January 12, 2025
Baptism of our Lord Sunday

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

PRELUDE
Allegro from Sonata No. 4 in F
G.F. Handel
led by Renee Mura and Cynthia

WELCOME AND COMMUNITY LIFE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In the beginning, the Spirit of God moved over the waters.
People: God spoke Creation into being.
Leader: At the Jordan, as Jesus emerged from the water, the Spirit descended as a dove.
People: God affirmed Jesus as Beloved, as One we should listen to.
Leader: Here, in this place, God’s Spirit invites us to worship.
People: Here we are renewed. Here we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Here God reminds us that we are His beloved children.

UNISON PRAYER
God of Creation we praise You! Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, thank You for claiming our lives in baptism and naming us ‘beloved’. Holy Spirit, open the eyes of our imagination that we might discern Your activity in our world. As You beckon us in worship, we respond with praise for life that is found in You. 

* KING OF KINGS
In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light
’til from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfil the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt

chorus
Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of Glory
Majesty
Praise forever to the King of kings

To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross
For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus, for our sake You died

And the morning that You rose
All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come
To the Father are restored

And the Church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this Gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel shall not faint
By His blood and in His Name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me

Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood © 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes Essential Music Publishing LLC, Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Paul Shaheen
Luke 3:1-14

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make His paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
    and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

CALL TO CONFESSION
Desiring to live a life of flourishing, we hear John the Baptist’s words to repent and be forgiven of our sins. Accepting the power of Christ to become new persons in Him, let us confess our sins using the words of Psalm 51.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Psalm 51:6-17
sung
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

spoken (Paul Shaheen)
But You, O God, desire honesty from the womb,
    teaching me wisdom even there.
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
    You have broken me—now let me rejoice.

sung
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

spoken (Paul Shaheen)
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
    Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from Your presence,
    and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey You.
Then I will teach Your ways to rebels,
    and they will return to You.

sung
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

spoken (Paul Shaheen)
Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
    then I will joyfully sing of Your forgiveness.
Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise You.
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
    You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit.
    You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

sung
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

SILENT REFLECTION

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the words of our Creator, spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“I have called you by name. You are mine. Do not fear,
for I have redeemed you.”

* JESUS LOVES ME! THIS I KNOW
Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but he is strong.

refrain
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died,
Heaven’s gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

refrain

Covenant Hymnal, #443 

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 3:15-22
Inspired
Pastor Ryan

* COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
Come, thou Fount of ev’ry 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.

Covenant Hymnal, #68

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; Brianna Randall; Sara Rosado; Mary Smith; Lauren Vilardo; Lydia Warrens; and the Westlind family

Ministries & Mission
Peter & Ruth Dutton, serving in Thailand
Carlos & Karen Feijoo, serving in Ecuador

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
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
led by Renee Mura 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.

* ENDLESS LIGHT
From the highest throne to the earth below
You laid down Your life for the likes of us
Great is the love of the Savior

From a wounded heart to a life made whole
Every human heart will declare as one
Great is the love of the Savior

Lord of endless light
Let Your glory shine forever
All the earth
All the earth sing Your praise

From the mountain heights to the valleys low
All created things given life to show
Jesus, we live for Your glory

From the rising sun to the still of night
Every waking moment for Your delight
Jesus, we live for Your glory

Lord of endless light
Let Your glory shine forever
All the earth
All the earth sing Your praise
Hope of every heart
Let Your Name be lifted higher
All our hearts
All our hearts sing Your praise

God be exalted
God be exalted in everything
We live for Your glory
Live for Your glory
(repeat)

CCLI Song # 6177300 Dean Ussher | Karl Cashwell © 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia CCLI License # 349090

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

POSTLUDE
Toccata in E minor
Johann Pachelbel
led by Cynthia

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

We welcome guest violinist Renee Mura to our worship service today.

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.

Sunday School resumes
Our Sunday School classes are back in session as of today. 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!

New Members class
A New Members class led by Pastor Ryan will be held next Saturday, January 18, in the upstairs lounge from 9:00 am to 1:00 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. There is a sign-up sheet available today for you to sign up if you’re interested, so that we can plan for lunch. For more information, please speak to Pastor Ryan.

Congregational Annual Meeting, part two
The second part of Ravenswood Covenant’s annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26, downstairs after the service. The 2025 church budget will be voted upon at that time. Copies of the Leadership Team’s proposed 2025 budget are currently available from the church office.

Please plan to attend this important meeting if you are a member of the church.

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 January is Eric Hillabrant.

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 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
Luke 4:14-30
Psalm 146

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)