October 8, 2023

Worship live on Sundays in person at 11:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.

PRE-SERVICE MUSIC

PRELUDE
“I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
traditional
led by Erin and Cynthia

WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE

CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 119:1-3, 5
Leader: Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
People: Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
    who seek Him with their whole heart.
Leader: Who also do no wrong, but walk in His ways!
People: Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

PRAYER
Almighty God, we marvel at the stars above and the moral law written in our hearts. You are the Maker of both the lights of the universe and the spark of truth within us. By the grace of Your Son Jesus Christ, and through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may our worship fan the flame of truth and righteousness burning in our hearts. Amen.

* I SING THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD
I sing the mighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Your wonders are displayed,
Where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the sky!

There’s not a plant or flow’r below
But makes Your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Your throne;
All people, Lord, both friend and foe,
Are ever in your care,
And ev’rywhere that we may go,
We sense Your presence there. Amen.

Covenant Hymnal, #58


OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Exodus 19:1-8

On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now, therefore, if you obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is Mine, 6 but you shall be for Me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”

7 So Moses went, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 The people all answered as one, “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.

* GOSPEL LESSON
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.”

TAKE MY LIFE
Take my life and let it be consecrated
Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee

Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Ev’ry power as You choose

chorus
Here am I all of me
Take my life it’s all for Thee

Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee

CCLI Song # 4162843 Chris Tomlin | Frances Ridley Havergal | Henri Abraham Cesar Malan | Louie Giglio © 2003 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Pastor Ryan

JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me! This I know
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Covenant Hymnal, #443

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
Exodus 20:1-17
God’s Top Ten List
Pastor Ryan

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.”

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with you in trouble to bless,
And sanctify to you your deepest distress.”

“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
The flame shall not hurt you I only design
Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.”

“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

Covenant Hymnal #437

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden, Messian Burgos, Frank Coszach, Vira Coszach, James Egan, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Trevor Hanks, Mary Smith, Steve Staurseth, and Phillip, son of Iris Velez

Ministries & Mission
Evens & Karina Paul, serving in Haiti; Covenant Mountain Mission Bible Camp

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
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
John Wyeth
led by Erin and 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.

* 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)

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

POSTLUDE
Tiento de Falsas del Sexto Tono
Sebastian Aguilera de Heredia (b. 1570) 
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.

Harvest Festival closes out farmers market season
The 2023 season for the Ravenswood Farmers Market draws to a close this coming Wednesday, October 11, with our annual Harvest Festival. From 4 pm to 7 pm there will be lots of fun additions to the usual market experience, including pumpkin painting, games with prizes, and a firepit for making s’mores. Come join us on Wednesday as we say farewell to another successful year of the Ravenswood Farmers Market!

We are also looking for people to bring donations of candy to hand out to the kids as prizes at the Harvest Festival. There is a box in the narthex where you can leave bags of candy.

Background check consent form
If you’re working with the church’s children or youth in the 2023-24 school year, please remember to have your background check consent form completed and submitted no later than this Wednesday, October 11. You can submit it to Pastor Ryan or to Gregory Sager.

Lunch Bunch luncheon
The Lunch Bunch ladies are having their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 11:30 am. They’ll be meeting at Dengeos,
3301 W. Main St., Skokie, IL 60076, phone: 847-677-7911. http://www.Dengeos.com

Everyone is welcome!

Offerfest volunteers needed
Ravenswood Covenant’s annual Offerfest celebration is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, so it’s fast approaching! Volunteers are needed, particularly in the food preparation and post-dinner clean-up departments. If you’re willing to help, please speak to Pastor Ryan, Gregory Sager, or Alice Westlind, or to any member of the church’s Leadership Team.

Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts One Day Retreat
Led by:      Pastor Ryan Eikenbary-Barber
When:       October 28 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm
Where:      Nelson Lounge at Ravenswood Covenant Church
Cost:         Lunch 
Who:         Couples interested in building a marriage that lasts a lifetime
RSVP:         ryan@ravenscov.org

Fire & Ice, featuring the Lake County Symphony Orchestra string quartet
The Lake County Symphony Orchestra presents Fire & Ice, featuring the LCSO string quartet, on October 14 at 5 pm at the Hawthorn Woods Bar, 2 Lagoon Dr. in Hawthorn Woods. For more information, go to https://www.lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com/ .

Sunday School and Faith Forum
Sunday School and Faith Forum will meet at 10:00 am every week, unless otherwise noted. We are still looking for folks who are willing to help out with Sunday School. Please speak with Beth Anderson, Bekah Carlson, or Kelly Vetter if you’re interested. Also, please check with the church office to make sure that you have an up-to-date background check if you are going to work with the church’s children in 2023-24.

“Covenant Affirmations” Faith Forum series
Faith Forum, Ravenswood Covenant’s adult Sunday School class, meets Sundays at 10:00 am in the upstairs lounge. Last Sunday began a series of Faith Forum classes centered around the six primary teachings of our denomination, better known as the “Covenant Affirmations”.
  
September 17: “The Centrality of the Word of God” (taught by LeRoy Carlson)             
September 24: “The Necessity of the New Birth” (taught by Gregory Sager)
October 1: “A Commitment to the Whole Mission of the Church” (taught by Pastor Ryan)
October 8: “The Church as a Fellowship of Believers” (taught by Paul Shaheen)
October 15: “A Conscious Dependence on the Holy Spirit” (taught by Colleen Carlson)                        
October 22: “The Reality of Freedom in Christ” (taught by Jim Anderson)
 
Coffee and treats are provided each week at Faith Forum, Please join us!                   

Choir to return for fall/winter season
Calling all singers! The Ravenswood Covenant choir will begin rehearsals on Sunday, October 22, as we begin our fall and winter choir season.

Choir rehearsal is at 9:00 am Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. Anyone with a heart for singing is welcome to join the choir. Please speak to our organist and choir director Cynthia Arden if you’re interested in joining.

New Covenant Home Altar available
The fall issue of the Covenant Home Altar, the daily devotional produced by our parent denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church, is now available in the narthex. Pick up a free copy!

Scripture reader sign-up
We are seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day as part of the worship services this fall. If you are willing to be a scripture reader, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the church office or contact Gregory Sager or Erin Stoel.

Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse is currently looking to hire approximately 150 Christian men and women to fill paid positions for a three-week project with Operation Christmas Child, an annual relief ministry that Ravenswood Covenant has supported in the past.
 
Their seasonal positions include a wide variety of customer service positions, such as team coaches, greeters, and floor coordinators. There are also a variety of warehouse positions, including dockworkers, quality/inventory control, class A CDL drivers, and forklift drivers. The ideal candidates for these positions will have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, align with the mission of Samaritan’s Purse, work well with volunteers, be flexible, and be able to function well in a fast-paced environment. 

If you know anyone who would be interested and matches this description, please feel free to share this information with them. 

God is so amazing. Last year Operation Christmas Child packed around 10.5 million shoeboxes, and each shoebox can impact around 10 people for Jesus.
 
If you have any questions or would like Samaritan’s Purse to send you more information, please contact Philip King at Samaritan’s Purse, 331-271-3917 or at pking@samaritan.org . Their website is https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ .

Covenant Harbor is hiring
Covenant Harbor is still looking for some kitchen staff and volunteers. All inquires can be made to Sandy Wendtland at swendtland@covenantharbor.org .

Summer staff applications for 2024 are now open on the Covenant Harbor website as well. They are already hiring for next year’s summer camp positions. If you have any questions, please contact Emma Mueller at emueller@covenantharbor.org.

All of these details can also be found on the camp’s website at www.covenantharbor.org. 

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
Ruth 1:1-14
Ruth 1:15-22
Mark 3:33-35

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)