“It’s a community of practice,” Jill said. “We try things on. We try those practices. It might be a twohour time of solitude, it might

{ LIFE} be listening practices, or spending time in scripture, confession and forgiveness.”

“Our meetings were just circles of chairs, and talking,” Jill continued. “The first year with other churches was precious, but the second year with Covenant members participating in our first cohort has been even more precious. We loved going through it with other churches, but we don’t ever see them. Now we are doing this with people we share life with. I know this is really impacting some of the 17. It’s not flashy, we are just figuring out how to live out our commitment to scripture, listen to the Lord and talk about the fundamentals of faith.

Moving Forward

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homas explained the goal of the program is to form people to live as missional disciples in the 21st century while Christianity continues to be pushed further and further to the margins of our society.

“Members of the cohort journey together to deepen their relationship with God and to discover how God is calling them to be part of His mission in the world,” Jon Wasson said.

Beginning in September, more Covenant members will spend a year devoting time and energy to IMF retreats, small groups and curriculum. The number trained will continue to expand. “We are still figuring out the other ways we will offer this to our members,” Kathryn Sedberry said. “We want everyone to be able to take advantage of this opportunity.”

For questions about cohort groups, visit covenant.org/imfcohort or email imfcohort@covenant.org.

“I

f someone told me I would get to spend a year growing spiritually, I don’t know that I would have anticipated it being so much fun,” said Megan Poore, one of the 17 Covenant members who participated in an IMF Cohort in 2017-2018. “But the past several months have been wonderful. I’ve benefited from closer Christian community, I’ve developed more of a longing to know Christ and feel much more comfortable in my prayer life, too. To go through a purposeful process for growing spiritually has been absolutely wonderful.”

Megan, full-time financial advisor, mother and volunteer extraordinaire at Covenant, likes to know exactly what she is signing up for when she commits to something. So, when Covenant asked her to be in the cohort, she asked several questions.

“The time involvement has been pretty close to what I was led to believe. Sometimes people tend to give you a best-case scenario on timing and then you start the project and realize it will be a lot more involved. However, the time I’m spending on this does not often feel like ‘work.’

It’s been a blessing to do my homework and get to know the people in my small group. All of it seems to be leading to a single purpose—growing us each spiritually.”

Megan explained that a cohort takes participants through several different spiritual practices, giving each the opportunity to learn from others in our Covenant community about how they listen to God. “It is a wonderful chance to meet people, deepen relationships and learn to better serve Christ in your daily life,” Megan said.

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{ LIFE}

What to Do Should I Predecease You

by Elizabeth Christian

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longtime Covenant Presbyterian member—who wants to stay anonymous—recently wrote a love letter to his wife. This note was not hearts and flowers, it was not sentimental language, but it spoke “I love you” louder than anything imaginable.

The letter was a list of things his wife should do if the husband dies first. Not an easy conversation, but one we all should consider having. With the author’s permission, I share his checklist below.

1

Get Death Certificates

You will need to provide death certificates to be able to transfer ownership of accounts or access survivor benefits. You would obtain these from the funeral home or the crematorium. Make sure you order enough (probably eight or 10) original death certificates as some organizations will not accept copies.

You also want to know how long it will take to receive the certificates.

Without the certificates “in hand,” you may not be able to do some of the items below.

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Contact Social Security

The Social Security card of the deceased (number xxx-xx-xxxx) is located in _________. Contact Social Security in Austin (800-772-1213) to stop monthly Social Security benefits for the deceased and start monthly survivor benefits for the spouse.

{ LIFE}

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File Life Insurance Claim

Contact the deceased’s life insurance company to obtain the benefits. The original of the policy is located in ___________.

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Follow Up on Investment Assets and Bank Accounts

Location, account numbers and where they are held: ______________________________.

Have them transferred into solely your name.

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Contact Employer or Previous Employer of the Deceased

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Report the death of the deceased. Determine if there are surviving spouse pension payments and/or a life insurance benefit.

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For single filers the exemption is $250,000.

Find how to stop long-term care coverage for the deceased. Check to see if there is any refund.

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Location of the key: __________ Safe deposit box number : ___________

Decide Whether We/You Sell the House

Married couples filing jointly can exclude $500,000 of profit on the sale of their home.

Keep in mind that the basis “resets” upon death of the first spouse—talk to your accountant to be sure you’ve got current information.

Call the Long-Term Care Insurer

Check the Safe Deposit Box

Location of home, auto, life and long-term care policies: _____________________.

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Contact the Deceased’s Health Insurers

Determine how to terminate the deceased’s medical, drug, eye and dental charges.

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Follow Up on Insurance Policies

Profit = sales price - (original cost + all improvements + cost of selling).

This is worthy of a conversation before the first spouse passes on.

We hope you find this helpful. If you do, visit covenant.org/foundation to download your own checklist template and walk through it with your loved ones. Read every word how it’s meant to be read—infused with love.

For more information about Covenant Presbyterian Foundation, visit covenant.org/foundation or contact Duane Dube or any Trustee: Elizabeth Christian, Everard Davenport, Larry Faulkner, Megan Poore, Helene Maham, Kristin Schell and Scott Ream.

{ COMMUNITY}

Climate Change: Facts, Fiction and Our Faith

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exas Tech University Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe shared her views on climate change with a large Covenant crowd in April. Katharine said climate change is not an environmental issue. “Climate change is a humanitarian issue; it is an issue of loving our neighbor, of loving others as Christ loves us.”

Katharine was focused not on the right or left of the topic, but on the “crucial conversation to learn how our faith informs our being and how God might be calling us to address cultural and political issues that are bearing down on us.”

Or, in the words of Jill Williams when she preached on Earth Day, “We need to figure out what it means to steward God’s good creation as Christians.”

Is global warming real?

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atharine said the favorite question she is asked is ‘Do you believe in global warming?’ “My answer usually surprises people. I say, ‘no, I don’t believe in it, it’s not some type of religion.’”

She explained that faith is the substance of things we hope for, the evidence of things we don’t see. Science is the opposite. It is the substance of what is here and now, the evidence of what we can observe.

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But it’s cold outside!

T

o get to the bottom of the global warming question, you have to research if the climate is indeed changing. Climate is the long-term average of weather over 20 to 30 years. To see changes, one has to add up temperature, rainfall and wind every single day of the year for at least 20 years, and then determine if the long-term average is changing.

Katharine pointed out what is happening in God’s creation: “Heat waves are more frequent, more water is available, glaciers are melting, hurricanes are getting stronger. All kinds of evidence show that it is getting warmer.”

Katharine said there are more than 26,000 indicators of a warming planet. Climate scientists don’t automatically think humans are causing it. They study all the natural reasons why climate changes.

Could it be the sun? If the temperature is going up and the energy from the sun is also increasing, then the earth is getting warmer because of the sun.

But over the long-term, the sun’s energy is decreasing. Katharine said the sun might be going into a minimum period. According to the sun, it should be getting cooler.

{ LIFE} Could it be natural cycles?

Throughout history, the earth’s climate has warmed and cooled in cycles because of changes in the earth’s orbit, ocean currents and other natural forces. Katharine said natural cycles operate according to strict rules. They can’t just create energy out of nothing. If the air is getting warmer, that heat has to be coming from somewhere. Scientists know it’s not coming from the earth’s core. The only other place it can get heat is the ocean. The atmosphere’s heat content is going up while the heat content of the ocean has gone up 20 times more.

Scientists say a natural cycle could not cause the dramatic changes we have seen since the 1970s.

After answering all those questions, Katharine concluded, “Yes, our climate is changing and it looks like it’s us.”

Does it matter?

T

he number one reason climate change matters is because it takes all of the natural risks that we already have and basically puts them on steroids. Katharine said, “Our droughts are getting stronger.

Our heavy rain events are more frequent. Climate change is taking our extremes and stretching them.

It takes the natural risks we already face and makes them worse.”

Climate change has many negative effects: contaminated water, flooding, polluted air and our health. These changes then affect our economy, our agriculture and our food, our insurance rates—all kinds of aspects of our lives and the places we live. These issues disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable people.

Could it be the orbit of the earth around the sun? Over the last 6,000 years, we were actually starting to gradually cool and we are currently in a rather cool orbital phase. Scientists predicted that another ice age was coming … until something happened.

“So, it’s not the sun, it’s not natural cycles, it’s not earth’s orbit and it’s not volcanoes; they actually cool the earth. Now we consider: What if it were humans?” Katharine said.

“The reason I care about climate change is because it affects all the other things I care about so much.

God has created us to be people to love others as we have been loved and part of that is to make sure others are not suffering. We as Christians need to care most about this issue because it relates directly to what God has made us to be.”

Humans are pumping more carbon dioxide into the world. This is important because our planet already has a blanket made up of naturally recurring heats and gasses that keeps it 60 degrees F warmer than it would be without it. Katharine said, “The problem is that by digging up and burning coal and oil, we are wrapping another blanket around the planet. That’s why it’s running a fever.”

What can we do?

K

atharine said the most important thing we can do is to talk about climate change. “We can speak from the heart, not the head,” she said. “We can talk about why we care, how it connects to our hearts and then talk about what we can do together to fix it.

“Caring about God’s creation—people and other living things—is not something you only care about if you are liberal, it’s who we are as Christians because God has given us responsibility over this planet,” Katharine said. “We are here to love others as we love ourselves.

Caring for the planet is a general expression of our faith, the faithful acceptance of our responsibility, and a true expression of God’s love.”

Katharine offered many resources to find ways to help. Visit covenant.org/hayhoe to find them.

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{ COMMUNITY} This spring I followed him on social media and noticed that he was constantly using his large social media presence to give glory to God and be a light in a dark place. He would tweet out Bible verses and point people to Christ. I really loved what he was doing on and off the court, so I felt God calling me to reach out to him and ask if he would like to come to youth group.”

James’ height (he’s 6’10”) matches his big personality and large social media presence, and he quickly agreed to come to the Wednesday night meeting. He came early enough to eat with the kids, and then hit the gym.

“Kids slowly started to shoot around with him. He connected with a few kids and then I suggested we play knock-out,” Whitney said. “Our goal was to knock him out. He’s not a great perimeter shooter, but every time he missed, he dunked it on his next shot. He did win!”

C

ovenant Student Ministries intern Jake Pluenekke had a goal to bring a special guest to Youth Group sometime during the second semester. Student Ministries Associate Director Whitney Bell told Jake, “Put it together. Just tell me who is coming and when.”

On a Wednesday night in April, Jake brought University of Texas (UT) Basketball player James Banks. “I am a huge sports fan!” Jake said.

“Basketball is my favorite sport so I follow the UT basketball team closely and knew who James was. I also lived in the athletes’ dorm freshman year and loved talking to the basketball players. I really enjoyed James’ big personality.

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James worshiped with the group, talked about his story and his faith, and then he opened it up for questions. He answered questions for over 30 minutes! Kids asked James about being on the basketball team, how his faith played into his decision making, what advice he would give kids who want to play a sport in college and much more.

James said he calls his mom every morning and they pray together. When asked about his hardest moments, James told the kids, “ I kinda liked the bumps because they make me rely more on God.” Jake was thrilled with James’ visit. “He blew any expectation I had out of the water! It was so fun watching him interact with the kids as he played basketball and just got to know them. His talk was incredible. I loved that he encouraged all our students to be bold in their faith. He had so many different Bible verses memorized and was a great public speaker. “

{ LIFE GUIDE}

Marjon Ahmadian, Jake Pluenekke, Billy Streu, James Banks, Whitney Bell and Trey Warren enjoy an evening of faith and basketball.

Whitney agreed. “It was awesome because James didn’t play basketball until he was a sophomore and then he was a substitute for the JV team. He improved and got to go to the playoffs with the varsity team. After they lost, he decided he wanted to start varsity the next year. It’s not like this kid was really amazing from the start. He had to work.”

James was a great guest and was excited to come back and help at other events. The bad news is that he is transferring to another school in the fall. Regardless, his visit was memorable for the kids. “Typically the Wednesday after Easter is crickets, and we had 60 kids,” Whitney said. “It was fun for them to welcome and appreciate James, and especially fun to see Billy look short.”

Though we may not see James again, Jake’s not done inviting new faces to Student Ministries meetings. “I have tons of ideas for other special guests! I have many other friends on the baseball, basketball and football teams so keep your eyes open for our next special guest.”

By Stephanie Schultz Director of Communications

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joy in serving I

t’s Saturday night and most college kids are going out. Not Angela Dunlap. The Texas State University (TSU) senior routinely gets up at 5:30 a.m. and Sunday is no different. She’s up at (or before) the crack of dawn, often making a 45-minute trip from San Marcos to Covenant, where she is a caregiver for the JOY Ministry.

Cindy Young, a pediatric physical therapist, started Covenant’s JOY Ministry in 2011. The JOY Ministry matches a volunteer “buddy” with a special needs child, making it possible for the child to attend and participate more fully in Sunday school. At the same time, the parents are able to attend worship together without worrying about their child.

Angela’s route to being a part of JOY Ministry was through the Covenant Preschool and Child’s Day Out program. Texas State required that she intern at a preschool. She and a TSU friend both interned

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at Covenant. Because they loved their required two days here, they often came to help a third day.

“I worked with Ms. Jean (5’s teacher Jean Pravednikov). She is wonderful and so upbeat,” Angela said.

“I loved everything she taught and how she taught it, especially how she emphasized social skills, and the way she taught empathy and kindness. She’d have the children talk to each other about their conflicts. I think preschool kids should focus more on that. Ms. Jean inspired me to really want to teach preschool.”

After her internship, Angela returned to the preschool to help with water day and graduation. Her enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. Children and Family Ministries Director (and former Preschool Director) Christy Milam loved Angela’s passion, and she asked if she would be interested in helping with the JOY Ministry.

{COMMUNITY}

“The ministry is so great because the parents get to enjoy church.

Their child is with someone they trust and know and have contact with. The system is great and so forward thinking; it’s so accepting and inclusive.”

“Angela was such a wonderful intern. I didn’t know if she’d be willing to drive from San Marcos on Sunday mornings—that’s a lot to ask of a college student—but she was excited to help and she’s been such a blessing to the JOY Ministry,” Christy said.

Angela’s first buddy was Micah, who has autism. “As soon as I got paired with Micah, I got a bunch of books on autism so I could know I was doing what was best for him.” She brought scratch and sniff books, trying to find things that would make reading more interesting. “I went in thinking I’d be so prepared for my first day with Micah. I have learned so much more being with him than I ever will learn from reading a book.”

enant activities. This program is one of the ways that we are able to serve the family as a whole and are getting to fill the spirits of all God’s children.”

The ministry is always looking for volunteers. “We are frequently approached by new visitors who are trying to find a church community that can accommodate their children, so our need for more buddies continues to grow,” Christy said.

To learn more about the JOY Ministry or to volunteer, contact Cindy Young at cl1rt@aol.com

JOY Ministry 101

P

rogram founder Cindy Young said that early in her life, God placed a passion on her heart for children and specifically children with special needs. In addition to her job, she also felt called to create the JOY Ministry. “Many families with special needs children struggle to attend church as a family. Without this assistance in the Sunday school setting, these kids miss out on the chance to learn about God’s love and develop friendships within the church community.

The two have a nice relationship.

“We just clicked right away,” Angela said, expressing surprise at how willing he was to be close to her.

The two have been paired since Angela started helping, and she has babysat for Micah and older brother Eli. “Micah and Eli are so smart and a couple of great boys.

Their parents have raised them so well. I want to know how they did it. The boys are so well-rounded.

“These are the people that I love to help because they deserve to have their Sunday at church with no worries,” Angela said.

“We work closely with the parent and the volunteer to make sure we have a good match. Support and training is provided specific to each child,” Cindy said.

Robbin Marroquin, Micah’s mother, appreciates Angela. “She’s so patient and has been so good with Micah. We’re thankful for her and the friendship she and Micah have.”

Christy Milam said, “It’s such an honor to be able to support the parents, giving them time to fill their cups in worship and Cov-

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16

From Strangers to Friends

J

ennifer Wood attended the first meeting of the Refugee Welcome Ministry alone, but it wasn’t long before her whole family became involved.

“At that first meeting, the leaders said they needed men to get involved. I told Charlie and he was willing to help.”

So Jennifer, her husband Charlie, and their twin (now) 13-year-old sons Sam and Hudson set up an apartment for an incoming family. Then, the four went to the airport to greet the new family’s arrival and took the family to their new apartment.

It was an eye-opening trip for the Woods. “The boys were like, wow!” Jennifer described later.

“The (refugee) son was crying the whole time because he was so homesick. The husband spoke English and Charlie sympathized that he knew what it was like to have unhappy kids.”

The next day, Jennifer and Charlie drove the family to do many of the bureaucratic things required to get them situated in the U.S., like visiting the Social Security office. The family had a sick baby and had to go to the doctor.

“We saw how difficult their life was.They were dropped off in this country and were relying on us to show them how to do things. I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh! What would you do if you didn’t have somebody like us helping you to do this?’”

According to Caritas of Austin, refugees experience drastic culture differences and must learn new ways of grocery shopping, interacting with public safety professionals and navigating transportation.

Many families new to America have friends from their home countries in Austin, and this first family the Woods met had a friend from Afghanistan.

“That friend did so much to help them.

He helped the husband to get a job and get a car. Very quickly, that family found their group. They moved from a terrible apartment into another community where they had friends.

“We called them about nine months after we helped with their initial needs. We went by at Christmas to drop off some food and Christmas treats. They were doing great. It was so awesome to see.”

The Caritas website indicated that scenario is realistic. “Within eight months, the majority of refugees are living self-sufficiently and are no longer eligible for SNAP, Medicaid or other assistance programs. Additionally, every refugee who is at least

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{ COMMUNITY} kids. We don’t have any young cousins or little kids around so it’s really cool when we spend time with these families and to see how the boys have stepped up.”

18-years old must repay the U.S. government for their plane ticket, further reducing their economic footprint.”

Friends

When the Wood family spends time with their new friends, they usually do outdoor activities. “So often, the kids are stuck in an apartment, which is often small, cramped and not very bright,” Jennifer said. “We go to the park and the boys have fun throwing the ball. We’ve taken families to Zilker and ridden the train. We’ve gone to Bull Creek and had families over to our house.”

J

ennifer said she and her family have gotten close to four families, and have gotten to know one family in particular much better.

She said the awkwardness of being new friends, especially from such different backgrounds, is gone.

Sam and Hudson see the kids and talk like old friends.

“The first time we met with the families, we were strangers; the second time, we were friends,” Sam said. “The kids were already using middle school kid phrases. Ambrose wears football jerseys for the Cowboys and UT.”

Transitions

I

n the past year, changing regulations have slowed the flow of people coming into the U.S. “We are now spending more time mentoring and doing the kinds of things that help the families get settled here,” Jennifer said.

Seeing her boys respond so positively has been especially fun.

“The boys were kinda interested in helping in the beginning and it was fun to set up the apartment. But it’s been such a nice surprise to see how they take care of the younger

While some families acclimate quickly due to friends and a grasp of the English language, others are unprepared for what it means to live in a First World society. “Some of our families have a really hard time. They really need people to mentor them and teach them. Even things like how important it is to be on time in our country. Sometimes, it’s the stuff we teach our kids,” Jennifer said.

“Charlie does a really good job with the men,” Jennifer said. “They really like to have other men to talk to. It’s good for them to be around American men to see how

they handle things and to bounce ideas off of them.”

Charlie enjoys helping. “With Islamic families, the men are dealing with women being in charge of more things and having more freedoms—like driving the car,” Charlie explained. “It’s good to have men as role models to help the men get comfortable with all the changes.

“It’s so moving to be part of this ministry,” Charlie said. “It goes from being an abstract idea to being real people—parents with kids.”

As the ministry transitions, it will do so under a new leader. Jennifer has taken the reins from Ann Brown, who has led the group since it was launched in 2011.

The ministry is Ann’s baby,” Jennifer said. “She’s done so much. Ann is the first person most of these families call when there’s any kind of emergency.”

Jennifer is quick to recognize and thank many other Covenant members who have played a large role in the ministry. She is eager to continue working with them and the refugee families.

“It’s always good to have more volunteers,” Jennifer said. “We need people who can walk with the refugees. They are from a completely different world. You don’t realize how difficult it can be and what a difference you can make.”

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, contact Jennifer at jenniferhwood@gmail.com.

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{ COMMUNITY}

Joy in the

JOURN EY

by Tim Hurst

I

was inspired when Thomas Daniel thanked the Journey Choir and Stacy Curtis for their contribution to worship.

Thomas said worship is akin to laughter because it lights us up. That is the experience I have when the Journey Choir and all the children’s choirs sing in our worship services.

Our youth bring a special brightness to worship when they sing. I love seeing the commitment it takes for each person to put all they have into their songs. When I think of the world they face each day, I salute them for their courage to grow healthy and productive lives. I see each of them growing in that courage as they sing the scriptures, the affirmations, the prayers and the confessions drawn from the rich traditions of the early church.

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I can hardly contain my joy as I watch them grow throughout the year. Every time our youth sing, it is an inspiring graduation ceremony for me, and I have to keep myself from jumping to my feet and cheering at the top of my lungs.

And like a graduation, each young person goes back into a challenging world. My worship is centered around prayers for each one of them—whatever age, asking for their continued courage and growth in understanding all that is available through the Holy Spirit.

Their songs are a practice in making a clear statement of the hope of Christ in our lives. I thank them for sharing that hope with us.

Journey Choir is also an important part of the mission of our church. Many young people have been inspired to join a friend in the delight of being in their choir.

The choir travels to different states where they encourage Christians and young people who do not know Christ. The sincerity and courage of teens sharing themselves brings adults to tears and perks up the ears of young people in difficult situations.

Each young person has his or her own faith story. As Journey members, they have an opportunity to share it in song and to sometimes share it with our church.

Journey’s importance as leaders of worship was evident when Pastor Thomas gave us permission to show our gratitude. The roar in the church was deafening.

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{ COMMUNITY}

A

Circle of Friends

by Laura Tuma

few weeks ago, women from my Covenant Group spent the weekend at a group member’s country house near Hico. Was it a girls’ getaway, a spiritual retreat or both? You decide.

We forgot about our diets, stayed up late talking and laughing, and sat around in our PJs. We also prayed, studied scripture, meditated, shared joys and heartaches, and discussed where we see God moving (or seek to see Him) in our lives. We returned home filled to overflowing with good food, friendship and gratitude for God’s gifts.

This was the fourth consecutive year we’ve had a women’s retreat in Hico.

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We’ve also made several trips with singles and couples to a family’s ranch near Mission Valley.

The locations and makeups of the retreats have varied, but in every case, our relationships and trust have grown stronger, and as a result, so has our commitment to sharing our lives in small group.

The core of our small group has been together for more than a decade.

Over time, we added new members and outgrew our identity as a “small” group.

Last year, we divided into two groups for the purpose of weekly meetings.

Members of both groups are invited for retreats.

{ LIFE GUIDE} We started going away together well before Covenant began emphasizing how retreats contribute to our individual and collective spiritual development. But we can attest that retreating together promotes healthy relationships and spiritual growth, no matter how long you have been together.

My small group was together for years before we committed to a weekend retreat. We all had busy lives, job commitments, children to raise—you get the idea. We didn’t have time to go away and we weren’t very motivated to make time. Perhaps we never would have been.

that we will make time to get away together at least once a year.

During our recent retreat, we visited St. Olaf Kirke, a historic church about 30 minutes away in Cranfills Gap. We spread out in the sanctuary and spent time in guided meditation, visualizing ourselves in the presence of Jesus as we worked through Psalm 23.

Fortunately for us, Dori Ross’s father built a home large enough to accommodate his five children and their families. Dori graciously opened the “Rossienda” to our group and once there, we were hooked. Now, there’s no question

Here are a few lessons we’ve learned and tips to consider when you’re planning a small group retreat.

The time spent together over a weekend roughly equals the time you’ll see one another in small group in six months.

It is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships without keeping an eye on the clock!

A getaway should give people the opportunity to spend time together or to walk, nap, read, pray or otherwise have private time. It doesn’t qualify as a retreat if every hour is scheduled or has a deliverable.

The meditation encouraged us to gather pebbles that represented our worries and concerns, and then, with Jesus at our side, toss them into a cleansing stream.

The whole weekend served that purpose for me. I came home lighter, relieved of burdens, and even more certain of Jesus’s presence with me and this wonderful circle of friends.

Unstructured time frees people to release the burdens and cares of their daily routines and focus on the relationships right in front of them. It’s much easier to have meaningful conversations when you’re not rushing out to pick up the kids.

By definition, a retreat needs a spiritual component, but it doesn’t have to be led by a ministry professional. Covenant offers plenty of resources that can jumpstart your study or discussion. A retreat is not about gaining head knowledge but about digging into faith more deeply.

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{ COMMUNITY}

!

S R E B M E M W E N O L L HE

Terry and Deeia Beck

Rob Bishop

Mary Lou Clayton

Derron Clements

Sarah and Josh Condon

Georganna Swenson and Jo Day

Laura Dixon and Royce Poinsett

Kathy Lento

23 Cornerstone | June - August | Ordinary Time

Chris and Merritt Manuel

Josh McConnell

Bobby and Ashley Seals

Sandy Olmstead

Bruce and Katherine Tendall

Brian and Emily Ross

Marnie Wheeler

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{ EVENTS}

JULY

JUNE 3

TUE

VISIONS Activities Day 10 a.m. in FE 200

6th Grade Welcome Party 9:30 a.m. in FE 400

8-13

SUNFRI

High School Mission Trip Houston, TX

SUN

Children’s Summer Programming Starts 9:30 a.m. in FE 300

11,18 and 25

MON

Reel Ministry 6 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse Village

3

SUN

Kids@11 for 4 years old thru 1st grade, 11 a.m in FE 300

22

SUN

3

SUN

Youth Summer Programming Starts 9:30 in FE 300

Student Ministry Movie Night 6:30 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse Village

4

MON

Student Ministry—Float the Comal River 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

5

TUE

VISIONS Activities Day 10 a.m. in FE 200

3

SUN

Graduation Day for all Students

3

SUN

3

Vacation Bible School Meeting THUR All first-time and youth helpers 6:30 p.m. in FE 200

7

11-15 1822

8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. in FE 300 Tuesday, May 29 – Friday, June 1 Tuesday, June 5 – Friday, June 8 Tuesday, June 19 – Friday, June 22 Tuesday, June 26 – Friday, June 29

MON- Vacation Bible School FRI 9 a.m. to noon, FE 200 TUE

Middle School Mission Trip Oklahoma City, OK

High School Summer Nights June 3, 10, 24 and July 1 Meet at the church, 6:30-8 p.m.

Middle School Pool Parties June 6, 13 and 27; July 11 and 18 6:30 - 8 p.m. covenant.org/student-min

25

Preschool Summer Camp

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Air Conditioned Play Dates 9:30 -11:30 a.m. in FE 400 June 6, 20 and 28 July 5, 11, 19 and 25 Aug. 2, 8 and 16

{ EVENTS}

AUGUST 17 OR 26

FRI OR SUN

Sunday School Parent Orientation 6 p.m. (Friday), 10:30 a.m. (Sunday)

19

SUN

Four Worship Services Resume

19

SUN

Backpack Blessings and Teacher Commissioning in Worship

2024

MON- Drive-Thru Prayer FRI 7 to 9 a.m. in the parking lot

25

SAT

Preschool Work Day

26

SUN

Journey Rehearsals Start

29

WED

Wednesday Night Dinners and Programming Start 5 p.m. in FE 200

29

WED

Children’s Choirs Start 4:30 p.m.

29

WED

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Starts 7:30 p.m. in FE 100

30

THUR First Day of Preschool

30

THUR

Women’s Fall Kick-off Brunch 10 a.m. in FE 200

Triumph Sports Camp 1 to 4 p.m. in FE 400 Monday, July 23 – Thursday, July 26 and Monday, Aug. 6 – Thursday, Aug. 9 triumphsports.com/covenantpresbyterian

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26

3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757

Reel Ministry Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W. Anderson Lane

July 11 6:30 Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

July 18 6:30 The Heretic July 25 6:30 The Insult covenant.org/reelministry