PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
led by Cynthia
PRELUDE
led by Dana
WELCOME & GREETING
CALL TO WORSHIP
based on Psalm 130
Leader: Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord.
People: Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
L: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
P: But there is forgiveness with You, so that You may be revered.
L: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord.
P: More than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.
L: O Israel, hope in the Lord!
P: For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is great power to redeem. It is He who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
GATHER US IN
verses 1 & 2
Here in this place, the new light is streaming,
Shadows of doubt are vanished away.
See in this space our fears and our dreaming,
Brought here to You in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken;
Gather us in; our spirits inflame.
Call to us now, and we shall awaken;
We shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a myst’ry;
We are the old, who yearn for Your face.
We have been sung throughout all of hist’ry,
Called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty;
Gather us in the proud and the strong;
Give us a heart so meek and so lowly;
Give us the courage to enter the song.
From the Covenant Hymnal, page 511
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— 11 now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15 As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
GATHER US IN
verses 3 & 4
Here we receive new life in the waters;
Here we receive the bread of new birth;
Here You shall call Your sons and your daughters,
Call us a new to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion;
Give us to eat the bread that is You;
Nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not just in buildings, small and confining,
Not in some heaven, light years away,
Here in this place the new light is shining;
Now is God present, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever;
Gather us in and make us Your own;
Gather us in, all peoples together,
Fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
From the Covenant Hymnal, page 511
GOSPEL LESSONS
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Him in order that He might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And He took them up in his arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:46-52
46 They came to Jericho. As He and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, He is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed Him on the way.
Leader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
OPEN MY EYES, THAT I MAY SEE
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth You have for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unlock and set me free.
Silently now, on bended knee,
Ready I wait Your will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my ear, that I may hear
Voices of truth You send so clear;
And while the message sounds in my ear,
Ev’rything false will disappear.
Silently now, on bended knee,
Ready I wait Your will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare
Love with Your children thus to share.
Silently now, on bended knee,
Ready I wait Your will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Covenant Hymnal, #368
Children are dismissed to the playground at this time.
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Don’t lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will direct your paths.
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia, and
He will direct your paths.
Covenant Hymnal, #423
REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Throwing off the Cloak
Pastor Denise
WHO YOU SAY THAT I AM
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me.
Oh His love for me
chorus 1
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God. Yes I am
Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
chorus 2
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God. Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God. Yes I am
Bridge
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
CCLI Song # 7102401 CCLI License # 349090
Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan © 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
led by Pastor Phil
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: Katie Gieseke, Kari Hutson, Ernesto Galaviz, Nikolas Arden, Katie Collier, Art and Rosa Hamilton, Shirley Nicholas, Paul Mounts, Steve Hoden, Mary Spriggs, Nancy Popovich and her family, the Brandel-Tanis family, the Morales/Randall family, the family of Phyllis Levinson.
Ministries & Mission
Janet & Robert Ziegelbaur, serving in Cameroon; Covenant Mountain Mission Bible Camp
GIVING OF OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
& PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle® to: giving@ravenscov.org
OFFERTORY
Musette by Michel Corrette (1709-1795)
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
.
WE’VE A STORY TO TELL TO THE NATIONS
We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light,
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noon-day bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noon-day bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth
The kingdom of love and light.
We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns high above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noon-day bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noon-day bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
Covenant Hymnal, #688
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
March from Die Zauberflote, by W.A. Mozart
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 Axiom Brass & maxeltoft
“Giving & Receiving”
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.”
More restrictions lifted for worship in person
Chicago and the state of Illinois have entered Phase 5, which means that there are no longer any restrictions upon the attendance at gatherings of anybody who has been vaccinated.
However, we are still observing precautions regarding children, specifically with regard to 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. One family may choose to use the cry room upon arrival if it hasn’t already been reserved. 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 follow all of the current local and state safety protocols for Phase 5 of public health in the state of Illinois. This means that:masks are still required at all times within the building for those adults who have not been vaccinated. Changes to communion and offering remain in place until further notice.
There will still 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.
Audrey Hodgkinson memorial service
The memorial service for Audrey Hodgkinson will be held here at Ravenswood Covenant this afternoon at 2 pm. All are invited to attend.
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 has arrived!
This past Wednesday we held the second farmers market of the 2021 Ravenswood Farmer’s Market season! While it is still a smaller and more restricted market due to the public health situation, the market was still well-received, and we are hopeful that both the modified market and the attendance will expand as the summer continues.
The farmers market 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. We are currently 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
Join Zoom meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95052558015?pwd=N3d1eFpUUmUwenhCSzNJNUk3WEV2QT09
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 28, 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:
June 13: $8,222
General fund giving:
June 20: $1,737
Scripture for next Sunday
Mark 11:1-14
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.