August 6, 2023
Worship live on Sundays in person,
or on YouTube at 10:00 am.
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
PRELUDE
led by Dana
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 150:1-2
Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary, praise Him in His mighty firmament!
People: Praise Him for His mighty deeds, praise Him according to His surpassing greatness!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we glorify Your holy name! Lord Jesus, we glorify Your saving work on the cross! Holy Spirit, we glorifyYour transforming power in our lives. Father, Son, and Spirit, may we glorify Your amazing grace by offering love and forgiveness to all our friends and neighbors. Amen.
* O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro’ all the earth abroad
The honors of Your name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the pris’ner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.
To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.
Covenant Hymnal, #299
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Acts 8:1-3
And Saul approved of their killing him.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
* GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 15:1-11
Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.” 3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ 5 But you say that whoever tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God,’ then that person need not honor the father. 6 So, for the sake of your tradition, you nullify the word of God. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied rightly about you when he said:
8 ‘This people honors Me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from Me;
9 in vain do they worship Me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ ”
10 Then he called the crowd to Him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”
FREEDOM
Step out of the shadows
Step out of the grave
Break into the wild
And don’t be afraid
Run into wide open spaces
Grace is waiting for you
Dance like the weight has been lifted
Grace is waiting
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom, there is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom, there is freedom
Come out of the dark just as you are
Into the fullness of His love
For the Spirit is here, let there be freedom
Let there be freedom
Bring all of your burdens
Bring all of your scars
Come back to communion
Come back to the start
Chains will fall, prisons shake
At the sound of Jesus’ name
Lives made whole, hearts awake
At the sound of Jesus’ name
CCLI Song # 7078151 CCLI License # 349090
Brett Younker | Hank Bentley | Jordan Frye
Kristian Stanfill | Mia Fieldes© Capitol CMG Genesis
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Pastor Ryan
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me! This I know
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Covenant Hymnal, #443
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.
REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Galatians 1:11-24
Freedom in Christ
Pastor Ryan
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, Trevor Hanks, Nancy Popovich’s family, Kathy Sager, Mary Smith, Steve Staurseth, and Phillip, son of Iris Velez
Ministries & Mission
Cathy Campobello, serving in Colombia; Barb & Steve Swanson, serving in Sweden
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
“Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Jim Strathdee
led by Erin and 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.
CALL TO COMMUNION
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.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! Many will come from east and west and from north and south and sit at table in the kingdom of God. This is the Lord’s Table. Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast He has prepared. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with His disciples, He took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.
CONFESSION OF SIN
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.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
We do not presume to come to this, Your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Your table. But You are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the bread and drink the cup that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as they are delivered by the apostle Paul: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
O Lord of all, we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to You,
presenting to You, from Your creation, this bread and this wine.
Gracious God, we pray that You will send your Holy Spirit on these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and the blood of the new covenant. Unite us to Your Son in His death and resurrection that we may be acceptable through Him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under Your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly feast where, with all Your saints, we will be gathered in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By Him and with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is Yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.
BREAKING THE BREAD AND POURING THE CUP
Is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Is not the cup that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ?
The gifts of God for the people of God — take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
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
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God our help, we thank You for this supper shared in the Spirit with Your Son Jesus, who makes us new and strong, who brings us life eternal. We praise You for giving us all good gifts in Him, and pledge ourselves to serve You, even as in Christ You have served us. Amen.
* AMAZING GRACE! HOW SWEET THE SOUND
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound —
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Covenant Hymnal, #341
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Fantasia in G
J.S. Bach
led by Cynthia
INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.
The rose at the front of the church marks the birth of baby Zion to Dami and Devencie Ervin. He was born on July 20, weighs 7 lbs., 5 oz., and joins big sisters Aliyah, Ameerah, and Zara. We thank God for this gift of new life in our congregation!
* * *
What does it mean to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind?” What does it mean to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others?”
It means adoring Christ above all else and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
One way that Christians worship Christ and submit to one another in love is by singing each others’ songs. Hymn lovers are blessed when they sing contemporary songs. Praise-song lovers are blessed when they sing the old hymns. All churches are blessed when they sing songs from other cultures and traditions.
Here is a list of favorite songs gathered at a recent worship service. Imagine how this list would be different if the kids added their favorite camp songs. Imagine how this list would be different if our neighbors showed up to contribute to the list. Imagine how this list would be different if the other groups that use our worship space added their favorite songs. It would certainly better reflect the Beloved Community extolled by Rev. Dr. King!
Take a look at the following songs. Sing with gusto when you get to sing the song of a friend from a different generation! You will be blessed and you will be a blessing!
Favorite Hymns & Worship Songs (from July 16, 2023 service)
Attendee Favorite Hymn/Worship Song
Mary A. “Worthy of Worship”, “God’s Love Made Visible”, O Sacred Head”
Cynthia A. “Christ, We Do All Adore Thee”, “O Sacred Head”
Kelly B. “Be Thou My Vision”, “He’s Ever Over Me”
Michael B. “Our Day of Joy Is Here Again”
Colleen C. “”Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”, “A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord”
Dan C. “Will You Let Me Be Your Servant”
LeRoy C. “O Let Your Soul Now Be Filled with Gladness”
Susan C. “Rejoice, O Pure in Heart”
Ryan E-B “Children of the Heavenly Father”
Axel E. “The Old Rugged Cross”
Mark E. “Children of the Heavenly Father”
Jackie C. “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”
Sandra G. “Amazing Grace”
Marlene H. “He Touched Me”, “Rivers of Joy”, “Stand Up for Jesus”
Eric H. “Blest Are They”
Don H. “All Creatures of Our God and King”
Dana J. “Take My Life and Let It Be”, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
Leah J. “You Say”
Pete J. “Be Thou My Vision”
Jared J. “Oceans”
Katie J. “Ten Thousand Reasons”
Stacey J. “Come Alive”
Bob K. “Thine Is the Glory”
M. K. “Hallelujah Chorus”
Maria P. “Joy in Christ”
Gregory S. “The Easter Song (He Is Risen)”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Paul S. “Job’s Complaint of God’s Absence”, “By the Will”
Michalena S. “He Lives”
Erin S. “It Is Well (When Peace Like a River)”
Esther S. “I Love To Tell the Story”
Jim S. “Praise to the Lord, the King of Creation”, “Beautiful Savior”
Elizabeth T. “You Are My All in All”
Joseph T. “Shout to the World”
Sam V. “Amazing Grace”
Laurie W. “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
Eli Y. “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Lorri Y. “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Jo Z. “Psalm 30”, “Been About It”
Lunch Bunch luncheon
The Lunch Bunch ladies are having their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, August 9 at 11:30 am. They’ll be meeting at the Golden Nugget Pancake House, 1765 W Lawrence Ave. The restaurant’s phone number is 773-769-6700. http://www.goldennuggetpancake.com Parking available. Everyone is welcome!
September 10 is Kickoff Sunday
September 10 will be Kickoff Sunday at Ravenswood Covenant! That Sunday will mark the return of RECC to the school-year worship calendar with services starting at 10:45 am, and there will be food and fun after the service to mark the occasion, as well as an opportunity for our Sunday School teachers and Faith Forum leaders to talk about the upcoming year.
The first day of Sunday School and Faith Forum will be the following Sunday, September 17. We are looking for folks who are willing to help out with Sunday School this coming school year. Please speak with Beth Anderson, Bekah Carlson, or Kelly Vetter if you’re interested. Also, please check with the church office to make sure that you have an up-to-date background check if you are going to work with the church’s children in 2023-24.
North Park van drivers needed
This fall we would like to bring back our long-dormant ministry of offering van rides to North Park University students so that they can attend services on Sundays at Ravenswood Covenant. Does this sound like something with which you’d be willing to help? You don’t need to own a van to do this, just a valid driver’s license. If you’re interested, please contact Gregory Sager or Pastor Ryan.
Lawn-mowing volunteer needed
We are looking to find a volunteer willing to cut the grass on the church’s grounds this summer and fall. The church has a lawnmower, although you are welcome to bring your own to church if you prefer. If you’re interested in helping to keep our grounds looking good, please contact Gregory Sager, Pastor Ryan, or anyone on the Leadership Team. Thank you!
Scripture reader sign-up
We are seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day as part of the worship services this summer. If you are willing to be a scripture reader, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church office or contact Gregory Sager or Erin Stoel.
Pastor Ryan’s office hours
Pastor Ryan’s office hours at church are Tuesday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. If you would like to meet with Pastor Ryan during his afternoon hours, please call the church office to schedule an appointment.
Farmers market
Another perfect Chicago summer afternoon and evening saw 746 adults and lots of kids visit the farmers market on Wednesday, Despite the fact that a lot of people are getting in their vacation time right now before Chicago Public Schools start up again in two weeks, the Wednesday trip to Ravenswood Covenant’s parking lot was still a part of the weekly routine for many of the people in our community.
The market will run until mid-October every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in our parking lot. This year the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has taken over locating and contacting possible vendors for the market, so we anticipate a busier and more crowded market than has been true since Covid hit.
If you are interested in the farmers market and would like to be a part of this way for us as a church to interact with our surrounding community and provide a valuable service to them as well as a place to meet and greet neighbors every Wednesday during the warm-weather months, please contact the church office or our market director, Bekah Carlson.
Children’s activity supplies needed
The Ravenswood Farmers Market season is off to a great start with our highest attendance in several years! If you would like to support the market we still have multiple opportunities to be involved with set-up/take-down and children’s activities during the market. If you are unable to attend the market, we could also use your help in gathering supplies. This year we need dot markers, markers, fun stamps, baby wipes, blue Dawn dish soap and light corn syrup. Thank you all for your continued support.
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.
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. We’ve had some turnover, so we encourage you to sign up to join a serving team if you haven’t done so already. 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!
Thursday evening Bible study
The weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 7 pm. We are studying the Gospel of Mark. The Bible study meets in the upstairs lounge. For more information, please contact Gregory Sager in the church office at (773) 784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org.
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.”
Scripture for next Sunday
Galatians 2:11-21
Romans 8:1-8
John 3:31-36
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.