July newsletter FINAL 2012.indd
Transcription
July newsletter FINAL 2012.indd
The Covenant Call Newsletter of Covenant Presbyterian Church JULY 2012 A Tale of Two Bathrooms Perhaps one of the great challenges facing the Presbyterian Church today is that we have too many bathrooms. “Too many bathrooms?!” you may wonder. “Have you ever seen the lines that form right before and after worship? How could you possibly think we have too many bathrooms?!” As crazy as that may sound, Jonah Lehrer, author of Imagine: How Creativity Works, revealed an intriguing design plan in the Pixar Studios during an interview with NPR's Robert Siegel. “The original design for the Pixar studios consisted of three separate buildings, where they'd put the computer scientists in one building, and the animators in a second building and the third building would contain everybody else: the directors, the editors and so on. Steve [Jobs] realized that that was a terrible idea; that the real challenge of Pixar was getting people from these different cultures — these computer scientists and these cartoonists — to work together, to really collaborate. And so he insisted that Pixar studios just be one vast, cavernous space.” “[Jobs] insisted there be only two bathrooms in the entire Pixar studios, and that these would be in the central space. And of course this is very inconvenient. No one wants to have to walk 15 minutes to go to the bathroom. And yet Steve insisted that this is the one place everyone has to go every day. And now you can talk to people at Pixar and they all have their 'bathroom story.' They all talk about the great conversation they had while washing their hands.” “... He wanted there to be mixing. He knew that the human friction makes the sparks, and that when you're talking about a creative endeavor that requires In this Issue: General Assembly News pg. 2-3 New Members pg. 4-5 Invitational Choirs pg. 5 July’s Feature Movie pg. 5 By Dan Milford people from different cultures to come together, you have to force them to mix; that our natural tendency is to stay isolated, to talk to people who are just like us, who speak our private languages, who understand our problems. But that's a big mistake. And so his design was to force people to come together even if it was just going to be in the bathroom.” While decreasing the number and location of bathrooms in our church isn’t the answer for us, it is the case that “the real challenge of [being the church] is getting people from different cultures to work together, to really collaborate.” Likewise with the church, “when you're talking about a creative endeavor that requires people from different cultures to come together, you have to force them to mix; that our natural tendency is to stay isolated, to talk to people who are just like us, who speak our private languages, who understand our problems. But that's a big mistake.” So, the next time you find yourself visiting a bathroom at the church, be grateful that we have lots of them! At the same time, think about how important it is for us to spend time talking (and listening—really listening!) with people from different cultures and perspectives. As we learn to see issues from multiple angles, we discover the incompleteness (and even the distortion or incorrectness) of our own perspective. Through sharing hopes and ideas with others, we may find new solutions and new ways forward for our life together. Mission Outreach pg. 6 Back to School Project pg. 6 Mission Possible Pictures pg. 7 Elder & Trustee Nominations pg. 8 YAH Luncheon pg. 9 Sunday School pg. 10 Bastrop Trip pg. 10 Birthdays pg. 12 Page 2 A Very Brief Primer on How General Assembly Works Who is “General Assembly”? • • • • • General Assembly (GA) is the biennial (every two years) gathering of Presbyterians to discuss and debate issues facing the church. Commissioners—General Assembly is comprised of an equal number of elder and clergy commissioners, elected from the 171 presbyteries of our denomination. These are the people with both voice and vote in the general meetings of the Assembly. Advisory Delegates — Each presbytery is invited to send a YAAD (Young Adult Advisory Delegate), each seminary is invited to send TSADs (Theological Student Advisory Delegates), ecumenical partners within the US and worldwide are invited to send delegates, and a couple dozen PCUSA missionaries serve as delegates. These delegates have both voice and vote in committee meetings (the first 3 days) but only have voice and “advisory votes” in the general meetings (the last 3-4 days). Representation—Think of the General Assembly as being like our “House of Representatives” in that presbyteries receive representation based on the number of members each presbytery has. For example, 1/10th of all PCUSA members live in Pennsylvania; thus, that state has many more delegates than most states. Two facts about representation seem particularly important: 1)Metropolitan areas and the coasts are more represented than rural and heartland areas, 2)The average age of attendees at General Assemblies is much lower than the average age of attendees at presbytery meetings. Others Present—A few of the other significant groups present at GA’s include: “lobbyists” for affinity groups and “overture advocates,” General Assembly Mission Council staff (including the stated clerk), media representatives, “observers,” host city volunteers, and people representing numerous ministries and organizations in the exhibit hall. How is the General Assembly’s business determined? • Overtures from Presbyteries—These are sent to presbyteries from presbytery committees or sessions of local churches. The presbytery must vote on these • • • 180 days prior to the beginning of the assembly for them to be considered. Most overtures come from presbyteries. Overtures from General Assembly Mission Council entities—committees created by previous GA’s, study groups created by previous GA’s, etc. These often come with lengthy papers summarizing their studies and conclusions. Overtures are divvied out to different committees of the General Assembly prior to the beginning of the meeting (about 60-90 days out). The Advisory Committee to the Constitution reviews each overture and writes thorough advice on the constitutionality, effect to churches, etc. This advice is attached to each overture. Key Issues for the 220th General Assembly (2012) in Pittsburgh, PA By Dan Milford Confessions • New Heidelberg Catechism Translation: Pro’s—A new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism was undertaken by a group appointed by our GA along with committees from the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America in preparation for the catechism’s 450th birthday in 2013. Both of the above denominations have now approved the new translation, which seeks to be faithful to the original German text. This new translation also includes the scriptural references in the original text. The translation we’ve been using for the last 45 years or so has some inaccuracies, editorial additions, etc. Most notably, a proscription against homosexuality in our current translation was not in the original German version or in any translations into any other languages prior to this version. The new translation returns to a more faithful read of the original. Con’s - The timing of this translation’s presentation to the PCUSA seems designed to advance the move Page 3 to allow ordination and marriage for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender (GLBT) persons. This is the primary reason, I believe, that it will be opposed. However, note that the above two denominations are more “conservative” than the PCUSA, are not having the same debate about homosexuality that we are, and have already approved the new translation. • • Reintroduction of Belhar Confession Pro’s—This would be the first Confession to be included in our Book of Confessions from the “Global South” and, outside the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds, the first Confession to be included from a non-Western (Western Europe or the US) perspective. It speaks from a very Reformed • perspective, but addresses contemporary issues about which our other Confessions are largely silent. It was well received (over 2/3rds approval) at the last GA and by presbyteries (over 63% voted for its approval, but that fell 8 votes short of the required 67% of presbyteries). It has already been approved by the Reformed Church in America and is under consideration in the Christian Reformed Church. Con’s—Concerns will be voiced about its return • • Change the Definition of Marriage in the Book of Order—several overtures recommend changing the definition of marriage from “between a man and a woman” to “between two persons.” Marriage would still be understood as a life-long covenantal relationship between two people; the change would allow for same gendered marriage. • An “Authoritative Interpretation” to allow same-gendered marriages in states that have legalized it—General Assemblies can issue authoritative interpretations (AI’s). Like a Supreme Court decision, they are binding until/ unless overturned. Like Supreme Court decisions, they should be used to clarify existing law. An AI Overtures to maintain traditional definitions of marriage and require a more difficult process to change them—One overture would be to require a 2/3 vote of presbyteries to change the definition of marriage. Another overture would require changing multiple confessions to change the definition of marriage. Ordination issues—several overtures recommend restoring the “fidelity and chastity” language in the ordination standards (formerly at G-6.0106b, now at G-2.0104b) or adding a section allowing congregations or presbyteries to set expectations for behavioral standards. Middle Councils Committee End the existence of Synods—This committee’s first recommendation is to cease to have Synods. The argument is that with increased travel and communication, Synods have become unnecessary. With the decrease in funds being given for denominational mission and ministry, Synods have already seen their funding stream dry up dramatically. immediately after having failed to be approved by the presbyteries. Past objections to the Belhar Confession include concerns about the “liberation theology” it expresses and about our Book of Confessions already being a bit unwieldy with 11 confessions/creeds/catechisms. Homosexuality allowing same-gendered marriages in states that have legalized same-gendered marriage would “settle” the church’s stand in those states, but would also have the church following the state, rather than speaking in its own voice with clarity. • Non-geographic Presbyteries—This committee’s recommendations would allow for presbyteries to be formed by any group of at least 10 congregations and 10 teaching elders (pastors/clergy). For example, a group of at least 10 congregations from across Mission Presbytery could form a separate presbytery, fully distinct from Mission Presbytery. Two caveats seem important: 1) These new presbyteries would not have the authority to release their member congregations with property, 2) These new presbyteries would have to receive approval from the General Assembly in 2021 to become a permanent part of our structure. Also see www.pc-biz.org/Committee2.aspx for the full listing of GA committees and the overtures they will be considering. Page 4 Meet Our New Members Jo Ann Wallace joined Covenant by Martha Flores joined Covenant by letter of reaffirmation of faith. She was born and grew up in Sunnyvale, California. She received a B.A. degree in Spanish at Santa Clara University. She then moved to Maryland to work for the Department of Defense as a Russian linguist, where she met her future husband Joe, also a linguist. They were married in 1982 while stationed in Hawaii, and moved to San Antonio a year later so Joe could attend the Health Science Center's Physical Therapy program. He worked as a pediatric PT for over 25 years. Joe passed away this past January of prostate cancer. Jo Ann is thankful that he is now healed and is with Christ in heaven. Jo Ann says she is blessed to have two great children who call and visit often. Her son and his wife are both professional classical musicians who live in San Francisco, CA. Her daughter was recently married and she and her husband live and work in San Antonio. Her daughter will be working for Lake-Flato Architects starting in July and her son-in-law works for USAA as a computer programmer. After a short career as a linguist, a stay-athome mom for 5 years, and a stint as a bilingual teacher, Jo Ann has been a computer programmer at Education Service Center Region 20 for the last 15 years, developing computer applications for school districts. She loves her job but is looking forward to retirement and hopefully some grandchildren. She started coming to Covenant last summer by the invitation of her neighbors, Joanne and David Makar. She says she feels very welcome and loved by her new church family. She enjoys yard work, keeping up with maintenance on her 71 year old home, taking care of her two cats, watching Jeopardy, the Spurs and Silver Stars, and studying her Bible. transfer from Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church. She was born and raised in San Antonio, the 12th of 14 children; 8 boys and 6 girls! She has 30 nieces and nephews and has lost count of the great and great greats. She graduated from Memorial High School and attended SAC. On June 16 she completed 9 years as a member of the Mission Presbytery staff. She is the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Presbyter. Martha has earned Level Two Certification with the Administrative Personnel Association of the PCUSA. She is the mother of three adult sons, one in the Air Force and twins who currently share an apartment in San Antonio. She says her name, Martha, fits her. She enjoys working behind the scenes in a support capacity. She is a member of the Diakonia Emmaus Community, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and is ready and willing to help whenever and wherever she can. She enjoys being a tourist and visiting as many local events as she can with some of her siblings. She and one sister sign up to walk 5K's for various charities, and when the Texas sun allows her, she enjoys raising roses. She says she has felt very welcome and comfortable attending Covenant, and now will wait to see how the Lord will use her gifts at Covenant. Bob & Peg Gates joined Covenant by reaffirmation of faith. Bob was born and raised in Mystic, Connecticuit, and earned his degree from the University of Connecticuit as a Pharmacist. Peg was born and raised in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. She went to the University of (continued on pg. 3) Page 5 New Members (continued from pg. 4) Pennsylvania Nursing School where she earned her RN. They both went into the Army and met at Ft. Sam Houston. Bob stayed in the military for three years and Peg for two. They lived in New Jersey and worked in New York City, until moving here in 1972. They have lived in Castle Hills ever since. They have 5 sons, and had to wait until the boys started getting married to get a daughter (in-law) in the family. Only one son remains single and they have 6 grandchildren to enjoy. Two of the grandchildren live in San Antonio and Peg helps care for them while the parents work. Two of the grandchildren live in Arlington and two near Little Rock. A daughter-in-law here runs the bistro at the Botanical Gardens (for those of you who have been there and eaten there). Bob came out of retirement awhile back, to work part-time as a pharmicist at SAMMC (formerly known as BAMC). Peg enjoys knitting and reading and the grandchildren. Bob loves to play golf - and work, work, work.....Peg says. They usually go on a yearly cruise, and went to Hawaii this past February. July's Feature Film Soul Surfer - PG Friday, July 6th 7:00 PM - Friendship Hall Come and Sing! Covenant’s Music Department invites the women, men, and children of the church to come sing and make a joyful noise. Each group can participate in the below listed invitational choirs. Each group will meet on Sunday at 10:30AM in the choir room and will sing that mornings anthem. If you have questions or want more information, Come join us for the Covenant Family Movie, "Soul Surfer". This is a true story of a family in call Karl Hedrick at 342-5253. Hawaii and their teenage daughter named Bethany. She is an excellent surfer and ready to compete in Invitational choirs: Hawaii's world surfing contest when tragedy strikes. Bethany experiences deep depression, and begins July 8: Women - “Amazing Graces” quesƟoning her understanding of God. Come watch and see how God intervenes in her life, bringing July 15: Men - “Fishers of Men” Bethany renewed strength and determinaƟon to be all God wants her to be. July 22: Children - “Kids of the Kingdom” July 29: Choir Alum of any Church - “Forever Praise” Childcare will be available. There will be a separate movie for the younger children. Page 6 The Strong Foundation & The SAMM TLLC Over the last month, Covenant has had several opportunities to serve at the Strong Foundation and the SAMM Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC). On June 4, the session prepared and served a meal at the Strong Foundation and then spent time playing with the children during “Kids Time” afterward. Joe Fielder helped arrange a donation from HEB to provide the food for the meal. Becky Eisenhut and John Guntharp determined needs and kitchen resources at the Strong Foundation, and others joined in to help prepare, serve, clean up, and play. On June 11, a small group of members and staff met at TLLC to help celebrate the end of the school year with the children there. We took ice cream to go with the cake that had already been donated. Following their year-end ceremony, we served the desserts to the children and their families. The time spent there helped us to make connections with the staff of the TLLC, get a feel for the layout of the facilities (especially the kitchen and dining area), and be prepared for serving a full dinner at TLLC on July 10th. In addition to these connections with the Strong Foundation and TLLC, our youth and their sponsors spent most of the day at these two transitional centers on June 21st and 22nd during Mission Possible. Part of the ministry of Covenant is to serve in our city. August's Feature Film Courageous - PG 13 Friday, August 3rd - 7:00 PM Join us for the showing of a life changing event to be followed up in a study for Men and Women, with classes being offered in the Fall. "Courageous Honor begins at Home" This movie shows law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willing to stand up to the worst the world has to offer. Yet, at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: Fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, they quickly discover that their children are beginning to drift further away from them. When tragedy hits home, these men are left with a newfound urgency to renew their faith and reach out to their own children. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? House of Neighborly Service (HNS) Back to School Project Help us give elementary aged children new supplies this 2012-2013 school year. Supplies Needed: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jumbo Crayons Regular Crayons Bottles of glue (4.8 oz) Husky pencils #2 Pencils Ball point pens (blue or black) Red lead pencils Box of non-toxic markers Pocket folders (multiple colors) Primary writing tables Loose-leaf notebook paper (wide rule) Spiral Notebooks (70 page) Blunt end scissors Pointed end scissors Soft pink erasers Pencil tip erasers 12” rulers (w/ centimeter) Colored map pencils Large boxes of tissues 3 ring binder notebooks Toothbrushes for 3-5 year olds Backpacks Reusable bags to deliver supplies to each child – Reusable bags can be found at H-E-B, Walmart or wherever Donated School Supplies can be dropped off in the collection boxes in the Narthex or in Mission Hall. Please drop off your donations by August 1. Monetary Donations can be made to support this ministry. Please make your check out to “House of Neighborly Service” and put “School Supplies” in the memo line. Then drop in the offering plate or mail to the church office. Questions? Contact Janice Shute or Norma Jean Demmer for more info. Page 7 Thanks to All Who Supported Our Youth During Mission Possible! - Youth Mission/Service Event Page 8 orm ion F nat Nomi ) ual(s divid 15. n i g owin ss of 20 e foll la ate th f Elder C n i m o e I no c e offi for th __ ____ ____ tion _ a _ n _ i _ Nom _______ _ 1:___ ___ ____ ation ________ n i m No ___ idual ____ indiv g n i 2:___ f follow lass o te the Trustee C a n i I nom office of e for th . 2015 Session Elder & Trustee Nomination Form Your Nominating Committee will meet shortly to begin consideration of candidates for the office of Elder (4) Class of 2015 and one Trustee Class of 2015. These offices are very important to the life of our congregation. The Committee would sincerely appreciate your suggestions for candidates for these offices. Please fill out this Nomination form, sign it, and place it in my Session Box located across from the Nursery or mail to the church office. Also, you can email your nominations to office@covenantcares.org Richard Galloway Chair, Nominating Committee I nominate the following individual(s) for the office of Elder Class of 2015. Nomination 1:____________________________________________________________ Nomination 2:____________________________________________________________ I nominate the following individual for the office of Trustee Class of 2015. Nomination 1:____________________________________________________________ Nominations submitted by:__________________________________________________ Page 9 Page 10 Young at Heart Update On Wednesday, May 23, nine of us from Young at Heart met at the San Antonio Museum of Art, boarded a river boat to enjoy the Museum Reach part of the Riverwalk, and ended with lunch at the SAMA Café. It was a beautiful day and a highly recommended trip. Then at the June 9 lunch gathering of Young at Heart, our speaker was Brian Schwartz who presented an audio/visual presentation about the history of school buses, including their inner workings, state laws pertaining to school buses and driver training. Not everyone is cut out to be a bus driver, physically or psychologically! Brian was assisted by his new bride, Sylvia. He is the son of Jim and Tweenette Schwartz. We also learned that Brian’s grandfather had built school buses. It was most informative and it was enjoyed by all as Summer Adult Sunday School Class: Sunday Mornings 10:00 AM Mission Hall Classroom "Come Thirsty is a life-giving, thirst-quenching adult small group Bible study based on the book by best selling author, Max Lucado. The 17 week course will be held on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM from May 6th through September 2nd. Like the woman at the well, we recognize our need for living water as our souls literally “thirst” for God. But where do we find water for the soul? In Come Thirsty, Max Lucado takes participants on a journey to find what nutrients we, as Christians and believers in Christ, really need. If you are thirsty for God, come to the well and drink deeply to experience Christ's work on the cross, receive the energy of His Spirit, acknowledge His Lordship over your life and bask in His unending, unfailing love. Come thirsty….and drink the water of life." - By Shirley Elmore was the lunch catered by The Barbeque Station. The last Friday of June the Lunch Bunch group met at the church and carpooled to the Lord’s Kitchen. It is a great place for lunch. With a name like that how could it not be? Bastrop State Park Day Trip Saturday, July 14 All ages welcome! • We will be carpooling from Covenant at 8:00AM. • A Picnic Lunch will be provided. • Bring your own shoes, bottled water, swimsuit, and towel. Signup on the YAY Board Or contact Chad Bosse (342-5253), Scott Simpson, or Trish Hopkins so we can make sure we have enough food and transportation. This day trip is sponsored by the Young Adults & Youth Ministry Team. Page 11 Prayer Requests MISSION INDIA LITERACY TRAINERS Ashok Kumar Rohit Kumar ILL/HOSPITALIZED/ NEED PRAYERS Margaret Crim Michele Dinmore Stuart Dinmore Demarius Douthit Dorellyn Fuller Mark Fowler David Hinds Kyla Magee Bill E. Martin Ed Marquardt Beth Mock Roy Mock Evelee Moore Dennis Moses Kathryn Mahan Sally Rock Kathy Safford Emily Schaefer Shirley Stone Jerry Todd SHUT-INS Willie Barham Jeanine Clough Bob Crist Annie Laurie Culbertson Michele & Stuart Dinmore Douglas & Rosemary Lewis Jim Leonard Dorothy Maese Kathryn Mahan Mary Jane Mahavier Doug Mebane Sylvia Nelson Deanie Nolan Wilma Player Lorene Travis Betty Ullmann Coyle Williams THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY Brian Brower Justin Courtney James Dowell Brent Heeren Satha Keo Daniel Martinez Robert Mason James Millard Joe Rosales John Stauffer Nathan Yates COLLEGE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS Krystal Adair Alexandra Anderson Sean Brower Jaimi Douthit Lorin Douthit Gabriel Durand-Hollis Jacob Hopkins Mattie Farias Thomas Farias Shelley Klinzing Ben Lytle Jae Lytle Tim Lytle Sam Mabry Jacob Moore Lewis Nichols Nicolle Ramirez Chris Ruiz Matthew Ruiz Melanie Runyan Melissa Runyan Perry Runyan Matt Scoggins Reagan Stone Emily Turner Erica Quintero Logan Walsh Elizabeth Walthall Alex Ward Nicholas Ward Jacob Welge Laura Wright EXTENDED FAMILY Mitzi Crist Brandon, daughter of Bob & Maguerite Crist Ed Burris, son of Beverly Burris Jane Hardy, sister of Beth & Roy Mock Jef & Hetty Vrinds, parents of Jacqueline Walsh Prayer Chain We have a prayer chain, both email and phone, for prayers for members and friends of our congregation, and for our church. If you would like to add your email to the prayer chain, email the church office at office@covenantcares.org with the subject line “prayer chain.” If you want to be on the telephone prayer chain, call the church office at 342-5253. If you have a prayer request, email or call the church office. Covenant Presbyterian Church 211 Roleto Drive San Antonio, Texas 78213 Website: Email: Phone: Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Permit No. 1091 www.covenantcares.org office@covenantcares.org 210-342-5253 Return service requested July 2012 - Birthdays Sunday 1 Monday 2 Monica Simpson 8 9 Beth Watt Carolyn Pitcher 15 16 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 4 5 6 7 Linda Alwine Albert Villastrigo Julius Moreno Thomas Eisenhut Liz Irvine Sharon Fowler Travis Kirsch Sam Mabry Lester Murphy Sandy Stone 10 11 12 13 14 Geoff Humes Shelley Klinzing 20 21 17 22 23 24 Stuart Dinmore Natalie Durand-Hollis David Lytle 29 30 31 Lorin Douthit Edward Gelsone Tess Pitcher Hamilton Rogers 18 19 Lee Moreno Emily Davidson 25 26 Sara Kay JoAnn Wallace 27 28 Barbara Anderson