CornerstoneCovenant Presbyterian ChurCh | June 2012

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About CornerstoneCornerstone 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.

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

Download the paper version of Cornerstone online at covenant.org/publications. We hope to update the Cornerstone blog as we receive content at blog.covenant.org.

We need you!To make Cornerstone better, we need your help! The content will be more interesting and more fun with more writers. If you have something you want to write about or want us to write, let us know. While we can’t promise that every submitted article will appear in the printed version of Cornerstone, we will publish all appropriate stories on the blog. We also need photos of events. If you have suggestions for how we can make Cornerstone better, email us at publications@covenant.org or stop by the office in Covenant Hall.

Cornerstone Contributors

InterIm senIor PAstor

Paul Parsons

Clerk of sessIon

Joy Durrant

busIness AdmInIstrAtor

FreDerick l. clement

edItor

stePhanie schultz

desIgn And lAyout

aaron arnolD

ContrIbutIng WrIters

Whitney Bell, martha BomBaugh,

tammy linn

PhotogrAPhy

aaron arnolD, Beth BishoP, stacey grooms,

William leonharDt, stePhanie schultz

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tAble of Contents

About Cornerstone2 deAr frIends

Pastor Paul reminds us to take time for ourselves

4 the generAl AssemblyA note from the pastor about what to expect

6 AnythIng Is PossIble WIth godKids are gearing up for VBS Sky

9 fAIth, fun And foodTake a look back at this year’s All-Church Picnic

10 It tAkes tWoWelcome Covenant’s newest staff members

12 fun And gAmesHappy birthday to Senior Activities Day

13 get exCItedStudent Ministries has a busy summer ahead

14 WhAt to do In CubATammy Linn reflects on our ministry in Cuba

16 CovenAnt memorIAl PlAzAA special place to remember your loved ones

17 trAvel the WorldWithout leaving your chair… what?

18 mAnos de CrIstoCovenant volunteers help the non-profit

21 fInAnCe rePortFor the first quarter ended April 30, 2012

22 Clerk’s CornerMeet our new Clerk of Session, Joy Durrant

24 CAlendArFind out what’s coming up in June and July

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was conscious of, and with this request I had reached a limit. I was out of gas. In fact, I was feeling one of the classic warn-ing signs of “burnout.”

Have you ever “hit the wall” in your life? Are you presently in danger of over-reaching?

God’s intention for us is that we would live in His rhythms of grace, such that we would never hit the wall, run out of gas, burnout… or, if we have overdone it, that we would know how to return to sanity

and even flourish. He has not left us to our own devices, to find a way to a livable pace by our grit and savvy. Rather, the living God has given us the gift of Sabbath, which is more than a day of the week. It is a “God-space” for centering our lives, invoking wonder and adora-tion, play and delight.

When God created the world, rhythm was in view. When you and I talk about a day, we usually mean daytime, when it’s light outside. But the Word of God speaks of “evening

One year, on the Tuesday of Holy Week, I was cruis-ing through a normal day of appointments, marshaling my energies for what I knew would be a full and demand-ing week. One of the church staff wheeled around a corner to alert me that I needed to respond to an emergency as quickly as possible. And all of a sudden, I hit a wall. I felt the energy immediately drain out of me, like air escaping from a balloon. Emotionally, I was soon aware that I had been carrying more stress than I

deAr frIends

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and morning, one day;” a whole day, which begins with the prior evening (Genesis 1:5,8,10,13,19,23,31). Evening is the onset of God’s work, at the very time when we are most unproductive. And when we awaken in the morning, we discover that God has been at work, totally as a grace to us and creation, and He invites us daily to enjoy it and join Him in it. His grace comes first, to which we respond. This is the rhythm of each day.

When God created the Sabbath, rhythm was in view. God created on the first six days, and then on the sev-enth day, the Sabbath, He quit doing and simply was. We are to walk in His footsteps, which means to quit doing and to give ourselves to be-ing. Exodus teaches us that a primary focus of our being on the Sabbath is to worship, to pray. Deuteronomy teaches us that a primary focus of our be-ing on the Sabbath is to enjoy community, to play with one another. Sabbath is restorative to our weary lives because it means quitting our ordinary work, thanking God with all our being, celebrating the cre-ated world, and enjoying our family and friends. This is the rhythm of each week.

And when God created the year by inlaying order and pattern into the movement of planets and stars, rhythm was also in view. God’s Sabbath principle was for His people Israel to carefully follow the harvests, taking post-harvest time to come away from their work and gather in commu-nity for festivals. These great celebrations were meant to re-mind them they could control neither the past nor the future, neither the weather nor other people. They were invited to trust the One, true living God, from whom alone comes shalom, the peace of God that we experience as wholeness, joy, harmony and content-ment. We have replaced the Jewish festivals with other celebrations, but the truth is the same: If we would know our identity and worth, if we would seek to be fully human in Christ, we must come away periodically for reflection, recreation and rest. This is the rhythm of each year.

I hope each of us will heed God’s invitation, indeed, His command, that we be Sabbath people. Summer is upon us. Many of our church programs are moving into a well-de-served dormancy. So many of

you are tired. There are signifi-cant stressors in your lives that are costing you.

By the way, that “hitting the wall” incident that I mentioned above? That was April 2012. This year. So, in the next three months, I am planning to climb two 14’ers, jump out of an airplane with my oldest daugh-ter, reflect and write a lot, and have a reunion with all my family and some best friends. That’s where I’m going, and I hope you’ll follow my lead.

Be sure to read Pastor Paul’s sPecial note aBout the General

assemBly on PaGe 4!

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The General assemblyA note from PAstor PAul

In my years in the mountains, I learned to “read the weather.” Not perfectly, mind you; I nearly died when I misread the direction and power of storms on two different occasions. But I be-came fairly adept in gauging the risk involved in the confluence of barometric pressure, mois-ture, temperature and terrain. I could almost always tell when a storm was coming.

I think a storm is coming in the 220th General Assembly of the PC(USA). I would love to be wrong. But all of the ingredients are present for another round of controversy, and I would be surprised if we do not face our own diversity as a congregation again in the weeks to come.

There are many indicators. The church’s histor-ic understanding of marriage will be challenged by a number of overtures from presbyteries around the country. “Redefining marriage is the next logical step in the normalization of sexual relationships outside the marriage of man and woman… At least nine overtures, with many concurrences, propose to change that definition to embrace same-sex couples… by amending the Book of Order to replace every reference to ‘a man and a woman’ marrying with new lan-guage speaking of ‘two people’ marrying” (Alan Wisdom, Two Views of Marriage, Theology Matters, volume 18, number 2, Mar/Apr 2012). Other potentially divisive overtures focus on Israel’s relationship to Palestinians, U.S. im-migration reform and freedom of conscience within the denomination.

Every GA is different. Sometimes the unique blend of commissioners on a given year dis-cerns that it is not time to invite the church into another controversy. But your Session knows that if a storm does hit this year, we must be better prepared than we were a year ago. At our May Session meeting, we talked openly about what will be debated at GA. We determined to do our part to prepare you, the congregation, with awareness of the issues before this GA; to invite you into acceptance that we as a congre-gation are made up of people who often dis-agree on these issues; and to challenge you to action. Let’s pray for this General Assembly, for God’s Kingdom to come, God’s will to be done, in the GA in Pittsburgh, as it is in heaven. Let’s study the overtures and background materials for this GA (covenant.org/session). Let’s follow the events day by day, June 30–July 7, on vari-ous websites (tinyurl.com/pcbiz).

And above all, let’s stay together. We have something so valuable that our differences never can destroy. We’re a family. And that’s something so hard to find in an age as unpre-dictable as the one in which we’re living.

Like I said, I could be wrong. I’m not a perfect forecaster. What I do know is that we, as a congregation, will be fine. There’s no group of people I would rather go through this with than you. So I’m heading into the storm, and I hope you’ll come with me. �

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Covenant will show eight films in FE 200 on Wednesday nights in July and August. Participants will then discuss themes like moral courage, forgiveness, love, faith, grace and redemption.

Based on the hit Broadway musical that premiered in 1969, this film is set in the days leading up to July 4, 1776, with dialog taken directly from letters and memoirs of actual participants. Rated G

A cinematic fable set in the orthodox Jewish world, Ushpizin follows a poor childless devout couple dur-ing the Succoth (Festival of Booths) holiday. When two escaped convicts appear, they insinuate themselves into the couple’s hospitality and quickly abuse it, threatening the couple’s marriage and testing their faith. Rated PG

An international soccer star’s career comes to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress discovers something she’s un-prepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down, until a simple gesture of kindness brings them together, turning an ordinary day into a trea-sured experience. Rated PG-13

Shows start at 7 p.m. For more information or to suggest future films, contact Don Zappone at dzappone@grandecom.net or Patrick Schmidt at ptricks@yahoo.com.

Victor Hugo’s novel of redemption and revolution is brought to life. Imprisoned Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) is paroled after two decades. He takes in a pregnant young woman (Uma Thurman) and helps raise her daughter. When a former prison guard (Geoffrey Rush) recognizes Valjean, his past catches up to him. Rated PG-13

Martina and Philippa, the beautiful daughters of a devout clergyman, sacrifice youthful passion to faith and duty. Many years after their father’s death, they keep his aus-tere teachings alive among the townspeople. But with the arrival of Babette, a mysterious refugee from France, life begins to change. Rated G

This film tells the true story of Desmond T. Doss, a World War II hero who never used a firearm. It’s an account of a man whose religious beliefs spurred him to renounce all weapons and allowed him to save many lives as a medic on the front lines. Note: Due to the film’s graphic nature, the movie may not be appropriate for all audiences.

1776

Ushpizin (The Guests)

Bella

Les Miserables

Babette’s Feast

Conscientious Objector

7/4

7/11

7/18

7/25

8/1

8/8

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Vacation Bible School (VBS), June 11–15, is one of Covenant’s most exciting weeks of the year for children, parents and the entire church. Though they make it look easy, the Children and Preteen Ministry team spends months planning to ensure the week flows smoothly.

“It’s my favorite time of the year,” said Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Gayla Stuart. “Some people shudder at the thought of all the

AnythIng Is PossIble WIth god

chaos; I thrive on it. I love the way the church comes together from generation to generation to help make the program successful.”

Mia Thornton, Children’s Assistant said, “This year’s theme ‘Anything is possible with God’ is cool. We’re gonna make it big and fun, and get creative. I’m sure the kids will be excited with the characters, the stories and the snacks!”

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Mia added that it’s a thrill for the leaders when the kids have an “aha” moment. “I love it when the lessons click with the kids. We know they understand it when we hear them retell the Bible verse to their parents.”

Mission: Malaria MaliThis year, Group Publishing, the company that writes the curriculum for VBS, is partnering with World Vision and churches like Covenant to protect children from malaria-carrying mos-quitos. Malaria kills more than 2,000 children

every day. World Vision and Group Publishing determined that if all the churches using their curriculum worked together to buy treated mosquito nets, they could save the entire coun-try of Mali from contracting malaria.

Gayla said it’s the first year Covenant has participated in the Group Publishing mission. “This is a great mission because it’s concrete, it makes sense to the kids and it’s tied to the VBS curriculum. Kids can relate to mosquitos; kids can relate to helping other kids.”

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Volunteers Make It HappenWhile members of the children and preteen staff agree that the best thing about VBS is seeing the joy of the kids and their families, Associate Director of Children and Preteen Ministry Stacey Grooms has another take: “I watch volunteers during the week and think, wow! You’re really good at leading the lessons and conveying the meaning.”

Every parent and guardian with a child in VBS is required to volunteer for two days. It’s a key part of making the program successful. Stacey hesitated to name a stand-out volunteer be-cause so many people work to make the week great. She did say that Kristen Tritle has been particularly helpful to her. “When Kristen asked for a job several years ago, I asked her to be a personal assistant, and she ably handled some of the emergencies that came up.

“We also have many youth helpers. Marjon Ahmadia sings and dances every year. She’s got such a good positive spirit,” Stacey said. “Obie Jones is willing to dress in the mascot outfits. His younger sister Emily started helping, too. In fact, we get three for one with the Jones family. His mom, Kimberly, has for many years been a group leader for all five days.”

One area of VBS that does not rely on vol-unteers is the toddler group. Jaclyn Black, Childcare Coordinator, said that because of the extra care-giving required for two and three-year-olds, paid staff work with that group.

“The little kids do a lot of the same things the older kids do at an age-appropriate level,” Jaclyn said. “They love going into Fellowship Hall to sing and dance with the entire group.

I love my job because I get to interact with so many people—kids, caregivers, parents—and this is my favorite week.”

VBS and Children’s Ministry PrideKatie Lawrence-Stewart, Children’s Ministry Assistant, summed it up. “I am proud of VBS,” she said. “Just five of us serve 500 kids for VBS. It’s awesome and it goes smoothly.

“I’m proud of our whole children’s program,” Katie continued. “Gayla is incredible. She is such a leader and an incredible boss. She’s always pushing for us to be great. We put on huge events several times a year plus every Sunday. We have an enormous number of chil-dren and events for five people.”

The dedication of the children’s staff and the amazing spirit that moves kids, parents, friends and neighbors during VBS is a testament to hard work, demonstrating, as the program sug-gests, that… Anything is possible with God. �

Children and Preteen Ministries Assistant Mia Thornton (right) working with Aiden Dadidakis (middle) and Ryan Curtis (right).

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More than 150 Covenant members gathered at the Skaggs Ranch in early May for the annual All-Church Picnic. The river on the property (with flowing water this year) pro-vided a spot for fun and faith.

Covenant took advantage of the water as Pastor Paul baptized Abby Osgood, a high school sophomore (see front cover), and Noah Nugent, a 6-year-old. Abby, who recently completed the Stand confirma-tion class, publicly professed

fAIth, fun And food

her faith in Jesus. Paul gently baptized Noah, welcoming him into the Christian faith.

The baptisms were followed by a great softball game. April Kelly, Associate Director of Student Ministry, said, “By or-ganizing this game, we hoped to connect multiple genera-tions in a fun and laid-back setting.” More than 40 people participated; the adults defeat-ed the youth team 15–8.

Those not in the water or playing games enjoyed their time on the porch, eating and listening to the Motown music of the Matchmaker Band, led by Covenant’s Contemporary Music Leader Jerry Wise.

“This is what the Church is supposed to look like,” said member Andrew Bell. “All generations standing around in flip flops and baseball caps applauding believers as they profess their faith in Jesus.” �

suBmitteD By Whitney Bell

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Martha Conroy and Nicole Phinney recently joined Covenant’s staff. Pastor Tom Mitchell, in his search to replace Assistant to Discipleship Mary Jo North, found the two women’s back-grounds provided a focused team able to put different strengths to good use for Covenant.

“With distinct gifts, Martha and Nicole as a team are more than the sum of their parts!” exclaimed Tom. “Martha hit the ground running with her insight for detail, exceptional organiza-tional skills and experience with sound equip-ment. Her quick intelligence is only matched by her kindness. Nicole brings a knack for connect-ing ideas through writing and asking strategic questions. She moves toward clarifying ideas while listening for the big story.”

Martha joined Covenant in 2001 and quickly became involved with Lamplighters. She has taught Sunday School and volunteered as the Lamplighters administrator. She works with the

audiovisual equipment in the Fellowship and Education Building for Lamplighters’ studies and records and uploads the programs to the Lamplighters website. Recently, Martha also volunteered in the office during another staff member’s medical leave absence.

“My daughters are getting older and when Tom approached me about becoming his assistant, I felt like this was God’s plan, starting with Lamplighters, this job and just becoming more involved at the church,” said Martha.

It tAkes tWo

“With distinct gifts, Martha and Nicole as a team are more than the sum of their parts”

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Nicole’s background in writing has helped her develop a different but complementary set of talents. Nicole has lived in several different states, most recently Colorado, before moving to Austin. She has taught literature and writing in college classrooms as well as trained writers at Focus on the Family. She has also written and edited for First Presbyterian Colorado Springs as well as several Christian book publishers.

“I came to Austin with the bright idea that I would finally write the great American novel in graduate school. God’s idea for me seems to be more about helping others see His story being told in their lives,” said Nicole.

With two people, one major change involved deciding how to divide the duties. “I will be the support staff to the fellowship and adult com-mittees,” Martha said. “I will also be the one to contact if you want copies of sermons, bap-tisms or memorial services.” Martha will keep

track of classes and Bible study groups. “I look forward to working with Nicole to make Tom’s life easier and being a part of the Covenant team,” said Martha. “I feel lucky to have this op-portunity. It feels like part of God’s plan for me.”

Nicole will focus on planning projects, events and curriculum. “I work with Tom to develop new spiritual growth opportunities while stay-ing in touch with our current discipleship ministries,” said Nicole. She will create and oc-casionally present materials, and always look for where God is moving. “I know that for adult learners, one size does not fit all,” Nicole said. “In my life, everything from an intensive small group to solitary spiritual practices to challeng-ing Bible teachings have drawn me closer to Jesus at crucial moments. I am thrilled to bring what I can to spiritual growth at Covenant.”

Martha and Nicole started in early May. Stop by and meet them in CO 116! �

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In 2009, Rev. Rick MacArthur, then Director of Older Adult Ministries, called a commit-tee to come up with ways to use the new Fellowship and Education Building. His goal was to serve members as well as the surrounding community.

“One early thought was to create a day for seniors,” said Martha Bombaugh, now the chair of the Senior Activities Day Committee. To determine the day’s activities, Martha placed sheets of paper on each table at a VISIONS’ luncheon, asking for game requests for such a day. “Bridge, bingo, dominoes and puzzles got good response,” Martha said.

After asking numerous logisti-cal questions of Fred Clement and requesting guidance from Session, Martha was given a simple answer: “Just do it!”

fun And gAmeshAPPy bIrthdAy to senIor ACtIvItIes dAy

The first Senior Activities Day was June 23, 2009, and was attended by 112 people; 32 were guests from the com-munity. Today, between 60 to 70 seniors meet in Fellowship Hall on the first Tuesday of the month for games and lunch prepared by Covenant chef Mark Toussaint. The com-mittee also shows a movie. Several guests who have at-tended Senior Activities Day have now joined Covenant.

June 2012 marks the third an-niversary of Senior Activities Day. Martha said the day runs smoothly due to many volun-teer efforts: Billie Fay Grayson procures the movie; Fred Hartmann runs the projec-tor; Ray Russell takes photos, and he and Ophelia change the kiosk each month. Charles Meyer is the secretary, and Shirley Thomas and Don Finney help wherever they can.

“Our motto is come when you can and leave when you must,” said Martha, who encourages all who are interested to join in the activities this month on June 5: Games start at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon and the movie starts at 1 p.m. in FE 200. �

don’t miss these Great summer movies

The Iron Lady June 5

We Bought a Zoo July 3

Hugo Aug. 7

Kay Vacha, Shirley Thomas and Martha Bombaugh at Senior Activities Day in March.

suBmitteD By

martha BomBaugh

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Core Student Ministries is preparing for sum-mer 2012. Students are excited for camps, where they will get away, experience fun fellow-ship with friends and most importantly, en-counter the Living God.

The Great EscapeCovenant’s seventh and eighth grade students will travel to Gunnison, Colo., June 23–29 to take part in The Great Escape with more than 300 students from all over the United States. Their days begin with morning worship fol-lowed by a dynamic speaker. Afternoon free time is filled with white water rafting on the Taylor River, exploring the mountain town of Crested Butte and participating in a giant shav-ing cream war.

Covenant eighth grader Sarah Crawley recalled her best Great Escape memory. “One night, the worship leader asked everyone to spread out on campus and get alone. For like ten minutes, you are silent and just connecting with God. When

get exCItedstudent mInIstrIes summer CAmPs

everyone comes back in, you are just so happy because you have just been with the Lord and you just start worshipping.”

Daytona BeachCovenant’s high school group will join more than 2,000 students in Daytona Beach, Fla., for a StudentLife conference July 8–14. Chris Tomlin headlines as worship leader with guest speaker Louie Giglio. Students participate in worship and hear deep talks. In their free time, they play Frisbee, swim, relax, shop at the near-by shops or just enjoy time together.

“My favorite part of Daytona last year was defi-nitely the worship. There are 2,000 kids there and you can just feel God moving,” said high school student Obie Jones. “I also liked swim-ming with the wild dolphins.”

For more information, contact Whitney Bell at wbell@covenant.org. �

suBmitteD By Whitney Bell

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“What do you do in Cuba?” I attempted to answer that question at the Concierto Cubano, sharing music and stories with Covenant friends. Excerpts from that January celebration follow.

A few months before my first trip in 2009, John Winkler asked if I was bringing my vio-lin. I said ‘no.’ Clearly the Holy Spirit had placed it on his heart that I needed to make music there. He said, “I’ll email Iliana and see if she can arrange a loaner instrument.” Iliana is the Tom Brown of our sister church. When I mentioned this conversation to my men-tor Brian Lewis, he thoughtfully replied, “Maybe I could just give you a violin to take.” Two months later, I arrived in Cuba with a beautifully restored vio-lin, thanks to Brian and a num-ber of friends who contributed toward its restoration. God presented me many opportu-nities to share violin music.

Before the trip each fall, a committee at our sister church plans our trip itinerary. Most activities are ministry-related, but our sister church always ensures that we have oppor-tunities to enjoy the Cuban culture. In 2009, we were scheduled for an evening at the Cuban ballet. That morn-ing, I was sitting on the bus waiting to depart for the day’s activities. Jack Kern joined, announcing that we wouldn’t attend the ballet that evening.

He said instead, Tammy and John Winkler would perform a concert and invited all the church members in the neigh-borhood to attend. Then, Jack turned to me and said, “Tammy, is that okay?” The first thought I had was that Jack had a lot to learn about high-strung classical violinists! Needless to say, I agreed.

A highlight of the Cuba trip is the evening we do home visits. My first year, John Winkler

WhAt to do In CubA

Tammy Linn (left) greets Sergio Arenas (right) after his presentation on the AIDS education program in Cuba.

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and I visited Iliana at her apart-ment. We arrived with a stack of music and the Cuba violin in hand. Iliana invited some conservatory students to join us. Our evening quickly turned into a jam session as we crowded around Iliana’s piano. Quarters were tight; there was no music stand. Iliana’s hus-band Manuel, a famous Cuban artist, stepped up to become my human music stand. I’ll never forget the curious look in his eyes peering at me over the top of the music.

One of the most heartwarm-ing aspects of the Cuba min-istry happens right here on American soil. Whenever I speak about the ministry, in-variably people want to par-ticipate. The good will and generosity are overwhelming. Ani, a young lady, had a par-ticularly moving story. She and her family have always sup-ported the Cuba ministry and about a year ago, Ani decided she wanted to do more and decided to do a fundraiser. She began by saving her allow-ance and continued by selling her artwork. Then, she in-vited her friends to her eighth birthday party and asked that they contribute money for her Cuba fundraiser in lieu of gifts. Through these means,

she raised $500. Her hope was to purchase a violin for Cuba. This fall, I contacted the Blackerby Violin Shop and told the owner about Ani. Did he have anything in his inventory that he could part with for that amount? He replied that for that amount, Ani could pur-chase two violins; he would sell them at a discount! Last November, Ani sent our team to Cuba with one full-size and one half-size violin.

To hear more stories or to purchase a Concierto Cubano CD, contact me at tlinn99@yahoo.com You can

suBmitteD By tammy linn

Join Paul Parsons in cuBa this Fall

Reason #6 God may be calling you to

Cuba: Go. Fall deeper in love…

with Covenant friends (new or old), with

new Cuban friends, with the church, with

Christ! Experience powerful gospel witness

and obtain a deeper understanding of the

miracle of multiplying fishes and loaves.

Six places remain for the fall trip from Oct.

22 to Nov. 1. For more information, contact

Jack Kern at jackckern@sbcglobal.net or

stop by the patio table on Sundays.

also find reflections from other Cuba trip travelers at covenant.org/cuba. �

One of many 90th anniversary musical ensembles with Music Director Iliana Garcia (right).

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CovenAnt memorIAl PlAzACovenant Presbyterian Church is constructing the Covenant Memorial Plaza to provide a spe-cial place to inter the cremains/ashes of loved ones. The plaza will include a special wall to honor friends with memorial plaques.

The Plaza, which will include a columbarium with 84 niches, will be located on the patio of the first level of the Fellowship and Education Building, between the two fountains. Rights to the niches, which can each hold two people, are available for $2,000 per niche. Niche locations are assigned based on date of purchase. All niches are the same price.

“Several things prompted us to do this project,” said Director of Administration Fred Clement. “It has long been a desire of many of our senior adults to have a columbarium on our campus. Cremation is often viewed as a more green and affordable solution, and the plaza gives our members an opportunity to be interred in per-petuity in a loving place among friends.”

At a later date, the site will have a memorial wall with 80 plaques to memorialize a person whose remains are at another location.

Those eligible for inclusion in the Plaza are members or former members of Covenant; pastors and staff who have served Covenant; spouses, parents, children and their spouses, and grandchildren of members, former mem-bers, pastors and staff; and others formally ap-proved by the pastoral staff or Session.

The construction of the Covenant Memorial Plaza will be self-funded. The Session voted to begin the first phase of construction when monies from gifts and pre-sales of niches and memorial plaques reach at least $40,000. This initial amount will cover the design, con-struction and installation of the 84 niches. Additional funding will enable Covenant to proceed with the memorial plaque wall and to upgrade the aesthetics of the plaza area.

For more information, contact Frederick L. Clement at fclement@covenant.org. �

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A group of Covenant members and friends have traveled the world together without ever leav-ing their chairs. The Armchair Travelers meets the first Thursday of each month, May through September, to share travel experiences.

“It’s a chance to show off your vacation,” ex-plained Dave Mead, group leader since 2001.

Dave said the group started with Carl and Martha Bombaugh, who traveled often and were frequently asked about their trips. “We had taken a trip to Alaska,” Martha said. “We flew from Anchorage to Fairbanks and con-tinued to the northernmost point of the U.S., Barrow Point. We toured the first oil pumping station on the pipeline, enjoyed a salmon bake, took a scenic train to Anchorage, toured Denali National Park and went white water rafting.

“When we returned to Austin, Covenant friends asked to see our slides,” Martha said. “Carl was ready to show them at our house, and I said, ‘Let’s do it at the church.’ We had 19 people come to the first Armchair Travelers in the Parlor in October 1991.”

Dr. Bob Prall presented his trip to Antarctica for the second Armchair Travelers meeting in November, and in December, Pat and Dawn Fine presented their African Safari trip. By January 1992, the Armchair Travelers had out-grown the Parlor. In May 2001 after nearly 10 years, the group had grown to 70 people. Dave Mead and Dale Rogers became the leaders.

Dave says he enjoys every program. “Every trip is different, even if you travel to the same spot. You see different things with different eyes. We’ve had programs about places in Texas that are just as interesting as programs covering Russia and China, It’s amazing what there is to see in your own backyard!”

Fred Hartmann will lead the group when it starts again the first Thursday in September. Until then, record your memories and consider the program that you can share with friends. �

Dave Mead (left), with wife Georgia (right), has led Armchair Travelers since 2001.

trAvel the World

WIthout leAvIng your ChAIr

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Covenant members recog-nize Manos de Christo for the tamales bought and con-sumed by the dozens around Christmas, but the popular tamale drive is a small part of the volunteer and fund-raising efforts of Manos de Cristo. The non-profit organization assists more than 15,000 low-income families each year with dental help, food, clothing, and back-to-school supplies for thousands of local children.

Covenant has been instrumen-tal in volunteering at Manos. In fact, six church members

mAnos de CrIsto

have volunteered at the Manos de Cristo food pantry for more than two decades.

Packing Food for 20 YearsDick and Marty Castleberry, George and Mary Jim McDonald, and Jeanne Pritchett have trekked to Manos once a month and given a couple hours of their time since the early 90s; Dick Pritchett joined his wife when he retired in 2003. The pantry offers emergency help to six households daily.

George and Mary Jim, on a recent Friday morning, filled six orders that trickled in. “Sometimes, there is a line when we get here,” George said, as he bagged a package of meat for a family of six.

Jeanne, who fills orders on the third Monday of the month, said, “It’s not a big commit-ment. It’s the little things that make a difference.”

The Castleberrys work the first Monday. Marty remembers when the pantry was down-town at El Buen Pastor Church. “It had a different feel.”

Jeanne agreed. “I miss the flavor of that community. This location has its great things too. The people are so nice!”

A Little Manos HistoryIn 1988, Rev. Frank Diaz be-gan working at El Buen Pastor. The poor and homeless were constantly knocking, often asking for baby food. They had no teeth and no dental care. The situation prompted Rev. Diaz to start Manos de Cristo in 1988. By 1990, with the support of several church-es including $20,000 from Covenant, Manos began pro-viding dental services.

Manos’ reach quickly ex-panded and today offers low-income families aid through the food pantry, clothes closet and its Back-to-School (BTS)

“It’s not a big commitment. It’s the little things that make a difference.”

19

program; computer, citizen-ship, and English classes; and Legal Aid. Soon, its dental clin-ic will move from downtown and be housed with the other Manos de Cristo services in central Austin.

Cheryl Banks is Covenant’s Manos de Cristo lead. She’s worked with the program for eight years and has been on the Manos de Cristo Board since 2007. “Helping people improve their education, giving them tools to help with their

employment and attending to health care needs is right up my alley as a pediatrician.

“We are currently remodeling the main campus to bring the dental clinic over and house everything under one roof,” she said. “The dental clinic will grow from four chairs to eight.” David Ferguson, DDS, and Dennis Brender, DDS, are Covenant members who see patients in the Manos de Cristo dental clinic, and both have served on the Manos de Cristo Board.

Back-to-School SuppliesGloria Moreno for years was the Covenant’s Manos lead. Gloria grew up in El Buen Pastor Church and is the cous-in of Rev. Diaz. Gloria started volunteering at the Clothes Closet in 1993 and was part of the first Back-to-School project with Covenant’s Paulette Kern, Avis Davis and Betty Meyer.

Manos’ current focus is the Back-to-School (BTS) pro-gram. Covenant’s goal is to fully sponsor 100 children at the cost of $42/child. Manos

Dick Pritchett, Marty Castleberry and Jeanne Pritchett fill a food order at a Manos de Christo. The non-profit organization assists more than 15,000 low income families each year.

20

Executive Director Julie Ballesteros, a former teacher, remembers times when a stu-dent had only pencil for school supplies, which makes the project especially meaningful. Julie said the Manos board has decreased its funding for BTS. With a goal to outfit 2,200 children with supplies, Manos is doing extra fundraising. (At BTS’ start in 1992, it served 125 children.)

“I love the idea behind Back to School,” Cheryl said. “Every child deserves a great first day of school. Having a new outfit, backpack and school supplies really help with that!”

BTS donations will be collected on the Covenant patio through June 24. For more informa-tion, contact Amy Erben at amyerben@austin.rr.com.

Additional OpportunitiesManos also provides clothing and computer, citizenship and ESL classes. “More churches got involved when I was work-ing with Manos de Cristo and the program blossomed,” Gloria recalled.

Whatever your talent, Manos likely has a volunteer op-portunity for you. For more information or to volunteer, contact Cheryl Banks at csebesta@austin.rr.com. �

The Dorcas Circle presents its annual mission pledge check to Manos. Pictured : Dorothy Elliott, Gloria Moreno, Julie Ballesteros, Manos Executive Director, Cheryl Banks and Helen Fletcher.

nominate a sPecial Woman

Each year the Presbyterian Women of

Covenant award an Honorary Life Member-

ship to a special woman in recognition of

faithful service to God and our church. Past

recipients include:

•2003 Jane Mack and Mary Jim McDonald

•2004 June Johnson

•2005 Gloria Moreno

•2006 Betty Hall

•2007 Mary Margaret Willman

•2008 Sue Roberts

•2009 Susan Gibson and Helen Smith

•2010 Nola Ross and Jan Skaggs

•2011 June Briney

Do you know a Covenant woman whose

name belongs on this list for 2012? The

deadline for nominations is June 15. Forms

are in the church office, along with a box for

submissions. This is a wonderful opportunity

to honor an exceptional woman of faith. For

more information, contact Julie Stillwell at

jms5703@aol.com or 794-0444.

21

fInAnCe rePortfor the fIrst QuArter ended APrIl 30, 2012

Budgeted Revenues

AnnuAl budget budget ytd ACtuAl ytd ytd vArIAnCe budget vs Actual

Pledged offerIngs

$2,287,000 $899,637 $744,107 <$155,530>

unPledged offerIngs

600,000 145,786 157,290 11,504

mIsCellAneous 90,000 34,083 21,632 <12,451>

totAl revenues 2,977,000 1,079,506 923,029 <156,477>

budgeted exPendItures

2,977,000 1,007,888 972,243 <35,645>

rev over <under> exP

0 71,618 <49,214> <120,832>

Did you know?

Your Contributions to Covenant can be facilitated electronically through Covenant’s eSteward-ship program via electronic funds transfers; pre-authorized recurring or one-time ACH trans-actions; or credit card payment. For more information, visit covenant.org/donate or contact Covenant’s staff accountant at 334-3001.

22

Summer is on the way, and we’ve had a busy spring!

Informational Meetings ContinuedOn April 16, we welcomed Rev. Tammy Brown back to Covenant, where she served as an Associate Pastor more than 10 years ago. Tammy, currently the Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charleston, S.C., pre-sented her perspective on the PC(USA). Tammy’s presenta-tion offered a different per-spective from that given by Jim Singleton in March.

Are We Going Or Staying?Elders continue to be asked when they will vote about staying in the PC(USA). Many people believed Session would be voting on this matter af-ter the presentations of Jim

Singleton and Tammy Brown. Session has addressed this is-sue in various formats, includ-ing a statement in the Annual Report, and continues to moni-tor the changing environment in the PC(USA). At this time, Session believes we can func-tion within the local options of the new Form of Government (nFoG), and has no plans to leave the PC(USA). For more information on this topic, as well as others, read the FAQ at covenant.org/session or con-tact Director of Administration Frederick Clement at fclement@covenant.org.

Ordination and InstallationAccording to the nFoG, the Session is responsible for set-ting local ordination standards, and shall examine each can-didate’s calling, gifts, prepa-ration and suitability for the

responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determina-tion of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installa-tion. In May, Session began a time of study and discus-sion on each of the Ordination Questions in the Book of Order at our monthly meeting. Please pray this is a blessed and graceful time of learning and sharing.

Session: Hello—GoodbyeAt the April Session meet-ing, we honored the outgo-ing elders. We shared and celebrated memories and presented gifts. My prayer is that the Elder Class of 2012 will be richly blessed for hav-ing been such a blessing to

Clerk’s Corner

23

New MembersOn May 1, the Session wel-comed 20 new members to Covenant! This new member class met on April 30 and May 1 to learn about all things Covenant. Please look for these folks on the patio and welcome them warmly.

General AssemblyGeneral Assembly will meet June 30-July 7 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Commissioners will vote on numerous overtures, some

of them likely to be controver-sial. Please hold all the com-missioners in your prayers for wisdom and discernment. If you hear of something be-ing discussed or voted on which you support or ve-hemently disagree, please talk to a pastor or elder who stand ready and able to hear your concerns. The proceed-ings will be streamed live at tinyurl.com/ga220.

Covenant. Please thank these dutiful, grace-filled elders when you see them: Brynn Anderson, John Blitch, Marv Hackert (who also served as Clerk), Maggie Tate and Trey Thompson. In May, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new elders, the Class of 2015, which included: Don Davis, Evangeline Herring, Chuck Ruesink, Melanie Williamson and Cindy Young. Please pray for and encourage these elders and all of your elders!

AdministrAtion

Children And Preteen

denominAtionAl AffAirs

fellowshiP

CongregAtionAl CAre

disCiPleshiP

finAnCe

lAy ministries

missions

Personnel

senior Adults

stewArdshiP

worshiP (trAditionAl)

worshiP (ContemPorAry)

youth

Clerk

Clerk eleCt

CommIttee elder lIAIson

Session: Committee AssignmentsThe elders will be serving as liaisons to the following committees:

JoAnne McIntoshEvangeline HerringDon DavisLaura TumaCindy YoungClark WeatherbyChuck RuesinkTom SunstromJoe MuckJan SkaggsTom HutchisonJeff HornMelanie WilliamsonTom SunstromChristy GreenJoy DurrantMelanie Williamson

24

senior activities day

June is the third anniversary of the Senior

Activities Day program. Come help us

celebrate on June 5. Our movie is The Iron

Lady (2011), starring Meryl Streep, who

won the Best Actress Oscar for her perfor-

mance as an elderly Margaret Thatcher

“talking to” her recently deceased husband.

Scenes ranging from her childhood to when

she was British prime minister illustrate her

fascinating life. Games, bingo and puzzles

start at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon, and the

movie starts at 1 p.m.

Come for all or part of the program in FE

200. Guests are welcome. Donations are

accepted for lunch and reservations are not

required. For more information, call Martha

Bombaugh at 345-5916.

celeBration oF disciPline

Please join us as we work through

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to

Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster. We

hope to grow closer to Christ as we discuss

discipline in our worship lives.

Our group meets each Thursday un-

til Aug. 16 (except for June 14 due to

VBS) in CO 202, from noon until 1 p.m.

To register, contact Megan Poore at

megan.poore@yahoo.com or 293-4652.

CAlendArsenIor ACtIvItIes dAyJune 5 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: The Iron Lady (see right)

vbs orIentAtIonJune 7 in FE 200 Youth volunteers meet at 5:30 p.m. Adult volunteers meet at 6:30 p.m.

youth summer kICk-offJune 10 at 9:30 a.m. in FE 400

vACAtIon bIble sChoolJune 11–15 at 9 a.m. in FE 200

youth trIP to round roCk exPress gAmeJune 14 at 7:05 p.m. in Round Rock Meet at 4:30 p.m. at Covenant

youth ultImAte frIsbeeJune 18 at 6 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park

greAt esCAPe summer CAmPJune 23–29 in Gunnison, Colo. Entering 7th and 8th grade students Visit corestudentministries.org for registration information

senIor ACtIvItIes dAyJuly 3 at 10 a.m. in FE 200 Movie: We Bought A Zoo

reel mInIstry: 1776July 4 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

25

Preschool KindercamP

Covenant Presbyterian Preschool will offer

a one-week camp designed especially for

children starting kindergarten this fall. The

three-hour day will focus on kindergarten

readiness skills. Early morning learning cen-

ters will include letter recognition, phonemic

awareness, fine-motor skills and pre-

reading. Late morning centers will include

math activities, hands-on science explora-

tion, graphing and patterns. Teachers will

also spend social time discussing what to

expect on the first day of kindergarten at

a new school. Camp will be held Monday,

Aug. 6, through Friday, Aug. 10, from 9

a.m. to noon each day. For more informa-

tion or to register, contact Christy Milam at

cmilam@covenant.org or 454-8370. Please

register before June 1 to guarantee a spot.

cooKinG summer camP

Come join Adventure Cook the week of

August 13–17 at Covenant, where the kids

are the cooks. Adventure Cook is open to

children ages 4 through 10. Each day, under

the supervision of two adult cooks, children

will make two recipes from scratch: one

savory and one sweet. Kids learn about

ingredients, make a recipe, then cook and

eat it. Learning important life skills while en-

joying the fun of cooking is what Adventure

Cook is all about. Cost to attend is $180.

To register, visit adventurecook.com or call

Amy Valentine at 659-5939.

dAytonA beAChJuly 8–14 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Entering high school students Visit corestudentministries.org for registration information

reel mInIstry: ushPIzIn (the guests)July 11 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

mIddle sChool: AustIn PArk And PIzzAJuly 18

reel mInIstry: bellAJuly 18 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

ChrIstmAs In JulyJuly 22 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Kids wear swimsuits, get wet on the slippery slide, hear Christmas carols and the Christmas story

ultImAte frIsbeeJuly 23 at 6 p.m. at Lucy Reed Park

reel mInIstry: les mIserAblesJuly 25 at 7 p.m. in FE 200

hIgh sChool: sChlItterbAhnJuly 26

Club 56 mIssIon CAmPJuly 30–Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $125 including lunch Download registration forms at covenant.org/club56

3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757

offICers And stAff of CovenAnt PresbyterIAn ChurCh

ClAss of 2015susan AshtonJill Baumhoverwendell Bellsylvia Bettsrusty BurnettCarolyn Carmichaelsteve CaskeyAllison Crutchfielddianne erlewinePansy flickJane gamelkeith ginggarrett hallPatti hansenelizabeth harrellBill hawkinsshannon kniselyJack kriensloretta krienslarry loessintom magruderJames marroquinemily mcginnisgwen mortonPatrick schmidtgary VlietBecky wellssharyn westmorelandPaul wynkoop

ClAss of 2013Breece Adamsursula Alleymike AustinJune Becknancy Bisselldeatra BoeseAmanda CowanJane CrowePeggy Cuevaskay davenportBonnie hartmannfred hartmannAbby hemphillsusan hutchisontammy linnsteve martensken mooresarah ottryan Palmlatrelle Petersonmegan PooreCharles ridingsJim robinsonJim rumbonancy rumbolynn smithshannon windham

ClAss of 2014marilyn Adamsmatt Bairdonna Barksdalelynn Bellsteve BissellJulie BouAllen Carmichaellynda ChapmanJay CorderCara CothamJim fosterJacquez “Joc” gainesBretna hackertelizabeth hiltonBarbara kniselyBill mangelacy ruwweCarol sheppardlisa sledgesharon smithtom smithBrent stoverdiane swansonBeth Voorhees

deACons

ClAss of 2015don davisevangeline herringChuck ruesinkmelanie williamsonCindy young

ClAss of 2013Christy greentom hutchisonJoAnne mcintoshJoe mucktom sunstrom

ClAss of 2014Joy durrantJeff hornJan skaggslaura tumaClark weatherby

elders

ClAss of 2015Jack kernmary teeple

ClAss of 2013doug hartmanBruce Pollocktana taylornoel durrant

ClAss of 2014dianne erlewine

foundAtIon trustees

ProgrAm stAff

Paul Parsons, interim senior PastorBeth Bishop, director of lay ministriesthomas w. Brown, director of music ministryfrederick l. Clement, director of Administrationwilliam leonhardt, director of student ministriestom mitchell, Associate Pastor for discipleshipJohn schmidt, organiststephanie schultz, director of CommunicationsJill williams, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care ministriesgayla Zachry, director of Children’s and Preteen ministries