a newsletter of the presbytery of new covenant · jesus christ, so that their own lives are...

A Newsletter of the Presbytery of New Covenant

March | April 2019

Growing congregations that passionately engage their communities to make disciples.

Making History Today

Clerk’sCorner

Youth News Events Back PageCommunity News

Mission and Ministry

New Covenant selected for Vital Congregations

2 3 4-5 6-8 9 10-11 1001 Eventthis edition

In January of 2019, Presbytery of New Covenant was selected as just one of 14 presbyteries of the PCUSA to join the Preparation in Vital Congregations Initiative. The Vital Congregations Initiative, developed through the national Office of Vital Congregations, works “… alongside leaders of existing congregations continually assessing, discerning and living into faithful actions that increase vitality through intentional spiritual practices that take them deeper into following Jesus Christ, so that their own lives are changed, congregations are transformed and the mission of God spreads throughout particular communities and the world.” 1 In 2018 Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill came to speak to a large group of Presbytery of New Covenant pastors from all over the Houston metroplex and beyond. It was at this meeting that the group that was gathered there in 1110 Lovett felt the Holy Spirit’s stirring! God is truly continuing to do new things and renew things in our Presbytery and in our denomination.Rev. Threadgill focused on the 7 Marks of a Vital Congregation: 1. Lifelong Discipleship Formation vs. complacent “Christian” piety;

simply teaching good morals; offering the latest programs 2. Intentional Authentic Evangelism vs. “Jesus freaks”; “Christian” hypocrisy; a committee responsibility 3. Outward Incarnational Focus vs. inward institutional survival; closed communities of assimilation/exclusion 4. Empowering Servant Leadership vs. the pastor’s job; monopolized leadership; hiring the young, energetic pastor 5. Spirit-Inspired Worship vs. self gratifying worship; stale ritual divorced of meaning; consumer entertainment worship 6. Caring Relationships vs. any other social club; facades, hypocrisy and judgments of the “church” and “religion”

7. Ecclesial Health vs. unhealthy dysfunction; toxic environments; obsolete and irrelevant buildings (Taken from the Immediate Toolkit for Vital Congregations) Later that same year, Rev. Threadgill came again at the invitation of the Evangelism and Church Growth committee to share how the initiative was taking shape and how presbyteries like New Covenant may apply to join in as one of the few initial rollout presbyteries. The Evangelism and Church Growth Committee took the challenge and worked hard on applying for participation in this new initiative on behalf of the nearly 100 existing congregations in the Presbytery of New Covenant. I could not be more excited for the Presbytery of New Covenant, for US as the people of God, connected together in this exciting new work. The ECG Committee will start letting folks know of resources, trainings, cohorts and gatherings around the Revitalization Initiative as we move into the first half of the year. Keep your eyes and ears open to God’s movement through New Covenant. I am excited for us as a presbytery knowing that we are in this mysterious and powerful movement of the Holy Spirit together! Some possible next steps as we prepare as a congregation: 1. Download https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/vital-congregations-immediate-toolkit/Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill

Lynn HargroveEditor

Carrie WalkerLayout

Patricia BrantleyCirculation Manager

New Covenant Connections is a freely provided, non-profit newsletter, published in its entirety for the Glory of God by:The Presbytery of New Covenant1110 Lovett BoulevardHouston, TX 77006713-526-2585

Circulation: 164 print, 1345 digital

Next deadline: Tuesday, April 9, with distribution by the end of the month.Email: [email protected]

Send changes of address to:Patricia [email protected]

The Presbytery of New Covenantwww.pbyofnewcovenant.org

NEW COVENANTCONNECTIONSMarch | April 2019Volume 25, Edition 2

2 | March - April 2019 | New Covenant CONNECTIONS | pbyofnewcovenant.org

Our Better Angels The focus of attention was on nine teenagers: Thelma Mothershed,Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray, Ernest Green, Melba Patillo,Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls, and Jefferson Thomas. Their chief advisor and supporter was a woman named Daisy Bates. The time was September, 1957. The city was Little Rock, Arkansas. These nine young persons simply wanted to be educated at Central High School, a public school in Little Rock. Many already know what followed. The state’s governor, Orville Faubus,was opposed to this attempt at integration as were many of the citizens in the state’s capital city, the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education three years earlier notwithstanding. The students were ridiculed, mocked, and threatened with verbal epithets. Houses were bombed and burned. Eventually, President Eisenhower sent in federal troops to try to calm the situation and allow the students to enter the school peacefully. Interestingly, the only local white minister who agreed to accompany thestudents was Dunbar H. Ogden, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in LittleRock. He had been at that church for only three years. However, many in hiscongregation were not pleased with his action and he and his family were forced to leave Little Rock. He accepted a call to serve as associate pastor at FirstPresbyterian Church in Huntington, West Virginia. The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest is holding its 2019meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We will hear a presentation on the history of First Presbyterian Church

in that city, and one on the work of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in higher education. The third presentation will be by Rev. Don Campbell who has discovered that his family tree includes both Anglo andAfrican-American heritage. In February we celebrate African American heritage. It is tempting to askhow far we have come in this country in healing the deep wounds in racerelations. And yet, there have been many saints – both white and black – who labored tirelessly to bring about the kind of racial harmony that surely reflects the kingdom of God, Dunbar Ogden being only one. May we all continue to be that kind of kingdom people. (If you would like to receive a transcript of the presentations given in Hot Springs or learn more about the Society, please contact me at [email protected]. Annual dues for membership in the Society are $20/person/per/year and $25/per couple/per year. Annual dues for churches andother institutions are $100 per year.)

Making History TodayRev. Dr. James S. Currie, Executive SecretaryPresbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest

Introducing Jim Currie’s recently published bookThe Church Beyond the Wall: Life and Ministry in the Former East Germany

Available on Amazon.com

Congratulations Jim!

pbyofnewcovenant.org | New Covenant CONNECTIONS | March - April 2019 | 3

Clerk’s CornerRev. Lynn Hargrove, General Presbyter + Stated Clerkfor Administrative ProcessPresbytery of New Covenant

I recently was invited to preach an installation service for a pastor in a new call in our presbytery. Several people commented that it was a sermon that everyone ought to hear. I will try to summarize my thoughts here, which were based on Ephesians 3:14-4:6. I have long been fascinated with the truth that is in these statements. Socrates said, “To be is to do.” Jean Paul Sartre said, “To do is to be.” And Frank Sinatra said, “Do be do be do.” We all live in the tension between “human beings” and “human doings” since so much of our worth in society is based on what we do rather than who we are. I find that many times there are unrealistic expectations placed upon pastors. Some people think that the new pastor will be the one who will save their church. There are those who want the pastor to grow their church, but the truth is they just want a chaplain who will care for their existing members, and might undermine any changes that will happen. A new pastor will come in with a vision for ministry that will unite the church and return it to the exciting place it was 50 years ago. Congregations expect a decent sermon to be preached on Sunday morning. The pastor should be a caring person, and to be available whenever someone is going through a difficult time. You might expect that the pastor will baptize your children and grandchildren and bury your parents, even if they are not members of the congregation. The pastor should be an effective leader for your church. These are common expectations, and not necessarily wrong. These attitudes reflect and nurture an assumption that pastors are the real ministers and that church members are those who receive

ministry. A study showed minimum expectations included this time commitment each week: •Prayeratthechurch:14hrs •Sermonpreparation:18hrs •Outreachandevangelism:10hrs •Counseling:10hrs •Hospitalandhomevisits:15hrs •Administrativefunctions:18hrs •Communityinvolvement:5hrs •Denominationalinvolvement:5hrs •Churchmeetings:5hrs •Worshipservices/preaching:4hrs •Otherdutiesasassigned:10hours •TOTALHOURSEACHWEEK: 114, Total hours in a week: 168, Difference: 7.7 hours a day to sleep, eat, spend time with family and anything else not related to the church In the Ephesians passage, there is an expectation that pastors and other church leaders are to do something for the church members. This may involve preaching, teaching, caring, and leading. But the primary task of pastors is to equip God’s people for the work of ministry. Listen to that – the primary task is to equip YOU for YOUR ministry. Another way to say it is that the pastor’s job is to equip YOU to live YOUR WHOLE LIFE as ministry. I once attended a church that had this line in the weekly bulletin, “We have one pastor, and (the number of church members) ministers.” Remember that your pastor is not a super hero. Your pastor is broken and bruised and made in the image of an almighty God who is in the process of being made whole, just like you are. Your pastor is not perfect, and please don’t be disappointed when s/he is human.

What is your role as church members? Support your pastor in the pursuit of emotional and spiritual health. Pray for your pastor, and for your congregation. Encourage them to take some time off. Ask them about who they are, and not just what the church is about. Hang out with them because s/he is your sister or brother in Christ. Give them grace in their weakness. Don’t assume that all they hear is nice compliments. Send a note with life-giving words. When your pastor is healthy and whole and maintains a good heart, everybody wins. That pastor will be able to love, serve and care for the congregation in the best way possible. Remember the balance between “human beings” and “human doings” and allow your pastor to be as you learn to help to share your gifts in ministry to your community and beyond.

Unrealistic Expectations

CONNECTIONS theme are these words from Matthew 25:For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

For the May | June edition,the theme will be:“I was a stranger and you welcomed me”

Submit your articles with pictures by April 9.

CONNECTIONS 2019


&I was thirsty and you gave me drink - Matthew 25:35-36

Free “Faith Formation” Event - Presbyterian Leadership Enrichment 2019: Ignite the Fire! In Jesus’ day, there were thousands of people who heard the Good News and became believers. When those new believers applied themselves to learning more about the Good News, they became disciples. The word disciple describes a learner or student. Today, a new believer’s discipleship journey might start with attending worship services. Then maybe joining a Sunday School class, getting into a regular Bible study group, joining a small group, participating in religious retreats, or getting active in the youth group. Sadly, though, some folks never get beyond the disciple stage. When they get stuck in that stage, they miss the opportunity to unfurl their spiritual wings and transform from a disciple into an apostle. They miss living into their Mt. 28:19 calling. Our word apostle comes from the Greek word for being “sent out.” Jesus’ initial twelve disciples eventually became something more than just disciples. For a year or longer, these men had been following Jesus and being discipled (taught) by him. Now they would experience a transforming change. As apostles they were being

commissioned by Christ to drive out impure spirits… (MT 10:1) heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, [and] drive out demons (MT

10:8). Whew! Faith formation is a lifelong process. It starts with becoming a believer, then becoming a disciple because we want to know more, and then being so grateful for what we’ve been given that we become an apostle and share the Good News with others. On Saturday, April 6, 2019, Presbytery of New Covenant will be hosting Presbyterian Leadership Enrichment 2019: Ignite the Fire! It will be held at Pines Presbyterian. There will be four consecutive presentations covering various aspects of faith formation. Two presentations in the morning and two in the afternoon. There is no cost to attend but lunch will be a bring your own brown bag affair (drinks will be provided).

As of this writing, the four presentations are: 1. How Christian? Why Presbyterian? 2. Faith formation in the 21st

Century, which will include highlight information on John Knox Presbyterian’s Summer Mission Camp and Spring Branch Presbyterian’s Messy Church. 3. How church leadership teams can be molded into high performance work teams. 4. How the MissionInsite demographic software can inform a church’s ministry and mission. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Pines Presbyterian 12751 Kimberley Lane, 77024, (near CityCentre Town & Country). We’ll start promptly at 9:30 am, so plan to arrive a few minutes early. And remember to bring a brown bag lunch or you can pop over to several area restaurants if you desire. Finally, even though the workshop is free, please register so we can plan seating logistics.Watch for the link in Tuesday Connect.

2. Prayerfully listen to God’s speaking in and through your congregation as you go through the toolkit 3. Discern if this is a conversation your leadership and congregation are feeling led to have. 4. Look for next steps through the Evangelism and Church Growth Committee 5. Pray for the spirit’s moving in your congregation, in your community and in the presbytery

vITAl CONgrEgATIONSfrom page 1

Know that the Evangelism and Church Growth Committee, Lynn Hargrove and the amazing leadership team at the presbytery are there for you as a partner, resource and support as we draw into this new work together. Let us continue to pray in hope and trust in Jesus. Amen!

1 https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/vital-congregations/

The next deadline is Tuesday,April 9 for the May/June issue.

Send articles and photos toLynn Hargrove at

[email protected]

Copy deadline for Tuesday Connect is Noon Monday. Send your

announcements [email protected]

Tuesday Connect Copy Deadline

Connections Copy Deadline

&I was thirsty and you gave me drink - Matthew 25:35-36


The Presbytery Offers Grant Funds

Presbyterian 101-Per Capita

Due to the benevolent gifts over the years, we are able to offer five different grant funds. They are: Vision Initiative: Priority is given to projects that increase the overall

membership of New Covenant Presbytery. The increase may be the result of new church development,

redevelopment of established churches, general outreach to unchurched individuals or other approaches consistent with the mission of the Presbytery. PLEASE NOTE: Vision Initiative grant applicants will generally be expected to raise at least half the cost of the grant-supported activity, with grant funds providing the balance. Lynn Johnson Social Justice: Funds are to be used for social justice issues, particularly for issues concerning equality and inclusion of all persons regardless of sexual orientation.

Maximum grant is $2000. Outreach: Projects should passionately engage and support local and global mission efforts in order to be God’s redemption to a hurting world. Maximum grant is $2000. Peacemaking: Projects are to nurture and equip God’s people as peacemakers for the sake of peace in the world. Maximum grant is $2000. Elder Care: Projects should provide care for the elderly and senior citizens. Maximum grant is $1000.

The deadline for the Vision Initiative and the Lynn Johnson Social Justice grants are at the end of April. The Outreach, Peacemaking, and Elder Care grants accept applications all year long. A new Universal Grant Application Form is available here: http://www.pbyofnewcovenant.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45:future-story&catid=35&Itemid=174

As one of the six agencies of our denomination, the Office of the General Assembly is funded through what is known as “per capita”. The expectation is that congregations will pay per capita based on the number of active members. Some consider this to be a “head tax” that is assessed. A decision was made in the Presbytery of New Covenant many years ago to pass through only the per capita dollars sent from our congregations. This does not cover the amount of money that we owe based on the membership of all of the congregations of the presbytery. With the 2019 rate of per capita at $8.95 based on a membership of approximately 15,650, the presbytery

We are grateful for your

generous benevolent gifts

that support the work

of the presbytery.

We could not do

this ministry

without you.

bill is around $140,000. Some might ask, “What do we receive for our investment in the denomination?” As you might imagine, the Office of the General Assembly is responsible for the biennial gathering where decisions are made about the business sent by our congregations. Important for some of our congregations is assistance with immigration and visa issues for pastors who come to us from other countries. Presbytery and synod stated clerks receive training in what is required in their positions. Judicial process and constitutional interpretation help is housed in this office. The (co) moderators of the denomination are supported here, too. The call process for pastors is managed here, as is the examination process for candidates for the ministry. Relationships with

other denominations and faith traditions are coordinated through the work of this office. The Presbyterian Historical Society provides support to both the OGA and to member congregations providing one of the largest religious archives in the United States. Per capita is one of the ways that we are connected as a denomination. The services provided by the Office of the General Assembly are valuable to us all, and would cost a lot more if each presbytery or synod had to do this work independently. Per capita is a visible means of support from each congregation for the work of the wider church.

Thank you


I was thirsty and you gave me drink - Matthew 25:35-36&

Thirsting for Life

God is bigger

All of us get thirsty for something to drink at one time or another. My doctor even tells me that I do not drink enough water and must drink more frequently to maintain good health. When we feel thirsty, it is our body telling us that we have a need for our life. I am reminded of John 19:28. Jesus had hung on the cross for many hours and he lifts his head and says, “I thirst.” Jesus’ lips are touched with a sponge filled with vinegar to quench his thirst. He then says, “It is finished” and Jesus dies. Thirst for life is something which we might all reflect on in our daily prayers and meditations. For today, I would encourage us to reflect on the thirst which Seafarers experience on a regular basis. Seafarers work on a ship at sea for 9 months or more at a time. They share life with 10-25 other seafarers who may be from many different cultures. These men (and sometimes women) are away from people they love, away from their own food and cultural surrounding, and they must often use their second language most of the time. They must deal with

many limitations from normal life and frequently experience boredom, loneliness, inability to assist themselves or their family in times of crisis, great stress with little time when docked at Port, and dangers at sea. Jesus words, “I thirst”, could surely apply to a seafarer. As a chaplain, I am often the only person who boards their ship concerned about their individual needs. I ask about their family, their work, their culture, and then I listen very carefully to discover what is most on their mind and what they might be “thirsting for” the most. I try to enable them to meet their material, physical, human, and spiritual needs as best I can. And sometimes, the most or least I can do is to pray with them. Seafarers Ministry is one of the most important outreach ministries for the Church. Is is the opportunity to respond to Jesus’ call for us to go into all the world for persons of all cultures and religions. It is the call from Jesus when he say, “as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me”. As we respond to seafarers who are saying, “I thirst”, we are giving water to Christ on the Cross as He was given only vinegar. May you find a way to join in our Seafarers Ministry.

By Chaplain David Wells,Seafarers Center

By RE Kyla Hebert,A Community of the Servant Savior

Ship docked at the Houston International Seafarers Center

At A Community of the Servant Savior, we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion every time we gather together in worship. Our table is open to all who are thirsty and there is always more than enough. Returning to the cup and the bread weekly gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves again and again of the great mystery of God that we have been welcomed into. Through it we welcome the Holy Spirit once again to be present in us and with us in that mystery, to saturate and equip us for the week to come, for our ministry to one another and to the world. It reminds us that as we grow and learn in God’s grace there will always be parts of our faith that we can’t quite get our arms or minds around, and meeting God in those spaces forces us to remember that whatever we hold in our hands and hearts, God is bigger still. Always bigger. Some weeks it feels rote and routine, and some weeks the words “This is the Body of Christ, broken for you.” alongside my name is a raincloud bursting open over my parched soul as it reminds me that Christ is indeed for me, always; for each of us, always. Some weeks there is a bit of fumbling or a dash of awkwardness, the gluten-free crackers left in the kitchen, the child who takes a hunk of bread too big, but every week there is love and welcome and community and Jesus. No matter what kind of week we have had individually, we know that when we come together on Sunday morning (or Saturday night) the bread and the cup and the great mystery of God’s freely given love will be there, steady and sure, ready to quench our thirst

I was thirsty and you gave me drink - Matthew 25:35-36


&Special Offerings:One Great Hour of Sharing

Tuesday ConnectHoly Week Special Edition

Four Special Offerings are given each year to our denomination. They are the One Great Hour of Sharing (Easter), the Pentecost Offering, the Peace and Global Witness Offering (World Communion Sunday), and the Christmas Joy Offering. Each offering provides funding for different groups within our church. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering enables the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed. Our presbytery has received funds after hurricane Harvey from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance ministry which is supported by OGHS. Another recipient

is the Presbyterian Hunger Program which seeks to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes. The third recipient is Self Development of People which participates in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people, seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression and injustice. These are areas of our denomination that make great impact around the world and in our own country. Sometimes we might feel that we can’t do much to help others. Together we can do more. Please consider supporting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering this Easter. Use this link to learn more: http://specialofferings.pcusa.org/oghs

Presbytery meets March 16

The folks at St. Thomas in Houston are making preparations for the first stated meeting of 2019, and are eager to show us their progress. Renovations have begun so that they can welcome a pre-school to their campus in the near future. The Presbyterian Youth Connections Council will give us a “Taste of Conclaves” by leading our morning worship. The morning offering will go towards scholarships to attend this year’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium held at Purdue University. Are you wondering about the “state of the presbytery”? Lynn Hargrove, in her role as General Presbyter, will share her observations about the ministries in our presbytery. Steven O’Day, the new President from Austin College, will be introducing commissioners to life on that campus in Sherman. Displays will include the newly formed “Earth Care Congregations Network”, Habitat for Humanity Texas, and Austin Seminary. Registration opens at 8:00, with worship at 9:00. St. Thomas is located at 14100 Memorial Drive, just west of Kirkwood in far west Houston.

St. Thomas Presbyterian Church, Houston

Steven O’Day

Copy for the special edition of Tuesday Connect for Holy Week is due on Friday, April 5, 2019. Publication will be sent our on the following Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Holy Week begins on Sunday, April 14, 2019.

Please send your information to Carrie Walker, [email protected]. Tuesday Connect sends out special editions for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Advent and Christmas Services.


I was thirsty and you gave me drink - Matthew 25:35-36&Are you prepared for Hurricane Season?

Is your church interested in being a short term Red Cross shelter?There will be a meeting led by the Red Cross to explain what it would mean and take to be a Red Cross shelter. They are in need of shelters that can be used for up to a week after the disaster through out the Houston and surrounding areas. When: Monday, March 11, 2019 Time: 11:00 a.m. Where: Presbytery Center 1110 Lovett Blvd., Houston

Are you interested in being a shelter volunteer?After the storm those in need of shelter also need comfort. If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross in their shelters in your area they will be having shelter hosting training. If you feel called to comfort those who are victims of disaster this could be a great avenue of service for you. Please consider being the friendly face people see after a traumatic experience. When: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Where: TBD Hurricane Season is just around the corner! Do you feel prepared?

Got Questions? Need more information?

Contact Beth [email protected] 832-438-4538

Come together by water and the Spirit on this Spiritual Journey as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ

Presbyterian Youth Triennium


If you have any question about PYCC, Conclaves or Triennium,contact Kristi Blankman, Coordinator for Youth Ministry at 713-526-2585 or

[email protected]

Are you being confirmed this year? Are you a parent or sponsor of a confirmand? This event is meant for those at the beginning, in the middle of, or at the end of the confirmation process. Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston. The rally starts at 9:30 a.m. for Energizers with the Austin College ACTivators. Engaging

workshops begin at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person for continental breakfast and lunch. Topics include the Reformation led by Rev. Laureen Suba, Connectionalism and PYCC led by Rev. Kristi Blankman, Governance led by Rev. Dr. David Green, and Presbyterianism, led by Rev. John Williams. Closing Worship by Rev, Keatan King-Carlin and the ACTivators.

Get Ready for the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium - a gathering for high school age students in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Youth come together for this life changing, life giving, faith growing gathering! This five day event will take place Tuesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 20, 2019 on the campus of Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. Registration is now open. For the New Covenant Delegation, full travel cost to and from the event including the registration fee will be $1000 per person. The deadline for full registration is May 17, 2019. Scholarships are available. Please contact Kristi Blankman at [email protected].

March 10 Daylight Savings Time Set your clocks ahead one hour

March 11 Red Cross Shelter Event Presbyterian Center Houston

March 16 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery St. Thomas Presbyterian Church Houston

March 29 - 30 1001 Worshiping Communities National Conference Clear Lake Presbyterian Church Houston

March 30 Confirmation Rally St. Philip Presbyterian Church Houston

March 30 PE Spring Gathering Brenham Presbyterian Church Brenham

April 5 Deadline for Tuesday Connect Holy Week Special Edition

April 6 Presbyterian Leadership Event Pines Presbyterian Church Houston

April 6 Red Cross Shelter Volunteer Training Location: TBD


Upcoming Conferences

Mo-Ranch is a retreat center nestled in the Texas Hill Country along the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas. Here are some opportunities to get away in the Spring:

Spring Break GetawayMarch 9-17, 2019Build your own spring break adventure! Relax, get away, and join us here at Mo-Ranch for your all-inclusive spring break family vacation! Explore the adventure of the Hill Country with 500 acres of wide-open spaces along a crystal-clear Guadalupe River.

Photography in the Texas Hill CountryMarch 27-31, 2019Led by conference leadership, Susan Vogel This workshop will be packed with hands-on instruction to help you grow your photographic abilities with newfound skills, techniques and proficiency. Mo-Ranch’s 500 acres are a beautiful setting on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River. Here, habitats include: aquatic, riparian areas, grasslands, oak-juniper woodlands and limestone hills, and we will make use of all of them.This workshop is tailored for serious photographers at any experience level who want to grow in your art and craft.

Spring Quilting RetreatApril 1-5, 2019Presented by conference leadership, Ronnie Ashford Quilt your days away in a large workspace with instructor-led demonstrations covering new quilting and tool techniques. Unleash your creative spirit and join us for fellowship, worship, new friends, laughter and quilting fun! This year’s spring quilting retreat will be led by Ronnie Ashford, a highly experienced and award-winning quilter.

Spring Painting RetreatApril 4-7, 2019Presented by conference leadership, Kathleen McElwaine All levels of experience are welcome at Mo-Ranch for a painting retreat located in the heart of the scenic Texas Hill Country! Through demonstration and individual instruction, you will be guided through a process to help you obtain confidence and pleasure from painting. Classes are structured with enough direction to ensure success, and enough freedom to allow for creative expression.This retreat will be using watercolor as the primary medium.

Men’s ConferenceMay 3-5, 2019Presented by keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Jack HabererMen’s Conference is our single largest and longest-running conference where hundreds of men from all ages gather together annually for fellowship and spiritual renewal.

On the calendar


Coffee House Live at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 5308 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX continues its 5th Anniversary Celebration by bringing back Jesse Dayton on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Concert is open to all. Doors 7:00 p.m. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. No cover charge. Donations welcomed which helps with our cost of artist, refreshments, and facility but not required. For more information on this artist, check out: http://www.jessedayton.com Jesse Dayton’s story reads like a who’s who of American music. A Beaumont kid, shredding his guitar in zydeco, rockabilly, his own bands, and of course with some of the all-time greats including Willie, Waylon, Cash, Price, and more. He’s even played with punk rock legends Social Distortion, The Supersuckers, and X. A killer guitar player as well as a great songwriter and singer. Don’t miss this one.

Presbyterian WomenPresbytery Spring Gathering

Presbytery of New Covenant PW invite all women to follow the wildflower trails to Spring Gathering on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at Brenham Presbyterian Church, 900 S. Jackson St., Brenham, TX 77833. All women, regardless of whether in PW or not, are invited. Rev. Dr. Rose Niles, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Development Officer, will lead our worship service, which will include Holy Communion. Educational Opportunities: Rev. Emilee Whitehurst, President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Area Women’s Center will speak to healing and gender justice as it relates to her work with HAWC. Phoebe Lake, New Leaf Nursery, will guide us in God’s plan for eco-justice and healing of the earth. She

will provide a fascinating look at the many plants mentioned in the Bible. This talk will explore their history, connection with the themes and lessons in scripture and relevance to plants found in our own gardens.Details about mission opportunities, schedule, registration, meals, and child care can be found on the presbytery website: www.pbyofnewcovenant.org click on Ministries and follow the link to Presbyterian Women. Registration deadline is Saturday, March 23, 2019 Need a registration packet? Go to the website, contact your Cluster Coordinator or Janice Bradshaw at [email protected] or 979-777-5475. The day promises to enrich women of all ages and stages of life. Hope to see you in beautiful Brenham on March 30th!

HealinG JuStice

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”Psalm 147:3


Presbyterian Church USA

Hosted by

Clear Lake Presbyterian Church1511 El Dorado Blvd., Houston, TX

What is 1001 Worshiping Communities?How can your church be a part?What is our next step?

Conference begins on Friday at 11:00 a.m.and ends Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001-missional-summit-in-houston-registration-53721656922?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Cost and lodging provided by: 1001 Worshiping Communities

Conference Lodging:Hampton Inn - Clear Lake506 Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX281-332-7952

March 29-30, 20191001 Worshiping Communities

Rev. Michael GehrlingNortheast Region Associatefor 1001 Worshiping Communities

Rev. Sean ChowWestern Region and Training Associate for 1001 Worshiping Communities

Welcome Keynoters

Local Contact:Shawn Kang at [email protected] Phone: 713-526-2585 Fax: 713-526-8814Questions: Email [email protected]

a newsletter of the presbytery of new covenant · jesus christ, so that their own lives are...

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