February 2, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

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

PRELUDE
“Lord of the Dance”
led by Leslie and Cynthia

WELCOME AND COMMUNITY LIFE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 92
Leader: It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to Your name, O Most High,
People: To proclaim Your love in the morning
and Your faithfulness at night.

Leader: For You make me glad by Your deeds,
People: I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

UNISON PRAYER
Great God, You have been generous and marvelously kind.
Give us such wonder, love, and gratitude that we may sing
praises to You and joyfully honor Your name through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

* OH, THE SUN’S COMIN’ UP
Oh, the sun’s comin’ up
(Oh, the sun’s comin’ up)
On a bright new day
(On a bright new day)
And you maybe wonder why
(And you maybe wonder why)
I’m feelin’ this way
(I’m feelin’ this way)
Oh, I’m feelin’ good
(Oh, I’m feelin’ good)
I’m feelin’ alright
(I’m feelin’ alright)

ALL: ‘Cause the Lord took my life
And He filled me with his ever-loving light;
Ever-loving light:
Oh, the Lord took my life and He filled me
With His ever-loving light.

* HOLY FOREVER
A thousand generations falling down in worship,
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb.
And all who’ve gone before us, and all who will believe,
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb.

pre-chorus
Your name is the highest.
Your name is the greatest.
Your name stands above them all.
All thrones and dominions,
All powers and positions;
Your name stands above them all.

chorus
And the angels cry, “Holy,”
All creation cries, “Holy.”
You are lifted high,
Holy forever.

And if you’ve been forgiven, and if you’ve been redeemed
Sing the song forever to the Lamb.
If you walk in freedom, and if you bear His name,
Sing the song forever to the Lamb.
We’ll sing the song forever and amen.

Chris Tomlin / Brian Johnson / Jason Ingram / Jenn Johnson / Phil Wickham © S.D.G. Publishing (BMI), Capitol CMG Paragon (BMI) (admin. at CapitolCMG Publishing,.com) / Phil Wickham Music (BMI), Simply Global Songs (BMI), My Magnolia Music (BMI), Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) / Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) (admin. by Bethel Music) CCLI #7201044

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Colleen Carlson
Genesis 2:1-3

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Colleen Carlson
Hebrews 4:9-13

So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, 10 for those who enter God’s rest also rest from their labors as God did from His. 11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before Him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the One to whom we must render an account.

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
Luke 6:1-11
Getting Fed and Getting Healthy
Pastor Ryan

* LORD OF THE DANCE
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth:
At Bethlehem I had my birth.

chorus
Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the dance, said He,
And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said He.

I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they wouldn’t follow Me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came with Me and the dance went on:

chorus

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame:
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung Me on high,
And they left Me there on a cross to die:

chorus

I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried My body and they thought I’d gone;
But I am the dance, and I still go on:

chorus

They cut me down and I leapt up high;
I am the life that’ll never, never die.
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in Me:
I am the Lord of the dance, said He.

chorus

Words: Sydney Carter (1915-2004), © 1963, Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188.) All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music (LORD OF THE DANCE): Shaker melody; adapted by Sydney Carter (1915-2004), © 1963, Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
We continue to pray for: the Anderson family; Nikolas Arden; the Binag family; Messian Burgos; Cathy Cassidy; Frank Coszach; Vira Coszach; Pastor Ryan; Art & Rosa Hamilton; Trevor Hanks; Mary McKirchy; Maria Paulette; Brianna Randall; Mary Smith; Dorinne Tamras; Lauren Vilardo; Lydia Warrens; and the Westlind family

Ministries & Mission
Johnna Hayward-Muniz & Fabio Muniz, serving in France
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
“Shine, Jesus, Shine”
Graham Kendrick
led by Leslie 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
The Gospels tell us that on the first day of the week, the day our Lord rose from the dead, He appeared to some of His disciples and was made known to them in the breaking of bread. It is true for us as well: Christ is made known to us as we break this bread and drink this cup together.

WORDS OF PREPARATION
As we prepare to come to the Lord’s Table, we reflect on our reasons for thanksgiving and faith, and our need for forgiveness and love. In this time of silence, we remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who called us to share this meal together; and we thoughtfully examine the state of our faithfulness and our unity with His body.

TIME OF SILENCE

INVITATION
Sisters and brothers, this is food for the journey to which God has called us. Let our lives be nourished by the Lord himself as we celebrate together at this table.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION
The apostle Paul tells us that on the night on which Jesus was betrayed, He 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.” Paul goes on to tell us that in the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Paul then reminds us that whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the death of Jesus until He comes again.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BREAD AND THE CUP
This is the Lord’s Table. It is Jesus Himself who invites you to this meal. The table is open to all who believe and have professed faith in Jesus Christ.

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. Unite us with one another and with all your saints in heaven and on earth. Consecrate us, body and soul, to be a living, acceptable offering to You, so that in word and deed we may continually praise and glorify Your holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”

SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP

SONG DURING COMMUNION
“Revelation Song”

Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Holy holy is He
Sing a new song to Him Who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat

chorus
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings
You are my ev’rything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory
And power be to You the only wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath, and living water
Such a marv’lous mystery, yeah

Jennie Lee Riddle © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music)

SENDING FROM COMMUNION
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the “Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.”

* MY FRIENDS, MAY YOU GROW IN GRACE
My friends, may you grow in grace,
And in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace,
And in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever,
Now and forever, amen.
To God be the glory, now and forever,
Now and forever, amen.

Greg Scheer / Gregg DeMay / Gregory Kett / Sean Diamond / Timothy James Meaney © 2005 Scheer, Greg

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

POSTLUDE
Variations on Von Himmel Hoch
melody attributed to Martin Luther
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.

Pastor Ryan’s surgery
Please pray for Pastor Ryan as he has knee surgery Tuesday, February 4. Pastor Ryan will be taking time off work to recover at home until Tuesday, February 18. If you have any concerns that require pastoral care during his convalescence, please call the church office and we will provide care.

Sara Rosado
Visitation for Sara Rosado will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm this Friday, February 7, at Drake & Sons Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave. A brief memorial service for Sara will be held there at 5:00 pm.

Sunday School
Sunday School meets at 10:00 am every Sunday, and all parents are encouraged to bring their children here to learn more about God and the Christian faith.

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!

Ravenswood Community Winter Market
Come visit Ravenswood’s new off-season indoor market, called Ravenswood Community Winter Market. It’s held at All Saints Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1757 W. Wilson Ave., on Saturdays from 10:00 am to  2:00 pm! Our favorite farmer, John Patyk, will be there with fresh eggs, mushrooms, and meats! Nena’s Sweet Treats have macarons and fresh baked sourdough bread. Pride Coffee Roasters will he have fresh roasted coffee. Hilary’s Cookies will have cookies, English-style scones, cakes, and savory pies. The full vendor list includes: Monarch Beauty Farm, Lincoln Ice Cream Company (Hot Cocoa Bombs), DFG Designs & The Alchemy Kitchen, Cathie’s K9 Treats, EE Mercantile Co, Nonie’s Bees, Tamales Express, Gather Good Food, and a few more to come!

Live music by Bryan Harrell and a special kids table run by Ravenswood Covenant Church!

Covenant Home Altar
The winter issue of the Covenant Home Altar, a daily prayer journal published by our denomination and written by Covenanters from across the country, is available for free in the narthex.

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 February is Boaz Johnson.

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

Lake County Symphony Orchestra concert
The Lake County Symphony Orchestra, featuring our own Cynthia Arden, along with the Northern Illinois University Choirs and Cor Cantiamo, will present Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as part of the LCSO’s “Timeless Masters” series on Sunday, February 16 at 4:00 pm at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake. For more information, go to https://www.lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com/ .

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 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 recently begun a study of 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
Luke 7:1-17
Psalm 119:10-5-107

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.

"With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." (Mark 4:30-32 NRS)