July 9, 2023 | Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church

July 9, 2023

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

PRE-SERVICE MUSIC

PRELUDE
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
led by Erin and Cynthia

WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE

CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 66:1-4

Pastor: Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
People: Sing the glory of His name;
    make His praise glorious.
Pastor: Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
    So great is Your power
    that Your enemies cringe before You.
People: All the earth bows down to You;
    they sing praise to You,
    they sing the praises of Your name.

PRAYER
Almighty Father, we glorify Your holy name!
Lord Jesus, we celebrate Your grace and mercy! Holy Spirit, we welcome Your presence and power! Father, Son, and Spirit we rejoice in Your saving love! Amen.

CELEBRATING PASTOR MARK WESTLIND

* LET IT RISE
Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the praises of our King rise among us
Oh, let it rise

Let the songs of the Lord rise among us
Let the songs of the Lord rise among us
Let the joy of our King rise among us
Oh, let it rise

Oh, let it rise
Oh, let it rise

Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the praises of our King rise among us
Oh, let it rise!

Holland Mount Davis lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Universal Music Publishing Group

GOSPEL LESSON
John 16:20-24

Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. ²¹When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. ²²So you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. ²³On that day you will ask nothing of Me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in My name, He will give it to you. ²⁴Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

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

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Philippians 1:1-6

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

²Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³I thank my God for every remembrance of you, ⁴always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy ⁵for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Love dvine is reigning o’er us,
Joining all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Covenant Hymnal, #11

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
He Who Started the Good Work Will Finish It
Pastor Danny Martinez

CHARGE TO THE CONGREGATION
Superintendent: Dear friends in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit you have called Ryan Eikenbary-Barber to be your pastor. By this act you have indicated your confidence in him to be the shepherd of this congregation. I charge you to receive the word of God through him in all meekness and love. Undergird him in the labors that will be his in the service of God. Remember always that he is God’s servant and that you as God’s stewards are to supply his needs in a way that will be pleasing to God and and an honor to your congregation. In all things show him your love, esteem him highly for his calling as your pastor, and accept him as your spiritual leader.

If these are your intentions, please supprt him and the continuing ministry of this church by standing and responding to the following questions:

Will you receive Ryan Eikenbary-Barber to be your pastor, recognizing his place in spiritual leadership and receiving the word of God through him? If this is your promise, answer, “We will.”

We will.

Will you do your full part to supply his needs in a way that will be pleasing to God. and will you encourage him and share with him in the work of Christ in this church? If this is your promise, answer, “We will.”

We will.

Superintendent: What gifts will you bring as symbols of this new ministry?

Leader 1: Accept this Bible and be among us as one who preaches and teaches the good news of God’s saving work in Christ.

Leader 2: Take this water and be among us as one who baptizes in obedience to our Lord.

Leader 3: Receive these seeds and be among us as one who inspires children to grow in faith for a lifetime.

Leader 4: Take this bread and wine, and be among us to break the bread and bless the cup.

Leader 5: Receive this book and be among us as one who leads us in the worship of God.

Leader 6: Receive this oil and be among us as a minister of God’s healing and reconciliation.

Leader 7: Receive these keys and let the doors of this place be open to all people.

Superintendent: Let all these be signs of the ministry that is yours in this place.

CHARGE TO THE PASTOR
Superintendent: Dear brother in Christ: hear the word of God as directed to ministers of the Church of Jesus Christ:

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that He obtained with the blood of his own Son. (Acts 20:28)

God by His Holy Spiritcalls men and women to serve him and His church according to the gifts that He has given to them. We read in Ephesians 4:11-12, “He Himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:6-8)

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit you have been called by this congregation to be their pastor. God and this congregation have committed the shepherding of this flock to you and you are admonished by God to “be urgent in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.” In all sincerity , preach the word, administer the sacraments in accordance with the Scriptures, comfort and counsel the sick, the sorrowing, and the troubled, and instruct all to live up to their calling in Christ Jesus. Are you willing to assume this responsibility in the strength that God has given you?

Pastor Ryan: By the grace of God, I am.

Superintendent: In assuming your responsibility as the pastor of this congregation, will you reaffirm your loyalty to the Evangelical Covenant Church and promise to support its work and the work of the Central Conference?

Pastor Ryan: By the grace of God, I will.

INSTALLATION PRAYER
Pastor Mark: Almighty God, in every age You have chosen servants to proclaim Your word and lead Your people. We give thanks for Your servant Ryan whom You have called to serve in this place. By Your grace, enable him to use his gifts to do Your work; and fill him with Your Holy Spirit, so that he may have the mind of Christ and be Your faithful servant as long as he lives.

God of grace, who calls us to a common ministry as ambassadors of Christ, entrusting us with the message of reconciliation, give us courage and discipline to follow where Your servants rightly lead u, that together we may declare Your wonderful deeds, and show Your love to the world, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all. Amen.

DECLARATION
Superintendent: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, and by the authority of this congregation and the Central Conference, I now declare that Ryan Eikenbary-Barber is duly installed as pastor of this congregation. Let us continue to pray that God may be pleased to sanctify with God’s heavenly blessing the relationship of pastor and people that has now been established in God’s name.

I WILL FOLLOW
Where You go, I’ll go
Where You stay, I’ll stay
When You move, I’ll move
I will follow
Oh oh oh

All Your ways are good
All Your ways are sure
I will trust in You alone
Higher than my sight
High above my life
I will trust in You alone

chorus
Where You go, I’ll go
Where You stay, I’ll stay
When You move, I’ll move
I will follow You
Whom You love, I’ll love
How You serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose
I will follow (You)

Yeah, I will follow You, yeah

Light into the world
Light into my life
I will live for You alone
You’re the One I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in You alone
In You alone

chorus

bridge
In You there’s life everlasting
In You there’s freedom for my soul
In You there’s joy, unending joy
And I will follow

ending
Yeah, I will follow You, yeah
I will follow You, yeah
I will follow You, yeah

Chris Tomln/Jason Ingram/Reuben Morgan © 2010 Rising Springs Music; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs; Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three

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
Cheryll Anderson Clark & Moisés Clark, serving in Ecuador; 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
Dona Nobis Pacem
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.

* I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.

refrain
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden,
He prayed: “Not my will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat-drops of blood for mine.

refrain

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

refrain

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden of Calv’ry,
And suffered, and died alone.

refrain

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

refrain

Covenant Hymnal, #485

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.

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.

The Rev. Dr. Danny Martinez
The Reverend Danny Martinez was unanimously elected for a second term as superintendent of the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church for the ministries found in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan (Upper Peninsula), eastern Missouri, and Wisconsin. He is the first superintendent in our denomination of Latino descent. His parents emigrated from Guatemala to the United States, moving to Chicago, IL.

Danny has served in a number of leadership roles, including worship, youth and lead pastor. He has also been a church planter and served as president of ALIPE (Latino Association of Covenant Churches in the US). Danny moved back to Chicago, IL, from San Diego, CA, in 2017. This was truly a call from the Lord to leave San Diego!

Pastor Danny is an accomplished musician with several CDs in different genres of music including Latin Pop, Hard Rock, Contemporary Worship, and Latin Groove. He recently released an album named Colores, which is available on all major streaming platforms.

Doctor Martinez is a graduate of C.H.E.T. (The Hispanic Center for Theological Studies, which serves evangelical churches). He is also a graduate of Fuller Seminary with a Master of Divinity, and a doctorate in homiletics.

Danny has a sense of humor. He tells the truth in love, so laughing helps people better receive the message. Since Danny comes from a multicultural church, he really values church participation during sermons and sometimes he makes the congregation dance at no extra cost.

Danny has three children, Eric, Angelique and Alec. His children think he is old.

Coffee with Pastor Ryan
Pastor Ryan is going to be available for a couple of get-acquainted opportunities over coffee this week. He’ll be getting together with anyone who is interested on Tuesday and Thursday of this week at 10:00 am in the upstairs lounge.

Lunch Bunch gathering
The Lunch Bunch Ladies are having their monthly luncheon on Wednesday July 12 at 11:30 am. They will meet at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 3303 W Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (Phone: 847 679 4498). https://www.olivegarden.com

There’s parking available. Everyone is welcome!

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!

Farmers market returns
As always, we took 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 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:

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 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 2

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.