What's Happening in New Covenant?

March 31, 2026

April 5 is Easter Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week according to the Presbyterian Planning Calendar. Order yours here.

This week's image is found here.

Our offices will be closed to observe Good Friday.

Question of the Week

What might your congregation engage your community to proclaim the Resurrection?

How can you reach your neighbors

if you don't know who is living in your neighborhood?

Demographic studies for congregations

using Mission Insite can be accessed here.

2026 Stated Meetings of the Presbytery of New Covenant

July 18 - ZOOM

November 21 - St. Philip, Houston

HIghlights of the March 28 Presbytery Meeting

Many thanks to our hosts at the Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, especially for providing a homemade lunch with so many choices of main courses and desserts, along with a variety of muffins and other breakfast items. The many volunteers greeted commissioners with smiling faces and helpful directions.

Rev. Greg Han offered a sermon entited, "Look" based on Acts 8:26-40, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Assisting in worship were Rev. Becky Downs, Rev. Andy Gans, Rev. David Jones, and Rev. Laura Grice. The choir offered two anthems, "When I Survey the Glorious Cross." The meeting offering supports presbytery youth ministry scholarships to participate in summer activities. Contributions continue to be received here.

The Administration Committee offered three motions. The presbytery budget for 2026 was approved. A revised Sexual Misconduct Protection Policy was accepted as a first reading, as was a Child, Youth, Vulnerable Adult, and Participant Protection Policy as a first reading.

Rev. Ted Foote shared greetings from Austin Seminary where he is a professor. He had merchandise to give away. He highlighted the "Bridge to Ministry" cohort group which is also seeking mentors and cohort conveners. The cohort group is specifically for those who are in years 1-3 in ordained ministry.

The General Council and Innovation & Vitality committee presented a joins report highlighting the work of a task group that surveyed the congregations of the presbytery indicating what they might need in the future to enhance their ministries. Rev. Steve Hill shared the work that the congregation of John Knox did with LEADConnects in strategic planning.

The Nominating Committee offered two names for election: Elizabeth Schweers (Pearland, First) to serve on the Administration Committee (Class of 2028); and Rev. Lynn Hargrove to complete the delegation of Commissioners to the 227th General Assembly. A commissioning service was held for Rev. Michael Gable (Angleton, First), Rev. Lynn Hargrove (Presbytery), RE Kevin Snowden (Webster), and RE Anne Wilson (Houston, St Philip) who were present; and RE Johnna Cormier (Sisbee, First) and Rev. Karen Estes (Houston, Woodforest) who were unable to attend.

Rev. Mitch Miller offered greetings from the Synod of the Sun highlighting their work including a new covenant relationship with the Synodo Noroeste in the Presbyterian Church of Mexico. RE Leah McFadden encouraged youth to participate in this summer's Synod Youth Workshop to be held July 13-18 at the University of Tulsa.

Rev. Lynn Hargrove announced her retirement at the end of 2026 which is when her current term ends.

Meeting materials can be found here.

One Great Hour of Sharing - Special Offering for Easter

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) — disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees — serves individuals and communities in need. This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. Typically received during the season of Lent, this Offering helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. 

Why LEADconnects?

Are you puzzled by what LEADconnects can do for your congregation? Maybe you have even wondered why the Innovation and Vitality Committee of our Presbytery is offering an opportunity to engage in the LEADconnects program. Here is your answer. We are aware of many congregations who desire help in strategic planning, in vision development, and in building relevance to their surrounding neighborhoods. Some are finding that their ministry opportunities need new energy and purpose while some congregations just feel stuck. What once worked may no longer be working.

LEADconnects offers an opportunity for a congregation to grow in finding their way forward. Facilitated by a faith-based leader, members of a congregation’s team seek out guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit to create and foster a plan uniquely created and belonging to your congregation.The Presbytery is willing to underwrite this one-year program with no cost to you except time, energy, and love.

Our committee is offering to meet with your Session or congregational group to further present the benefits that flow from this program. We will provide a powerpoint presentation either in person or by Zoom to help foster greater understanding of what LEADconnect offers for a congregation that needs a little innovated thinking. Contact Lynn Hargrove or Lynne Parsons Austin for more information about this presentation offer. We are here is assist you on your way to revitalizing your congregation and mission outreach. We want to see you THRIVE!

From St. Luke's in Houston

St Thomas Presbyterian Church invites you to join us for the following April 2026 activities.

4/2    6 pm        Maundy Thursday Service with Communion 

4/3    10:30 am to 1pm  Good Friday Labyrinth                                      

4/5     11 am          Easter Sunday Worship 

4/5     10:30 am     Children’s Egg Hunt

4/5      10:30 am   Flower Cross

4/5      10:30 am   Colorful Background for Pictures

4/11    10 am & 12 pm   Field Trip to Cullinan Park  - off Highway 6  (Judy Murphy)

4/25    1 pm      Tax Friendly Donation Strategies Presentation Room 7  (Bob Rossen)

Everyone is Welcome! 14100 Memorial Dr. Houston TX 77077   281-497-4846

The Spring Gathering registration form can be found here.

Austin Seminary Get Together - April 12

Experience the fun on April 12 at "Theology on Tap" at 2:00 pm at the Drops of the Creator Spirits Company, 10929 Chimney Rock in SW Houston. President Jose Irizarry and Dean Margaret Aymer will join us in as our distinguished guests. Earlier in the day people from Austin Seminary will be in 4 different congregations in the Houston area preaching. It’s going to be a day full of thoughtful theological conversations.

Here are the preaching locations:

Jose Irizarry - St. Andrew's, 5308 Buffalo Speedway @ Bissonnet - 10:00 am

Margaret Aymer - St Philip, 4807 San Felipe @ W Loop 610 - 11:00 am

Ryan Arnold - Atascocita, 19426 Atasca Oaks - 10:30 am

Ted Foote - Woodlands, 4881 W. Panther Creek - 11:00 am

For more information and RSVP, please contact Sharon Sandberg. OR RSVP@austinseminary.edu.

Opportunities for Youth

Synod Youth Workshop 2026

July 13-18

University of Tulsa

Across a galaxy far, far away, a familiar phrase is spoken again and again: “May the Force be with you.” It’s a send-off, a blessing, a reminder that no one faces the journey alone. Long before Star Wars, Scripture offered a blessing with the same kind of promise. In the book of Numbers, God says to God’s people: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you… and give you peace.”

But what does it mean to trust that promise today? What does it mean to believe that God is truly with us, and not just in the big, heroic moments, but when life feels confusing, messy, lonely, or unfinished?

This summer at Synod Youth Workshop, we’ll spend the week exploring what it means to live with the confidence that God’s presence goes with us wherever we are. Together, we’ll reflect on how God is with us when we don’t know who we are, when everything feels messed up, when we feel alone, when we step out to do something good, and when it’s time to return home and live out our faith in the real world.

So as we gather this summer, we listen again for God’s ancient and enduring promise:

May the Lord be with you.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

For over 67 years, Synod Youth Workshop has provided a place, a space, and time for God’s work of creating new life-time relationships. Participants in Synod Youth Workshop will experience God’s presence through opportunities for worship, prayer, scripture exploration, and community service in small and large group gatherings. Small groups provide a ‘safe place’ to explore faith questions, while sharing fun and laughter beyond measure. Many participants throughout the years have described the conference as a life-changing event. We hope you will consider attending Synod Youth Workshop in 2026. The pamphlet can be found here. Registration information is found here.

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

AUSTIN SEMINARY

https://www.austinseminary.edu/lifelong-learning

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Boniuk Institute@Rice University

Offers programs for religious professionals on many topics to help navigate our world today.

May 11 - Interfaith Leadership in Houston and Beyond

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MONTREAT CONFERENCE CENTER, NORTH CAROLINA

https://montreat.org/

Worship & Music Conference

https://www.presbymusic.org/conference 

June 21-26 & June 28-July 3, 2026

Registration launched December 8^th. It is the 57^th year of the PAM Worship & Music Conference, largest annual gathering of Presbyterians, and largest intergenerational gathering. Attendees (ages 3rd grades and up) will engage in daily worship and offerings centered around weekly worship – preaching, liturgy writing, choir, handbells, ukulele, liturgical art…If it happens in worship, there will be a daily or weekly offering for attendees to participate. Participants will return home refreshed, renewed, and filled with new ideas to infuse into their congregations’ worship services.

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GHOST RANCH, ABIQUIU, NM

https://www.ghostranch.org/

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THE ROTHKO CHAPEL

https://rothkochapel.org/

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MO-RANCH, HUNT, TX

https://www.moranch.org

Father Son Weekend - April 10-12

The Well Tended Way Women's Retreat - April 24-26

Men's Conference - May 1-3

Celtic Wisdom - May 8-10

Women's Conference - June 5-7

Summit46 - June 16-19

Youth Celebration - June 21-25

Intercultural Youth Conference - June 30 - July 3

Junior High Jubilee - July 5-9

Art@MO - July 12-17

Grand Camp - July 19-23

Churches Seeking Pastors

Please contact Darcy Bryan-Wilson about open positions in the presbytery.

Heights, Houston (Interim)

Northwoods, Houston (Associate Pastor)

St. Thomas, Houston (Installed)

First, Livingston (Installed)

Webster, Webster (Installed - full time)



OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Now Hiring: Full‑Time Facility Manager Position

Clear Lake Presbyterian Church is seeking a full‑time Facility Manager. This role oversees the maintenance, safety, and security of the campus, with responsibility for coordinating contractors, vendors, and volunteers. The position also manages room use, event coordination, and the church facility calendar. The regular schedule is Sunday through Thursday, with occasional after‑hours calls. Job description is available at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church | Job Opening Facilities Manager.  Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to the Search Team at apply@clpc.org.

Director of Faith Formation

Pines Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX is seeking a full-time (40/week) Director of Faith Formation, with an emphasis on children’s and youth ministry. We are seeking a high energy, hands-on leader looking to build and grow our Faith Formation programs. College degree preferred or equivalent experience in children’s or youth ministries required. Minimum $50K annual salary plus benefits.  

To learn more, contact search@pinespc.org.

Church Custodian - ChristChurch, Bellaire

The Church Custodian is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all who use the church facility—including the preschool, worship spaces, classrooms, offices, and fellowship areas. This position supports the ministry of the church by ensuring that the building is well cared for, prepared for events, and maintained according to health and safety standards, especially those required for preschool operations. The expected hours are 11 AM - 7 PM M-F. If you are interested or know anyone interested, please text Debbie at 210-860-2518 or email officemanager@ccpres.org.

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