January 22, 2023
Worship live on Sundays in person,
or on YouTube at 10:45 am.
Children’s Sunday School for ages K-7th grade at 9:30 am in-person.
Faith Forum (adult Sunday School) at 9:30 am in person and on Zoom.
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
PRELUDE
led by Dana
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
from Isaiah 58
Leader: If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
All: The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
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’ve 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
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Psalm 1:1-3
Leader: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked
People: or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,
Leader: but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
People: and on His law they meditate day and night.
Leader: They are like trees planted by streams of water,
People: which yield their fruit in its season,
Leader: and their leaves do not wither.
People: In all that they do, they prosper.
DRY BONES (COME ALIVE)
Through the eyes of man it seems
There’s so much we have lost
As we look down the road
Where all the prodigals have walked
And one by one the enemy
Has whispered lies and led them off as slaves
But we know that You are God
Yours is the victory
We know there is more to come
That we may not yet see
So with the faith You’ve given us
We step into the valley unafraid
chorus
We call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
We call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Up out of the ashes let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive
God of endless mercy, God of unrelenting love
Rescue ev’ry daughter
Bring us back the wayward sons
And by Your spirit breathe upon them
Show the world that You alone can save
You alone can save
(So) breathe O breath of God
Now breathe O breath of God
Breathe O breath of God, now breathe (yeah oh)
(repeat)
CCLI Song # 6573588 CCLI License # 349090
Lauren Daigle | Michael Farren © 2012 CentricSongs
GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 5:1-20
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 And He began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God!
THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the ones who are sorrowful for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek who inherit the earth,
The righteous who do hunger and thirst,
For they will all be filled.
Blessed are the ones who are merciful,
For they will have bountiful mercy.
Blessed are the ones who are pure in heart for they will behold their God.
Blessed are the ones who are makers of peace,
For they will be called by name,
The children of the Lord.
Blessed are the suff’ring for righteousness,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you suff’ring for my sake when evil is done to you.
Rejoice, for you are the blessed of earth.
Be glad as the children of God.
For great is your reward.
Covenant Hymnal, #615
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Pastor Mark
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.
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
A Map
Kate Norten
BLESSED (NOTHING MORE THAN YOU)
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are the ones in need
For every thirst and every hunger
You are everything
Blessed are the worn and weary
Blessed are the ones who grieve
And every moment unexpected
You are everything
chorus
To seek You is to find You
And to know You is to want You
And I want nothing more than You
To see You is to love You
And I can’t believe I get to
And I want nothing more than You
Blessed is the mercy giver
Blessed is the way of peace
I will trust Your heart and head
You are everything
Yes I will trust Your heart and head
You are everything
bridge
Take this world
Give me Jesus
Take this life
Give me Yours
In every season
You are the blessing
Jesus You are my reward
O, and I want nothing more than You
O, I want nothing more than You
CCLI Song # 7186030 Andi Rozier | Jason Ingram | Jud Harris | Vanessa Dalrymple © All Essential Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)CCLI License # 349090
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden, Messian Burgos, the family of Samuel Carlson (Linda Carlson), Frank Coszach, Vira Coszach, Pedro Gomez, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Mary McKirchy, Shirley Nicholas, our Pastoral Search Committee, Mary Smith, and Steve Staurseth
Ministries & Mission
Julio & Katie Isaza, serving in Colombia; 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
Allegretto
Johann Ernst Rembt
led by 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.
RENEW YOUR CHURCH
Renew Your Church, its ministries restore,
Both to serve and adore.
Make it again as salt throughout the land
And as light from a stand.
’Mid somber shadows of the night
Where greed and hatred spread their blight,
O send us forth with pow’r endued,
Help us, Lord, be renewed.
Teach us Your Word, reveal its truth divine;
On our path let it shine.
Tell of Your works, Your mighty acts of grace;
From each page show Your face.
As You have loved us, sent Your Son,
And our salvation now is won,
O let our hearts with love be stirred.
Help us, Lord, know Your Word!
Teach us to pray, for You are always near.
Your still voice let us hear.
Our souls are restless till in you they rest,
This our destiny blest.
Before Your presence keep us still
That we may find for us Your will
And seek Your guidance every day.
Teach us, Lord, how to pray!
Teach us to love with strength of heart and mind
Ev’ryone, humankind;
Break down old walls of prejudice and hate.
Leave us not to our fate.
As You have loved and giv’n Your life
To end hostility and strife,
O share Your grace from heav’n above.
Teach us, Lord, how to love!
Covenant Hymnal, #605
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Moderato Terth Toni
F.X.A. Murschhauser
led by Cynthia
INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.
Worship update
The Leadership Team of Ravenswood Covenant Church recommends mask use during services, but this is not mandatory.
Ravenswood Covenant livestreams worship each week on YouTube, so Sunday morning worship is accessible to anyone who has Internet access.
Our guest preacher
Kate Norten graduated from North Park Theological Seminary in May of 2022 with a Masters of Divinity degree. She lives in Crystal Lake with her husband, Josh and their high school senior, Meg. They also have a son, Isaac, who is a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago. She served as a hospital chaplain for a year for Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, and Woodstock hospitals and currently serves as pulpit supply for the Evangelical Covenant Church and various local congregations. During the week she works as a substitute high school teacher for Crystal Lake School District 155 while also co-coordinating partnerships between Crystal Lake School District 47’s schools and local Crystal Lake churches.
Pastor Denise farewell luncheon
January 29 will be Pastor Denise’s final Sunday as Ravenswood Covenant’s pastor of children and family. Following the worship service that Sunday we will be hosting a farewell luncheon for her, Gus, Rowlie, and Harry. It will feature a special meal prepared by Chef Bobby. If you are available to help serve food or to clean up for the luncheon, please contact Bobby or Hannah Blase or the church office. Thanks!
Choir resumes for Easter season
The church choir will begin rehearsing again on the first Sunday next month, February 5, in preparation for the Lenten and Easter seasons. Choir rehearsal is at 8:30 am on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. Everyone is encouraged to participate, regardless of experience or music-reading ability.
Covenant Home Altar
Free copies of the Jan/Feb/Mar 2023 Covenant Home Altar are available in the narthex. The Covenant Home Altar is the daily devotional publication of the Evangelical Covenant Church, and features devotionals written by Covenanters from across the country.
Indoor Playground
Indoor Playground is back! Our weekly cold-weather opportunity to let young children run around in our gym, play with toys, and use the bounce house has begun again. Indoor Playground will be open every Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. We have been off for a few weeks during the holidays, but Indoor Playground will resume this Thursday, January 5th.
Aid for Ukrainian refugees
Jeremy and Amanda Foster, who attend our church, have a direct connection to a mission that is serving refugees who have fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Jeremy’s parents Don and Beatrice Foster are in Hazebrouck, France as tentmaker missionaries and have prepared rooms in their home for refugees coming from Ukraine.
If you would like to donate to help the Fosters pay for extra food and supplies, please give a donation to Ravenswood Covenant that is specially designated for Ukrainian refugees. If you would like to give directly online, the website for the Fosters is https://ukraine.la-ferme-de-la-papote.com/ .
The Covenant denomination is also raising funds for Ukraine through Covenant World Relief. Here is the link if you would like to donate through the Covenant’s program. https://giving.covchurch.org/priorities-detail/ukraine-response
Thursday evening Bible study
The weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 7 pm. We are currently studying the book of Romans. The Bible study meets in the lounge, and is also accessible by Zoom. For more information, please contact Gregory Sager in the church office at (773) 784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org
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.”
RECC preaching schedule for January
January 1: New Year’s Day special “Potluck in Pajamas” service
January 8: Pastor Mark
January 15: Pastor Denise
January 22: Kate Norton
January 29: Pastor Mark
Scripture for next Sunday
Matthew 6:7-21
Psalm 20:7
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.