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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Lynda MacQueen: Preschool for 25 Years ... and Counting

Messy notes and hand-drawn pictures hang from the wall in Lynda MacQueen’s classroom at the Covenant Preschool and Child’s Day Out. Happy kids walk in, giving her a hug, a high five or a cheery “Hi!” This has been happening for 25 years; that’s how long Lynda has been teaching the 4’s class there. The remarkable thing about her tenure: “I think I can remember every kid I’ve taught, and I can remember something quirky about each one of them,”... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, May 9, 2019

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Covenant Hires Michael Shuman as Director of Music Ministry

Covenant has hired Michael Shuman to serve as our Director of Music Ministry. Michael, most recently, has served as Director of Music Ministries at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Ark. He has also been an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Arkansas. While in Arkansas, Michael has worked on numerous musical events in the community, including collaborating with the University of Arkansas, John Brown University, area high schools, community theatre groups and... Read More
Posted by Erin Becker at Thursday, April 25, 2019

Thursday, April 18, 2019

IMF Formation Cohorts

The Institute for Missional Formation, or IMF, prepares men and women from Covenant to take their place in God’s mission in the world. A key way that we do this is through Formation Cohorts. Covenant's first cohort, a trial run that Covenant’s three pastors as well as three of our members journeyed through with two other churches, was launched in fall 2017. Currently, three more cohorts of 20 people each are participating in the yearlong program. We are inviting... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, April 18, 2019

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Journey to Waco

Covenant youth choir, Journey, spent a weekend in Waco in early March. Journey Director Stacy Curtis said she was looking to travel someplace close and accessible so a majority of the kids could attend. She also wanted a “doable” activity for the teens. “Waco was great because the kids got to enjoy each other and I got the enjoy the kids too. It’s not often that I get to really participate in the fellowship of the group because I’m always conducting and leading.... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Ali Bolsinger Named Middle School Director

Covenant has hired Alison "Ali" Bolsinger to serve as Director of Middle School Ministries. Ali, who will graduate from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., at the end of May, has been on the staff of Young Life for four years; three years as a volunteer and the past year as a staff person. Ali’s degree will be in Christian Ministries with a concentration in pastoral ministries. She has honed her skills by developing, planning and providing oversight to weekly Young Life club... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Sand Glass

Covenant 6th grader Cadalyn Burris is a writer! Below is her amazing short story/poem about sand and gla ss and the things we become. If you are interested in submitting an article or poem for Covenant's blog, email us at publications@covenant.org . Sand Glass I am a grain of sand. A beautiful grain of sand. I am magnificent. I live in a colony of sand. Some have seen the world and traveled the ocean. Some have only just been broken down from the Mother Rock. But... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Finding Comfort (and More) in Pie

Covenant member Stuart Young has a talent for making pies. What began as a cathartic exercise for himself quickly grew to a practice of generosity. Read Stuart's story about his pie-making journey and find out how you can be part of his April 14 pie-making class.  It began with my dad’s passing. On the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, I walked into his room at the assisted living center to discover his still form slumped over on a sofa. In the days that followed, I was in... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

4th Grade Mission Projects

Covenant fourth graders are getting a lesson on how to live out Covenant’s mission statement: “ Encouraging one another to follow Jesus wherever we live, work, and play .” The group of about 25 boys and girls learns about a local mission every six weeks.   Covenant’s Children and Family Ministry (CFM) team started a new curriculum for fourth graders this fall. Titled “Connect,” it takes the kids through the Old Testament and, as is the case with... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Friday, March 1, 2019

An Invitation to Fast

“We must be prepared to give up some things if we intend to get things that are even more important.” -Joan Chittister   For centuries, Christians have practiced the discipline of fasting during Lent. Fasting is an act of imitation of Christ’s own 40 days in the wilderness, where he met the temptations of greed, idolatry and power with the power of the Spirit. This holy experience must be what the author of Hebrews referred to when reminding... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Friday, March 1, 2019

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Poems on the Spot

Covenant Explore membership participant Ed Seymour writes poems on the spot. Ed desribes it here: "My skill is really taking an exchange and converting to a poem. This dates back to my mom. Each day she was alive she wrote two to three poems and handed them out to people she met. I am simply carrying on family tradition of echphrasis, responding to one art form with another in the moment." The following are two of Ed's poems. The first is his... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Debt Relief Celebration

On Sunday, Jan. 27, Covenant celebrated being debt-free after paying off the mortgage on the Fellowship and Education Building. Speakers at the event, "Mission Accomplished," looked back the decision to build and looked forward to what’s next for Covenant. See more pictures here.  Looking Back Nearly 10 years ago, the Fellowship and Education Building was officially opened and immediately provided meeting and practice space for more than 100 organizations.... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Sponsoring Singane

by Donna Vliet “We saw her picture,” George McDonald said of Singane Ly from Tattaguine, Senegal, Africa. “She had a sad look on her face. She looked like she needed help.” George and his wife, Mary Jim, learned of the World Vision sponsorships in the early 2000s through a Covenant display on the patio. That’s when they started sponsoring Singane, believing it was something they could do for a child of our world in a very direct way; their experience has... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, January 24, 2019

Friday, January 18, 2019

Covenant Matters January

Celebrate! Food and Fun on Jan. 27 Covenant is debt-free! We have erased all the debt incurred on the Fellowship and Education Building that is now serving as a bridge to Austin. We will celebrate! On Sunday, Jan. 27, after the 11 a.m. services, we'll enjoy a brief program, music and a few surprises, as well as pizza, salads and tacos. Food trucks from Tia's Kitchen and Roppolo's Pizzeria will be here. Bring the whole family for a free lunch and lots of fun fellowship with the... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Friday, January 18, 2019

Friday, January 11, 2019

The Holy Land

Seeing The Holy Land Five men from Covenant traveled to Jerusalem at the beginning of December. Each walked away with a new understanding of life in the area. The “Israel” of the Middle East did not match the Israel we read about in the Bible, they agreed.   Watch this video for a brief history of Isreal.    The Trip’s Purpose Covenant member Dustin Johnson, the founder and president of Long View Equity, invited the group to join him on... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Friday, January 11, 2019

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Two Step Up to Help with Student Ministry

Two people very familiar with Covenant's Student Ministry program will be a huge help while the church searches for a new Director of Middle School Ministries. Covenant member Jennifer Maham will serve as Interim Student Ministries Assistant. Jennifer has four children in the student ministry program and has served as a leader on two mission trips. She will assist Billy and the ministry to carry out administrative tasks, and help plan and run big... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Friday, December 21, 2018

Daams: Changing Destinies One Language at a Time

“It’s pretty amazing that you can change the destiny of a language group,” said Pam Daams, Wycliffe Bible translator and Covenant-sponsored missionary. For more than 40 years, Pam and her husband Nico have been translating Bibles for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Their work has taken them to places too numerous to list, mostly in the Polynesian islands, but also to training and conferences around the world. In talking with them about their amazing journey, I can’t help... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Friday, December 21, 2018

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Volunteer with Kids in 2019

Covenant's Children and Family Ministry is growing and we need more volunteers. We have spots for many teaching assistants, both in our preschool classes and with our fourth and fifth graders. It's fun and there are many perks: amazing Christ-centered relationships with awesome kids, free date nights (Feb. 8) and monthly thank you surprises! Contact Rachael McConnell at rmcconnell@covenant.org. Assistant for our Older 2's Class Assistant for our Younger 2's Class ... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Covenant Seeks Middle School Ministry Director

Covenant is a thriving, intergenerational, missional church in Austin, Texas with a broad base of committed lay leaders whose mission is to encourage one another to follow Jesus wherever we live, work, and play. We are seeking a Director of Middle School Ministry who, along with a team of volunteers and parents, will minister to a vibrant group of sixth to eighth grade students.  Qualifications for this position are: A commitment to the Christian faith and to serving God through... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Luke Sermon Series

Dear Friends, As we begin Advent on Dec. 2, we enter into what many describe as “the most wonderful time of the year!” Indeed these days bring back memories; it’s a time when we deepen relationships and engage in beloved traditions. These things give us a sense of meaning and deep joy. The week after the Christmas holiday, we often get to relax a bit as 2018 draws to a close. We start to dream about what the new year will bring, looking forward to 2019. This... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, November 29, 2018
Featured

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Subscribe to the Advent Devotionals!

The word Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival,” marks the four-week period leading up to Christmas Day. We celebrate the arrival of the birth of Jesus Christ in His first Advent, while anticipating the return of Christ the King in His second Advent. Covenant has created an Advent Devotional. Delivered daily via email, our Advent devotions are intended to draw you and your family closer to Christ during this special season of anticipation. You’ll find... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, November 29, 2018

Monday, November 26, 2018

Order Christmas Poinsettias

During the Christmas Holiday Season, Covenant decorates the Sanctuary and FE 200 with poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones. There are a couple ways to order: Through our website (Go to the "give online" button. Then, for the fund, choose: “Poinsettias” and in the memo line, add: “in Honor” or “in Memory” and names of those being honored. Return the printed form with your check to Covenant Hall. Please... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, November 26, 2018

Monday, November 19, 2018

Make A 2020 Pledge!

Covenant is encouraging all members and visitors to sign onto Realm, our new online community, to make their 2020 pledge. Realm will also enable members and visitors to sign up for classes and events, to access our directory and to participate in groups online. If you have not yet signed into the system, step-by-step instructions are given below. If you are not interested in joining Realm at this time, email your pledge to  Duane Dube , Covenant Administrator, or drop your pledge... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, November 19, 2018

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Faith Through Film

“Fifteen years ago, I was a filmmaker in L.A. and God got a hold of my heart and changed things greatly.” Brent Gudgel, partner in Deidox Films, was a speaker at the Presbyterian Women’s (PW) fall luncheon. He told the group of about 100 women about starting Deidox Films and shared some of his documentaries with the group. It was 2003 when Brent and now-Deidox partner Dave Mahnaes were showing a film at a mission conference in Florida. On the flight back to... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Sunday, November 18, 2018

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Covenant Matters: November 2018

Thanksgiving Worship Service Covenant will hold a Thanksgiving worship service at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 21. The service will be followed by a light lunch in FE 200. Please join us for this time to give thanks. There will be no additional programming that night. The Covenant business offices will be closed on Nov. 22 and 23.  Hanging of the Green Is Dec. 2 Advent starts Sunday, Dec. 2, with Covenant’s annual Hanging of the Green at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. Traditional... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Monday, November 12, 2018

Covenant Seeks Director of Music

Covenant Presbyterian Church is growing. The church is home to 1,700 members who worship in four different Sunday morning services – three traditional services and one contemporary service. Located in central Austin, the church attracts a diverse mix of congregants who come together to follow Jesus. Music at Covenant One thing that attracts worshipers to Covenant is its vibrant music program. Led for nearly a quarter-century by Director of Music Ministry Tom Brown, the choirs... Read More
Posted by Noel Kalmus at Monday, November 12, 2018

Thursday, November 1, 2018

How To Use the Advent Devotional

The word Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival,” marks the four-week period leading up to Christmas Day. We celebrate the arrival of the birth of Jesus Christ in His first Advent, while anticipating the return of Christ the King in His second Advent. Covenant has created an Advent Devotional. Delivered daily via email, our Advent devotions are intended to draw you and your family closer to Christ during this special season of anticipation. You’ll find... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, November 1, 2018

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Sunday Bulletins

The printed bulletins provide members with the order of service and a prayer list for those hospitalized and/or healing. We also print birth and death notices, as well as a prayer for a specific mission or desire. The latest bulletin will be provided here on Fridays, for the upcoming Sunday. Pamphlets are handed out at the entry to the 11:05 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service.  Sunday, Jan. 27:  8:15 ,  9:30 ,  11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20:  8:15 ,  9:30... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, November 1, 2018

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Are You Shaped to Serve?

Shaped to Serve 2018, Covenant’s tenth annual church-wide day of service, is Nov. 10. On this day, members form teams to do proj­ects in the community that benefit our mission partners. On Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, bring the following items to Covenant Hall for  Refugee Services of Texas Items needed:  Cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, sponges Laundry supplies: Laundry baskets, detergent, fabric softener Paper products:... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Register for the 2019 PW Retreat

Download the registration form here. The Covenant women are so excited about the March 22-24 Mission Presbytery Mo-Ranch Retreat that they are planning! Keynote speaker Beth Daniel will explore the theme of “friendship.” The Covenant team has been working hard on all aspects of this weekend and appreciate those who have already signed up to help. However, they hope as many Covenant women as possible will share this experience. Don’t wait to make your reservations!... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Congratulations Whitney!

Covenant has hired Whitney Bell as our Mission Director. This new position is a key to growing our mission ministry. As such, the search committee was seeking a person who could both expand the ministry and get more Covenant people excited and involved in mission. Whitney is very qualified to achieve those goals. As Covenant Director of Middle School, Whitney has been instrumental in growing Covenant Student Ministry in terms of number of students involved and depth of programming. During... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Sunday, September 30, 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

ESL Teachers Needed

Did you know Covenant is a satellite campus for Manos de Cristo educational classes? Five years ago, we started with one English as a Second Language (ESL) class of five students and two teachers that met twice a week. This year we have three English classes with about 30 students; and three morning classes (Levels Intro, 1 and 2) and one evening class (Level 3). Our classes meet Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30 - 11:45 a.m., and Tuesday/Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. Would you consider being a teacher... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, September 24, 2018

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The Music Man: Tom Brown raises the bar for church choirs

illustration by Noel Kalmus Four senior pastors. Three interim senior pastors. Too many associate pastors to count. One music director. Tom Brown has been Director of Music at Covenant for 25 years. “What’s kept me here is the ambitious attitude of our adult choirs and their willingness to sing good music that spiritually enriches worship. Our choirs don’t merely entertain or appease congregants. We are a very active ministry with a rather diverse... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

A Letter from the Pastor: Fall Sermon Series and More

Friends,   I hope this letter finds you well as our long and hot Texas summer begins to wind down. I trust that these days allowed for times of rest, reflection and renewal. As fall approaches, it is natural to feel the increased pressures of busy calendars and “to do” lists crowding in on us. In all of this busyness, however, I encourage you to intentionally ask: “Am I busy with the right things?” We should not allow our schedules to drown out our... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

IMF Cohorts

“It’s very simple,” Associate Pastor Jill Williams said when describing the Institute for Missional Formation cohort journey that Covenant started three 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 that was launched with two other churches in... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Monday, August 6, 2018

FAQ

This is a test of the pop up window capability. This is only a test QUestion:    Answer   Question   Answer Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, August 6, 2018

Monday, July 30, 2018

Reel Ministry Summer Film Series 2018

This summer’s Reel Ministry film series will again be shown at Alamo Drafthouse Village. We will screen films three Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. After seeing the film, we will have the opportunity to discuss the various themes each film presents and the ways each speaks to us about such things as moral courage, forgiveness, love, faith, grace and redemption. Doors will open at 6 p.m. – get there on time to order snacks.  The films are free, and Alamo... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, July 30, 2018

Monday, June 18, 2018

Oklahoma City Middle School Mission Trip

by Drew Smith In the weeks leading up to the middle school mission trip to Oklahoma City, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what work we would be doing, where we were sleeping or if anyone I knew would be going. I went into the tr ip not expecting anything and came away with experiences I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Our first da y was a scavenger hunt downtown and visiting kids at daycare. I made it through the scavenger hunt (my group came in last) and then went to visit... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, June 18, 2018

Friday, June 1, 2018

JOY In Serving

It’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. 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 started in 2011. The Joy Ministry matches a volunteer “buddy”... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Friday, June 1, 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Climate Change: Facts, Fiction and our Faith

Texas Tech University Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe shared her views on climate change with a large Covenant crowd late 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... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Institute for Missional Formation Cohorts FAQ

  As one of the first initiatives of the Institute for Missional Formation (IMF), Covenant is launching three formation cohorts in the fall of 2018. The three new cohorts will start meeting in September and each will include 20 people. There will be four retreats for each of the groups, and participation is mandatory. This is a one-year commitment that will require you to devote time and energy throughout the year. We have anticipated some of your questions and answered them... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Saturday, April 7, 2018

Monday, March 5, 2018

A Quiet Transformation

by Elizabeth McBride When my kids were babies we lived in Washington, D.C. My husband took our car to work each day, so the kids and I did a lot of walking in our neighborhood. On our walks I would frequently pass by a church in our neighborhood with a sign out front that said: “God is still speaking. Are you listening?” The sign always prompted me to pause and listen for God. For about two seconds…until my daughter dropped her favorite stuffed animal on the sidewalk or my son’s... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, March 5, 2018

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Texas Reach Out Ministry Changes Lives

“The Lord found me sitting in prison in 1987. I was a hardcore drug addict and alcoholic.” The story about how Texas Reach Out began begins with its founder, David Pena. “When I was young I thought I was indestructible,” David said. “In prison, I got into a fight. When you fight, the guards come and beat you down and strip you and drag you into the hole. “I think about how far God has brought me from that place and that mentality. From being a heathen to... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Sunday, November 5, 2017

Monday, April 10, 2017

Drive-Thru Prayer

  "How do we become a love letter to Austin?" That question had been sitting with Joe Skraba. As Covenant pastors preached and discussed spreading God’s love to our city, Joe pondered: How can we utilize our campus as an outreach to the neighborhood and the entire community? His wife, Holly, felt the same. “We have this great location, and it was bugging us to figure out what we could do.” Joe's inspiration manifested as a fusion between this desire to serve Austin and two... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Monday, April 10, 2017

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

I See Color

Covenant member Alyson Wagnor attended a Covenant Lab. She wrote the following article, reflecting on the class and her background.  At the introductory session of Jon Wasson’s Covenant Lab, Creating the Beloved Community: A Christian Response to Racism, Jon asked each of us to think about our first experience with race. Long after class was dismissed, I pondered the question. Race has been part of my entire life. Yet until recently, the uncomfortable word occupied my perceptions of... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Q Commons Austin

Covenant Presbyterian Church hosted Q Commons in October, welcoming three local presenters and many guests. The crowd descended upon the church to be part of a global conversation on hot topics in our world. The conversations were led by Q founder Gabe Lyons, who -- along with several nationally-known presenters -- joined us via video. Covenant followed up to this event early this year, with the three local presenters returning to the church for longer, separate discussions. For a... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Prayer and Work: An Integrated Relationship

Tish Harrison Warren was at Covenant Wednesday, Oct.5, as part of our Faith and Lecture Series. Warren, a priest in the Anglican Church in North America who serves at Resurrection South Austin, talked about vocation as our mission. She said that after the Reformation, the “earthy notion of vocation,” more than the scholastic wrangling of justice, captured the imagination of Europe and the hearts of lay people. “It was a new concept that a farmer could teach the story of God in the field... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, October 6, 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Need a Lift?

Here’s how God changed my life this year. It’s almost like He had it all planned… We all have our “church friends,” right? They are the people we look for across the patio and rush to catch for a few minutes of laughter before everyone disperses on Sunday mornings. Maybe they are the people we bump into at dinner and introduce to others as our “friends from church.” Have you ever wondered how to transform your church friends into real-life... Read More
Posted by Stephanie Schultz at Thursday, September 29, 2016