PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
led by Cynthia
PRELUDE
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
led by Erin & Cynthia
WELCOME, COMMUNITY LIFE & GREETING
CALL TO WORSHIP
based on Psalm 51
Leader: O Lord, open my lips,
People: and my mouth will declare Your praise.
L: For you have no delight in sacrifice;
P: if I were to give a burnt offering, You would not be pleased.
L:The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
P: a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
SPIRIT OF GOD, DESCEND UPON MY HEART
verses 1, 3 & 5
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart,
Free it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as You are,
And make me love You as I ought to love.
Did You not bid us love You, God and King,
Love You with all our heart and strength and mind?
I see Your cross- there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek You and O let me find!
Teach me to love You as your angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame:
The baptism of the heav’n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Your love the flame.
Amen.
Covenant Hymnal, #294
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
led by Pastor Eric
We continue to pray for: Katie Gieseke, Kari Hutson, Ernesto Galaviz, Kristine Brandel’s friend Terrie, Nikolas Arden, Katie Collier, Art and Rosa Hamilton, Shirley Nicholas, Paul Mounts, Steve Hoden, Mary Spriggs, the family of Phyllis Levinson.
Ministries & Mission
Francisco & Stephanie Martins Ramos, serving in France; 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
& PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle® to: giving@ravenscov.org
OFFERTORY
Chopin Prelude
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.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Ephesians 4:1-16
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it is said,
“When He ascended on high He made captivity itself a captive;
He gave gifts to his people.”
9 (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the same One who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
GOSPEL LESSON
(Stand as you are able for the reading of the Gospel.)
Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they sent to Him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap Him in what He said. 14 And they came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere, and show deference to no one; for You do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, “Why are you putting Me to the test? Bring Me a denarius and let Me see it.” 16 And they brought one. Then He said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at Him.
Leader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Feeling Taxed
Pastor Phil
JESUS, BREAD OF LIFE
Jesus, bread of life, manna from heaven
Broken for the world
Offered up for every man
The feast of angels
Becomes food for the weary
And hungry hearts are filled
When You open up Your hand
When You open up Your hand
chorus
O Lord, come fill us with your love
This table laid for us
There is more than enough
O Jesus, bread of life
Sister, take what you need, anything I own
There is no famine here, Jesus’ love will multiply
Brother, what’s mine is yours, you are not alone
There is no shortage here, Jesus’ love will satisfy
Jesus’ love will satisfy
CCLI Song # 7138305 CCLI License # 349090
Audrey Assad | Fernando Ortega© 2019 Fortunate Fall Music
CONFESSION OF SIN & PASSING OF PEACE
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: 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
As the Deer
led by Erin & Cynthia
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.
.
WE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE
We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of His Spirit, established by his Word.
Our cornerstone is Christ alone,
And strong in Him we stand.
Oh, let us live transparently,
And walk heart to heart and hand in hand.
We are God’s loved ones, the bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God out-poured.
Now let us learn how to return
The gift of love once given.
Oh, let us share each joy and care,
And live with a zeal that pleases heav’n.
We are the body of which the Lord is head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead.
He wills us be a family diverse yet truly one.
Oh, let us give our gifts to God,
And, so shall His work on earth get done.
We are a temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace,
We die alone, for on its own each ember loses fire;
Yet joined in one the flame burns on
To give warmth and light, and to inspire.
Covenant Hymnal, #600
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Tiento de Falsas delicious Sexto Tono by Sebastian Aguilera de Heredia (born 1570),
led by Cynthia
INVITATION & FINAL SLIDES
We’ll be back here next Sunday.
We hope you can join us.
Information on ravenscov.org.
music as we go, by maxeltoft
Covenant Harbor Sunday
We are excited to go to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in Lake Geneva today! This year is a little different due to COVID-19 camp precautions.
Bring food for a picnic at the beach. Lawn chairs or blankets, food and drinks. There is NO food being sold at the camp. You must bring in your own food and drink. There are picnic tables available, too. Guests are asked to leave by 1:30 pm as campers start arriving.
There is NO swimming at the camp this summer on Sundays. If you would like to swim, there is a very nice sandy beach and dock at the private beach near the Ericksons’ and Johnsons’ summer homes, which is a couple miles down the road from Covenant Harbor. You are welcome to swim there until 4:00 pm on Sunday. There is a small parking lot near the beach for dropping off people and stuff. Your host family will tell you where to park. Bring towels, beach toys, beach chairs, and sunscreen. Please inform the pastor if you are planning to go up to Covenant Harbor after the service and swim on the private beach, so that we have a proper tally of how many people plan to use the beach.
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, the 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.”
Covid restrictions for in-person worship
Chicago and the state of Illinois have entered Phase 5, which means that there are no longer any restrictions upon the attendance at gatherings of anybody who has been vaccinated.
However, we are still observing precautions regarding children, specifically with regard to the cry room. As was the case before, if you and your family would like to worship in the cry room, please reserve it in advance by contacting Gregory Sager at office@ravenscov.org or 773-784-7091. One family may choose to use the cry room upon arrival if it hasn’t already been reserved. Ravenswood Covenant will continue to livestream worship each week on YouTube and Facebook; this is now a permanent feature of our ministry, so Sunday morning worship will remain accessible to anyone who has Internet access.
We will follow all of the current local and state safety protocols for Phase 5 of public health in the state of Illinois. This means that:masks are still required at all times within the building for those adults who have not been vaccinated. Changes to communion and offering remain in place until further notice.
There will still be no nursery.
Summer worship hours in effect
Ravenswood Covenant has begun its summer schedule. Worship will begin at 9:30 am, and there will be no Sunday School.
Children will be dismissed to play outside in the playground at the offertory time. We are looking for adults and teens to supervise outside. If you’d like to sign up for one of two Sundays this summer, contact Pastor Denise. Worship bags for children and worship in the lounge area will continue to be available each week.
Nelson Lounge open for remote worship
The Nelson Lounge, which is upstairs in the church’s C.E. wing, is open for families with young children during Sunday worship. The television will have the church service livestreamed so parents can watch as they supervise their own children. There will be some toys and a kids’ table in there for coloring. Children are always welcome in the main sanctuary as well.
Farmer’s market continues
This past Wednesday we had 512 visitors to the farmers market, a record high since the pandemic curtailed much of our market’s activities and vendors last year. While it is still a smaller and more restricted market due to the public health situation, the market continues to be a blessing to the neighborhood.
The farmers market will again run through the middle of October each Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Many of our vendors from last year will be returning, and we will have some new ones as well. As usual, our main produce and flower vendor will be Patyk Farms.
Many of you are curious as to how the market will operate this year, as we pass from pandemic conditions back to normal life. As was the case last year, we will operate with a close eye as to state and local public-health guidelines, and we will adapt to looser restrictions as conditions allow.
If you are interested in volunteering to help staff this year’s market crew on whatever Wednesdays you are available, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or at office@ravenscov.org.
Thursday evening Zoom Bible study continues
The Thursday evening Bible study will continue this coming Thursday. The Bible study meets each Thursday at 7 pm. We are currently studying the book of 2 Corinthians.
The Zoom link for the Bible study has a new meeting ID and passcode:
Meeting ID: 972 871 4458
Passcode: 1qa3CD
Join Zoom meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95052558015?pwd=N3d1eFpUUmUwenhCSzNJNUk3WEV2QT09
Worship bags for kids
Each week there will be worship bags for children ages 2 to 12 attending worship. The bag will have the child’s name on it and will only be used by that child.
Free masks available
The church is offering free masks to anyone in the congregation who is in need of one. If you would like, you may make a donation to our benevolence fund when you come to the church building to pick yours up. Please contact the church office at office@ravenscov.org or 773-396-6175 for more information.
General fund giving:
July 18: $2,148
General fund giving:
July 25: $1,299
Scripture for next Sunday
Mark 12:28-34
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.