An adult Sunday School class meets before church
9:30 on zoom

Streaming Live
Facebook & YouTube

All Saints’ Sunday is a service in memory of the saints that have gone before us to their eternal rest. This service, in part, brings to remembrance that the world of the Spirit is larger and more real than the world that we wake up to every day. Those who have died in Christ continue in Christ’s Church and are part of that unity we have in Christ known especially in baptism and eucharist. Welcome.


KIDS TIME
Music & a visit from some friends

WELCOME
including a naming of those we remember today on this All Saints’ Sunday

PRELUDE
The Church’s One Foundation
led by Cynthia

CALL TO WORSHIP
based on Revelation 7:9-17

 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

 “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!”

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,  

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.

They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD
From the dawn of creation
This world has been cryin’ out for hope
For a hero to save us
We long for the supernatural

pre-chorus
(But) there is only one God Who can save the day
So clear the stage prepare the way
‘Cause Heaven and Earth are singing
Glory hallelujah let the whole world see
The greatness of our God

chorus
In awesome wonder He reigns forever
We know the greatness of our God
His pow’r is endless He lives within us
We know the greatness of our God

The greatness of our God

There’s no one above Him
Only our Savior wears the crown
There’s none who can stop Him
Not even the grave could hold Him down

We stand in awe and wonder
All the honor is Yours
We stand in awe and wonder
All the honor is Yours Jesus
We stand in awe and wonder
Awe and wonder
The greatness of our God

CCLI Song # 7125691 CCLI License # 349090
Bryan Fowler | Colby Wedgeworth | Ethan Hulse© Be Essential Songs

.

.

OLD TESTAMENT READING
Psalm 34:1-10, 22

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
    so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
    and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
    happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
    for those who fear him have no want.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

22The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

GOD WITH US
You are matchless in grace and mercy
There is nowhere we can hide from Your love
You are steadfast never-failing
You are faithful
All creation is in awe of who You are

You’re the healer of the sick and the broken
You are comfort for ev’ry heart that mourns
Our King and our Savior forever
For eternity we will sing of all You’ve done
For eternity we will sing of all You’ve done

chorus
(We sing) God with us God for us
Nothing can come against
No one can stand between us
God with us God for us
Nothing can come against
No one can stand between us

Your heart it moves with compassion
There is life there is healing in Your love
You’re the Father the Son the Holy Spirit
For eternity we will sing of all You’ve done

bridge
Where there was death
You brought life Lord
Where there was fear You brought courage
When I was afraid You were with me
And You’re lifting me up
And You’re lifting me up

bridge
And You’re lifting me up
And You’re lifting me up
And You’re lifting me up
And You’re lifting me up

CCLI Song # 7054539 CCLI License # 349090
Bryan Torwalt | Katie Torwalt © 2015 Capitol CMG Genesis

GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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
You are blessed.
reflection by Pastor Phil

FOR ALL THE SAINTS
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle; they in glory shine.
Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again and arms are strong.
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way.
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

From earth’s wide bounds and ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
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: Bob Auger, Nikolas Arden, Katie Collier, Mike Sager and family, Art and Rosa Hamilton, Shirley Nicholas, Paul Mounts, Jane Auger, Joyce Andrews, Steve Hoden, Mary Spriggs, Alice Nilsson (Nancy Popovich’s sister), the Morales/Randall family.

Ministries & Mission
Darlene & Jeff Anderson, serving in the Middle East; Carlos & Karen Feijoo, serving in Ecuador.

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


Allegro con moto–JS Bach
led by Cynthia on piano

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. 

.

.

CONFESSION OF SIN & PASSING OF PEACE
L: The proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in Christ, we dare to approach God with confidence. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.

L: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.

L: Let us confess our sins against God and neighbor.

All:  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.

PASSING THE PEACE
L:  Since in Christ we are reconciled to God, so also we are reconciled to each other, the members of his body, the Church.  May God’s peace extend throughout this congregation.

L: Peace of Christ be with you
P: And also with you.
L:  Let us extend to each other signs of that peace.

(extend greetings to those you’re with ,
comments online are welcome.)

A PRAYER FOR COMMUNION
Holy God, we praise you.
Let the heavens be joyful and the earth be glad.

We bless you for creating the whole world,
for your promises to your people Israel,
and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells.

Born of Mary, he shares our life.
Eating with sinners, he welcomes us.
Guiding his children, he leads us.
Visiting the sick, he heals us.
Dying on the cross, he saves us.
Risen from the dead, he gives new life.
Living with you, he prays for us.

The Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembering me.”

In the same way he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembering me.”

With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup and proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord.

Receive our sacrifice of praise.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
that this meal may be a communion in the body and blood or our Lord.

Make us one with Christ
and with all who share this feast.

Unite us in faith,
encourage us with hope,
inspire us to love that we may serve

As your faithful disciples
Until we feast at your table in glory.

We praise you, eternal God,
through Christ your Word made flesh,
in the holy and life-giving Spirit now and forever.  Amen.

Prayer of Consecration
Sharing in Communion

SPECIAL MUSIC
Beautiful Savior
Max

COMMUNITY LIFE

.

.

THE CHURCH’S ONE FOUNDATION
The Church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is his new creation
By water and the Word.
From heav’n he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.

Elect from ev’ry nation,
Ye one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With ev’ry grace endued.

We see her long divided,
By heresy and sect;
Yet she by God is guided,
One people, one elect;
Her vigil she is keeping
Her cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the dawn of song.

‘Mid toil and tribulation,
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consumation
Of peace for evermore:
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blessed;
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest!

Yet she on earth hath union
With God, the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
Like them, the meek and lowly,
On high may dwell with thee.
Amen.

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

POSTLUDE
For All the Saints
led by Cynthia

INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday.
Remember that it will be Offerfest Sunday.
We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.

SONGS AS WE GO INTO THIS WEEK:
Who Will Carry Me
by The Senn Arts Community & our own Trevor Nicholas
Share this video with all your friends, Trevor and his crew would like to encourage the whole world with this song of comfort. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpBZeEoC2io

A word from HarborPoint Ministries
This letter arrived at church this week from HarborPoint Ministries:

Isn’t looking ahead to next summer a wonderful thought? We think so, too. And the good news is that we are not only looking ahead, we are actively planning for summer 2021 programs at both Covenant Harbor and Covenant Point.God is leading us to provide opportunities for what your congregation desperately needs: places to connect with others, where your people can experience freedom and hope. Our aim is to offer time and space to be in community and creation with low health risks.

Planning programs
Using the health and safety best practices we have developed and built into all of our camp experiences these past months, we are planning carefully for summer 2021. We intend to run day and overnight programs for children, youth and families – and exactly what they look like is still being determined. Almost certainly, summer 2021 will not look like previous summers, but by God’s grace and wise planning, it will be a good, safe summer. 

Registration Alert
Ordinarily, we open online registration for next summer on Nov. 15. That won’t be happening this year. We are taking some extra time this fall to plan wisely so we can minimize changes that will likely be needed as summer approaches. Thank you for being patient so we can be as confident as possible in what we offer.Right now, we are planning to open summer 2021 online registration in early January. Please let your congregation know this and encourage them to stay tuned for more communication from us. We deeply desire that our Central Conference churches know that we are planning for camp and that your families have every opportunity to register as early as possible.

Summer staff applications
Additionally, I invite you to alert your congregation that applications for summer staff will be available for both Covenant Harbor and Covenant Point on Nov. 15. Thank you for helping us spread this word. 

A note about winter programs
We also are planning winter opportunities. Please check out Covenant Harbor’s and Covenant Point’s websites for more information and watch the camps’ social media platforms for updates.

Grateful for our partnership
Finally, thank you for praying for us as we plan. As it is with your congregation, flexibility and discernment are key. Everything is new. What is not new, however, is God’s call that we remain in service to you and in ministry with you. Thank you for your partnership. Please reach out with any questions. May God be present to you as you navigate your own pathways forward. 
Grateful for you,

Beth Fredrickson, Executive Director
HarborPoint Ministries

Book discussion
During the month of October a group will be reading Rediscipling the White Church, From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity by Rev. David W. Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago. “In this simple but powerful book, Pastor Swanson contends that discipleship, not diversity, lies at the heart of our white churches’ racial brokenness. Swanson proposes that we rethink our churches’ habits, or liturgies, and imagine together holistic, communal discipleship practices that can reform us as members of Christ’s diverse body.” 

We will be reading individually in October and having discussion via Zoom on Tuesday, November 10 on the entire book. Please contact Pastor Denise (denise@ravenscov.org) if you have questions or would like help getting a copy of the book.

Thursday night Bible study
This week the Thursday night Bible study will begin a four-week look at the book of Jonah. The Bible study meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm via Zoom, and if you are not conversant with Zoom, don’t let that stop you! We can teach you how to activate Zoom so that you can take part. There are also a limited number of spaces available for those who wish to attend the Bible study in person in the lounge using social-distancing protocols. If you’re interested, please contact Gregory Sager in the church office at office@ravenscov.org or at 773-784-7091.

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

Meeting ID: 950 5255 8015
Passcode: 141628

Prayer meeting time change
The church’s weekly prayer meeting that gathers every second and fourth Monday night each month has moved up the meeting time
from 7 pm to 6:30 pm. This is a permanent change in meeting time. The next scheduled date for the prayer meeting is Monday, November 8, at 6:30 pm in Nelson Lounge. Current health protocols (masks and social distancing) are required.

Reopening the sanctuary for worship
The Leadership Team of Ravenswood Covenant decided that, beginning last Sunday, October 25, we are reopening the sanctuary for a small group of people to join in person for worship. Reservations are required, so if you would like to be a part of this group, contact the church office by phone (773-784-7091) or email (office@ravenscov.org) each week that you would like to attend. 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 be able to accommodate up to 25 individuals in the sanctuary, and will follow all of the current local and state safety protocols, including: temperature checks when you arrive, masks required at all times, sitting socially distant, avoiding handshakes and hugs, changes to communion and offering, discouraging singing, and restricting access to certain parts of the church used by the daycare.

There will be no nursery, and all Sunday School classes will remain virtual at this time.

Faith Forum update
Faith Forum, Ravenswood Covenant’s adult Sunday School class, is back in session! The class meets via Zoom at the traditional meeting time of 9:30 am on Sunday. For the next several weeks, Gregory Sager will be leading a series on the book of Colossians. This is the Zoom link for Faith Forum. The link is also provided at the top of the bulletin every week.

Thursday night dinners
Chef Bobby, Hannah, Marlene, and Mary are once again providing our church’s Thursday night community dinners on an every-other-week basis. The dinners are sign-up-and-pick-up only. The next dinner will be a week from this Thursday. Contact the church office to be put on the sign-up email list, and follow the prayer email and the Sunday bulletin on the church’s website at www.ravenscov.org for more details.

Prayer requests
A group of women in our church are meeting every night at 7 pm via phone calls and texts in order to keep our various needs before God in prayer. They are asking the congregation to bring their needs to them to be lifted up in prayer as part of this evening prayer time. If you have any needs that you would like to have added to their prayer list, please contact the church office.

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.

We need your (in worship) videos and pictures
As part of our ongoing efforts to stay connected with each other during this time of physical separation, we’re asking members and friends of the church to send us pictures of themselves as they take part in online worship. You can, if you choose, accompany the picture with a short (one or two sentences) greeting, or a brief video of no more than ten seconds, so that we can share them as a part of Sunday morning worship. Please be aware that they may have to be edited for space reasons. You can send them as downloadable files to office@ravenscov.org.

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:
October 18: $1,693

General fund giving:
October 25: $2,068

Scripture for next Sunday
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Matthew 25:1-13

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)