February 6, 2022
Adult Sunday School convenes at 9:30 on Zoom and in-person
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
PRELUDE
WELCOME, COMMUNITY LIFE & GREETING
RESPONSIVE READING
from Psalm 40:1-3
Leader: I waited patiently for the LORD;
People: he inclined to me and heard my cry.
L: He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog,
P: and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
L: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
P: Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise to Thee an altar,
Hither by Thy help I’m come.
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand’ring from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above. Amen.
Covenant Hymnal, #68
GIVING OF OUR TITHES & OFFERING
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle® to: giving@ravenscov.org
OFFERTORY
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
arr. Ken Medema
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.
GOSPEL LESSON
(Stand as you are able for the reading of the Gospel.)
John 4:45-54; 5:1-18
45 When [Jesus] came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival.46 Then He came again to Cana in Galilee where He had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my little boy dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. 51 As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, “Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.” 53 The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he himself believed, along with his whole household. 54 Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.
(Chapter 5)
After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
Now that day was a sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, “It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” 11 But he answered them, “The Man who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because He was doing such things on the sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” 18 For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God His own Father, thereby making Himself equal to God.
Leader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
HE IS AMONG US
You’ll find Me with the broken and the weak
In the spaces in between
You’ll hear My voice cry out with those who weep
Only if you’re listening
chorus
Whatever you do for the least of these
You do it unto Me
You’ll find Me with the ones without a voice
The forgotten and ignored
My blessing is on those who love the poor
‘Til you open up the door
chorus
Whatever you do for the least of these
You do it unto Me
Whatever you do for the least of these
You do it unto Me
bridge
Hallelujah, hallelujah
He is among us, He is among us
Hallelujah, hallelujah
He is among us, He is among us
Hallelujah, hallelujah
He is among us, He is among us
Hallelujah, hallelujah
He is among us, He is among us
bridge
By this the world will know the Father’s love
We will know the Father’s love
A Song by Porter’s Gate
Children ages 3-5 are dismissed to the fellowship hall at this time for Children’s Church.
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Don’t lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will direct your paths.
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia, and
He will direct your paths.
REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Living Water Works
Pastor Phil
HAVE MERCY ON ME
chorus
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy Your mercy
verse
The beauty of the Lord is the suff’ring of the Lord
Is Christ upon a tree stripped of dignity
The glory of the Lord is the mercy of the Lord
Gives life for us to see a new humanity
bridge
When they see us
May they see Your mercy Your mercy
When they know us
May they know Your mercy Your mercy
bridge
Bless the hands and feet of those who serve in need
Of the broken and ashamed
Bless the weary soul the Lord will make us whole
God speak peace to those afraid
May the words we speak build a bridge for peace
Your loving-kindness shows the way
Open up our doors
Giving refuge for all the weary and afraid
CCLI Song # 7097864 CCLI License # 349090
David Gungor | Latifah Alattas © Porter’s Gate Publications
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Kristine Brandel’s family, Nikolas Arden, Shirley Nicholas, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Esther Stoel, the Koeller family, Mary Smith, Delores and Steve Staurseth, Jane Auger, Mary McKirchy, and the former congregation of Immanuel Evangelical Covenant Church.
Ministries & Mission
Karl & Mary Noren, serving in Cameroon; 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.
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
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.
GO, MY CHILDREN
Go, My children, with My blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are My own.
In My love’s baptismal river,
I have made you Mine forever.
Go, My children, with My blessing, you are My own.
Go, My children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.
Here you heard My dear Son’s story,
Here you touched Him, saw His glory.
Go, My children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Go, My children, fed and nourished, closer to Me.
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here My Spirit’s power filled you,
Here His tender comfort stilled you.
Go, My children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.
I, the Lord, will bless and keep you, and give you peace.
I, the Lord, will smile upon you, and give you peace.
I, the Lord will be your Father,
Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, My children, I will keep you, and give you peace.
Covenant Hymnal, #676
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Chaconne in D minor
Johann Pachelbel
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 axiom.brass
Covid restrictions for in-person worship
Chicago is now requiring the use of masks for indoor public gatherings, so Ravenswood Covenant has reinstated safety protocols for Sunday morning worship. This means that within the building masks are required at all times, regardless of vaccination status; seating is socially distant; and handshakes and hugs are avoided.
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. Children of all ages are always welcome to be in the sanctuary with their parents for the worship service!
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.
Benevolence offering
There will be a benevolence offering this morning. You are invited to put an offering in the benevolence box located in the narthex. Ravenswood Covenant has a benevolence offering on the first Sunday of every month for the purpose of meeting the immediate material needs (rent, food, doctor’s bills, etc.) of people within our congregation and in our community.
2021 Giving Statements
The giving statements for 2021 will be available today for everyone who gave to the church last year.
Even though the pandemic has kept many people from visiting the church building, we ask that, if possible, you still observe our long-held custom of picking up your giving statement yourself. This spares the church the expense of mailing them all out. You can pick them up from the church office anytime this week.
Faith Forum
Faith Forum, our adult Sunday School class, meets every week in the upstairs lounge at 9:30 am. It operates in a hybrid format; you are invited to attend in person, but if you do so, please wear a mask. As was the case last year, the class will also have a Zoom component for those who wish to attend remotely. The Zoom link can be found at the top of the online bulletin every week. Pastor Phil is currently leading Faith Forum in a study of the book of Romans.
Thursday evening adult Bible study
Our weekly Bible study meets on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. We are currently studying the book of Colossians. We welcome anybody to the upstairs lounge on Thursday evenings who wants to take part in the Bible study. Please wear a mask. If you would prefer to participate remotely, or if you are out of town, the Bible study will continue to provide Zoom access as well for online participants.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95052558015?pwd=N3d1eFpUUmUwenhCSzNJNUk3WEV2QT09
The Zoom meeting ID for the Bible study: 972 871 4458
The Zoom passcode for the Bible study: 1qa3CD
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.”
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 773-784-7091 for more information.
Scripture for next Sunday
Psalm 34:1-10
John 6:35-59
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.