July 16, 2023 | Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church

July 16, 2023

Worship live on Sundays in person,
or on YouTube at 10:00 am.

PRE-SERVICE MUSIC

PRELUDE
led by Dana

WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE

CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 30:4-5
Leader: Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
People: Give thanks to his holy name!
Leader: For his anger is but for a moment;
People: His favor is for a lifetime.
Leader: Weeping may last for the night,
ALL: But joy comes with the morning.

PRAYER
God the Father, we glorify Your name. Jesus Christ, we confess You as Lord. Holy Spirit, we confess You are at work among us. Holy God, teach us to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to regard others as better than ourselves. Amen.

* JOYFUL (THE ONE WHO SAVES)
Joyful, joyful, we adore You
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You
Opening to the sun above

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of eternal gladness, fill us
With the light of day

chorus
You are the One who saves
You are the One who saves
You are the One whose hands lift us from the grave
You are the Light of life the everlasting day
You are the One who takes all our sins away

You are giving and forgiving
Ever blessing, ever blessed
Fountain of the joy of living
Ocean depths of happy rest

bridge
Jesus, You are my rescue
Jesus, You are my rescue
I give You ev’rything I am

(repeat 3x)

ending
You are the One who takes all our sins away
You are the One who takes all our sins away

CCLI Song # 5895580 Brenton Brown | Jason Ingram © 2010 Thankyou Music; Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 16:24-26

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. ²⁵For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for My sake will find it. ²⁶For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God!

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Philippians 1:18b-30

Yes, and I will rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my salvation. ²⁰It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. ²³I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, ²⁴but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, ²⁶so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.

²⁷Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel ²⁸and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. ²⁹For he Has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for Him as well, ³⁰since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

O LET YOUR SOUL NOW BE FILLED WITH GLADNESS
O let your soul now be filled with gladness,
Your heart redeemed, rejoice indeed!
O may the thought banish all your sadness,
That in His blood you have been freed,
That God’s unfailing love is yours,
That you the only Son were given,
That by His death He has opened heaven,
That you are ransomed as you are.

If you seem empty of any feeling,
Rejoice, you are His ransomed bride!
If those you cherish seem not to love you,
And dark assails from ev’ry side;
Still yours the promise, come what may,
In loss and triumph, in laughter, crying;
In want and riches, in living dying,
That you are purchased as you are.

It is a good, every good transcending,
That Christ has died for you and me!
It is a gladness that has no ending
Therein God’s wondrous love to see!
Praise be to You, O spotless Lamb,
Who through the desert my soul are leading
To that fair city of joy exceeding,
For which You bought me as I am.

Covenant Hymnal, #494

CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Pastor Ryan

I’VE GOT THE JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY DOWN IN MY HEART
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
Down in my heart
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

And I’m so happy
So very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
And I’m so happy
So very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart

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
Complete Joy: Humility
Pastor Ryan

THE JOY OF THE LORD
Though the tears may fall, my song will rise
My song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail, my song will rise
My song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs
I will praise You, Lord

In the dead of night I’ll lift my eyes
I’ll lift my eyes to You
When the waters rise I’ll lift my eyes
I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in this heart
I will praise You, Lord

chorus
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the darkness I’ll dance
In the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength

When I cannot see You with my eyes
Let faith arise to You
When I cannot feel Your hand in mine
Let faith arise to You
God of mercy and love
I will praise You, Lord

Oh, You shine with glory, Lord of light
I feel alive with You
In Your presence now I come alive
I am alive with You
There is strength when I say
I will praise You, Lord

bridge
When sorrow comes my way
You are the shield around me
Always You remain
My courage in the fight
I hear You call my name, Jesus, I am coming
Walking on the waves, reaching for Your light

CCLI Song # 7047091 Chris Llewellyn | Ed Cash | Gareth Gilkeson

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden, Messian Burgos, Frank Coszach, Vira Coszach, James Egan, Pedro Gomez, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Trevor Hanks, the Michael family, Nancy Popovich’s stepdaughter, Kathy Sager, Mary Smith, Steve Staurseth, and Phillip, son of Iris Velez

Ministries & Mission
Carl & Karen Groot, serving in Thailand; 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
Andante
Henry Purcell
led by Bob Kenehan, Laura Whisler, 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.

* GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIENDS, REJOICE AND SING!
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Lord of Life is ris’n today!
Bring flow’rs of song to strew His way;
Let all the earth rejoice and say:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise we in songs of victory
That love, that life which cannot die,
And sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Your Name we bless, O risen Lord,
And sing today with one accord
The life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Covenant Hymnal, #255

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

POSTLUDE
Allegretto
Maria Malibran
led by Bob Kenehan, Laura Whisler, and Cynthia

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

We welcome guest musicians Bob Kenehan and Laura Whisler to our service today.

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.

Scripture reader sign-up
We are seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day as part of the worship services this summer. If you are willing to be a scripture reader, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church office or contact Gregory Sager or Erin Stoel.

Thank you
We would like to thank those who prepared the meal and decorated the fellowship hall for last week’s reception for Pastor Ryan and Pastor Mark and their families last Sunday, including Janice Erickson, Sandra Gooden, Marlene Henry, Bryan and Stacey Johnson, Kari and Neal Johnson, Mary McKirchy, John Morales, Cindy and Roger Olsen, Maria Paulette, Nancy Popovich, Gregory Sager, Paul Shaheen, and the church’s children. Your efforts in putting together that wonderful reception were much appreciated!

Pastor Ryan’s office hours
Pastor Ryan’s office hours at church are Tuesday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. If you would like to meet with Pastor Ryan during his afternoon hours, please call the church office to schedule an appointment.

Cooler Sunday
This is a reminder that our second Cooler Sunday of the summer will be a week from today, Sunday, July 23, following the worship service. Burgers and hot dogs fresh off of the grill will be provided, as well as drinks. Please plan to bring a side dish or dessert to pass. We hope to see you there!

Farmers market
This week’s market was an abbreviated affair, due to the considerable rain that fell on Wednesday afternoon.

The market will run until mid-October every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in our parking lot. This year the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has taken over locating and contacting possible vendors for the market, so we anticipate a busier and more crowded market than has been true since Covid hit.

If you are interested in the farmers market and would like to be a part of this way for us as a church to interact with our surrounding community and provide a valuable service to them as well as a place to meet and greet neighbors every Wednesday during the warm-weather months, please contact the church office or our market director, Bekah Carlson.

Children’s activity supplies needed
The Ravenswood Farmers Market season is off to a great start with our highest attendance in several years! If you would like to support the market we still have multiple opportunities to be involved with set-up/take-down and children’s activities during the market. If you are unable to attend the market, we could also use your help in gathering supplies. This year we need dot markers, markers, fun stamps, baby wipes, blue Dawn dish soap and light corn syrup. Thank you all for your continued support.

Church garden plots available
Are you a gardener, or would you like to become one? Ravenswood Covenant has free garden plots available along the north boundary of the church parking lot. if you would like to claim a plot, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or at office@ravenscov.org.

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!

Aid for Ukrainian refugees
Jeremy and Amanda Foster, who have attended our church in the past, 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.

Here is the latest message from Don Foster:

Dear Praying Friends,

Hello all,

Well, this is the final chapter of our trip to Ukraine. This trip has made me to grow, to think and to trust even more in the protecting wings of God.

I didn’t really think of the more than 2400 miles I travelled, although I did see pretty serious accidents and one car almost smashed into mine. When I drive, I always belive in God’s protection.

I did think about going into a war zone at two different times to reunite a family and then to get them again to come back to France. A good French friend of ours said to me, just before I left “Do you believe that God is telling you to do this”. Best advice I’ve ever had … . I had prayed about this and was convinced it was the thing to do. I believe that during communist repression, the dictators did all they could to destroy the family. People were uprooted and moved without their consent. The people we have met have had multiple partners and fractured families. I believe that God has used the family model in the Bible to show who He is and show His love (God the Father and God the Son, He used Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus as a child, and on and on). People in France ask why I have done this and even the father of Ksiiusha said to his wife that he does not understand why I put myself in danger to reunite them. I told Kate that some things are worth more than your physical life. She said “I wonder how I met you and Beatrice.” I told her, I think it is God. I don’t preach to her. I said only that phrase.

I have also told Kate that I could not do this if it were not for the Americans who give money for the project. I told her that you are believers and that you are from churches who help us to house you … you are our partners.

Thank you so much … I would like to say so much more.

God bless,

Don for the Fosters

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 studying the Gospel of Mark. 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.

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 July
July 2: Mary Spriggs
July 9: Pastor Danny Martinez (Installation Sunday)
July 16: Pastor Ryan
July 23: Pastor Ryan
July 30: Pastor Ryan

Scripture for next Sunday
Philippians 3

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.