PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
led by Cynthia

PRELUDE
led by Dana

WELCOME & GREETING

CALL TO WORSHIP
based on Psalm 20

Leader: The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
People: The name of the God of Jacob protect you!

L: May He send you help from the sanctuary,
P: and give you support from Zion.

L: May He remember all your offerings,
P: and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.

L: May He grant you your heart’s desire,
P: and fulfill all your plans.

L: May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up your banners.
P: May the Lord fulfill all your plans.

L: Now I know that the Lord will help His anointed;
P: He will answer him from His holy heaven
with mighty victories by His right hand.

L: Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
P: but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.

L: They will collapse and fall,
P: but we shall rise and stand upright.

L: Give victory to the king, O Lord;
P: answer us when we call.

RENEW YOUR CHURCH
verse 1

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,
Send us forth with pow’r endued
Help, Lord, be renewed.

Covenant Hymnal, # 605

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
2 Corinthians 5:6-17

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 10 For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that One has died for all; therefore all have died. 15 And He died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for them.

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

RENEW YOUR CHURCH
verse 2

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

Covenant Hymnal, # 605

GOSPEL LESSON
Mark 9:42-50

42 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Leader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God

(sung)
Glory be to the Father, 
And to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.

COME TO THE WATER
O let all who thirst
Let them come to the water
And let all who have nothing
Let them come to the Lord
Without money, without price
Why should you pay the price
Except for the Lord?

And let all who seek
Let them come to the water
And let all who have nothing
Let them come to the Lord
Without money, without strife
Why should you spend your life
Except for the Lord?

And let all who toil
Let them come to the water
And let all who are weary
Let them come to the Lord
All who labor without rest
How can your soul find rest
Except for the Lord?

And let all the poor
Let them come to the water
And let the ones who are laden
Bring them all to the Lord
Bring the children without might
Easy the load and light
Come to the Lord…

Copyright 1978, 2006 John B. Foley, SJ and
Oregon Catholic Press ARR. UBP. CCLI#349090

Linnea Ann Carlson
Daughter of Bekah & Dan Carlson

CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in his bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given

God His own doth tend and nourish,
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them,
In his mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers,
Your Protector never slumbers;
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foeman must surrender.

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Tryg-ga-re kan ing-en va-ra
An Guds lil-la bar-na-ska-ra;
Stjar-nan ej pa him-la-fas-tet,
Fa-geln ej i kan-da nas-tet.

Covenant Hymnal, # 87

Children are dismissed to the playground at this time.

REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Ins & Outs of Baptism
Christ’s Life Enfolding Ours
Pastor Phil

LET THE PEACE OF GOD REIGN
Father of Life, draw me closer
Lord, my heart is set on You
Let me run the race of time
With Your life enfolding mine
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

O Holy Spirit, Lord, my comfort
Strengthen me, hold my head up high
And I stand upon Your truth
Bringing glory unto You
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

O Lord, I hunger for more of You
Rise up within me, let me know Your Truth
O Holy Spirit, saturate my soul
And let the life of God fill me now
Let Your healing power
Breathe life and make me whole
And let the peace of God
Let it reign                                                              

Darlene Zschech © 1995 Hillsong Publishing. 
ARR. UBP. CCLI#349090

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
led by Pastor Denise

Folks We Are Praying For:
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.

Church family who work in and around hospitals & nursing homes:
Alex A, Kyra A, Hannah A, Sam A, Linda C, Carl G, Katie G, Eric H, Rachel H, Chona I, Abby H, Dana J, Bryan J, Kari J, Neal J, Eric S, Don T.

(If we missed any people’s names above please let us know.)

We continue to pray for: the family of Phyllis Levinson, Ernesto Galaviz, the family of Kathy Salzano, Nikolas Arden, Katie Collier, Art and Rosa Hamilton, Shirley Nicholas, Paul Mounts, Joyce Andrews, Steve Hoden, Mary Spriggs, Nancy Popovich’s stepson Tom and his wife Sue, the Brandel-Tanis family, the Morales/Randall family.

Ministries & Mission
Gary & Mary Lou Sander, serving in Colombia; Renee Nicholas, serving local graduate students and faculty with InterVarsity

GIVING OF OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
& PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle® to: giving@ravenscov.org

OFFERTORY
Gigue in E major for solo violin by J.S. Bach
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.  

COMMUNITY LIFE

.

GO, MY CHILDREN
Go, My children, with My blessing,
Never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you,
You are My own.
In My love’s baptismal river,
I have made you Mine forever.
Go, my children, with My blessing,,
You are My own.

Go, My children, sins forgiven,
At peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you,
What I can cure.
Here you heard My dear Son’s story,
Here you touched Him, saw His glory
Go, My children, sins forgiven,
At peace and pure.

Go, My children, fed and nourished,
Closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving,
Joyful and free.
Here My Spirit’s power filled you,
Here His tender comfort stilled you.
Go, My children, fed and nourished,
Joyful and free

I, the Lord, will bless and keep you,
And give you peace.
I, the Lord, will smile upon you,
And give you peace.
I, the Lord, will be your Father,
Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, my children, I will keep you,
And give you peace.

Covenant Hymnal, # 676

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

POSTLUDE
March by Purcell
led by Cynthia

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

music as we go, by maxeltoft
“Giving & Receiving”

Baptism & DedicationBaptism: On the basis of interpretation of Scripture, some worshipers at Ravenswood Covenant Church choose the sacrament of baptism for their infant children.  This interpretation is based on the view that the sacraments, both baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are means of grace whereby the mystery and drama of the Gospel are proclaimed.  Specifically, in baptism, the proclamation is that a decision has been made by God from the foundation of the world that a way be provided for everyone to be included in the power-field of the Gospel’s message and community.  Baptism symbolizes the initiation into the believing community wherein the infant will grow up and one day acknowledge conversion into the new life in Christ.  The water is the visible sign of the invisible grace.  It stands both for life and cleansing.

Some may ask how the infant can really understand what is happening in the act of baptism, and therefore, how can it really be effective?  This is precisely the point.  The grace proclaimed in the sacrament is prevenient, that is, long before we were even here, or thought of, even while helpless like an infant, the Lord knew our need, and has already done what is necessary for our spiritual life.  Baptism points to God’s decision on our behalf.

The part that the congregation plays in this service is virtually the same as that of presenting a child for dedication.  There are responsive questions with which members of the congregation will be asked to participate at the appropriate moment.

Dedication: On the basis of interpretation of Scripture, some worshipers at Ravenswood Covenant Church choose to have their infant children presented to the Lord in an act of dedication.  This interpretation is based on the view that baptism is a sign of the individual’s own choice to follow Christ, and therefore is observed at any age when such a mature decision can be made.  They seek, however, to have the Christian community join them in the desire to raise their infant child in those years of growth and preparation; with this support of friends and church community, parents choose to dedicate themselves to this desire by presenting their infants in a service of public worship. 

This practice is rooted in the biblical background of Simeon presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple.  The observance recognizes both the care of God for the child and the importance of both parents and congregation to provide for their spiritual nurture, always with the view of anticipating baptism. The part that the congregation plays in this service is virtually the same as that of the sacrament of baptism.  There are responsive questions with which members of the congregation will be asked to participate at the appropriate moment.

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, the 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.”

Reservations no longer required for worship in person
We have reopened the sanctuary for worship in person. The attendance ceiling has been set at 60% of the sanctuary’s capacity, which exceeds our pre-pandemic average attendance. Therefore, reservations are no longer required, aside from the cry room. As was the case before, if you and your family would like to worship in the cry room, please reserve it in advance by contacting Gregory Sager at office@ravenscov.org or 773-784-7091. Ravenswood Covenant will continue to livestream worship each week on YouTube and Facebook; this is now a permanent feature of our ministry, so Sunday morning worship will remain accessible to anyone who has Internet access.

We will continue to follow all of the current local and state safety protocols for the Bridge Phase of public health in the state of Illinois, which began in Chicago on Friday. This means that:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required
  • Masks are still required at all times within the building
  • Sitting socially distant is still required
  • Avoiding handshakes and hugs is still required
  • Changes to communion and offering remain in place
  • Singing is still discouraged
  • There will be no nursery

Summer worship hours in effect
Ravenswood Covenant has begun its summer schedule. Worship will begin at 9:30 am, and there will be no Sunday School.

Children will be dismissed to play outside in the playground at the offertory time. We are looking for adults and teens to supervise outside. If you’d like to sign up for one of two Sundays this summer, contact Pastor Denise. Worship bags for children and worship in the lounge area will continue to be available each week.

Help needed for Audrey Hodgkinson memorial service
The memorial service for Audrey Hodgkinson will be held here at Ravenswood Covenant on Sunday, June 27, at 2 pm. All are invited to attend.

Help is needed with baking, set-up, prep, and clean-up for the memorial service’s reception in the fellowship hall. If you can assist with one or more of these tasks, please contact Marlene Glowen at 773-275-9138.

Let’s honor our graduates!
Are you, or a member of your family, graduating this spring? The church office would love to have the details (name, grade or degree, school) of your graduate to share with the congregation. This will be a comprehensive list that goes from preschool graduates all the way up to those receiving doctorates. Please let us share the joy of your, or your loved one’s, accomplishment!

Book study
Tomorrow evening, June 14, at 7 pm we will continue discussing Race and Place: How Urban Geography Shapes the Journey to Reconciliation. The author, David Leong, is a professor of missiology at Seattle Pacific Seminary. 

“Race and Place reveals the profound ways in which these geographic forces and structures sustain the divisions among us. Urban missiologist David Leong, who resides in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, unpacks the systemic challenges that are rarely addressed in the conversation about racial justice.

“The evening news may deliver story after story that causes us to despair. But Leong envisions a future of belonging and hope in our streets, towns, cities, and churches. A discussion about race needs to go hand in hand with a discussion about place. This book is a welcome addition to a conversation that needs to include both.”

The book can be purchased through InterVarsity as paperback or ebook.  https://www.ivpress.com/race-and-place

Contact Pastor Denise for more information. denise@ravenscov.org.

Nelson Lounge open for remote worship
The Nelson Lounge, which is upstairs in the church’s C.E. wing, is open for families with young children during Sunday worship. The television will have the church service livestreamed so parents can watch as they supervise their own children.  There will be some toys and a kids’ table in there for coloring. Children are always welcome in the main sanctuary as well. 

Farmer’s market is coming!
The opening of our annual farmer’s market is approaching! The first day of the 2021 Ravenswood Farmer’s Market season will be this coming Wednesday, June 16, and it will again run through the middle of October each Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Many of our vendors from last year will be returning, and we will have some new ones as well. As usual, our main produce and flower vendor will be Patyk Farms.

Many of you are curious as to how the market will operate this year, as we pass from pandemic conditions back to normal life. As was the case last year, we will operate with a close eye as to state and local public-health guidelines, and we will adapt to looser restrictions as conditions allow.

If you are interested in volunteering to help staff this year’s market crew on whatever Wednesdays you are available, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or at office@ravenscov.org.

Thursday evening Zoom Bible study continues


The Thursday evening Bible study will continue this coming Thursday. The Bible study meets each Thursday at 7 pm, and this next week will begin studying the book of 2 Corinthians.

The Zoom link for the Bible study has a new meeting ID and passcode:

Meeting ID: 972 871 4458
Passcode: 1qa3CD

Worship bags for kids
Each week there will be worship bags for children ages 2 to 12 attending worship. The bag will have the child’s name on it and will only be used by that child.

Spots still available at Covenant Point
Covenant Point Camp still has a few open spots for campers. For more information, see their website: https://www.cpbc.com/summer/availability/ . Contact Pastor Denise if you need financial help to send kids to camp.

Prayer meeting has returned
The church’s biweekly prayer meeting that gathers every second and fourth Monday night each month has resumed! After being shut down due to the city’s pandemic guidelines, the city’s reduced infection rate and the upswing in vaccinations has led the church’s leadership to once again allow the prayer meeting to convene. The next meeting will be Monday, June 22, at 7 pm.

Free masks available
The church is offering free masks to anyone in the congregation who is in need of one. If you would like, you may make a donation to our benevolence fund when you come to the church building to pick yours up. Please contact the church office at office@ravenscov.org or 773-396-6175 for more information.

General fund giving:
May 23: $5,947

General fund giving:
May 30: $5,533

Scripture for next Sunday
Mark 10:1-12
Psalm 123
Romans 2:25-29

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.

"With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." (Mark 4:30-32 NRS)