December 1, 2024 | Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church

December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent

Worship live on Sundays in person at 11:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.

PRELUDE
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
led by Cynthia

WELCOME AND COMMUNITY LIFE

GREETING
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: In this season of Advent, may the love of God the Father, the grace of Jesus the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and abide with us all.

PRAYER
sung using sign language
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come, and be born in our hearts.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
Linda Carlson and family
Reader: Advent is the season of watching and waiting. Every week we light another candle to proclaim that the Messiah is coming into the world for our salvation. The first candle is named “hope”. It’s just one candle flickering in the breeze, and yet this tiny light overcomes the darkness.

People of hope do not merely curse the darkness. They light a candle
instead. Come, let us watch with hope as we wait for Jesus Christ, the light of the world, to turn darkness into daylight. Come, let us adore Him.

SINGING
(congregation)
O come, let us adore Him.
O come, let us adore Him.
O come, let us adore Him.
Christ, the Lord.

Leader: Consider these words from Jeremiah 23:5-6: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
People: In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord our Righteous Savior.”

* LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, O MIGHTY GATES
Lift up your heads, O mighty gates:
Behold, the King of glory waits!
The King of kings is drawing near,
The Savior of the world is here.

O blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ the ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
To whom this King of triumph comes!

Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple set apart
From earthly use for heav’n’s employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

Redeemer, come! I open wide
My heart to You; here, Lord, abide!
Let me Your inner presence feel:
Your grace and love in me reveal

So come, my Sov’reign, enter in!
Let new and nobler life begin!
Your Holy Spirit guide us on,
Until the glorious crown be won.

Covenant Hymnal, #126

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Linda Carlson
Daniel 6:6-18

So the administrators and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! ⁷All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to any god or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. ⁸Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” ⁹Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.

¹⁰Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. ¹¹Then those men watched and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. ¹²Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to any god or human, within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” ¹³Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”

¹⁴When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. ¹⁵Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”

¹⁶Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” ¹⁷A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet ring of his lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. ¹⁸Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no entertainment was brought to him, and sleep fled from him.

* GOSPEL LESSON: Linda Carlson
Luke 23:1-5

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. ²They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man inciting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a king.” ³Then Pilate asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” ⁴Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” ⁵But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He began even to this place.”

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

* COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Covenant Hymnal, #135

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Pastor Ryan

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
Daniel 6:19-28
No Lion
Pastor Ryan

* JESUS MESSIAH
He became sin who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing, love so amazing

chorus
Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

His body the bread, His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled and the veil was torn
Love so amazing, love so amazing

chorus

bridge
All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The Light of the world

chorus

ending
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
The Lord of all
The Lord of all

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden; the Binag family; Messian Burgos; Cathy Cassidy; Frank Coszach; Vira Coszach; Art & Rosa Hamilton; Trevor Hanks; Mary McKirchy; Sara Rosado; Mary Smith; Iris Velez; Lauren Vilardo; Lydia Warrens; and Christian Wright

Ministries & Mission
Max & Ali McClure, serving in the Czech Republic
Renee Nicholas, serving as the national director for InterVarsity’s Graduate Healthcare Ministries

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 Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
led by the choir (congregation joins on verse 4)

* 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 CONFESSION
It is in our confession where we realize our desire for God and our hope for God’s mercy. It is in admitting the truth of our lives that we take the first step toward wholeness and healing. So let us make our confession, first in silent prayer.

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: Let us confess our sins.
People: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We pray You in Your mercy: Forgive what we have been, amend what we are, direct what we shall be. That we may delight in Your will, and walk in Your ways, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WORD OF ASSURANCE
If we claim to be sinless, we are self-deceived and strangers to the truth. If we confess our sins, God is just and may be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every kind of wrong.

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

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
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 which 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. Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as they are delivered by the Apostle Paul:

“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 remembrance of Me.’ In the same way also the cup, 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
Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, blest forever!

To You be praise and honor for giving Yourself, shedding Your blood, and letting Your body be broken in death for our sake, so that we might have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Bless, O God, this bread which we together eat, and the cup which we together drink. Let us through this blest bread and this blest cup become partakers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

COMMUNION
The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. The cup which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us. Let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

SONGS DURING COMMUNION
Join in singing as you are able.

EAT THIS BREAD
Eat this bread, drink this cup,
Come to Me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup,
Trust in Me and you will not thirst.

Covenant Hymnal, #554

LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE
Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords in human vesture,
In the body and the blood.
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heav’nly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the pow’rs of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six-winged seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the Presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry,
“Alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord Most High!”

Covenant Hymnal, #127

* WAIT FOR THE LORD
Wait for the Lord,
Whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord,
Be strong, take heart!

Covenant Hymnal, #143

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

POSTLUDE
Andantino in G minor
J.S. Bach
led by Cynthia

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

Please wear a nametag
We’ve had a number of visitors and new attendees lately, and it’s very important that we not only welcome them warmly to our church but also allow them to attach a name to a face. Please wear a nametag and let visitors know who you are! Blank nametags and Sharpies will be available both in the narthex and in the sanctuary.

Advent/Christmas season calendar
Hanging of the Greens — November 25 & 27
First Sunday of Advent — December 1
Second Sunday of Advent — December 8
Third Sunday of Advent — December 15
Sankta Lucia festival — December 15
Axiom Christmas Concert — December 15
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 22
Christmas Carol Jeopardy! / Cookie Exchange — December 22
Christmas Eve service — December 24

Sankta Lucia festival
As part of the worship service on the third Sunday of Advent (December 15), Ravenswood Covenant will hold its annual Sankta Lucia festival. This Swedish tradition commemorates the fourth-century Sicilian martyr St. Lucy of Syracuse, whose name means “light” and who was renowned for her charity. It is a celebration of light and of giving at the time of the church year when those two Christian ideals are prominent.

All of the children and young people of Ravenswood Covenant are encouraged to be a part of the festival. During fellowship hour downstairs after the service, there will be singing by the children as well as traditional Swedish treats with coffee, and the children are invited to take part in making Christmas crafts. For more information, contact the church office or Pastor Ryan.

Axiom Brass concert
For many years our church has been the rehearsal space for the world-renowned Axiom Brass, a quintet that has won prizes on three continents and has commissioned over thirty new works, premiered over fifty new compositions, and created almost one hundred new transcriptions for brass quintet..And every year we are blessed to host Axiom’s annual Christmas concert, which will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Admission is free. Invite your friends and neighbors to come!

Cookie Exchange
Want to take part in a cookie exchange? Bring your own cookies to church and leave with cookies others have brought! We will hold a cookie exchange at coffee hour on Sunday, December 22 after the service. Enjoy some cookies while we play Christmas Carol Jeopardy! — an annual Ravenswood Christmas tradition led by Jim Anderson. For more information about participating in the cookie exchange, please speak to Alice Westlind.

Join the choir!
Choir rehearsal is held every Sunday at 9:00 am Sunday mornings. The fall/winter choir season lasts from until Christmas. You can still join us! Membership in the choir is open to all, regardless of experience level. Please consider joining us in choir this fall, and invite others to join as well!

New Members class
A New Members class led by Pastor Ryan will be held on Saturday, January 18, in the upstairs lounge from 9 am to 1 pm. Lunch will be served. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of Ravenswood Covenant, or who would simply like to learn more about our church, is welcome to attend. For more information, please speak to Pastor Ryan.

Faith Forum
Faith Forum, Ravenswood Covenant’s adult Christian education class, meets at the Sunday School hour (10:00 am) during the school year. This year’s edition of Faith Forum will feature a series of teachers who will each explore a topic over a one-month period. Our teacher for December is Eric Hillabrant.

Treats and coffee are provided each week. Join us in the upstairs lounge every Sunday in Faith Forum!

Church parking
Do you know someone who needs a place to park in the Ravenswood neighborhood? Ravenswood Covenant Church is currently leasing space in its parking lot. Parking is $60 per space per month for non-members, and is available for day/evening, overnight, or both. For more information, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org.

Scripture reader sign-up
We’re now seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day in the worship service for the winter months. If you are willing to be a scripture reader this winter, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church office or in the narthex on Sundays, or contact Gregory Sager or Pastor Ryan. Feel free to sign up for more than one Sunday if you like.

Pastor Ryan’s office hours
Pastor Ryan’s office hours at church are typically Tuesday thru Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you would like to meet with Pastor Ryan please call the church office in advance to schedule an appointment.

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 7:00 pm. We will not meet next week (Thanksgiving), but, beginning in the first week of Advent, we will be studying the Gospel of Luke, to be followed by its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. 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.

We have Zoom available for those who would like to take part in the Bible study but cannot be physically present. The Zoom link for the Bible study is:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83923376849?pwd=YUlYVXBmOVdwV0d5L20ySng3aHU3Zz09

Meeting ID: 839 2337 6849
Passcode: 318853

Scripture for next Sunday
Joel 2:28-29
Joel 2:12-13
Luke 11:13

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.