July 23, 2023 | Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church

July 23, 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

INSTALLATION OF LEADERS

CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 66:1-3

Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song;
People: Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Leader: Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
proclaim His salvation day after day.
People: Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, His marvelous deeds.

PRAYER
God, our Rock, our refuge, our resting place, we come to You. Out of another busy week of work. Out of our struggles to live meaningful lives in this world. Out of our desire to know You as the center of our being. We come to You, O unmovable rock of our security. Amen.

* JOY OF THE LORD
Though 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 my 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
Like courage in the fight
I hear You call my name
Jesus, I am coming
Walking on the waves
Reaching for Your light

Christopher Dean Llewellyn / Edmond Martin Cash / Gareth Andrew Gilkeson lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Philippians 2:12-18

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

¹⁴Do all things without murmuring and arguing, ¹⁵so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world, ¹⁶holding forth the word of life so that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

¹⁷But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the service of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice together with all of you; ¹⁸in the same way also you should rejoice and rejoice together with me.

* GOSPEL LESSON
John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.

¹⁷“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸Those who believe in Him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. ²¹But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

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

REJOICE, O PURE IN HEART
Rejoice, O pure in heart,
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your festal banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.

refrain
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing.

Bright youth and snow-crowned age,
Both men and women, raise
On high your free, exulting song,
Declare God’s wondrous praise.

With all the angel choirs,
With all the saints on earth,
Pour out your strains of joy and bliss,
True rapture, noblest mirth.

Still lift your standard high,
Still chanting as you go,
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.

At last the march shall end;
The wearied ones shall rest,
The pilgrims reach their home at last,
Jerusalem the blest.

Praise God, who reigns on high,
The Lord whom we adore:
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One God forevermore.

Covenant Hymnal, #496

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
Religious Résumé
Pastor Ryan

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO LOVETH ME
I have a Friend who loveth me,
He gave His life on Calvary;
Upon the cross my sins He bore,
And I am saved forevermore.

refrain
O hallelujah, He’s my Friend!
He guides me to the journey’s end;
He walks beside me all the way
And will bestow a crown some day.

My Savior’s love, so full and free,
Doth light the weary way for me;
It fills with joy each passing day
And drives my sorrows all away.

I have a Friend, a mighty Friend,
Upon His pow’r I may depend;
He reigneth over ev’ry land,
O’er valley, hill, on sea and strand.

What matters if I’m weak and poor
And often meet with testing sore,
As long as Jesus is my Friend
I still am blest and sing again.

O come and join us in our song,
This Friend to you would now belong;
Though far from what you’d like to be,
His grace sufficient is for thee.

Covenant Hymnal, #489

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
Anna & Peter Kim, serving in Taiwan; 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
Largo
Benedetto Marcello
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.

* GIVE ME JESUS
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus

chorus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Just give me Jesus

When I am alone
When I am alone
O when I am alone
Give me Jesus

interlude
Jesus, give me, Jesus

When I come to die
When I come to die
O when I come to die
Give me Jesus

Words: Public Domain; Music: Jeremy Camp © 2006 Stolen Pride Music; Thirsty Moon River Publishing

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

POSTLUDE
Moderato Terth Toni
F.X. 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.

Lawn-mowing volunteer needed
We are looking to find a volunteer willing to cut the grass on the church’s grounds this summer and fall. The church has a lawnmower, although you are welcome to bring your own to church if you prefer. If you’re interested in helping to keep our grounds looking good, please contact Gregory Sager, Pastor Ryan, or anyone on the Leadership Team. Thank you!

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.

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 is 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 bring a side dish or dessert to pass if you are able. Join us for fun, food, and fellowship!

A thank-you from Pastor Mark
Dear beloved Ravenswood Covenant,

I must sincerely thank all of you for the expressions of appreciation and gratitude to me during my stint as your interim pastor during this last year. It was absolutely overwhelming to receive the thanks and loving acts on July 9 . It was not wasted on me. I thank you all from the
bottom of my heart.

You have all made my year of service an absolute joy. I thank each of you for your part in the ministry this last year. I have truly felt that we entered into this together; we have been a team. I thank each of the members, attenders, the LT (Leadership Team), search committee, worship team, the wonderful church staff and RC4 personnel, and all of the leaders of committees and the farmers market. There are literally too many of you to thank! I am particularly grateful to Pastor Denise’s ability to bring me aboard during the first half of my service. I know she is missed by all of us! And thanks to Don Hodgkinson for being persistent in asking me to come to the church for this time.

I have a “fun” and blessed position at Ravenswood in that I am also a member here. I get to still “hang out”! I will be gone for a few months, but will be back. Alice will be continuing as the church chair and we are committed to this congregation. I share all of our joy and anticipation for the next chapter as we are welcoming Pastor Ryan to lead us! What a great addition!

You have all increased my joy and walk with Christ this past year. I will continue to thank God in all my remembrance of you … as we move forward and are co-laborers with and for Christ!

With Sincere and Humble Gratitude

Your “Ex-Pastor” Mark

Farmers market
After two weeks off and a third week severely abbreviated by the weather, the Ravenswood Famers Market was back in full force on Wednesday, as 888 adults and hordes of children descended upon our parking lot to make use of a fine sunny summer day by shopping at our vendors’ stalls, enjoying the live music and the children’s activities, and socializing with neighbors.

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 4

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.