April 23, 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
“Lift High the Cross”
led by Erin and Cynthia
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 98
Leader: O sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him victory.
People: The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
Leader: He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
People: All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
People: Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Leader: Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it.
People: Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
ALL: He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with equity.
LIFT HIGH THE CROSS
refrain
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod,
Our King victorious, Christ, the Son of God.
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conqu’ring ranks combine.
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As though hast promised, draw us all to Thee.
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory!
Covenant Hymnal, #680
* GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 9:36-37
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God!
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Acts 10:1-17, 34-48
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8 and after telling them everything he sent them to Joppa.
9 About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while it was being prepared he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 Then he heard a voice saying, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.” 15 The voice said to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.
17 Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate.
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
TEACH US YOUR WAYS
Teach us Your ways, teach us Your ways,
As we learn from one another,
Learn to love each other,
Teach us Your ways.
Teach us to give, teach us to give,
Give ourselves for one another,
Learn to love each other,
Teach us to give.
Teach us to weep, teach us to weep,
Let us weep with one another,
Learn to love each other,
Teach us to weep.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Let us learn from one another,
Learn to love each other,
Teach us Your ways.
CCLI Song # 7133715 Isaac Wardell | Leslie Jordan | Orlando Palmer | Paul Zach © Common Hymnal Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music) IAMSON Productions (Admin. by Integrity Music) Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Little Way Creative (Admin. by Integrity Music) Paul Zach Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music) PG Songs And Hymns (Admin. by Integrity Music)
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Erin Stoel
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
Junk Food
Gregory Sager
I, THE LORD OF SEA AND SKY
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
chorus
Here I am, Lord,
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord,
If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them,
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them.
Whom shall I send?
chorus
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
chorus
Covenant Hymnal, #685
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden, Messian Burgos, Frank Coszach, Vira Coszach, James Egan, Pedro Gomez, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Nona Michael and the Michael family, Kathy Sager, Mary Smith, and Steve Staurseth
Ministries & Mission
James Tang, serving in South Sudan and Ethiopia; Covenant Mountain Mission Bible Camp
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
“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”
led by Cynthia
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.
GOD OF THIS CITY
You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
pre-chorus
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You, God
chorus
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done here
You’re the Lord of creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all kings
You are
You’re the strength in the weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You are
chorus 2
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for You and love for You
In this city
pre-chorus
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
There is no one like You, God
There is no one like You, God
CCLI Song # 5037070 CCLI License # 349090
Aaron Boyd | Andrew McCann | Ian Jordan | Peter Comfort
Peter Kernoghan | Richard Bleakley © 2006 sixsteps Music,
worshiptogether.com
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius
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.
Pastoral candidate weekend
As tasked by this congregation fourteen months ago, the pastoral search committee is presenting a candidate to receive the call as pastor of Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church. His name is Ryan Eikenbary-Barber, and he and his family will join us over the course of this coming weekend.
The weekend will begin with a meet-and-greet with the Eikenbary-Barbers at 4:30 pm on Thursday, April 27, in the upstairs lounge, followed by a community dinner from 5:30 to 6:30. The candidate weekend will continue with an open house at the Hodgkinsons, 5504 N. Spaulding Ave., from 10 am to 11:30 am on Saturday morning. It will conclude on Sunday, April 30, as Pastor Ryan will take part in a Faith Forum Q &A session in the upstairs lounge at 9:30 am, and will then help lead worship as well as preach in the 10:45 am worship service. After the service, a congregational meeting will be held in which a motion to call him to be our pastor will be voted upon.
His c.v., which includes his faith statement and a description of his approach to ministry, has been sent to the church’s mailing list, along with some pictures of him and his family.
We hope that you will make the most of this opportunity to meet Pastor Ryan and to welcome the Eikenbary-Barbers as our guests that weekend. And we pray for both a good spirit amongst us in the coming days and for the Lord’s guidance as we seek to discern God’s will for our community of faith.
Church garden plots available
Are you a gardener, or would you like to become one? Ravenswood Covenant has free garden plots available along the north boundary of the church parking lot. if you would like to claim a plot, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or at office@ravenscov.org.
Wedding invitation
Elizabeth Bleakley and James White would be honored to have you attend their wedding ceremony at North Park Covenant Church next Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 12 pm. Michael Bucci will be walking his mother down the aisle. All three are excited to share this moment with you and hope you are able to join them. A cake reception will follow in the parlors.
Community Dinners
Thursday night community dinners are our main community gathering occasions during the work week. Our next community dinner will be held this coming Thursday, April 27 at 5:30 pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $5 for individuals and $10 for families.
Coffee hour changes
There is now a coffee hour bulletin board downstairs in the fellowship hall! (It’s right next to the kids’ serving window.) Please look there for updated serving instructions as well as to find out what team you’re on. A self-sign-up will now be available on the board so that you can pick which Sundays work best for you. As always, thanks for serving!
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.
Here is the latest message from Don Foster:
Dear praying friends,
It has been so long since I was able to give an update on the apartments that you have so generously helped to fund. Finally I can say that two of the families have moved into their apartments. Hopefully next weekend the third family will move in. We have a fourth family (a couple with their 12-year-old son) coming in June to occupy two of the BnB rooms.
The construction company has basically kept none of their promises regarding dates and the workmanship is not very good, but the families have their apartments. We are more and more stretched financially with incredible inflation and “a bigger extended family” but as long as we have room, and your partnership, we are opening our doors. Unfortunately, as news shifts focus on new issues, it seems that people can forget that this terrible war continues to drag on, and will probably do so for quite some time. We are very much aware of this war and how it is shattering families. We think we are financially stretched, but these people have lost so much. The new family lost everything…their apartment was destroyed. They are originally from Mariupol.
If you would like to contribute to the furninishing of the apartments, for example, a light fixture costs $30 (We need 5 of them). A bathroom light fixture costs $35 (we need three of them. We have bought two couches for $400 apiece (a clic-clac was given to us). And we have additional expenses for heating, electricity, water and food. God is our great provider and you are wonderful partners.
We are hoping for a work team to come from our sending church. We have spoken with the chair of the Missions Committee who is discussing our request with the church board. This would be to provide the work to complete a meeting room.
I (Don) will be driving a woman with her 2-year-old daughter to Ukraine on June 29 and will come back on July 8. This little girl came with her mother last year when she was 1. In July she will not have seen her father for 1 1/2 years. I’m sure it will be very difficult to leave him again, but at least they will have a short reunion.
Thank you so much for your help!
God bless,
Don and Béatrice Foster
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. This coming Thursday we will begin studying the Gospel of Mark. 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: Gregory Sager
April 30: pastoral candidate
Scripture for next Sunday
Acts 13:1-3, 14:8-18
Matthew 10:40-42
Psalm 13
Art Used in this Bulletin: Steve Erspamer, SM
Clip Art for Year A © 1992, Archdiocese of Chicago.
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.