Get the Covenant Call delivered to your email, or visit us online at

PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF THE
COVENANT
2850 FAIRVIEW ROAD
COSTA MESA, CA 92626
(714)557-3340
INSIDE THIS
By The
I S SWay
UE: 2
Calendar
By The Way
Children’s
Ministry
3
2
6
Birthdays &
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
6-7
8
SUMMER FUN PARK CONCERTS
Anniversaries
Children’s
4
Coming Events
Ministry

VBS
Calendar
July 13– 17th 10
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Angel’s Baseball
Game
August 9th
Angels vs Boston

End of Summer
Church Picnic
September 7th
Join our email list!
Get the Covenant
Call delivered to
your email, or visit
us online at
WWW.PCCOV.ORG
Printed copies of
the Covenant Call
will be available on
a limited basis and
may not be mailed
to every home.
PCC families and seniors are invited to attend the
Annual “Concerts in the Park” sponsored by
Costa Mesa Foundation.
The next concert is July 15th at Fairview Park featuring
latin jazz with Ronnie Gutierrez. The park opens at
5:30 pm and the music begins at 6:15.
Their will be activities for kids, gourmet food trucks,
prizes, Community Booths and a Beer & Wine Garden.
F E BJ U
RL
U YA R2 Y0 1240 1 4
PAGE 2
WORSHIP
GROW
We are here to lead people to Christ and
to help them become His disciples.
SERVE
By the Way….
I am reading a book recently published by a friend and colleague entitled “The Dangerous Act of Loving
One Another.” The book talks about how risky it is to reach out and interact in the world we live in today,
and draws attention to the words of Jesus. In response to a Pharisee who asked which of the
commandments is the greatest, Jesus said there were two. We should love the Lord our God with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-39). I would add that it is
not only dangerous, but it is very complicated.
So much of life is about learning how to live alongside people, most of whom are not like us. The recent
activities and decisions that have come from our General Assembly along with the changes in our
presbytery have caused tumultuous reaction in the PCUSA, the denomination of which PCC is a
member. It is important to note that, unlike many churches, ours is not a top-down government.
Decisions about our church order are made by the church as a whole and not by bureaucrats that meet
and determine such matters for the church. Important decisions must pass through various bodies
across the church, with full representation from all churches, very much like our federal government,
which mirrors the presbyterian form of government. And….as we notice, people in the Presbyterian
family are not very homogenous. We come in all different forms, with various ideas and interpretations
that reflect the diversity of the body of Christ.
Decisions have been made on many issues by this year’s assembly that reflect the mind of this
gathering in Detroit. You can read about them elsewhere in this issue of the Covenant Call, but the most
controversial has to do with giving approval for pastors to officiate and churches to allow for
same-gender weddings. It also began a process to redefine marriage from “between a man and a
woman” to “between two persons.” The latter must pass through a year-long process and be approved
by a majority of the 173 presbyteries of the PCUSA before it becomes part of our constitution. What we
are finding is that the overall makeup of the church has changed, and that no matter what opinions we
carry, we live with people who don’t think the same way we think on issues that matter to us all.
Hmmm?
There is a tension many of us are experiencing at this moment and it centers around one theme. Can
we remain in our denominational affiliation with an increasing number of decisions that conflict with what
I believe to be a true and accurate interpretation of the Scriptures? For some, the answer is no and they
are in the process of breaking ties with a denomination their churches have been associated with, in
most cases, for their whole history. And more significantly, breaking (at least) institutional fellowship with
colleagues and congregations they have been with for many years. For me, it is a live tension, but one
that I will be learning to live with, at least for the time being. For me to leave and break fellowship will
take more than I can see at the moment in light of Jesus’ final prayer with his disciples in John 17 where
he prayed and asked His Father to maintain the oneness of their fellowship in order to maintain the
witness of the church to the world and the integrity of the gospel.
I hope, over the summer, that we can have some conversation, both casual and programed, that can
help us process these difficult questions. But for now, be assured that nothing will change at PCC as a
result of what happened at the General Assembly. Nothing has been mandated for either churches or
pastors and we can go about sharing our witness in word and deed with the world around us.
Blessings to all of you and happy Independence Day!
See you in church!
Pastor Tim McCalmont
THE
COVENANT
CALL
PAGE
JULY
3
2014
WORSHIP LOOKS AT THE KINGDOM COME
July opens with a guest in the pulpit, Dr. Lydia Sarandan, former Associate Pastor at St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church and then opens a summer series, Thy Kingdom Come. We pray each week,
many each day, asking God to bring His kingdom into our realm, our family, our church, our city.
Do we understand what we are asking? We will take time each week this summer,
to look into what this means, and what our role might be in opening the doors for
God’s reign to come around us and lead us.
July 6
“Created to Do Good!
(Dr. Lydia Sarandan, guest preacher)
10 am
Text:
Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 5:13-16; Galatians 6:9; James 1:27.
Theme:
Our task to do good to all and to let our light shine for all to see our good works and
give glory to God.
Communion will be served
July 13
“God’s Kingdom Here and Now”
10 am
Text:
John 3:1-21
Theme:
Salvation is a gift and is activated in our life by constantly seeking
The kingdom is here and it is now. We are to be seeking God’s kingdom with all our
heart.
July 20
What Does It Mean To Be A Seeker?
10 am
Text:
Matt 6.25-33
Theme:
Kingdom is God active in the now of our lives
Task we have is to seek where God is active and join in, even in the seeking we can
grow and live the kingdom life. The seeking is something that must go on especially
after conversion.
This will be VBS Sunday and celebrate our children
July 27
God Won’t Crash Your Party
10 am
Text:
Luke 14:25-33
Theme:
The cost of a seeking discipleship
Our work as seekers doesn’t end with conversion. WE continue to be “seekers” in
our daily attempt to be where Christ is, to be in His presence.
Special guest soloist, Saousan Jarjour, not to be missed!
Don’t miss this month, the fellowship, the rich music and the encounters with God’s Word in worship.
We are the church and life is to be celebrated. Come and experience firsthand what life is about.
This is the church of Jesus Christ and we will be celebrating the Kingdom that is being revealed.
Come by and bring a new friend to join with us!
T
TH
HE
E C
CO
OV
VE
EN
NA
AN
NT
T C
CA
A LL LL
JULY
PAGE
2014
4
WHAT ABOUT THE 221ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)?
Detroit, Michigan — June 14-21, 2014 by Leslie Scanlon, Outlook national reporter and Jack
Haberer, Outlook editor.
Following years of debate, the 2014 General Assembly decided to act — choosing to divest from
three American companies whose products support Israel’s occupation of Palestine, and granting
PC(USA) ministers permission to perform same-sex marriages in civil jurisdictions where such
marriages are legal. Realizing that their actions would please some and alienate others both in the
United States and overseas, commissioners also pleaded for reconciliation with those who would
disagree. “In no way is this a reflection of a lack of love for our Jewish brothers and sisters,”
moderator Heath Rada said immediately after the divestment vote, one of the first by an American
mainline Protestant denomination. Asked after the votes on same-sex marriage how much it would
cost to send representatives to each presbytery for conversations about unity, Stated Clerk Gradye
Parsons said he wasn’t sure, but “the cost of not doing this is higher.”
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ASSEMBLY:
MODERATOR. The committee chose as its moderator Heath Rada (christened #modeRada on
Twitter), the only ruling elder among three candidates, and a hearty North Carolinian who selected
as his vice-moderator his demographic opposite: Larissa Kwong Abazia, a young Chinese-American
pastor from New York. From the start, the young adult advisory delegates (YAADs) resonated with
Moderator Rada, who passed out Heath bars and danced during breaks on the platform.
DIVESTMENT. Two years after a GA rejected a similar proposal by just two votes, commissioners
gasped when the divestment vote result was posted – 310-303 – for a proposal that the PC(USA)
begin phased divestment of about $16.5 million from three companies that provide equipment used
by the Israeli military in the occupation of Palestine: Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola
Solutions. The assembly did specify that its action was “not to be construed” as support of the global
Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. In response to the contention that the denomination’s restrictions were
impeding pastors’ ability to provide pastoral care to committed same-sex couples in their
churches, the GA approved two measures to permit ministers to perform same-gender marriages in
jurisdictions where legal (at present, 19 states plus the District of Columbia). An authoritative
interpretation, approved 371-238 (61 percent in favor), took effect immediately after the assembly
adjourned, giving PC(USA) ministers freedom of conscience to perform same-sex marriages. The
assembly also voted 421-175 (71 percent in favor) to recommend for ratification by the
presbyteries a constitutional amendment adjusting the definition of Christian marriage, changing the
phrase “a man and a woman” to “two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” Both actions
support freedom of conscience. The proposed amendment says explicitly, “Nothing herein shall
compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the use of church property for
a marriage service” that either of them “believes is contrary” to their “discernment of the Holy Spirit
and their understanding of the Word of God.” Adoption of the amendment requires ratification by 87
of the 172 presbyteries, the votes to be taken over the next 12 months
BELHAR CONFESSION. The assembly approved recommending for presbyteries’ ratification (by
two-thirds vote) adding the Belhar Confession, written in South Africa and focused on justice and
reconciliation, to the PC(USA)’s Book of Confession.
(continued on page 5)
THE
COVENANT
CALL
PAGE
5
JULY
2014
(continued from page 4)
BROKEN PRESBYTERIAN RELATIONS. Already 350 churches have left the PC(USA) for other
denominations over the past four years. Now more departures are expected. Also, Hunter Farrell,
director of World Mission, said preliminary inquiries indicate 17 of the denomination’s 54 globalpartner denominations may break relations with the PC(USA) over the same-sex marriage decision.
LANGUAGE ABOUT ISRAEL. The assembly disavowed a controversial study guide, “Zionism
Unsettled,” produced by the Israel Palestine Mission Network. The commissioners overwhelmingly
rejected a proposal to trim back references to Israel in liturgical materials published by the church.
GUN VIOLENCE. The assembly appealed to fellow Presbyterians to work to reduce gun violence by
advocating for stricter background checks and a ban on semi-automatic assault rifles. FOSSIL
FUELS. Despite pleas from the YAADs that “we can’t wait” to protect the earth, the assembly voted
not to divest from fossil fuel companies, choosing instead to explore related issues that might lead to
action by a future assembly.
DRONES. The assembly passed a resolution criticizing secrecy in the U.S. military’s use of drones
for surveillance and targeted attacks, calling for legislation governing the use of military drones.
YOUNG ADULT COMMISSIONERS? A proposal to turn YAADs into voting YACs failed, given that
the new title would not require them to be ordained elders.
MID COUNCILS. The assembly approved consolidating the number of synods from the current 16 to
somewhere between 10 and 12 reconfigured synods.
FOR COMPLETE REPORTING, GO TO WWW.PRES-OUTLOOK.ORG
SUNDAY ROUNDTABLE CONTINUES THROUGH JULY
Each Sunday afternoon at 4 in the Fireside Room, there is taking place a vigorous conversation
that enlivens faith and encourages new fellowship and friendships in the family of faith.
We have been know to share our own takes on the morning messages and share in viewing
and discussing the journey of the Israelites across the wilderness to the Promised Land and
what it all means to us today. Any question and observation is listened for and
encouraged and prayers for one another is part of the afternoon.
This all happens as we get to know each other on a deeper level and deepen in our
understanding of just who this God is. All are invited as we take up your
questions each Sunday. Pastor Tim is our facilitator.
DAYTIMERS (RETIRED GUYS) MEET EACH WEDNESDAY FOR BIBLE STUDY
Exciting to see, the retired men of PCC are growing in numbers each week as we gather on
Wednesdays at 10 to search the Scriptures and shape our friendships. We have opened a
new video series and hear teaching and discussion between one another.
Pastor Tim is part of our group, along with Keith Kostlan as we view the sites of the New
Testament story and learn faith lessons in how to be a true believer in today’s world.
If you are a “retired guy” and are looking for a place to meet new friends and grow your faith,
Come and be part of this lively group of guys!
THE
COVENANT
CALL
JULY
PAGE
2014
Are your children READY to Imagine and Build with God?
Presbyterian Church of the Covenant will be transformed into a Workshop of Wonders
where children can Imagine, Build, Grow, Work and Walk with God!
WHEN: JULY 13th-17th, 5:30-8:30pm (dinner is provided)
WHERE: 2850 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
“You are the God who works Wonders.” Psalm 77:14
REGISTER NOW * AGES 4 yrs. thru 6th Grade!
*COST: $40/child (scholarships and family discounts available)
http:cokesburyvbs.com/pccov
714-557-3340
[email protected]
INVITE A FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, OR FAMILY MEMBER &
REGISTER TODAY!!
THE
COVENANT
CALL
6
PAGE
JULY
7
2014
All the following jokes have something in common. Can you guess the
common theme or category?
Lilith: What is a chauffeur’s favorite beverage?
Leslie: Limo-nade!
Luna: What player on a baseball team pours lemonade?
Larry: The pitcher!
Laurie: Which lemon buys things at an auction?
Lulu: The highest “bitter”!
From the Mini Page©
The Bridge
Are you in your 20's, 30's, 40's and looking for a place to belong at PCC? If you are single
or married, working or home raising your family, and want to fellowship with
other members at PCC... Please join us for our monthly gatherings! The Bridge is a
group of families, couples, and singles at PCC who enjoy BBQ's, bowling, and
other fun family outings on the third Saturday of each month!
Please contact Natalie for more information...
[email protected]
FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry is in need of CEREAL. This is an important staple for the families
and homeless we support in our community. You can place
them in the red grocery basket in the Gallery. Be a partner with us as we
feed the hungry of our community.
THE
COVENANT
CALL
JULY
PAGE
2014
July 10th
George Ehara
Leo Kubeska
July 2nd
Sheryl Hitt
July 23rd
Harry Larimer
July 13th
July 3rd
Sierra Ash
Don Beard
July 5th
July 26th
Nathaniel James Farless
Marcia Millar
Robert Blackwell
July 18th
July 29th
Albert Fernandez
Devon Black
July 19th
July 31th
Eric Carter Macey
July 7th
Kalea Black
Carol Ann Sushkoff
Joyce Glasgow
Emily Pierson
Jean Dale
July 22nd
Doris Thompson
July Anniversaries
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Harford
Mr. & Mrs. George Ehara
Mr. & Mrs. John Imm
Mr. & Mrs. George Madsen
Mr. & Mrs. Don Beard
Mr. & Mrs. Buzz Kostlan
Mr. & Mrs. Duane Tobert
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kraus
Mr. & Mrs. Walt Hitt
Mr. & Mrs. Lew Lindsay
Mr. & Mrs. Dusty Slaybaugh
THE
COVENANT
CALL
July 3rd
July 7th
July 10th
July 10th
July 12th
July 17th
July 20th
July 22nd
July 24th
July 28th
July 28th
43 Years
52 Years
16 Years
54 Years
46 Years
59 Years
46 Years
42 Years
38 Years
52 Years
7 Years
8
PAGE
JULY
9
2014
Bibliophiles
Meets every last Wednesday of each month @ 11 am.
Bibliophile's next meeting will be Wednesday, July 30th.
Please call Marge Hempstead for further information at 714-545-0379.
THURSDAY MORNING LADIES BIBLE STUDY
EVERY THURSDAY,
The Thursday Morning Ladies Bible Study has concluded studies
for the summer.
Their next meeting will be held in September.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
We will be taking a summer break and resume our meetings
and study on September 10.
.
Come to Needleworkers – every 3rd Tuesday of
each month at 10 a.m.
Needleworkers will be out for the summer.
Look for them again in September!
LUNCH BUNCH
Meets the first Wednesday of every month @ 12:00 a.m. The Lunch Bunch
group will be back in the fall starting in September.
Look for an announcement in August.
THE
COVENANT
CALL
JULY
2014
PAGE
10
FROM THE CHURCH CRICKET
God has a new angel in His Heavenly Garden...PCC
recently lost Betty Haubert, the matriarch of our church for these
past years—she would have been 99 years of age this coming
December. Betty was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1915
in Fremont, Ohio, a small town near the county seat of Sandusky.
Betty’s parents were “Bunny” Bernice and Clay Huss, and
she was the oldest of five children: two sisters and two brothers,
and outlived all of them. She attended public school in Fremont and
earned her teaching certificate from Bowling Green University.
Betty taught third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade in the elementary schools for several years, but
her teaching career ended when she married, as in those years teachers could not be wed.
She and her husband, Richard Louis Haubert, had not met as schoolmates because he had
attended a Catholic high school. They were married in St. Joseph’s Church in Fremont on
June 12, 1939. Richard served in WWII from 1942 until 1946 and was in General Patton’s
Third Army Division. A humorous issue regarding Richard’s name was the fact that Lewis was
put on his birth certificate as his middle name when it was supposed to be spelled Louis, so he
finally had it legally changed to avoid future confusion.
Richard worked for a savings and loan company and jobwise was transferred several
times throughout his career. They lived in Ohio, Northern and Southern California, and
Baltimore, Maryland. Upon every job transfer Richard would travel ahead of Betty and
purchase a home for them so it was always sight-unseen for her. He also chose and bought
all their cars without her ever first seeing them—in 1992 she finally had the chance to pick out
and buy her own car for the first time, and she continued driving until she was 95 years old.
Betty and Richard lived in the San Francisco area before moving to Los Angeles in the
1970’s. They then lived in Meredith Gardens on Birchwood Street until their final move to
Landmark when a new condo unit opened in 1974.
The couple had two children: a daughter, Emily, who preceded her mother in
death, (her husband Michael Jungers lives in Fountain Valley), and a son, Clay Haubert,
(married to Katy and resides in Hamilton, Ohio…..they have three daughters living in New
York, Nebraska and Ohio and two great-grandchildren in Cincinnati.)
Betty liked her own cozy home and green was her favorite color, which was evident by
the green decor seen throughout the rooms. She wore a lot of blue and always was very
stylishly dressed. Betty was a sweet lady, a bit stubborn at times, had a good sense of humor
but a mind of her own and was strong willed. She loved to read, especially magazines, the
National Geographic, the Star, Enquirer, the Globe and Examiner, and she was a fanatic at
solving crossword puzzles.
Betty’s children remember the family recipes of noodle-hamburger casserole, jello-fruit
molds and her special salad featuring ham that she had hand-ground. Poultry was not among
her favorite foods until her later years when she found frozen chicken dinners were so
convenient to prepare for her meals.
Betty became a member of PCC on October 10, 1982 and was active in the Bibliophiles
book group and many committees. She travelled with her husband throughout the world and
after his death toured with her daughter. Some of the special trips included
visits to China, Greece, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Caribbean.
A private family ceremony will be held this month for scattering Betty’s
ashes at sea. Pastor Tim McCalmont and Betty’s “adopted daughter”
Carol Chase will be representing members of PCC.
THE
COVENANT
CALL
PAGE
11
JULY
2014
Wednesday Evening Ladies’ Bible Study
For the woman, who can’t attend a morning or afternoon Bible study, this
group is for you. All women are welcome to a time of learning, sharing our
faith and growing friendships.
This summer we will be studying “Becoming a Woman of Prayer”,
by Cynthia Heald.
If you would like to attend “Becoming a Woman of Prayer” study, please contact
Cathy Rasmussen, 714-964-8828, or email, [email protected]. The cost of the
book will be approx. $10.00. This group meets 6:30 – 8:00 pm,
upstairs above the choir room.
COVENANT FELLOWSHIP SOCIAL ACTIVITY
Covenant Fellowship social activity for the month of August will be a concert on-the-lawn
Saturday, August 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cypress Civic Center on Orange and Grindley.
Mike Henegry and his orchestra will present “Big Band Era” dance music of the 30’s and
40’s. Bring your picnic dinner, folding chairs, and blanket for an evening of fun and
fellowship. Phone Maisie Lindsay at 714-546-9681 for transportation information.
Purchase Scrip and Help Our Church
Help support PCC with your purchase of gifts cards to the numerous locations offered.
Shop where you normally shop! Buy what you normally buy! Stop by the Welcome Wagon for
your order form or download it from our website www.pccov.org.
For more information please call Pat or Jim Leahy at 714-540-8119.
THE
COVENANT
CALL
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF THE
COVENANT
2850 FAIRVIEW ROAD
COSTA MESA, CA 92626
(714)557-3340
Postal Carrier:
TIME
DATED
MATERIAL
The Covenant Call is a publication of Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. The deadline for
article submissions for the next issue is the 20th of every month. To submit an article for the Covenant
Call, either email it to [email protected], [email protected] or
bring your hand written article into the office.
Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
2850 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.pccov.org
Rev. Tim McCalmont, Pastor ([email protected])
Rev. Sharon Yagerlener, Parish Associate
Cornel Radulescu, Director of Music Ministries
Natalie Pierce, Coordinator of Children's Ministries
Carolyn Close, Church Receptionist
Felix Macovei, Accompanist
Danny Fehsenfeld, Worship Leader
Carolyn Close, Newsletter Editor
Phillip Mansour, Sound Technician
Sunday Worship Time
10:00 a.m.
714-557-3340