Growing congregations that passionately engage their ...Council moderator, Rev. Dr. David Green, has set three priorities for decisions in 2018. These address the areas of communication

A Newsletter of the Presbytery of New Covenant

March| April 2018

Growing congregations that passionately engage their communities to make disciples.

Making History Today

Clerk’sCorner

Mission and Ministry

Mission and Ministry

Youth News Events EventsCommunity News

Presbyterians Gather March 17 for the next stated meeting of the presbytery

2 3 4-6 7 8 9 10 11this edition

Commissioners from the Presbytery of New Covenant will gather at First Presbyterian Church in Conroe, Texas on Saturday, March 17. The members of our Presbyterian Youth Connection Council will begin our day at 9:00 a.m. as they lead our morning worship service. This will give our commissioners a sense of what it is like at a Conclave weekend. Our General Council continues to listen to our commissioners about how we move forward in our current reality. We recognize that we have fewer members after dismissing twelve congregations to other denomination. We ended 2017 on the plus side financially, which was due in part to not having the salary of a General Presbyter. Council moderator, Rev. Dr. David

Green, has set three priorities for decisions in 2018. These address the areas of communication and relationship building, staffing, and facilities. One way to build relationships is to talk to each other in small group discussions. We want to hear your ideas about our future together.There will be overtures coming from our congregations to consider before the upcoming General Assembly. The use of fossil fuels is a priority for our presbytery since many of our members work in this industry. There

is a move within the denomination to divest from fossil fuel companies. The overtures from New Covenant suggest a different approach to divestment. Please express gratitude to our hosts, the members of First Presbyterian Church in Conroe. They hosted the presbytery meeting in 2016, and a leadership convocation in 2017. Thank you to our friends at FPC, Conroe!

David Green

First Presbyterian Church, Conroe

2018 Presbytery Meetings

July 21, 2018Pines Presbyterian Church12751 Kimberley, Houston

November 17, 2018St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church5308 Buffalo Speedway, Houston

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: 186 print, 1347 digital

Next deadline: Tuesday, April 10, 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 2018Volume 24, Edition 2

2 | March - April 2018 | New Covenant CONNECTIONS | pbyofnewcovenant.org

Making a Difference in Our World

She died on Christmas Day, 2017 at the age of 96 years. A service of celebration and witness to the resurrection was held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Pinecrest Presbyterian Church in Houston. Nellye Joyce Lewis Punch lived a life of dedication to God and service to her community. She truly made a difference in her community and beyond. A graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, Prairie View College (B.A.), and Texas Southern University (M.A.), Mrs. Punch taught in the HISD for 36 years. She went on to become a certified counselor in HISD. The number of lives she touched in schools over the years was in the thousands. In addition to her leadership in the field of education, she was heavily involved in the community, known as the “Mayor of Fifth Ward”. She contributed to and was part of no fewer than 20 organizations over her lifetime - from a founding member of Target Hunger to vice president of the League of Women Voters to the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to the Cancer Education Project at TSU to being a lifetime member of the National Education Association, to the YMCA and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was also very active in her church, serving the Pinecrest Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. She taught an adult Sunday school class, served as a trustee and an elder, and was the first African American and the first woman to hold the office of moderator of Brazos Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS). Characterized as a visionary and as

a humble person, Nellye Joyce Punchwas selected by her community to be included in the mosaic tile wall of the“Legends of Fifth Ward”, which is located in the right-of-way on the Eastex Freeway, now designated as Interstate 69, near Lyons Avenue. An indication of the impact she had on her community and the world can be seen by those who who spoke at her funeral service: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, State Representative Jarvis Johnson as well as representatives of various organizations to which she belonged and to which she contributed. Rev. Ed Triem, her pastor for 31 years delivered the eulogy. Not everyone can have the impact Mrs. Punch had, but we are grateful forpersons such as her and the dedication, energy, and humility that she brought to life. If you know of someone who has made a difference in your life or to yourcommunity, send it to me at [email protected]. Many thanks to Rev. Ed Triem for providing much of the information on Mrs. Punch.

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

Nellye Joyce Punch

pbyofnewcovenant.org | New Covenant CONNECTIONS | March - April 2018 | 3

Clerk’s CornerRev. Lynn Hargrove, Stated ClerkPresbytery of New Covenant

How are you taking care of yourself post-Harvey? Many in our presbytery had great losses – houses, cars, possessions, a way of life. Others watched on TV as the rains continued to fall, but they were not affected due to geography. Our presbytery reaches across 39 counties in southeast Texas. On the other hand, we read in 1 Corinthians that when one part of the body hurts that every other part hurts and participates in the healing. This is the work that we are called to… to help in the healing. We have seen the connectional church at work in the past several months. Congregations have received direct donations from people from across the county. A congregation in West Virginia loaded a grand piano into a truck and delivered it to our friends in Dickinson. It has been amazing to hear the stories of how people have offered assistance. There is still plenty of work to do to restore people to wholeness. This is one area where we see the differences in our society. Many of those with more resources are being restored more quickly that those without. Some families have been able to repair their homes, and for others the work is slow going. I received a call early on after the storm from Ohio asking what they could do, and I replied that they could send sheet rock. I don’t think that we received any! But we did have an offer of blue hymnals if we would pay the postage! One of the articles that we posted early on was about the stress of recovery. That study showed that symptoms of stress could be maximized about six months after the initial incident. This could be defined as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We are reaching the six month mark now. I have heard from some recently that the

sound of rain triggers fear and anxiety. A sound that was soothing in the past is now a sign of potential danger. Sleep is an important factor in overall health. So are exercise, and healthy eating. Abuse of alcohol and other substances might increase when stressed. Think about how you are dealing with the stress of recovery. There might be changes in mood or behavior. There is help available. One such place is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Disaster Distress Hotline (800-985-5990). Another is more local through the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston. One of their programs is called “Mental Health 101” (http://hopeandhealingcenter.org/programs/mental-health-101/). This might be a good time to offer this training seminar in your congregation. Those enrolled in the Board of Pensions can take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program. Look on the back of your insurance card for the phone numbers. One of the ways that I cope with my stress level is to tap into the right side of my brain. This is where the artistic

and creative parts reside. I use an art form called “Zentangle” to help with my stress. It is comprised of repetitive pen strokes to create patterns. The founders are a former Buddist monk and his partner who did calligraphy. He wandered into where she was writing a manuscript and discovered that she was in a meditative state (zen) to which he has aspired. Others might use music as a form of relaxation – playing the guitar or other instrument. Some might dance, and others might want to walk on the beach or hike in the woods. We need to feed our creative side as well as our logical side, especially in this time of recovery. So, I ask again, how are you taking care of yourself post-Harvey? Please let me know how I can help!

Next Connections Copy Deadline

Tuesday Connect Copy Deadline

The next deadline isTuesday, April 10 for the May/June

issue. Send articles and photos to Lynn Hargrove at lhargrove@

pbyofnewcovenant.org

Copy deadline forTuesday Connect is Noon Monday.

Send your announcements toTuesdayConnect@

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Lynn and Zentangle frame

Zentangle design


&By Rev. Kathy SebringFirst Presbyterian Church, Dickinson

It was hard to push through the doors of our beautiful sanctuary that first day. Sloshing down the aisle looking at floating pews, hymnals, organ and piano pieces, we realized everything must be removed. Now, worshipping in our gutted sanctuary with just the walls and stained glass windows, the despair we felt that day has lessened. Since we opened the doors to be greeted by fish and snakes, God’s goodness has been revealed repeatedly. The first day over 60 volunteers from Clear Lake, Webster and Texas City Presbyterian churches worked tirelessly to help gut and remove debris. Returning time and again to work alongside us. They cleaned up and volunteered for our Community Hurricane Relief, SAS Comfort and Care shoe giveaway and Christmas Closet ministry to the community. Fuller Center for Disaster Recovery helped us get our heating and cooling system and bathrooms working. Churches and individuals came from all over the country to volunteer and provide needed supplies. We have received financial aid, chairs, tables, hymnals and more from churches as far away as Washington and Vermont and as near as Texas. Trucks filled with cleaning supplies, clothes, food, diapers came from Louisiana, Ohio and cities in Texas that enables us to help over 1800 people. First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, West Virginia, has been exceptionally kind. Their Mission Ministry, headed by Sue Webster reached out to us very quickly. Sue connected us with Kim and Rory Isaac, part time Houstonians, and David and Sandy Campbell. David and Sandy rented an Enterprise truck and

drove from Charleston to Dickinson, bringing us a beautiful baby grand piano. In addition, the truck was full of furniture, diapers, clothing and toys. *See the video of this journey on Facebook under First Presbyterian Church Charleston, WV. Members of the congregation raised over $4,000 and purchased new chairs for the sanctuary. The recovery is slow but promising. With the help of our new friends, Rory and Kim Isaac, we now have a wonderful architect and contractor along with his sub-contractors. They have provided us with estimates and bids for renovations. With plans for a reimagined sanctuary, we will once again have a beautiful place of worship that will also function as a gathering place for our different ministries. We give thanks, as we reflect on all the acts of kindness received and given. Seeing God working in such tangible ways has encouraged and inspired us to move forward trusting that God has a purpose for First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson. May we strive never to forget how God revealed to us that this is His Church, His people and He will always provide a way in even the darkest moments.

Help from First PC in Charleston, WV

Baby grand piano arrived.

Craig King posted a few things to his Facebook page - that we have inadvertently become a hub for dispensing clothes, food, toiletries, sheets, towels, etc. He also received $5,000 in gas cards from a colleague’s church in Kentucky, which came in handy following the storm. Other churches and organizations came and helped us sort through clothes and shoes which made it easier for folks to go through when they came to our Clothing Outlet. This turned out to be an ecumenical effort that aided the whole county and beyond.

First Presbyterian Church, Alvin

Hope after Harvey Discussion/Counseling Groups

Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers continues to churches with group forums entitled “Hope after Harvey: Restoring Our Emotional Homes.” Interface offers to come on site and lead anywhere from 1-6 meetings designed to help us help ourselves as we recover from the stress and losses of Harvey. They are for individuals who want to learn how to help by recognizing trauma, listen to stories, provide comfort and refer when necessary. But they are also for those who wish to address their own storm-related trauma. No Cost to Your Church This program is grant-funded and offered free of charge to churches in the Presbytery. Individual therapy (at separately arranged time and places) will be available to those who attend the meetings, if needed. Interface will provide up to 3 individual sessions free of charge. Questions? You can contact Steve Duson or Anne Way at 713.626.7990, ext. 209

HArvey StOrieS FrOM NeW COveNANt CHurCHeS


&HArvey StOrieS FrOM NeW COveNANt CHurCHeS

After an intense period of meeting daily and deploying teams to muck out houses, starting with flooded members’ homes, things changed. The roads cleared, offices reopened, people went back to work. Suddenly we went from team of 50+ volunteers to deploying our consistent core of servers. These were the ones who always showed up when we put out the call for mission trips or service projects, who were handy and loved to get out and serve. The challenge was, “How do we mobilize beyond the 8-10 volunteers on a given Saturday to engage a more significant part of our faith community in a predictable pattern of service? How do we communicate this so people know we want to make restoration the heart of the gospel, and a focus for our community as we reach out to our neighbors who’ve been flooded? How do we activate more people for mission locally in the midst of their already-full schedules? Our head pastor, Jeff Smith, had the idea while biking along Brays Bayou. He shared it with our staff and session. We shared the opportunity on Sunday mornings. We tapped some of the leaders who emerged strong from our initial muck-out phase to be a core team and added others to handle construction coordination (me), communications, use of photos, videos and media, providing meals for teams

and host households being repaired, and more. This was our experiment, our “tryout”. Every other Sunday for two months in January and February, we invited members and friends to gather together for a short service at 8 am, and be deployed across the city at four different sites all over Houston. They would “present your bodies as living sacrifices- for this is your spiritual worship” by serving those in need: insulation sheetrock, tape & float, and this last Sunday, textured baseboards and hanging doors. What happened? We grew to know each other better as we worked alongside one another from 9am-3pm. We grew to know and love the families and individuals we were serving, many in neighborhoods most of us had never visited. Members began contacting them during the week and getting ideas for helping them recover, sending beds, furniture, appliances. One brand new member got her hairdresser involved, who bought beds and appliances for the family who was sleeping on the floor. We invited friends who wanted to pitch in for this, but might not have been interested in being invited to our “regular” worship. We were blown away by the faith and love of people like L, whose house we helped fix up, but who serves her neighborhood as an informal “Godmother”, distributing furniture and food and clothes from her house to all in the neighborhood who come to her door. We met F, who is suffering from stage four cancer, lost his son to ALS after Harvey hit, and was flooded twice in 2 years. And yet... he has found joy and irrepressible peace even in his suffering, as first a Seventh Day Adventist Church and then we showed up to help. “I knew God was calling me

to go back to church, but I just couldn’t do it... So in the end, the church came to me.” We believe the culture of our congregation has gone beyond the tipping point. Close to 50% of our worshipping congregation was involved in what we called “Service Sundays”. Kids helped pack lunches for our work teams and hosts. One host fed our whole team with barbecue all four Sundays in appreciation. We still get calls to pick up furniture or clothes or other needed things, and we take the time to match the resources with the need. And we, in the end, are the biggest recipients of God’s serendipity, the Spirit’s joyful touch. Some of our teams have told me, Service Sundays may be over, but we have more we want to do that’s unfinished. We’re going back.” I say, “Who am I to stand in the way of what God’s telling you?” This seems to capture our experience:

I am not going to command you, but I am going to offer you the chance to prove your love genuine in the same way others have done. You know the grace that has come to us through our Lord Jesus the Anointed. He set aside His infinite riches and was born into the lowest circumstance so that you may gain great riches through His humble poverty.

2 Corinthian 8:8-9 (The Voice)

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Houston

St. Andrew’s work team

St. Andrew’s work team


&MOre HArvey StOrieS —

Hurricane Harvey and the Response – Days, Weeks, Months…Hurricane Harvey hit us over several days as we watched the rain and floodwaters come and go and come back again. When Harvey finally moved on, we were left with indiscriminate flood impacts. For weeks after Harvey, friends and neighbors helped many to clear flooded homes. Those without help relied on folks like members from Clear Lake and Webster Presbyterian Churches who mucked homes and pulled wet dry wall, insulation and flooring for several weeks. All across the Presbytery, there are wonderful stories of Churches helping those with limited resources. Months after Harvey, many folks are back in their homes, but many are still dealing with claims and a continuing lack of resources. Through Fuller Center Rebuilders, working in partnership with Clear Lake and Webster other area churches, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, flood victims are able to get back in their homes with volunteer labor from all over the States. Each week, new volunteers come into town and are welcomed with a meal and orientation at Webster PC and then are housed and fed at Clear Lake PC. The volunteers work alongside locals and with the guidance of the pros with Fuller Center Rebuilders. This stream of volunteers is expected to continue for about 3 years before we get the last folks back in their homes post Harvey. There is plenty to do, so volunteer today to help folks recover.

Webster Presbyterian Church

Lenten ideas from CongregationsAtascocita Presbyterian Church

For the 40 days of Lent we will be following the example of a larger effort, known as the 40 Acts of Kindness Challenge 40acts.org.uk, by creating our own smaller list of challenges and acts. This year’s theme builds on LISTEN with a daily reminder to “Pray, Reflect, Act”. Ideas will be submitted by our church members in the form of one or two sentence Reflections, Prayers, Spiritual Wellness Habits, or Acts of Kindness. These will be consolidated and distributed via a daily email to the congregation. Our goal is to make our world better in little ways, one

good deed or habit at a time. As we strive to make ourselves, our church, and our community better in little ways, our hope is that positivity and kindness become contagious! Jesus provides us a Divine example for making a positive and lasting impact, one small reflection, prayer, or act at a time.

Clear Lake Presbyterian Church

We are doing a sermon series on the Psalms called “Restores My Soul” (or something like that). 2018 for CLPC is the “Year of Restoration”– thinking about the restoration of homes in our community as well as the restoration of lives from all the things that harm us. As a part of this sermon series, we are going to invite people to memorize Psalm 23 (or at least repeat it once a day) during Lent. We may also (for people who want more of a challenge) invite people to a Lenten reading plan through the Psalms.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Houston

Lent is a penitential time when Christians examine their sinful natures and relationship to God. Lent is also an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross.The purpose of Lent does not stop at sadness and despair - it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when every tear will be dried. Our pastors share their favorite online devotionals as we begin the journey towards Easter. Pastor Jeff Smith shares the Lent Project from Biola University’s Advent and Lenten Devotionals. It is a mixture of art, poetry, scripture, and commentary in each devotional. Sign up and you will receive a daily lenten devotional. http://ccca.biola.edu/lent/# Pastor Jane Whitney shares the d365 online devotional. It’s accessible and the theme of the week is developed with each day’s entry and the weeks’ themes relate to each other.http://d365.org/

&

pbyofnewcovenant.org | New Covenant CONNECTIONS | March - April 2018 |7

Presbyterian 101 - Per Capita Our denomination is made up of six different agencies. They are the Board of Pensions (BOP), the Presbyterian Foundation (PF), the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP), the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA), the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), and the Office of the General Assembly (OGA). Congregational members might be most familiar with the Presbyterian Mission Agency, particularly through the four special offerings through the year, or through the “Giving Catalog” sent to individual homes. 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. For this reason, 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. 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.

This is the office that assists 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. One of the decisions that will come before the commissioners at this year’s General Assembly will be an increase in the rate of per capita. There is a proposal to increase it to just under $12 in the next four years. Currently it is $7.73. To many that seems like a huge increase. The per capita rate has stayed pretty steady over the past decade or longer. This has caused the Office of the General Assembly to reduce staff and services. Part of the reason for the steep increase being requested is due to the decrease in the membership in the denomination. The hope is that the wave of dismissals has ended. The projected increase equates to a total of $1 per month per member. Please consider how you and your congregation can support the per capita giving to the Office of the General Assembly. This is the only funding that they receive in order to accomplish their mission of support to our pastors, congregations and mid-councils.

The brand-new confirmation curriculum for the PC(USA) is “Big God Big Questions: Confirmation for a Growing Faith”. Based on the findings of the Confirmation Project, it is focused on preparing youth to authentically answer the traditional membership questions: •Trustinginthegraciousmercyof God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? •WhoisyourLordandSavior? •WillyoubeChrist’sfaithfuldisciple obeying his word and showing his love? •Willyoudevoteyourselftothe church’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers? “Big God Big Questions” equips students to employ the study of Scripture, tradition, and church, to tell their own story as Christian believers in the context of their congregational experiences. Sample sessions are available in the Resource Center for your review. The Curriculum will be available in June 2018 through the PC(USA) store.

You can read more about Per Capita on to the PC(USA) website,http://oga.pcusa.org/section/departments/per-capita/

in the resource Center

We are grateful for the generosity of the congregations of the presbytery. If there were a “per capita” payment, it would be about $40 per church member. Thank you for your continued support!

&On behalf of Seafarersby Chaplain Tom Edwards

It is hard to convey how meaningful the Christmas shoebox ministry at the Port of Houston is to seafarers. It is the ONLY Christmas present any seafarer receives! They are so grateful and excited for each one, and hope expectantly to call at the Port of Houston during the Christmas season. The seafarers feel so very blessed by these most-practical gifts This year chaplains at the Port of Houston distributed more than 9,263 shoeboxes to more than 9,263 seafarers on 412 vessels. Of those, 1,618 were donated from 31 Presbyterian congregations. Your two Presbyterian chaplains David Wells and Tom Edwards personally delivered 3,879 of those Christmas shoeboxes to 171 vessels. The Port of Houston welcomes almost 115,000 seafarers from 70 countries each year. Almost 80% of the

goods purchased in America come to America by sea, with virtually all tennis shoes sold in America arriving by sea. Further, the Port of Houston provides enormous financial benefit to Houston and Texas. Well done, New Covenant Presbyterians! Thank you for blessing seafarers who are among the hardest working, lowest paid, and most overlooked workers in the world.

Tom Edwards delivering Seafarer boxes.

introducing Beth Kauffman, PresbyteryDisaster recovery Coordinator Beth Kauffman comes to the presbytery from Northwoods Presbyterian Church where she served as the Director of Missions for over 2 years. During her time there she was involved in fundraising, missions and event planning, and organizing volunteers. She also coordinated with multiple other non-profits as partnerships and led the missions committee. She has a B.A. in Youth Ministry and Christian Missions and previously was a Global Missions Fellow under the United Methodist Church as a Missionary Case Worker for the Mission for Migrant Workers. These positions have given her unique experiences that will translate well in the recovery from Harvey. After Hurricane Harvey hit, she organized teams to help church members and neighbors who had flooded. She found a passion and call for ensuring those who were devastated by disaster can get back on their feet. She believes the Church is one of the main contributors to providing hope after the disaster and looks forward to being a part of the solution with Presbytery the New Covenant. A guiding concept for Beth is expressed in these words by Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

Beth Kauffman


exhausted from your insta-Snap-tweet-texting Life?

Dr. Felicia Song

Want to be less exhausted by the digital world? One of the biggest impacts science has on our lives is through technology, especially our smart phones and other devices. Felicia Wu Song’s lecture will discuss the transformation of self and community brought about through our prevailing digital practices. Dr. Song will put forth how a theological anthropology focused on humans as embodied creatures connected to God and each other can restore our intended sense of personhood and community that have been misshaped by our digital culture. Felicia Wu Song is Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Sociology and Anthropology

Department at Westmont College. “My research lies at the intersection of the sociology of culture and the sociology of technology. As someone interested in the social and cultural effects of social media and digital technology; for example, how our lives and understandings are shaped by how we use our cellphones or how we use Facebook.” This free presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (5308 Buffalo Speedway, Houston).

“Bent but not broken” CONCLAveS 2018

Our Presbytery’s Youth Connection Council (PYCC) led two retreat weekends, called Conclaves, February 23 through 25, and March 2 through 4 at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston. These Conclaves weekends are designed for middle and high school youth to grow closer to one another, strengthen their relationship with God, and connect with other youth from all over our presbytery. One of the best parts about these weekends is that they are led by youth for youth! PYCC is made up of 46 high school youth and 16 adults representing 21 churches of our presbytery. These youth work all year to create, plan and lead these Conclaves weekends, which include worship, small groups, Bible study, recreation, and mission. These young leaders preach, teach, sing, and energize! The theme for Conclaves this year was: “Bent but not Broken” based on 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Youth today have to deal with a lot of difficult situations and we want them to know that-no matter what-God loves them, and they should always have hope in that knowledge. Students were encouraged to realize they may be frustrated at not having all the answers or having to go through difficult times but God never abandons them. Students examined how we are pressed but not crushed. We discussed how we sometimes go through very difficult experiences that might even make us question our faith. We talked

about how God continues to shape us through hard times and that God is always with us. We discussed how we are often perplexed, but not in despair. We helped each other understand that we can feel confused, puzzled or frustrated, but we shouldn’t let that affect our hope and faith in God. Even if we may not always see God’s plan for us, we need to have faith in the path that God sees for us. We shared stories of how often we feel lonely but we are not alone. We talked about this in conjunction with our mission project. This year our service project was related to caring for all God’s creatures. We talked about our responsibility to them and to good stewardship and all the ways humans and animals help each other. We discussed the many ways we often feel struck down but not destroyed. We shared stories from our own lives and spiritual journeys. We were reminded that God is always with us as we participated in the Spirituality Center. And finally, we talked about how we are often persecuted but not abandoned. We ended our time together by encouraging one another to be confident in our faith and our ability to share our faith with others. We were reminded that, no matter how hard life gets at times, God never abandons us. The Mission Project at Conclaves was the Pups Emergency Toys and Supplies (PETS) Initiative. We collected old t-shirts to be used in the making of

pet toys for animals displaced during Hurricane Harvey. The shirts that churches and youth groups collected and brought to Conclaves were cut into strips, and braided together. We also collected dog and cat food, cat litter, small blankets, bleach, old towels, and Dawn dish soap. The toys that were made, along with the donated items, were given to Conroe area animal shelters for distribution. We thank you for your donations that made the PETS Initiative possible! Over the two weekends, there were 283 participants and 62 PYCC, representing 34 churches in our presbytery! WOW! What a blessing this ministry is for the young people in our presbytery!

PYCC 2017 - 2018

PETS pet

youth Worker Gatherings This colleague group for adults who work with youth (paid or volunteer) meets monthly to share ideas, support, and encouragement. We gather on the first Tuesday of the month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church at 14100 Memorial Drive, Houston. The next meeting is March 6. Bring a lunch and come fellowship. For more info contact Kristi Blankman at [email protected]


March 12 Next Steps for Church Revitalization with Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill Presbytery Center

March 12 March Stated Meeting of The Synod of the Sun Mansfield, TX

March 17 Stated Presbytery Meeting First PC, Conroe

March 22 Fresh Elastic for Stretched-out Educators Resource Center Presbytery Center

March 30 Good Friday Presbytery Center is closed

April 3 Presbyterian | Jewish Dialog Presbytery Center

April 10 Connections Deadline for May - June Edition

April 14 Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering Spring Branch PC, Houston

April 26 Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary - Coffee with the President Presbytery Center


Powerful Toolsfor Caregiversat Webster Presbyterian Church

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to equip family caregivers with effective self-care tools. This program focuses on the caregiver, not the care recipient. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. The classes will be held on Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m., March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14. Over the six weeks, attendees will be guided by trained facilitators to develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, communicate more effectively and recognize the messages in their emotions. For more information please contact the church office at 281-332-1251 [email protected]. Class size is limited, so don’t delay. Webster PC is located at 201 West NASA Parkway, Webster.

“Next Steps for Church Revitalization” with Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill

The Evangelism and Church Growth Committee invites you to this special event on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Presbytery Center, 1110 Lovett Blvd., Houston. Get your folks out to this gathering with Dr. Rev. Kathryn Threadgill from the Office of Church Vitality. Dr. Threadgill’s introduction of the New church revitalization initiative rolling out from the National Office, through the Presbyteries last year generated so much energy and excitement! But what are the next steps? We will look at the 7 Marks of Vital Congregations and how they might connect to your congregation! This is Also great time to ask questions about the Immediate Tool Kit, Network and ask questions. Send a delegation from your church who has a heart for revitalization and renewal in your congregation! Lunch is provided for folks who RSVP. Let us know you’re coming, register by evite http://evite.me/UK3cg5VSvX For more information, contactShawn Kang at [email protected].

Kathryn Threadgill

Save the date!2019 APCE Annual Event | February 6 - 9, 2019 | Galveston, TX


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. Matt. 25:35

Everyone is invited to come together on Thursday, March 22, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Presbytery Center, 1110 Lovett Blvd., Houston, for a time of fellowship and hospitality as we gather to share resources and experiences from the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators 2018 Annual Event. There will be interactive sharing led by some of our local educators who were able to attend the conference in Louisville, KY. You are encouraged to join in the conversation as a variety of topics from the workshops and plenary sessions are offered. Door prizes will be a part of our time together, so you really don’t want to miss this fun and unique opportunity! If you are a volunteer, paid staff person, teaching elder or just curious, you are invited. It will be our pleasure to serve you lunch, complete with a beverage and dessert! Your RSVP will assist our planning. Please send replies to [email protected] by Monday morning, March 19. This session will be facilitated by folks with a seasoned heart for education. Please feel free to contact any one of them if you have questions.

JoAnn Currie ([email protected]) Connie Nyquist ([email protected])Kim Shrull ([email protected]) Anne Wilson ([email protected])

Presbyterian Women invite all women to

New Covenant PresbyterySpring Gathering

Caring for All God’s Children

The PW Spring Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, 1215 Campbell Rd., Houston. Breakfast and lunch is included. Please register by April 7, 2018. Cost is $16.00 per person and Walk-in registration is $20 per person. Keynote speaker will be Candice Twyman from the Better Business Bureau and the lunchtime speaker will be Peter Crouch from PCHAS. Mission Opportunity will benefit PCHAS. Bring toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, combs, etc.), small washcloths, backpacks, cleaning supplies (swiffer sweeper, wipes, clorox wipes, all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, etc.) For complete information and registration form, go to the Presbytery website www.pbyofnewcovenant.org (under Ministries tab).

Northwoods Presbyterian ChurchSpring Women’s Conference “Your Spiritual Compass”

On Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Northwoods PC, 3320 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, will be hosting women of all ages at our Spring Conference led by Rev. Dr. Nora Fitch, Pastor at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church, Houston. We will be exploring our “spiritual type” (our preferences for worship, prayer, music, etc.), and how it influences our encounters with others and with God. Come join us to help better understand God’s Gifts for ourselves and others. Please contact Rev. Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson for more details at [email protected]. Register online at www.northwoods.org. A $25 registration fee will cover the conference, continental breakfast and lunch.


PyCC is the place to be!

Do you know a young person who exhibits a mature faith and has gifts for leadership? Do you know an adult with a mentoring spirit and a strong relationship with Christ? Then encourage them to apply for the 2018-2019 Presbytery’s Youth Connection Council (PYCC). Our Presbytery’s Youth Council

is a wonderful opportunity for young people to share their gifts and explore their leadership abilities. Youth on the council work alongside adult members to design and lead fellowship, mission, and worship experiences for the young people of our presbytery. Through these events, this council seeks to deepen one’s faith and relationship with God as well as build relationships between

youth and adults in our presbytery. We need YOU to identify young people and adults in your congregation who have gifts for ministry and leadership potential, and who will be willing to make the commitment to be a member of the 2018-2019 Presbyterian Youth Connection Council (PYCC). Information and applications can be found online at: www.pbyofnewcovenant.org. Potential youth and adults should complete applications and submit them to their home church for review and endorsement. Churches will then select and submit up to four youth (in 10th – 12th grades) and three adults (over the age of 23) to serve on the council and represent your congregation. Don’t wait! DEADLINE: June 29, 2018. Thank you for empowering the youth of our presbytery to serve as leaders of Christ’s Church.

Presbytery of New Covenant1110 Lovett BoulevardHouston, TX 77006

Documents

Growing congregations that passionately engage their ...Council moderator, Rev. Dr. David Green, has set three priorities for decisions in 2018. These address the areas of communication