May 5, 2024
Worship live on Sundays in person at 11:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.
PRELUDE
led by Dana
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 18:1-3
Leader: I love you, O Lord, my strength.
People: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.
UNISON PRAYER
Abba Father, You lovingly adopted us into Your family. Lord Jesus, You lovingly laid down Your life to save us. Holy Spirit, You fill us with love for God and for neighbors. God is love! Transform us into vessels of Your divine love! Amen.
* GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
refrain
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided —
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow —
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
refrain
Covenant Hymnal, #78
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Leah Jackson
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
* GOSPEL LESSON: Leah Jackson
Mark 12:28-31
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He answered them well he asked Him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
* THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
Love the Lord your God
With all your heart and soul and mind
And love your neighbor as yourself
Let us be known, let us be known
By the way we love
Love love love the greatest commandment is
Love love love the greatest commandment is
Love love love the greatest commandment is (love)
CCLI Song # 7133722 Paul Zach © Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)Paul Zach Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music)
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
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
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Pastor Ryan
* LOVE WILL NEVER FAIL
Love is patient, love is kind
It has no arrogance or pride
It seeks the good of others first
It keeps no record of wrong or hurt
It finds no joy in wickedness
But rejoices in the truth
Through it all it will endure
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
Though all prophecy will cease
Though all knowledge, it will fade
Oh, an end will come to speech
Even death will pass away
We will see You face to face
And Your mercy will prevail
Faith and hope they will remain
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
Love will never fail
Isaac Wardell, Leslie Jordan, Aaron Keyes, Orlando Palmer & Paul Zach Integrity Worship Music, PG Songs And Hymns, 10,000 Fathers, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Little Way Creative, Integrity’s Alleluia! Music, Paul Zach Publishing CCLI# 7133714
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden; Messian Burgos; Frank Coszach; Vira Coszach; Art & Rosa Hamilton; Trevor Hanks; Sara Rosado; Mary Smith; Phillip, son of Iris Velez; and Lauren Vilardo
Ministries & Mission
Cathy Campobello, serving in Colombia; 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
“As the Deer”
led by Leah, Cynthia, and Dana
* 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.
CALL TO COMMUNION
It is now our sacred privilege to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. All who humbly put their trust in Christ and desire His help that they may lead a holy life; all who are truly sorry for their sins and would be delivered from them; all who would walk in love with their neighbors and intend to live a new life, following the commandments of God and walking from now on in His holy ways, are invited to draw near with faith and to receive this holy sacrament.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! Many will come from east and west and from north and south and sit at table in the kingdom of God. This is the Lord’s Table. Our Savior invites those who trust Him to share the feast He has prepared. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with His disciples, He took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in
thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in Your will, and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your name. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
UNISON PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
We do not presume to come to this, Your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the bread and drink the cup, that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as they are delivered by the apostle Paul: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
* AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race!
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?
No condemnation now I dread:
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou my God, shouldst die for me?
Covenant Hymnal, #306
* BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Adagio du Septieme Ton
Jacques Boyvin
led by Cynthia
INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.
Please wear a nametag
We’ve had a number of visitors and new attendees lately, and it’s very important that we not only welcome them warmly to our church but also allow them to attach a name to a face. We’re asking everyone to return to our old practice of wearing nametags on Sunday morning. Blank nametags and Sharpies will be available both in the narthex and in the sanctuary.
Lunch Bunch outing
The Lunch Bunch will again be gathering for a lunch outing this coming Wednesday, May 8, at 11:30 am. This month they will meet at the Golden Nugget Restaurant, 1765 W. Lawrence Ave. (next to the Ravenswood Metra station). All are welcome!
Farmers market is here!
Our farmers market will be back this summer and fall, and this year it will commence in the spring as well! Our first market is this coming Wednesday, May 8, and we still need volunteers. We have openings for RECC greeting tent staff, children’s art tent staff, bounce house monitors, as well as people who can help to set up and/or take down the market.
This is not necessarily a commitment to the full span of the market; whenever you can help out would be great! For more information, please contact Bekah Carlson or leave your name and contact info at the church office.
Our first market will feature the arts tent, where we will offer children the opportunity to create their own Mother’s Day cards for their moms, since Mother’s Day is next Sunday.
Church picnic
Our annual church picnic to celebrate the end of the Sunday School year will take place on Sunday, May 19 after the worship service. This year the picnic will again be held on the church grounds, in the side yard and playground if the weather is nice or in the fellowship hall if it’s raining or it’s too wet outside.
There will be organized games for the children, and plenty of fun and fellowship! The picnic will be potluck, so please plan to bring either a side dish or a dessert to pass. Hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off of the church’s outdoor grill will be provided, as well as drinks. We hope to see you there!
Summer schedule and Cooler Sundays
Our summer schedule will begin on Sunday, June 2. On that date we will begin our worship service Sundays at 10:00 am, with no Sunday School hour, and this schedule will remain in place through Labor Day weekend. This is in order to hold worship early enough to avoid summer heat making the sanctuary uncomfortable, as well as to give people an early start to enjoying summer daylight hours on Sunday.
Additionally, the last Sunday of each month of summer — June 23, July 28, and August 25 — will be a Cooler Sunday, which will again feature grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and a potluck meal. Please plan to join us as we enjoy these annual warm-weather-month events!
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.
Camp Booster Fund
Interested in sending your children to overnight camp at Covenant Harbor or Covenant Point next summer? We have a camp booster fund that will give $200 towards the fee of any Ravenswood Covenant child (or that child’s friend) who wishes to attend one of our two Central Conference summer camps. We feel that every child from our congregation who wants to attend camp should have the opportunity to go!
Scripture reader sign-up
We are seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day as part of the worship services this coming spring. If you are willing to be a scripture reader in May or June, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church office or in the narthex on Sundays, or contact Gregory Sager or Pastor Ryan.
Pastor Ryan’s office hours
Pastor Ryan’s office hours at church are typically Tuesday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you would like to meet with Pastor Ryan please call the church office in advance to schedule an appointment.
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!
Thursday evening Bible study
The weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 7:00 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.
We now have Zoom available again for those who would like to take part in the Bible study but cannot be physically present. The Zoom link for the Bible study is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83923376849?pwd=YUlYVXBmOVdwV0d5L20ySng3aHU3Zz09
Meeting ID: 839 2337 6849
Passcode: 318853
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.”
Scripture for next Sunday
1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Mark 12:26-27a
1 Corinthians 15:12-26
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.