The Covenant CallN e w s l e t t e r o f C o v e n a n t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

Chaotic Travels By Dan Milford

In this Issue: August’s Feature Movie pg. 2 Mission Update pg. 5 YAH Luncheon pg. 9 Single Worship Service pg. 3 General Assembly News pg. 6-7 Prayer Requests pg. 11 Upcoming Youth Events pg. 4 Bastrop Trip pg. 8 Birthdays pg. 12

Th e following is a series of excerpts from the Facebook journal of entries I kept while in route back to San Antonio from General Assembly in Pittsburgh. Storms that came through Dallas that aft ernoon wreaked havoc on air travel, leading to quite a bit of chaos.

General Assembly ends with an adventure for me. A storm arrived in Dallas shortly after I did for my connecting flight. After my flight was cancelled, I made my rounds on standby at three other far-flung gates. I'm in a plane at the gate right now. The stewardess just said something with an air of uncertainty. I'll breathe a sigh of relief once this bird's in the air! (Sat. 8:12 p.m.)

…Sigh. Being on a plane and getting into the air are two different things. Our pilot just became illegal--it took us too long to get into the air. Our crew is still good for another hour if we can get a new pilot/co-pilot. (Sat. 8:23 p.m.) [Th is fl ight fell through shortly aft er the post and we all went scrambling on to other gates in search of a fl ight to San Antonio.] …A-37 to A-38 to C-37 to C-4 to C-37 to A-37 to A-17 to home? Good thing I can do lots of walking and am a night owl (since I'm on Eastern Time and still have at least 2.5 hours to go before getting to bed). Got a little juice (electricity for the phone, coffee for me)...and a new gate to go to. This has been quite a workout! Perhaps departing at midnight? (Sat. 10:35 p.m.)

… Up to #20 on a standby list that has reached 145. Still waiting... They're moving very slowly. Doesn't inspire me that there are 20 seats left. Space in the baggage compartment perhaps? (Sat. 11:16 p.m.)

And... I win the lottery... First in line of those who didn't get on. (Sat. 11:30 p.m.)

Now at gate C-35 and #12 on the standby list... For WHATEVER that's worth. (Sat. 11:51 p.m.) [Once again I missed the fl ight by one seat.]

Ok. Let's try this again. It's A-37 to A-38 to C-37 to C-4 to C-37 to A-37 to A-17 to C-35 to C-29. The plane we MIGHT get is in the air now. It's scheduled to arrive at 2:30 a.m. with hopes to get it in the air by 3:00 a.m. The attendant expressed some doubt that the crew would still be legal by the time they could get it emptied, cleaned, reloaded, refueled, etc. AND I don't have a boarding pass for that flight--still working the standby route. Good news is that I have my one liner prepared for when

I eventually get there--"I just flew in on American, and boy are my LEGS tired." They just announced this flight will overnight before leaving. So... Time to settle in. As I've watched children traveling alone, senior citizens with limited mobility, parents traveling with infants and young children, and knowing there are likely folks with other special needs (diabetes, prescription drugs that are in their checked baggage, etc.), I know I have it pretty easy

all in all. Sure miss my family though. (Sun. 1:24 a.m.)Zombies pace the concourses at DFW. Bodies lie strewn

over and under chairs. The carnage is impressive. Slowly, the living begin to return to the airport, not knowing the danger that lurks therein. (Sun. 4:45 a.m.)

The morning began with me waiting at gate C-15, where my boarding pass (at least I have one!) indicated my flight would board. The monitors continued to indicate this gate through the night, as well. At about 6:30 a.m. I decided to double check that nothing had changed. Sure enough, now I'm at gate D-18.

(continued on page 2)

37 to A-17 ttoo m a night owl

aalalll inin all. Sure Zombie

Page 2

I heard about another traveler a few years back who got into a similar situation. So many people became displaced that they overwhelmed the number of accommodations available. In desperation, people found shelter wherever they could get it. Some, like this woman, even crowded into spaces designed for animals. The whole situation was made much worse for her because she really shouldn't have been traveling as she was late in her pregnancy, but she had little choice in the matter. Perhaps it was the stress of the whole sorry scene. Perhaps it was just time. Either way, she gave birth right there by the feeding trough. The baby blankets and crib that had been lovingly prepared were back at home. A few rags were all they could find to receive the baby. They would have to

do. As would the feeding trough-turned-crib. Pretty frustrating and heartbreaking to be sure. At least the mother and baby came through well without complications. In the midst of all the chaos, God was clearly present. In retrospect, when people realized who that baby would become, some would call that child "God is with us"...Emmanuel...better known by his given name... Jesus. And he has continued to be with people in the midst of the chaos of their lives. You could say it's his specialty. He makes a great travel companion. The trick is to let him do the leading. Peace on earth! And with you!! (Sun. 7:39 a.m.)

Chaotic Travels (continued from pg. 1 - By Dan Milford)

Children welcome! A separate fi lm will be shown for children in the Children's Th eater Room.

Join us for the showing of a life changing event to be followed up in a study for Men and Women, with classes being off ered in the Fall.

"Courageous Honor begins at Home"Th is movie shows law enforcement offi cers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willing to stand up to the worst the world has to off er. 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 fi nd a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them?

August's Feature Film:Courageous (PG-13)

Friday, August 3rd - 7:00 PM - Friendship Hall

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Youth Kickoff SundayAugust 26th

10:00 AM

We're kicking of the 2012 - 2013 school year with a whole lot of fun! Youth will be able to meet their teachers and classmates while having a bunch of fun in Friendship Hall. Parents will be able to hear about the upcoming year's plans during the same time. We encourage all of our youth and parents to come check out this year's upcoming classes, activities, and events!

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Youth Pool PartySaturday, August 25th

2:00 PM - 7:00 PMHopkins' Home

Come cool off with your friends--and make new ones! We'll provide the food, drink, (we plan on eating around 4:00 PM) and pool. All you need is a towel and swimsuit (if you plan to swim).

Sign up on the:Young Adult & Youth Bulletin Board

or E-mail Chad at chad@covenantcares.org

Visitors and guests are welcome.We look forward to seeing you there!

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Th e Mission Committee is pleased to announce that a member of the leadership team of Community Fellowship Presbyterian Church in New Braunfels will be the featured speaker during the Sunday School hour on September 30 for Mission Focus Sunday. He will also give a short “Minute for Mission” report during each worship service. Community Fellowship Presbyterian Church is a new church development of Mission Presbytery under the leadership of Rev. Helen Boursier. Th e property is located on FM 1102 just outside the city limits of New Braunfels on 6 ½ acres. Th e congregation of approximately 150 people of diverse ethnic backgrounds is already heavily involved in mission themselves, contributing to the local food

bank, hosting international students, serving in soup kitchens, and conducting numerous Vacation Bible Schools, as well as a camp for kids who would otherwise never experience any camping experience. Th e congregation itself is made up largely of new Christians or those previously unchurched and seeks to make disciples of many more in the area. Covenant’s Mission Committee has had the privilege of contributing $12,000 to this endeavor from a special fund (All God’s Children) designated only for new church development. We look forward with great anticipation to hearing more about this new church as we are brought up to date on recent activities.

Article By Janice Shute

Worship

Children/YouthMission Outreach

Baptism

Community Fellowship Presbyterian Church

July 7, 2012

To congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier today, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned aft er a week of worship and work as the highest council of the denomination. Just under 900 elected commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery came from north, south, east, and west to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).

Th is assembly’s theme, “walking, running, soaring into hope” (Isaiah 40:31) was a fi tting description of the assembly in many ways. At one level, the commissioners worked tirelessly—meeting literally well into the early morning hours today to complete their work—and doing so with much energy and passion. At a deeper level, the deliberations and discernment of this assembly refl ect a church that is endeavoring to know how to demonstrate faithfully and eff ectively the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21st century.

Some of the highlights:

Worship – Th e assembly paused daily in the midst of its business, in the same space, to worship. Each of the preachers used the same text, Mark 2:1-12, chosen by outgoing GA Moderator, Cindy Bolbach. Commissioners and advisory delegates prayed and sang oft en, using selections from the upcoming new hymnal from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Glory to God, which the assembly voted to commend to the church (available in 2013; www.presbyterianhymnal.org).

Community – Th ose who have experienced a General Assembly speak overwhelmingly of the sense of connectedness that develops over the course of the assembly, and this one was no exception. Group meals, committee work, mission tours, exhibit hall,

and more provided opportunities to make new friends and reconnect with those for whom an assembly is a “family reunion.” You can get a sense of that community through the photo and video gallery and more at www.pcusa.org/ga220. Th e community extended beyond Pittsburgh, as well—thousands gathered in this country and around the world through social media to watch the proceedings (www.twitter.com/search/ga220).

Business – Th e assembly addressed roughly 800 items of business in the form of overtures, reports, commissioner resolutions and more. We commend to you PC-biz (www.pc-biz.org), the online site where you can read about each item of business. Some topics that were before the assembly are likely to draw media attention—perhaps they already have where you live. We want to highlight some of them, sharing with you the actions taken by the assembly:

• Defi nition of marriage – Th e assembly chose not to change the current defi nition of marriage that is in the PC(USA) constitution, namely, that marriage is a civil contract “between a man and a woman.” Rather, through its action to approve a two-year study, the assembly is inviting the entire church to engage in serious, deliberate conversation on this issue.

• Middle East – Th e assembly chose not to divest from three companies participating in “non-peaceful pursuits” in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Rather, the assembly voted “to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian/Israeli confl ict,” and to “devise a plan of active engagement and projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.” Th e assembly also approved a boycott on “all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian territories.”

• 1001 Movement – Th e assembly overwhelming supported a movement to create 1001 worshiping communities (www.onethousandone.org). Th ose communities of faith will perhaps look much

Letter from the new Moderator and Vice Moderator of the 220th General Assembly

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diff erent from traditional congregations, but those that are already underway—in coff ee shops, shopping malls, even on bicycles—are changing the world and the church for the sake of the gospel.

Commissioners and advisory delegates wrestled passionately together in heart, mind, and prayer, yet did so respectfully and graciously. Rarely were votes taken that had a wider margin than 60%-40%. On marriage and the Middle East issues, the voting results were extremely close. More than once, commissioners rose with requests to reconsider items already approved. Obviously, we are working through diffi cult issues that do not get easily resolved by one or two votes, or even within one or two years. Nevertheless, we stand fi rmly in the conviction and hope that God is present with us – behind, before, and beside us. Each assembly committee opened its meeting with prayer and refl ection on Paul’s encouragement to the church in Ephesus: “…making every eff ort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3). Th is is our prayer, as well. We pray that every eff ort will be made to continue conversation at every level of the church—from congregations to presbyteries to synods to the General Assembly—encouraging and engaging one another, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. May the good and faithful work begun in Pittsburgh continue, remembering that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Th ey will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is our peace,

Th e Rev. Neal D. PresaModerator, 220th General Assembly

Th e Rev. Gradye ParsonsStated Clerk of the General Assembly

Th e Rev. Tom Trinidad

Vice Moderator, 220th General Assembly

Elder Linda Bryant ValentineExecutive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

(formerly General Assembly Mission Council)

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220th General Assembly Letter (Continued from pg. 6)

Learn to relax in the Qi Gong Exercise Class

beginning Wenesday, August 1.

You will learn rhythmic breathing coordinated with a slow, stylized repetition of fl uid movements. The exercises offer many health benefi ts such as lowering stress, invigorating your energy level, and improving strength and balance. Because it is low impact, Qi Gong is accessible for anyone from 5-100 years old, including disabled persons and people recovering from injuries! The class will meet in Friendship Hall (gym) on Wednesday nights from 7-8PM August thru December.

For more information, visit instructor Terri Murphy’s website www.qigongsanantonio.com Cost is $8 per class. Come join us.

THANKS!!Heartfelt thanks to all who came to my rescue in recent weeks. A very special thanks to Gracie, Gabe, Roberto, and Alan. -- Jeanine Clough

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Part of Covenant’s family enjoyed a hike in Bastrop State Park last month. Th ey enjoyed fi shing, hiking, as well as the grilled lunch provided by the Young Adult and Youth Team. Many commented on the beauty of the park, noting the new growth that has occurred since the wildfi re last year. God is good!

Bastrop State Park Day Trip

Young At Heart Day TripSept. 8, 2012

Steam Engine Train Ride from Cedar Park to Burnet

Cost Details: Depending on the number of people who sign up, it will cost between $27-30 per person for the train ride. Bill Lucks will be driving us up there and there will be a gas expense also. Th e more people who sign up, the lower the cost.

Departure Schedule: We will leave the church at 7:30AM and travel to Cedar Park (suburb of Austin). Our train departs at 10:00AM and arrives in Burnet at noon. We will eat lunch, shop, and do some sight seeing prior to returning on the 2:00PM train back to Cedar Park. We should return back to San Antonio by 6:00PM.

Signup Today: RSVP and payment required in advance. For more info, call Rowena Nadig at 342-5253.

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CRYPTOGRAMA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

23 5 3 12

__ __ __ __ U __ H __ __ __ __ __ U __ R __ __ __ __13 24 25 16 12 17 23 13 8 21 25 16 12 14 5 20 17 16 16

S __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ H __ __ __ ,3 1 14 26 26 17 16 18 16 14 15 13 4 17 23 13 8 4

__ R __ __ __ __ __ __ S __ __ __ __ __ H __ __ __ S __ __17 5 25 18 16 13 8 4 3 1 14 26 26 17 23 13 8 4 3 13 8

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ .14 15 13 4 2 14 25

Directions:This puzzle is called a Cryptogram. At the top there is a KEY that lists all the letters from A thru Z with a box below. Each of the letters has a corresponding number.

The bottom part contains a secret phrase. Each of the blanks has a number underneath it. Fill in the letters that correspond to the numbers below the blanks to solve the phrase.

MISSION INDIA LITERACY TRAINERSAshok Kumar Rohit Kumar

ILL/HOSPITALIZED/NEED PRAYERSMichele DinmoreStuart DinmoreDemarius DouthitDorellyn FullerMark FowlerStu HamiltonDavid HindsKyla MageeBill E. MartinEd MarquardtBeth MockRoy MockEvelee MooreDennis MosesKathryn MahanSally RockKathy Saff ordEmily SchaeferJim SchwartzSuzanne SnyderJerry ToddLorene Travis

SHUT-INSWillie BarhamJeanine CloughBob CristAnnie Laurie CulbertsonMichele & Stuart Dinmore Douglas & Rosemary LewisJim LeonardDorothy Maese Kathryn Mahan Mary Jane MahavierDoug MebaneSylvia NelsonDeanie NolanWilma Player Lorene Travis Coyle Williams

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY Brian Brower Justin Courtney James Dowell Brent Heeren Satha KeoDaniel Martinez Robert Mason James Millard

Joe Rosales Nathan Yates

COLLEGE AND GRADUATE STUDENTSKrystal AdairAlexandra AndersonSean BrowerJaimi Douthit Lorin DouthitGabriel Durand-HollisJacob HopkinsMattie FariasTh omas FariasShelley KlinzingBen LytleJae LytleTim LytleSam Mabry Jacob MooreLewis Nichols Nicolle RamirezChris RuizMatthew Ruiz Melanie RunyanMelissa Runyan Perry RunyanMatt Scoggins Reagan Stone Emily TurnerErica Quintero Logan WalshElizabeth WalthallAlex Ward Nicholas WardJacob WelgeLaura 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

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Prayer Requests

Prayer ChainWe 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 offi ce at offi ce@covenantcares.org with the subject line “prayer chain.” If you want to be on the telephone prayer chain, call the church offi ce at 342-5253. If you have a prayer request, email or call the church offi ce.

Covenant Presbyterian Church211 Roleto DriveSan Antonio, Texas 78213Website: www.covenantcares.orgEmail: offi ce@covenantcares.orgPhone: 210-342-5253

Return service requested

NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDSan Antonio, Texas

Permit No. 1091

August 2012 Birthdays SSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Marguerite Crist

2 3 Nancy Gericke Douglas Radcliffe

4 Cecil Holloway Bennie Luke

5 Allyson Moreno Rebecca Walthall

6 7 Bill Lucks Van VanDerHeck Charlie Winn

8 Mackenzie Kirsch

9 Tweenette Schwartz

10

11 Roberta Krueger

12 Joyce Barker Mary Davidson Marylynn Wesson

13 Craig Hopkins Natalia Verona

14 Steve Davidson Richard Galloway Nicolle Ramirez

15 16 Bryan Rice

17 18 Michael Manibusan

19 Robert Coyle

20

21 Martha Hernandez Melissa Runyan

22 Maggie Mather Dan Milford

23 Lori Anderson

24

25 Gerry Chatelle Lois Lorch

26

27 Jennipher Dwyer Mitch Orr John Poteet

28 Betty Huff Jim Leonard

29 Trish Hopkins Evelyn Rogers

30 Mary Jane Mahavier Nicholas VonAschen

31 Aria Braswell Alan Klinzing