PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
led by maxeltoft

PRELUDE

WELCOME & GREETING

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Give praise to the Father,
People: Give praise to the Son,

L: Give praise to the Spirit,
P: Our great Three in One.

L: From before time, and through time, and forever, one God, but three
P: Three, but one. Amen

On this day Christians celebrate a personal God with a personal name. Our God is not nameless. On this day we celebrate that God has been love from before the beginning of time. Our God is social. On this day we celebrate the mystery of a God who is greater than we are and whom our minds cannot begin to grasp, but whom we can approach in wonder, love, and praise. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And the name of the Lord is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Triune God this day!

PRAISE THE FATHER, PRAISE THE SON
O sov’reign God, O matchless King
The saints adore, the angels sing
And fall before the throne of grace
To You belongs the highest praise

These sufferings, this passing tide
Under Your wings I will abide
And ev’ry enemy shall flee
You are my hope and victory

(Oh) praise the Father, praise the Son
(And) praise the Spirit, Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names

To the valley for my soul
Thy great descent has made me whole
Your word my heart has welcomed home
Now peace like water ever flows

bridge
Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the power
Yours is the glory forever
Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the power
Yours is the glory forever

Praise the Father, praise the Son
And praise the Spirit, Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names
The name above all other names

CCLI Song # 5203251 CCLI License # 349090
Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash© 2008 sixsteps Music

FIRST TESTAMENT LESSON
Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of His robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above Him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Romans 8:12-17

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
verse 1 only, stand as you are able.

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty,
Teach me faith and duty:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

GOSPEL LESSON
Mark 9:14-29

14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15 When the whole crowd saw Him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet Him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought You my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 19 He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 And they brought the boy to Him. When the spirit saw Him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if You are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. 28 When He had entered the house, His disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”

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.

REFLECTING ON THE WORD
Praying Together
Pastor Phil 

GREAT I AM
I wanna be close, close to Your side
So Heaven is real and death is a lie
I wanna hear voices of angels above
Singing as one

chorus
Hallelujah, holy holy
God Almighty, great I Am
Who is worthy none beside Thee
God Almighty, great I Am

I wanna be near, near to Your heart
Loving the world, hating the dark
I wanna see dry bones living again
Singing as one

bridge
The mountains shake before You
The demons run and flee
At the mention of Your name, King of majesty
There is no pow’r in hell or any who can stand
Before the power and the Presence of the great I Am
The great I Am (5X)

CCLI Song # 5881491 CCLI License # 349090
Jared Anderson © 2011 Integrity Worship Music

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
Covenant Kids Congo; Carlos & Karen Feijoo, serving in Ecuador

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

OFFERTORY
Giga from Sonata in D Minor 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

.

SING PRAISE TO THE FATHER
Sing praise to the Father, Creator, and King,
Whose mercy has taught us a new song to sing;
Who made us, and loved us though rebels and lost,
And planned our redemption at infinite cost
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
For the grace that redeems,
For the love that makes whole;
O come and adore Him, His glories proclaim,
And worship before Him — the Lord is His name!

Sing praise to the Savior, Redeemer, and Friend,
For grace past all telling, for love without end;
Who stripped off His glory, put on mortal sin,
And died and was ris’n, full atonement to win.
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
For the grace that redeems,
For the love that makes whole;
O come and adore Him, His glories proclaim,
And worship before Him — the Lord is His name!

Sing praise to the Spirit, the gift of God’s love,
Who quickens our hearts with new life from above,
Who woos us, subdues us, and seals us His own,
And faultless presents us before His great throne
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
For the grace that redeems,
For the love that makes whole;
O come and adore Him, His glories proclaim,
And worship before Him — the Lord is His name!

Sing praise to the Father, sing praise to the Son,
Sing praise to the Spirit, great God Three in One;
The God of salvation, of glory, of grace,
Who wrought our redemption — my soul, sing His praise.
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
For the grace that redeems,
For the love that makes whole;
O come and adore Him, His glories proclaim,
And worship before Him — the Lord is His name!

From the Covenant Hymnal, page 108

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

POSTLUDE
Toccata in D Minor by J.S.Bach
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”

Memorial Day Weekend
Have a good and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. A prayer for this weekend: Almighty God, we commend to Your gracious care and keeping the men and women of armed forces around the world. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 next week
Starting next Sunday, June 6, Ravenswood Covenant will begin its summer schedule. Worship will begin at 9:30 am, and there will be no Sunday School. Also starting June 6, children will be dismissed at the offertory time to go outside and play in the playground. There is no set age for who can go outside; parents may decide if their kid(s) need to get outside and run/climb around for a while. If the weather is rainy, the kids can go into the gym to play. Children over two years old will have to wear masks, as well as the adult volunteers. Parents can pick up their children outside at the playground after the worship service.

Audrey Hodgkinson memorial service
On Sunday, June 27 at 2 pm a service will be held in the sanctuary celebrating the life of Audrey Hodgkinson and affirming the resurrection and eternal life of those who die in Christ. The congregation and Audrey’s family encourage everyone who loved Audrey and who wishes to pay tribute to her by sharing in this service to attend.

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
On Monday, June 14 at 7 pm, the Zoom discussion of the book Race and Place: How Urban Geography Shapes the Journey to Reconciliation will continue. 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 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 is currently studying the book of 1 Corinthians.

The Zoom link for the Bible study is https://zoom.us/j/95052558015?pwd=N3d1eFpUUmUwenhCSzNJNUk3WEV2QT09

Meeting ID: 950 5255 8015
Passcode: 141628

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. Parents are asked to inform the church office when planning to be present for worship that they will be bringing a child or children between 2 or 12 with them, so that Pastor Denise can provide a bag for each 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.

Covenant Harbor seeks staff members
Covenant Harbor is looking to hire more summer staff. If you know a young adult looking for a meaningful and fun summer working at Covenant Harbor, please have her or him check out https://covenantharbor.org/summer-staff/.

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.

Our response to the current health crisis
As a community of faith we continue to pray for the health and welfare of our church and community as we resist the temptation to fall prey to fear. We do, however, want to continue to look out for the welfare of our friends and neighbors. We are doing our best to stay current with best practices for this unique time — please stay tuned as these may change. Our primary place for timely communication will be our website, ravenscov.org. We will also offer reminders and notes on our Facebook page and by email. We are livestreaming our Sunday morning worship on Facebook Live and YouTube so that you may continue to be a part of our worship. Do not, however, become isolated. If you need any help there are folks in our church who can do so. Call the office (773-784-7091) or email the office (office@ravenscov.org).

General fund giving:
May 16: $1,500

General fund giving:
May 23: $5,947

Scripture for next Sunday
Mark 9:30-41
Psalm 121
Romans 2:12-16

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)