
December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
Worship live on Sundays in person at 11:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.
PRELUDE
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
led by Leslie and 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
Josie and Nolan Baumgartner
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.
Just as the first candle represents hope, the second candle stands for peace. In God’s timing, the words of the prophet Isaiah will come true. “The nations shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift their swords again nations, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
Christmas is coming! The Prince of Peace is on His way! 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.
Reader: Consider these words from Isaiah 11:6-9:
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
People: The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
Reader: The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
People: They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
* IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to all,
From heav’n’s most gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurl’d,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hov’ring wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
All you beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!
For lo, the days are hastening on,
By prophets long foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
Covenant Hymnal, #153
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Josie Baumgartner
Joel 2:12-13
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to Me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for He is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and He relents from sending calamity.
* GOSPEL LESSON: Josie Baumgartner
Luke 11:13
13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
* HERE’S MY HEART
Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Speak what is true
‘Cause I am found, I am Yours
I am loved, I’m made pure
I have life, I can breathe
I am healed, I am free
‘Cause You are strong, You are sure
You are life, You endure
You are good, always true
You are light, breaking through
Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Here’s my heart, Lord
Speak what is true
Here’s my life, Lord
Here’s my life, Lord
Here’s my life, Lord
Speak what is true
Speak what is true
Speak what is true
You are more than enough
You are here, You are love
You are hope, You are grace
You’re all I have, You’re everything
Chris Tomlin / Jason Ingram / Louie Giglio © S. D. G. Publishing; Twelve Lions Music; Worship Together Music; worshiptogether.com songs; Open Hands Music; So Essential Tunes. Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing LLC
* IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
chorus
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin, O the bliss
Of this glorious thought,
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross
And I bear it no more
Praise the Lord,
Praise the Lord, O my soul
chorus
And Lord haste the day
When my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound
And the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
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
Joel 2:28-29
A Spirit of Christmas
Pastor Ryan
* SPIRIT, SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS
chorus
Spirit, spirit of gentleness,
Blow through the wilderness, calling and free,
Spirit, spirit of restlessness,
Stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, You called to the deep,
Then You coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
And over the eons You called to each thing,
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”
chorus
You swept through the desert, You stung with the sand
And You gifted your people with a law and a land;
And when they were blinded with idols and lies,
Then You spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
chorus
You sang in a stable, You cried from a hill,
Then You whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
And down in the city You called once again,
When You blew through Your people on the rush of the wind.
chorus
You call from tomorrow, You break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams;
Our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions Your people arise.
Covenant Hymnal, #275
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; Maria Paulette; Sara Rosado; Mary Smith; Lauren Vilardo; and Lydia Warrens
Ministries & Mission
Chris & Hanna Peterson, serving in Europe
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
“The First Noel”
arr. Dan Forest
led by the choir
* 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.

* EVEN SO, COME
All of creation, all of the earth
Make straight a highway, a path for the Lord
Jesus is coming soon
Call back the sinner, wake up the saint
Let ev’ry nation shout of Your fame
Jesus is coming soon
Like a bride waiting for her groom
We’ll be a Church ready for You
Ev’ry heart longing for our King we sing
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come
There will be justice, all will be new
Your name forever, faithful and true
Jesus is coming soon
So we wait, we wait for You
God, we wait, You’re coming soon
So we wait, we wait for You
God, we wait, You’re coming soon
Like a bride waiting for her groom
We’ll be a Church ready for You
Ev’ry heart longing for our King, we sing
Like a bride waiting for her groom
We’ll be a Church ready for You
Ev’ry heart longing for our King, we sing
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come
God, we wait, we wait for You
God, we wait, You’re coming soon
(repeat)
God we wait, we wait for You
Yes, we wait, You’re coming soon
God, we wait, You’re coming soon, oh
Chris Tomlin / Jason Ingram / Jess Cates © S. D. G. Publishing; Twelve Lions Music; Worship Together Music; worshiptogether.com songs; Open Hands Music; So Essential Tunes; Chrissamsongs Inc; Go Mia Music; Vistaville Music. Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing LLC, Vistaville Music
* BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
In Dulce Jubilo
J.S. Bach
led by Cynthia
INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.

Congregational business meeting
A congregational business meeting will be held after today’s service to approve the 2025 church budget and to make a decision on the disposition of the church’s 4928 N. Damen property. All members of the church are strongly encouraged to attend.
A message from Maria
Maria Paulette has asked to have this message shared with the congregation:
* * *
I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I never expected this diagnosis, and I think that no one is ready to hear this kind of diagnosis. I’m trying to be very positive. I’m a believer, and I know God loves me, unconditionally. He’s taking care of me and He’s with me every moment of my life. Every time that I went to the Masonic Hospital, (my second home right now) I could feel Jesus Christ’s hand and His presence.
Overall I am a healthy person, I regularly visit my doctor, I have done all tests that I’m suppose to have. Therefore, I do my mammogram every year and every time the results were good. This year I almost didn’t do it and my doctor reminded me, and thank God I finally did it. This time my mammogram was not good; the radiologist found two nodules. I did the biopsy and the results were that one nodule is benign and the other is malignant. My type of cancer is three negative breast cancer (TNBC), meaning aggressive and stage 2. I have to have chemotherapy and afterwards surgery. My first chemo starts Monday, December 16 and it will end in March. If everything goes accordingly, my surgery will be in April. Therefore, I won’t be able to attend church in person for a while, so I’ll do it online.
My message for all the ladies at church is, when you reach 18 you have to self-check both breasts once a year if you notice something unusual, talk to your doctor right away. When you reach 40 years, besides self-checking, you must have a mammogram yearly. If you have a dense breast, besides self-checking and doing the mammogram you must do an ultrasound to make sure you’re fine. God bless all of you and please take care of yourself.
I’ll really appreciate all your prayers and concerns. Love you all. I’ll try to keep you posted.
Sincerely,
Maria T. Paulette
Furniture needed
Carla, a former attender of Ravenswood Covenant and participant as both a helper and a vendor in the farmers market, is emerging from a time spent in shelter care as a victim of domestic violence. She is now enrolled in school, and she and her daughter have moved into a new apartment in our neighborhood. They are interested in reconnecting to our church. They do, however, have some material needs in terms of a lack of furniture. If you or someone you know has spare items that you or they can donate, please contact Gregory in the church office, or you can call Carla directly at 773-618-6836. She and her daughter need:
* mattress and full-size bed frame for Carla
* mattress and twin-size bed frame for her daughter
* small kitchen table
* small couch
* desk for her daughter to do her homework
* desk lamp
Thanks!
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
“Welcome Christmas” concert
The Lake County Symphony Orchestra, featuring our own Cynthia Arden as concertmaster, will present a “Welcome Christmas” concert on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 pm at the James Lumber Center on the campus of the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030. For tickets and more information, please check out the Lake County Symphony Orchestra website.
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.
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 have just begun 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
Isaiah 61:8-11
Isaiah 61:1-7
Luke 4:16-21
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.