July 2, 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 78:1-7
Leader: Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
People: I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
Leader: Things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
People: We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord and His might
and the wonders that he has done.
Leader: He established a decree in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
People: Which He commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children,
Leader: That the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
People: And rise up and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God,
ALL: And not forget the works of God,
but keep His commandments.
COME, CELEBRATE THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
Come, celebrate the presence of the Lord
Whose Holy Spirit draws us all together.
One faith, one Lord, our hope has been restored
As gifts of love upon us have been poured.
Come celebrate the presence of the Lord.
Come, celebrate the goodness of the Lord
Whose strong and loving arms are put around us.
Held in God’s care, who hears our every prayer
And lifts us up to glory from despair.
Come celebrate the goodness of the Lord.
Come, celebrate the mercy of the Lord
Whose everlasting covenant is given.
Sin quarantined but God has intervened,
In Jesus’ name we now have been redeemed.
Come, celebrate the mercy of the Lord.
Come, celebrate the glory of the Lord
Whose kingdom is beyond our understanding.
Witness the show’r of blessing and of pow’r,
For God is present with us in this hour.
Come, celebrate the glory of the Lord.
Covenant Hymnal, #512
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
2 Peter 1:1-11
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith as equally honorable as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 Thus He has given us, through these things, His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with excellence, and excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is blind, suffering from eye disease, forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
* GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God!
LORD, YOU ARE MORE PRECIOUS THAN SILVER
chorus
Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.
And who can weigh the value of knowing You?
Oh, who can judge the worth of You, Lord,
Who can count the blessing of loving You?
Who can say just how great You are?
chorus
Ooh, nothing I desire compares with You.
Ooh, nothing I desire compares with You.
Lynn DeShazo © 1982 by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Mary Spriggs
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me! This I know
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Covenant Hymnal, #443
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
What’s It Worth to Ya?
Mary Spriggs
YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN
Your labor is not in vain
Though the ground underneath you
Is cursed and stained
Your planting and reaping are never the same
Your labor is not in vain
Your labor is not unknown
Though the rocks they cry out
And the sea it may groan
The place of your toil may not seem like a home
But your labor is not unknown
chorus
I am with you, I am with you
I am with you, I am with you
For I have called
Called you by name
Your labor is not in vain
The vineyards you plant will bear fruit
The fields will sing out and rejoice with the truth
For all that is old will at last be made new
The vineyards you plant will bear fruit
chorus
The houses you labored to build
Will finally with laughter and joy be filled
The serpent that hurts and destroys will be killed
And all that is broken be healed
chorus
CCLI Song # 7097868 Isaac Wardell | Paul Zach | Wendell Kimbrough
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, the Michael family, Nancy Popovich’s stepdaughter, Kathy Sager, Mary Smith, Steve Staurseth, and Phillip, son of Iris Velez
Ministries & Mission
Hannah & Jared Baker, serving in the Middle East and North Africa; Renee Nicholas, serving as the national director for InterVarsity’s Graduate Healthcare Ministries
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
“Seek Ye First”
Huff/Lafferty
led by Leah, Dana, 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.
CONFESSION OF SIN
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: The 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.
AMAZING GRACE (MY CHAINS ARE GONE)
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
chorus
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
John Newton/Chris Tomlni/Louis Giglio © 2006 Rising Springs Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
“Christus, Der ist Mein Leben”
Johann Pachelbel
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.
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” from Renee Nicholas
I am deeply grateful for the prayers and financial support from the people of Ravenswood Covenant Church. Thank you for giving towards God’s work among healthcare students and faculty around the country. Because of your generosity, students are experiencing the gospel and being equipped to follow Jesus with their whole lives. These students will soon be healthcare providers serving as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, therapists, nurse practitioners, and public health leaders. Your investment in them and their spiritual growth will impact them as well as their patients and communities for generations to come!
A two-week farmers market break
Unfortunately, we had to cancel this week’s farmers market, due to the air-quality health alert issued by the city of Chicago caused by the blanket of smoke hanging over the city as a result of the Canadian wildfires. As always, we will be taking the Fourth of July week off from holding a market day, so our next market will be held on Wednesday, July 12.
The market will run until mid-October every Wednesday (except for Fourth of July week) 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.
A patriotic party!
Join the Lake County Symphony Orchestra, which features RECC’s own Cynthia Arden as concertmaster, at Buffalo Creek Brewing (360 Historical Lane in north suburban Long Grove) at 7:00 pm on July 4 for their annual musical Fourth of July musical celebration! They can’t wait to spend our country’s big day with you and your family! The evening features a diverse program with some of our country’s biggest musical forces including Bernstein, Sousa, Gershwin, and Copland! Also, it just wouldn’t be a musical Fourth without Tchaikovsky’s iconic “1812 Overture” which they will of course play for you!
| The raindate is July 9 at 5:00 pm. For tickets, use the link below. Tickets |
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:
Hello friends,
Below is a message from the Ukrainians living here in Hazebrouck.
God bless,
Don and Béa
Hello everybody
I want to say my huge thanks to all of you. You are all incredible people. You do so many things for me and my family.
We have been living in a new apartment for almost three weeks and we like it very much. This would not be possible without all of you
When I understand how you helped us and how much people do for this apartment I feel grateful for everything you do.
I’m very glad to have met Don, Beatrice, their family and all of you.
I hope one day I can see all of you and say thank you in real life.
Kate
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 have just begun 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 1
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.