April 2, 2023 | Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church

April 2, 2023

Worship live on Sundays in person,
or on YouTube at 10:45 am.

Children’s Sunday School for ages K-7th grade at 9:30 am in-person.
Faith Forum (adult Sunday School) at 9:30 am in person and on Zoom.

PRE-SERVICE MUSIC

PRELUDE
“The Palms”
led by Erin and Cynthia

WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE

HOSANNA, LOUD HOSANNA
Hosanna, loud hosanna
The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple
The lovely anthem rang:
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
Close folded to His breast,
The children sang their praises,
The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed
‘mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving,
And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children
Should on His bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!”
That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer,
The Lord of heav’n, our King.
O may we ever praise Him
With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence
Eternally rejoice!

Covenant Hymnal, #228

PROCESSION OF THE PALMS

CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Pastor Mark

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Psalm 118:25-29

Leader: Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
    O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
People: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Leader: The Lord is God,
    and He has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
    up to the horns of the altar.
People: You are my God, and I will give thanks to You;
    You are my God; I will extol You.
ALL: O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
    for His steadfast love endures forever.

* GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 21:1-17

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ²saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. ³If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” ⁴This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:

⁵“Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

⁶The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; ⁷they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and He sat on them. ⁸A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹The crowds that went ahead of Him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹⁰When He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” ¹¹The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

¹²Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. ¹³He said to them, “It is written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’
but you are making it a den of robbers.”

¹⁴The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He cured them. ¹⁵But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that He did and heard the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became angry ¹⁶and said to Him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,

‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise for Yourself’?”

¹⁷He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God!

RIDE ON, RIDE ON IN MAJESTY
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry.
Thy humble beast pursues your road,
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The angel armies of the sky
Look down with sad and wond’ring eyes
To see th’approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh.
The Father on His sapphire throne
Awaits His own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy pow’r and reign.

Covenant Hymnal, #229

Children 6 and under are dismissed to Children’s Church in the upstairs lounge. Parents can pick up their children in the lounge after the service.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Don’t lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will direct your paths.
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia, and
He will direct your paths.

REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Some Palm Sunday Lessons
Pastor Mark

HE REIGNS
It’s the song of the redeemed
Rising from a wind-swept plain
It’s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the sorrow and pain
The song of all believers
Filled with God’s holy fire
It’s everyone every tongue every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir

chorus
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns (He reigns)

Let it rise above the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden, Messian Burgos, Frank Coszach, Vira Coszach, Pedro Gomez, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Mary McKirchy, Nona Michael and the Michael family, our Pastoral Search Committee, Mary Smith, and Steve Staurseth

Ministries & Mission
Max McClure, serving in the Czech Republic; Carlos & Karen Feijoo, serving in Ecuador

THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

GIVING OF OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle^® to: giving@ravenscov.org

OFFERTORY CHOIR ANTHEM
“Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!”
Lloyd Larson
led by Cynthia

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Sing hosanna to the King of Israel,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Sing hosanna to the King of Israel,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

(The congregation is asked to join in on the next stanza.)

All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name comest,
The King and blessed One!

Hosanna, hosanna!
He comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna, hosanna!
O praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Sing hosanna to the King of Israel,
Blessed is He who comes in the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the Lord!

DOXOLOGY & PRAYER
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

CONFESSION OF SIN
L: As we move towards the table let us remember the proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in Him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God:

L: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.

L: Let us confess our sins against God and neighbor.

All: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in Your will, and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

PASSING THE PEACE
L: Since in Christ we are reconciled to God, so also we are reconciled to each other, the members of His body, the Church. May God’s peace extend throughout this congregation.

L: The peace of Christ be with you
P: And also with you.
L: Let us extend to each other signs of that peace.

(Extend greetings to those you’re with; comments online are welcome.)

INVITATION
It is now our sacred privilege to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. All who humbly put their trust in Christ and desire His help that they may lead a holy life; all who are truly sorry for their sins and would be delivered from them; all who would walk in love with their neighbors and intend to live a new life, following the commandments of God and walking from now on in His holy ways, are invited to draw near with faith and to receive this holy sacrament.

A PRAYER FOR COMMUNION
Holy God, we praise You.
Let the heavens be joyful and the earth be glad.

We bless You for creating the whole world,
for Your promises to your people Israel,
and for Jesus Christ in whom Your fullness dwells.

Born of Mary, He shares our life.
Eating with sinners, He welcomes us.
Guiding his children, He leads us.
Visiting the sick, He heals us.
Dying on the cross, He saves us.
Risen from the dead, He gives new life.
Living with You, He prays for us.

The Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body which is for you. Do this in remembering Me.”

In the same way He took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembering Me.”

With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup and proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord.

Receive our sacrifice of praise.
Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us
that this meal may be a communion in the body and blood or our Lord.

Make us one with Christ
and with all who share this feast.

Unite us in faith,
encourage us with hope,
inspire us to love that we may serve
As Your faithful disciples
Until we feast at Your table in glory.

We praise you, eternal God,
through Christ Your Word made flesh,
in the holy and life-giving Spirit now and forever. Amen.

SHARING IN COMMUNION

SPECIAL MUSIC (CHOIR)
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

Covenant Hymnal, #222

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

(The congregation is asked to join in on verse four.)

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Eternal God, heavenly father, You have graciously accepted us as living members of Your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and You have fed us with spiritual food in the sacrament of His body and blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A SENDING FROM COMMUNION
What we have been about here is not separate from life. Rather these acts have been a reminder that we belong to Christ always and everywhere. We carry Christ’s Spirit into our homes, our daily activities, all our relationships. We are Christ’s people. By God’s grace let it be so. Amen.

RESCUER (GOOD NEWS)

chorus
He’s our Rescuer
He’s our Rescuer
We are free from sin forevermore
Oh how sweet the sound
Oh how grace abounds
We will praise the Lord our Rescuer

There is good news for the captive
Good news for the shamed
There is good news for the one who walked away
There is good news for the doubter
The one religion failed
For the good Lord has come to seek and save

He is beauty for the blind man
Riches for the poor
He is friendship for the one the world ignores
He is pasture for the weary
Rest for those who strive
Oh the good Lord is the way, the truth, the life
Yes the good Lord is the way, the truth, the life

So come and be chainless
Come and be fearless
Come to the foot of Calvary
There is redemption for every affliction
Here at the foot of Calvary

CCLI Song # 7094920 Benjamin Hastings | Bryan Fowler | Chris Llewellyn | Gareth Gilkeson © 2017 Capitol CMG Amplifier (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Musical Moodswing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God

POSTLUDE
Third Mode Melody
Thomas Tallis
led by Cynthia

INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.

Worship update
The Leadership Team of Ravenswood Covenant Church recommends mask use during services, but this is not mandatory.

Ravenswood Covenant livestreams worship each week on YouTube, so Sunday morning worship is accessible to anyone who has Internet access.

Holy Week services
Once again we enter into the sacred calendar space of Holy Week, which begins with our Palm Sunday service this Sunday at 10:45 am. We strongly commend to you the Maundy Thursday service that will be held at Edgebrook Covenant Church, 6355 N. Spokane Ave., on Thursday at 7 pm. On Good Friday we will hold a combined service here at Ravenswood Covenant that will include our church as well as Edgebrook Covenant, and also the two congregations that share our church space, Chicago Zomi Bethel Church and Lakeview Hispanic Seventh-Day Adventist Church. That service will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm.

You are heartily welcome to join with us this coming week as together we remember the triumphal entry, the passion and suffering, and the death on the cross of our Savior.

Easter Sunday at Ravenswood Covenant
On Easter Sunday we will hold our annual breakfast at 9:30 am, prepared by Hannah and Bobby Blase. It will be followed by another RECC annual tradition, the children’s Easter egg hunt, at 10:15 am. Finally, we will join together to worship the risen Christ at 10:45, in a service that will be led by a guest preacher, Central Conference Superintendent Danny Martinez.

Please join us next Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Congregational business meeting
Another congregational business meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, April 30, following the worship service. This meeting is to vote upon calling a pastor, as the pastoral search committee will present a pastoral candidate to the congregation that weekend.

Please make sure that you have that weekend open, so that you can meet the candidate and ask questions, as well as take part in this very important vote regarding Ravenswood Covenant’s next pastor.

Lake County Symphony Orchestra concert
The Lake County Symphony Orchestra, featuring our own Cynthia Arden, will be performing “A Celebration of Classical Jazz”, featuring Mussorgky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” and the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, in concert at the Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Ave. in Gurnee, on April 22 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at www.lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com.

Community Dinners
Thursday night community dinners are our main community gathering occasions during the work week. Watch this space for the date of our next community dinner! The suggested donation for the dinner is $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

Aid for Ukrainian refugees
Jeremy and Amanda Foster, who attend our church, have a direct connection to a mission that is serving refugees who have fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Jeremy’s parents Don and Beatrice Foster are in Hazebrouck, France as tentmaker missionaries and have prepared rooms in their home for refugees coming from Ukraine.

If you would like to donate to help the Fosters pay for extra food and supplies, please give a donation to Ravenswood Covenant that is specially designated for Ukrainian refugees. If you would like to give directly online, the website for the Fosters is https://ukraine.la-ferme-de-la-papote.com/ .

The Covenant denomination is also raising funds for Ukraine through Covenant World Relief. Here is the link if you would like to donate through the Covenant’s program. https://giving.covchurch.org/priorities-detail/ukraine-response

Thursday evening Bible study
The weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 7 pm. We are currently studying the book of Romans. The Bible study meets in the lounge, and is also accessible by Zoom. For more information, please contact Gregory Sager in the church office at (773) 784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95052558015?pwd=N3d1eFpUUmUwenhCSzNJNUk3WEV2QT09

The Zoom meeting ID for the Bible study: 972 871 4458
The Zoom passcode for the Bible study: 1qa3CD

Join Us in Sponsoring a Student in the NPTS SRA Program
North Park’s School of Restorative Arts offers a MA in Christian Ministry and Restorative Arts, allowing free and incarcerated students to study together. This unique degree program is designed to prepare individuals for ministries of restoration in contexts susceptible to violence and includes courses in trauma, race relations, nonviolent communication, conflict transformation, restorative practices, and transformative justice, in addition to Bible, theology, and history. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections, this four-year degree is currently offered at Stateville Correctional Center with 80 incarcerated men and a first cohort of 20 women at Logan Correctional Center.

We, Ravenswood Covenant Church, have partnered with North Park Theological Seminary by committing to sponsor a student in this program. To help us support an SRA student please send a check to church or give online and in the memo line write: “SRA Sponsorship.”

RECC preaching schedule for April
April 2: Pastor Mark
April 9: Central Conference Superintendent Danny Martinez
April 16: LeRoy Carlson
April 23: Mary Spriggs
April 30: Pastor Mark

Scripture for next Sunday
Matthew 28:1-10
Psalm 118:19-24

Our church exists to love and worship God, and love and care for others. By God’s grace, we commit to help people find and follow Jesus Christ through the guidance of His Spirit and His word.